Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E Helicopters, 61341-61343 [2010-24723]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (l) of this AD. Post-Repair Inspections (m) Except as required by paragraph (n) of this AD, for airplanes on which the forward edge frame of the number 5 main entry door cutouts, at station 2231, between stringers 16 and 31, is repaired in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2450: Within 3,000 flight cycles after doing the repair or within 1,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do the detailed, LFEC, and HFEC inspections of the repaired area for cracks in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009. If no cracking is found, repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles. If any crack is found, before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Doing the inspections specified in paragraph (m) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (g), (h), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD for the repaired area. (n) For any frame that is repaired in accordance with a method other than the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009, do the inspection in accordance with a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (p) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009, 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 Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766– 5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.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. (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. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (o)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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: Ivan Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM– 120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6437; fax (425) 917–6590; Or, e-mail information to 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (4) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2001–16–02, amendment 39–12370, are approved as VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Oct 04, 2010 Jkt 223001 Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 2010. Robert D. Breneman, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–23840 Filed 10–4–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0449; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–38–AD; Amendment 39– 16456; AD 2010–20–21] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta Model A109E helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 61341 European Community. The MCAI AD states that after a report of an electrical failure, an investigation revealed inadequate functioning of the 35 amperes (Amps) battery bus (BATT BUS) circuit breaker that was not within design requirements. The actions specified in this AD are intended to replace the 35 Amps circuit breaker with a 50 Amps circuit breaker and replace the wires with oversized ones to prevent an electrical failure, loss of electrical power, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD becomes effective on November 9, 2010. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 9, 2010. ADDRESSES: 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 Docket: You may examine the docket that contains this 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 street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is stated in the ADDRESSES section of this AD. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Mark Wiley, ASW–111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5114, fax (817) 222–5961. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the Agusta Model A109E helicopters on April 7, 2010. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2010 (75 FR 22043). That NPRM proposed to require modifying the fuselage electrical installation and the overhead panel electrical installation. EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD 2009– 0137, dated June 23, 2009, to correct an E:\FR\FM\05OCR1.SGM 05OCR1 61342 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations unsafe condition for the Agusta Model A109E helicopters. Following a report of an electrical failure, Agusta investigated the electrical power generation system and identified inadequate functioning of the 35 Amps BATT BUS circuit breaker. To prevent an electrical failure, the manufacturer has developed a BATT BUS circuit breaker modification kit for replacing the 35 Amps circuit breaker with a 50 Amps circuit breaker and replacing the wires with oversized ones. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI AD and any related service information in the AD docket. 31, 2009, because the effective date of this AD would be later than that date. Comments 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 products identified in this rulemaking action. 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. Related Service Information Agusta has issued Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP–98, dated June 22, 2009, that specifies modifying the BATT BUS circuit breaker installation. The service information specifies modifying the fuselage electrical installation, part number (P/N) 109–0741–49, and the overhead panel electrical installation, P/N 109–0741– 55, with a BATT BUS circuit breaker modification kit, P/N 109–0824–73–101. The actions described in the MCAI AD are intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in the service information. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES FAA’s Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination This model helicopter has been approved by the aviation authority of Italy and is approved for operation in the United States Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, their Technical Agent, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD We refer to flight hours as hours timein-service. Also, we do not refer to a calendar compliance date of December VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Oct 04, 2010 Jkt 223001 Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect about 73 helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 5 work-hours per helicopter to modify the BAT BUS circuit breaker installation. The average labor rate is $85 per workhour. Required parts will cost about $700 for the BAT BUS circuit breaker kit. Based on these figures, we estimate that the cost of this AD on U.S. operators is $82,125, assuming the entire fleet is modified. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: ■ PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority for This Rulemaking Regulatory Findings We have 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation: 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. See the AD docket to examine the economic evaluation. PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: ■ 2020–20–21 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39– 16456; Docket No. FAA–2010–0449; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–38–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on November 9, 2010. Other Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Agusta Model A109E helicopters, all serial numbers up to and including serial number (S/N) 11758 (except S/N 11741, 11754, and 11757) modified with a circuit breaker modification kit, part number (P/N) 109–0812–04–101, –103, –107, or –109; certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD states after a report of an electrical failure, an investigation revealed inadequate functioning of the 35 amperes (Amps) battery bus (BATT BUS) circuit breaker. Actions and Compliance (e) Within 50 hours time-in-service, unless already done, modify the fuselage electrical installation, P/N 109–0741–49, and the overhead panel electrical installation, P/N 109–0741–55 with a BATT BUS circuit breaker modification kit, P/N 109–0824–73– 101, as depicted in Figures 1 and 2 and by following the Compliance Instructions, paragraphs 2 through 20.7, of Agusta Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP–98, dated June 22, 2009. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD (f) We refer to flight hours as hours timein-service. Also, we do not refer to a calendar compliance date of December 31, 2009, because the effective date of this AD would be later than that date. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management E:\FR\FM\05OCR1.SGM 05OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 192 / Tuesday, October 5, 2010 / Rules and Regulations Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Mark Wiley, ASW–111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222– 5114, fax (817) 222–5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (h) EASA MCAI AD No. 2009–0137, dated June 23, 2009, contains related information. Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (i) The JASC Code is 2460: Electrical Power Systems. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the specified portions of Agusta Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP–98, dated June 22, 2009, to do the actions required. (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 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., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; 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. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 22, 2010. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–24723 Filed 10–4–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0301; Directorate Identifier 2009–NE–22–AD; Amendment 39– 16457; AD 2010–20–22] emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with RULES RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Models Tay 620–15, Tay 650–15, and Tay 651–54 Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:00 Oct 04, 2010 Jkt 223001 products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: Following a review of operational data of the Tay 651–54 engine, it has been found that the actual stress levels in the Tay 651–54 engine High Pressure Compressor (HPC) stages 1, 3, 6, 7 and 12 discs were higher than those originally assumed and therefore the approved lives needed to be reduced. We are issuing this AD to prevent HPC stages 1, 3, 6, 7, and 12 discs from exceeding the approved reduced life limits, which could result in an uncontained failure of a disc and damage to the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective November 9, 2010. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 9, 2010. ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: tara.chaidez@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7773; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 25, 2010 (75 FR 14379). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states that: Following a review of operational data of the Tay 651–54 engine, it has been found that the actual stress levels in the Tay 651–54 engine High Pressure Compressor (HPC) stages 1, 3, 6, 7 and 12 discs were higher than those originally assumed and therefore the approved lives needed to be reduced. As Tay 651–54 service run HPC discs may be installed on Tay 620–15 and Tay 650–15 engine models, it is necessary to reduce the maximum approved lives of the affected HPC disc serial numbers installed on Tay 620–15 and Tay 650–15 engines as well. The approved lives of the affected HPC stages 1, 3, 6, 7 and 12 discs specified in this Airworthiness Directive supersede the PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 61343 approved lives given in the Time Limits Manuals, Chapter 05–10–01. Exceeding of the approved life limits could potentially result in non-contained disc failure. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD would affect about 10 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hours per product to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $100,000 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $1,000,850. 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 products 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD: E:\FR\FM\05OCR1.SGM 05OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 192 (Tuesday, October 5, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61341-61343]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-24723]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0449; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-38-AD; 
Amendment 39-16456; AD 2010-20-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Agusta Model A109E helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the 
Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that after 
a report of an electrical failure, an investigation revealed inadequate 
functioning of the 35 amperes (Amps) battery bus (BATT BUS) circuit 
breaker that was not within design requirements. The actions specified 
in this AD are intended to replace the 35 Amps circuit breaker with a 
50 Amps circuit breaker and replace the wires with oversized ones to 
prevent an electrical failure, loss of electrical power, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on November 9, 2010.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 9, 2010.

ADDRESSES: 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 Docket: You may examine the docket that contains this 
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 street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is stated in the ADDRESSES section of this 
AD. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Mark Wiley, 
ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations 
and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, 
telephone (817) 222-5114, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the Agusta Model A109E 
helicopters on April 7, 2010. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on April 27, 2010 (75 FR 22043). That NPRM proposed to require 
modifying the fuselage electrical installation and the overhead panel 
electrical installation.
    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Community, has issued EASA AD 2009-0137, dated June 23, 2009, 
to correct an

[[Page 61342]]

unsafe condition for the Agusta Model A109E helicopters.
    Following a report of an electrical failure, Agusta investigated 
the electrical power generation system and identified inadequate 
functioning of the 35 Amps BATT BUS circuit breaker. To prevent an 
electrical failure, the manufacturer has developed a BATT BUS circuit 
breaker modification kit for replacing the 35 Amps circuit breaker with 
a 50 Amps circuit breaker and replacing the wires with oversized ones. 
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI AD 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.

Related Service Information

    Agusta has issued Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-98, dated 
June 22, 2009, that specifies modifying the BATT BUS circuit breaker 
installation. The service information specifies modifying the fuselage 
electrical installation, part number (P/N) 109-0741-49, and the 
overhead panel electrical installation, P/N 109-0741-55, with a BATT 
BUS circuit breaker modification kit, P/N 109-0824-73-101. The actions 
described in the MCAI AD are intended to correct the same unsafe 
condition as that identified in the service information.

FAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination

    This model helicopter has been approved by the aviation authority 
of Italy and is approved for operation in the United States Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, their Technical Agent, has 
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI AD. We are 
issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA 
and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other helicopters of the same type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD

    We refer to flight hours as hours time-in-service. Also, we do not 
refer to a calendar compliance date of December 31, 2009, because the 
effective date of this AD would be later than that date.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 73 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 5 work-hours per 
helicopter to modify the BAT BUS circuit breaker installation. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about 
$700 for the BAT BUS circuit breaker kit. Based on these figures, we 
estimate that the cost of this AD on U.S. operators is $82,125, 
assuming the entire fleet is modified.

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 products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
    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. See the AD docket to examine the economic evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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:

2020-20-21 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-16456; Docket No. FAA-2010-
0449; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-38-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on 
November 9, 2010.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Agusta Model A109E helicopters, all 
serial numbers up to and including serial number (S/N) 11758 (except 
S/N 11741, 11754, and 11757) modified with a circuit breaker 
modification kit, part number (P/N) 109-0812-04-101, -103, -107, or 
-109; certificated in any category.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD 
states after a report of an electrical failure, an investigation 
revealed inadequate functioning of the 35 amperes (Amps) battery bus 
(BATT BUS) circuit breaker.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Within 50 hours time-in-service, unless already done, modify 
the fuselage electrical installation, P/N 109-0741-49, and the 
overhead panel electrical installation, P/N 109-0741-55 with a BATT 
BUS circuit breaker modification kit, P/N 109-0824-73-101, as 
depicted in Figures 1 and 2 and by following the Compliance 
Instructions, paragraphs 2 through 20.7, of Agusta Mandatory 
Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-98, dated June 22, 2009.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD

    (f) We refer to flight hours as hours time-in-service. Also, we 
do not refer to a calendar compliance date of December 31, 2009, 
because the effective date of this AD would be later than that date.

Other Information

    (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Safety Management

[[Page 61343]]

Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Mark Wiley, ASW-111, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy 
Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 
222-5114, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (h) EASA MCAI AD No. 2009-0137, dated June 23, 2009, contains 
related information.

Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code

    (i) The JASC Code is 2460: Electrical Power Systems.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the specified portions of Agusta Mandatory 
Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-98, dated June 22, 2009, to do the 
actions required.
    (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 
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., Fort Worth, Texas 
76137; 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.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 22, 2010.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-24723 Filed 10-4-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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