Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, A119, and AW119MKII Helicopters, 27913-27915 [E9-13566]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 112 / Friday, June 12, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2008–0218, dated December 10,
2008; and Avions de Transport Regional
Service Bulletins ATR42–92–0020 and
ATR72–92–1021, both dated October 17,
2008; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Avions de Transport
Regional Service Bulletin ATR42–92–0020,
dated October 17, 2008; or Avions de
Transport Regional Service Bulletin ATR72–
92–1021, dated October 17, 2008; as
applicable; to do the actions required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact ATR–GIE Avions de
´
´
Transport Regional, 1, Allee Pierre Nadot,
31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
(0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18;
e-mail continued.airworthiness@atr.fr;
Internet https://www.aerochain.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
425–227–1221 or 425–227–1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the
service information that is incorporated by
reference at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 2,
2009.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9–13573 Filed 6–11–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2009–0226; Directorate
Identifier 2007–SW–35–AD; Amendment 39–
15930; AD 2009–12–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta
S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, A119, and
AW119MKII Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
AGENCY:
VerDate Nov<24>2008
15:43 Jun 11, 2009
Jkt 217001
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E, A109S,
A119, and AW119MKII helicopters.
This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify
and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the
Technical Agent for the aviation
authority of Italy, with which we have
a bilateral agreement, has issued an
MCAI AD which states that two cases of
cracks on a certain cargo hook lever
(lever) have been reported by the
manufacturer of the cargo hook. This
lever is a critical structural component
of the cargo hook, and a crack could
result in inadvertent loss of the cargo
hook load. This AD requires actions that
are intended to address the unsafe
condition caused by cracks in the cargo
hook lever.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on
July 17, 2009.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of
July 17, 2009.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
regulations.gov or in person at the
Docket Operations office, U.S.
Department of Transportation, M–30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
You may get the service information
identified in this AD from Agusta, Via
Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina
Costa di Samarate (VA), Italy, telephone
39 0331–229111, fax 39 0331–229605/
222595, or at https://
customersupport.agusta.com/
technical_advice.php.
Examining the AD Docket: The AD
docket contains the Notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM), the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address
and operating hours for the Docket
Operations office (telephone (800) 647–
5527) are in the ADDRESSES section of
this AD. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after they are
received.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Strasburger, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations
and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone
(817) 222–5167; fax (817) 222–5961.
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4700
27913
Sfmt 4700
Discussion
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the Agusta Model A109E,
A109S, A119, and AW119MKII
helicopters on March 4, 2009. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 23, 2009 (74 FR
12096). That NPRM proposed to require
actions that are intended to detect a
crack in the cargo hook lever and
prevent the inadvertent loss of the cargo
hook load. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI and
any related service information in the
AD docket.
Comments
By publishing the NPRM, we gave the
public an opportunity to participate in
developing this AD. However, we
received no comment on the NPRM or
on our determination of the cost to the
public. Therefore, based on our review
and evaluation of the available data, we
have determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
as proposed.
Relevant Service Information
Agusta has issued Alert Bollettino
Tecnico (ABT) No. 109EP–78, ABT No.
109S–12, and ABT No. 119–21, all dated
June 6, 2007. The actions described in
the MCAI are intended to correct the
same unsafe condition as that identified
in the service information.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI
We have reviewed the MCAI and, in
general, agree with its substance.
However, we have made the following
changes:
• Excluded the August 31, 2007
compliance date because that date has
passed;
• Excluded the Model A109LUH from
the applicability and do not reference
Agusta ABT No. 109L–006 because the
Model A109LUH helicopter is not on
the U.S. type certificate, H7EU;
• Added the Model AW119MKII to
the applicability;
• Required the use of a 10-power or
higher magnifying glass to accomplish
the visual inspections; and
• Excluded the kit installation part
number (P/N), relying instead on the
cargo hook and lever P/N.
These differences are highlighted in
the ‘‘Differences Between this AD and
the MCAI’’ section in this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
about 26 helicopters on the U.S.
E:\FR\FM\12JNR1.SGM
12JNR1
27914
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 112 / Friday, June 12, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
Registry with the cargo hook. We also
estimate that it will take about 10
minutes to inspect each cargo hook for
a crack, and about 1 work-hour to
replace a cracked cargo hook. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Required parts will cost about $3,677
per cargo hook. Based on these figures,
we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $97,647 per year,
assuming that each affected helicopter
requires five inspections per week, and
that two cargo hooks are replaced each
year.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
product(s) identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have Federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
Therefore, I certify this AD:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
is replaced with an airworthy cargo hook
with an uncracked lever.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
■
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
2009–12–07 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
15930; Docket No. FAA–2009–0226;
Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–35–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective on July 17, 2009.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model A109E,
A109S, A119, and AW119MKII helicopters
with cargo hook, part number (P/N) 528–
010–01, and cargo hook lever, P/N 232–028–
00, installed, certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states that
two cases of cracks in the lever, P/N 232–
028–00, have been reported by the
manufacturer of the cargo hook. The lever is
a component of the cargo hook, P/N 528–
010–01. This lever is a critical structural
component of the cargo hook, and a crack
could result in inadvertent loss of the cargo
hook load.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Before each cargo hook operation,
visually inspect the cargo hook lever, P/N
232–028–00, for any crack. Use a 10-power
or higher magnifying glass and inspect in the
area depicted in Figures 1 and 2 of the
following Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico
(ABT), all dated June 6, 2007:
(1) ABT No. 109EP–78 for Model A109E
helicopters;
(2) ABT No. 109S–12 for Model A109S
helicopters; or
(3) ABT No. 119–21 for Model A119
helicopters.
(f) If a crack is found in the lever, do not
use the cargo hook until the entire cargo hook
(g) This AD differs from the MCAI AD in
that we:
(1) Exclude the August 31, 2007
compliance date because that date has
passed;
(2) Exclude the Model A109LUH from the
applicability and do not reference Agusta
ABT No. 109L–006 because the Model
A109LUH helicopter is not on the U.S. type
certificate, H7EU;
(3) Add the Model AW119MKII to the
applicability;
(4) Require the use of a 10-power or higher
magnifying glass to accomplish the visual
inspections; and
(5) Exclude the kit installation P/N, relying
instead on the cargo hook and lever P/N.
Other Information
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: John Strasburger,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and
Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137;
telephone (817) 222–5167; fax (817) 222–
5961.
Related Information
(i) EASA Emergency AD No. 2007–0160–E,
dated June 7, 2007, contains related
information.
Air Transport Association of America (ATA)
Tracking Code
(j) Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 2550: Cargo Compartments.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the specified portions of
the service information identified in Table 1
to do the actions required.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information identified in Table 1
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Agusta, Via Giovanni
Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate
(VA), Italy, telephone 39 0331–229111, fax 39
0331–229605/222595, or at https://
customersupport.agusta.com/
technical_advice.php.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
Worth, Texas; or at the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/
cfr/ibr-locations.html.
TABLE 1—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico
Date
No. 109EP–78 .......................................................................
June 6, 2007 ........................................................................
VerDate Nov<24>2008
15:43 Jun 11, 2009
Jkt 217001
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\12JNR1.SGM
For helicopter model
12JNR1
A109E
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 112 / Friday, June 12, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
27915
TABLE 1—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE—Continued
Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico
Date
No. 109S–12 .........................................................................
No. 119–21 ............................................................................
June 6, 2007 ........................................................................
June 6, 2007 ........................................................................
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on May 21,
2009.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9–13566 Filed 6–11–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2009–0484; Directorate
Identifier 2008–SW–44–AD; Amendment 39–
15924; AD 2009–12–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 47, 47B,
47B3, 47D, 47D1, 47E, 47G, 47G–2,
47G–2A, 47G–2A–1, 47G–3, 47G–3B,
47G–3B–1, 47G–3B–2, 47G–3B–2A,
47G–4, 47G–4A, 47G–5, 47G–5A, 47H–
1, 47J, 47J–2, 47J–2A, and 47K
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
specified Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
(Bell) helicopters. This action requires
visually inspecting each main rotor
blade box beam clip (clip) for correct
installation. This amendment is
prompted by a report of a main rotor
blade with an incorrectly installed clip.
The actions specified in this AD are
intended to prevent a main rotor blade
spar crack as a result of an incorrectly
installed clip, loss of a main rotor blade,
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
Effective June 29, 2009.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of June 29,
2009.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules
Docket must be received on or before
August 11, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
AD:
DATES:
VerDate Nov<24>2008
15:43 Jun 11, 2009
Jkt 217001
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information
identified in this AD from Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482,
Fort Worth, TX 76101, telephone (817)
280–3391, fax (817) 280–6466, or at
https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
Examining the Docket: You may
examine the docket that contains the
AD, any comments, and other
information on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov, or in person at the
Docket Operations office between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket
Operations office (telephone (800) 647–
5527) is located in Room W12–140 on
the ground floor of the West Building at
the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Rotorcraft Certification Office, Fort
Worth, Texas 76193–0170, telephone
(817) 222–5170, fax (817) 222–5783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
amendment adopts a new AD for the
specified Bell helicopters. This action
requires visually inspecting each clip
for correct installation. This amendment
is prompted by a report of a main rotor
blade with an incorrectly installed clip.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result in a main rotor blade spar crack,
loss of a main rotor blade, and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
We have reviewed Bell Alert Service
Bulletin No. 47–08–25, dated May 26,
2008 (ASB), which describes procedures
for visually inspecting each clip on the
affected main rotor blade for correct
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
For helicopter model
A109S
A119
installation. The ASB specifies that a
clip incorrectly installed may cause a
main rotor blade spar crack.
This unsafe condition is likely to exist
or develop on other helicopters of these
same type designs. Therefore, this AD is
being issued to prevent a main rotor
blade spar crack as a result of an
incorrectly installed clip, loss of a main
rotor blade, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter. This AD
requires visually inspecting the entire
length of each clip on an affected main
rotor blade by following specified
portions of the ASB described
previously. The short compliance time
involved is required because the
previously described critical unsafe
condition can adversely affect the
structural integrity and controllability of
the helicopter. Therefore, visually
inspecting each main rotor blade for an
incorrectly installed clip within 10
hours time-in-service and replacing any
main rotor blade that has an incorrectly
installed clip with an airworthy main
rotor blade before further flight is a very
short time period, and this AD must be
issued immediately.
Since a situation exists that requires
the immediate adoption of this
regulation, it is found that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment
hereon are impracticable, and that good
cause exists for making this amendment
effective in less than 30 days.
We estimate that this AD will affect
1,130 helicopters. It will require a
minimal amount of time to locate the 7
affected blades. The visual inspection
for an incorrectly installed clip will take
about 5 work hours at an average labor
rate of $80 per work hour. Required
parts will cost about $42,640. Based on
these figures, we estimate the total cost
impact of the AD on U.S. operators to
be $45,440 ($2,800 for labor costs and
$42,640 in parts costs) assuming only
one blade will need to be replaced in
the helicopter fleet.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements that affect flight safety and
was not preceded by notice and an
opportunity for public comment;
however, we invite you to submit any
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under ADDRESSES.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2009–0484;
E:\FR\FM\12JNR1.SGM
12JNR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 112 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27913-27915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-13566]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0226; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-35-AD;
Amendment 39-15930; AD 2009-12-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, A119,
and AW119MKII Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E, A109S, A119, and AW119MKII helicopters.
This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to
identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Technical Agent for the
aviation authority of Italy, with which we have a bilateral agreement,
has issued an MCAI AD which states that two cases of cracks on a
certain cargo hook lever (lever) have been reported by the manufacturer
of the cargo hook. This lever is a critical structural component of the
cargo hook, and a crack could result in inadvertent loss of the cargo
hook load. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the
unsafe condition caused by cracks in the cargo hook lever.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on July 17, 2009.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications is approved
by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 17, 2009.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations office, U.S.
Department of Transportation, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information identified in this AD from
Agusta, Via Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA),
Italy, telephone 39 0331-229111, fax 39 0331-229605/222595, or at
https://customersupport.agusta.com/technical_advice.php.
Examining the AD Docket: The AD docket contains the Notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address and operating hours
for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) are in the
ADDRESSES section of this AD. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after they are received.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Strasburger, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5167;
fax (817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that
would apply to the Agusta Model A109E, A109S, A119, and AW119MKII
helicopters on March 4, 2009. That NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 23, 2009 (74 FR 12096). That NPRM proposed to require
actions that are intended to detect a crack in the cargo hook lever and
prevent the inadvertent loss of the cargo hook load. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI and any related service
information in the AD docket.
Comments
By publishing the NPRM, we gave the public an opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. However, we received no comment on
the NPRM or on our determination of the cost to the public. Therefore,
based on our review and evaluation of the available data, we have
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD as proposed.
Relevant Service Information
Agusta has issued Alert Bollettino Tecnico (ABT) No. 109EP-78, ABT
No. 109S-12, and ABT No. 119-21, all dated June 6, 2007. The actions
described in the MCAI are intended to correct the same unsafe condition
as that identified in the service information.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
We have reviewed the MCAI and, in general, agree with its
substance. However, we have made the following changes:
Excluded the August 31, 2007 compliance date because that
date has passed;
Excluded the Model A109LUH from the applicability and do
not reference Agusta ABT No. 109L-006 because the Model A109LUH
helicopter is not on the U.S. type certificate, H7EU;
Added the Model AW119MKII to the applicability;
Required the use of a 10-power or higher magnifying glass
to accomplish the visual inspections; and
Excluded the kit installation part number (P/N), relying
instead on the cargo hook and lever P/N.
These differences are highlighted in the ``Differences Between this
AD and the MCAI'' section in this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 26 helicopters on the
U.S.
[[Page 27914]]
Registry with the cargo hook. We also estimate that it will take about
10 minutes to inspect each cargo hook for a crack, and about 1 work-
hour to replace a cracked cargo hook. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Required parts will cost about $3,677 per cargo hook. Based
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to
be $97,647 per year, assuming that each affected helicopter requires
five inspections per week, and that two cargo hooks are replaced each
year.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on product(s) identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have Federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
Therefore, I certify this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2009-12-07 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-15930; Docket No. FAA-2009-
0226; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-35-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on July
17, 2009.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model A109E, A109S, A119, and AW119MKII
helicopters with cargo hook, part number (P/N) 528-010-01, and cargo
hook lever, P/N 232-028-00, installed, certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states that two cases of cracks in the lever, P/N 232-028-00, have
been reported by the manufacturer of the cargo hook. The lever is a
component of the cargo hook, P/N 528-010-01. This lever is a
critical structural component of the cargo hook, and a crack could
result in inadvertent loss of the cargo hook load.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Before each cargo hook operation, visually inspect the cargo
hook lever, P/N 232-028-00, for any crack. Use a 10-power or higher
magnifying glass and inspect in the area depicted in Figures 1 and 2
of the following Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (ABT), all dated
June 6, 2007:
(1) ABT No. 109EP-78 for Model A109E helicopters;
(2) ABT No. 109S-12 for Model A109S helicopters; or
(3) ABT No. 119-21 for Model A119 helicopters.
(f) If a crack is found in the lever, do not use the cargo hook
until the entire cargo hook is replaced with an airworthy cargo hook
with an uncracked lever.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
(g) This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that we:
(1) Exclude the August 31, 2007 compliance date because that
date has passed;
(2) Exclude the Model A109LUH from the applicability and do not
reference Agusta ABT No. 109L-006 because the Model A109LUH
helicopter is not on the U.S. type certificate, H7EU;
(3) Add the Model AW119MKII to the applicability;
(4) Require the use of a 10-power or higher magnifying glass to
accomplish the visual inspections; and
(5) Exclude the kit installation P/N, relying instead on the
cargo hook and lever P/N.
Other Information
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: John Strasburger, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5167;
fax (817) 222-5961.
Related Information
(i) EASA Emergency AD No. 2007-0160-E, dated June 7, 2007,
contains related information.
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code
(j) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 2550: Cargo
Compartments.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the specified portions of the service
information identified in Table 1 to do the actions required.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information identified in
Table 1 under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Agusta, Via Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate
(VA), Italy, telephone 39 0331-229111, fax 39 0331-229605/222595, or
at https://customersupport.agusta.com/technical_advice.php.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas; or at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Table 1--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico Date For helicopter model
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. 109EP-78............................ June 6, 2007................... A109E
[[Page 27915]]
No. 109S-12............................. June 6, 2007................... A109S
No. 119-21.............................. June 6, 2007................... A119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on May 21, 2009.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-13566 Filed 6-11-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P