Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 2926-2928 [2012-1121]

Download as PDF wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 2926 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 13 / Friday, January 20, 2012 / Proposed Rules The NRC recognizes that in some circumstances it may not be feasible for the importer to determine the country of origin for disused sources it seeks to exchange prior to import. If, after a good faith effort the U.S. manufacturer, distributor, or other entity cannot determine whether an imported disused source that has been exchanged for a new source is of U.S. origin without exposing personnel to additional doses, the source in question shall be deemed to be of U.S. origin for the purposes of the sealed source exclusion to the definition of ‘‘radioactive waste’’ in 10 CFR 110.2.5 This application of the sealed source exclusion is limited to disused sources imported into the U.S. that have been exchanged for a new source in a foreign country on a ‘‘onefor-one’’ basis. Accordingly, it is the NRC’s expectation that the number of disused sources imported by the manufacturer or distributor into the U.S. must not be greater than the number of new or refurbished sources exported by that manufacturer or distributor. The NRC believes that this application of the sealed source exclusion reasonably balances the interests of public health and safety and international policy interests in responsible handling of sources at the end of their useful life. The approach preserves the fundamental policy rationale underlying the original exclusion—to prevent sources from being dispersed in unregulated locations around the world by facilitating a ‘‘onefor one’’ exchange of U.S.-supplied new and disused sources—while avoiding additional and unnecessary radiation exposure to workers consistent with the ‘‘as low as reasonably achievable’’ (ALARA) requirement in 10 CFR 20.1101(b). The NRC expects U.S. manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers to inform their customers about U.S. import licensing requirements for disused sources. It is recommended that U.S. importers retain copies of their communications with their foreign customers regarding U.S. import requirements. The U.S. importer at all times must comply with the specific license requirement for disused sources known to be of non-U.S. origin prior to import into the U.S. A good faith effort by the importer may include communication of U.S. import requirements with its foreign customers, examination of a photograph of the source the customer seeks to exchange, 5 The definition of ‘‘radioactive waste’’ in this Branch Technical Position paper pertains solely to export and import. It does not affect or alter the domestic regulations of ‘‘waste’’ as defined in 10 CFR 20.1003. VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:11 Jan 19, 2012 Jkt 226001 and other relevant information related to the disused sources’ origin. Consistent with 10 CFR 110.53, the NRC may inspect export and import records to ensure that licensees understand the NRC’s application of ‘‘U.S. origin’’ and that the company is making an effort to amend its business practices to try to determine source origin (from user paperwork and communication) before an import occurs. This position is being distributed to all Agreement States and applicable NRC material licensees. Additionally, the NRC has coordinated this position with the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Safety Administration’s (DOE/NNSA) Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI). One of GTRI’s programs repatriates sources from around the world that are in unsafe or insecure locations. The NRC does not have import licensing jurisdiction when U.S. companies import disused sources on behalf of NNSA’s GTRI program; therefore, the licensing requirements in 10 CFR part 110 would not apply to such imports. Implementation This technical position reflects the current NRC staff position on acceptable use of the general license for import of disused radioactive sources. Therefore, except in those cases in which the source manufacturer or distributor proposes an acceptable alternative method for complying with the definition of ‘‘radioactive waste’’ in 10 CFR 110.2, the guidance described herein will be used in the evaluation of the use of the general import license for disused sources. III. Procedural Requirements Paperwork Reduction Act This proposed policy statement does not contain new or amended information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Existing requirements were approved by the Office of Management and Budget, approval number 3150–0136. Public Protection Notification The NRC may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a request for information or an information collection requirement unless the requesting document displays a currently valid OMB control number. Congressional Review Act In accordance with the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801–808), the NRC PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 has determined that this action is not a major rule and has verified this determination with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 17th day of January 2012. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Margaret M. Doane, Director, Office of International Programs. [FR Doc. 2012–1209 Filed 1–19–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0013; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–043–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a certain generator control unit (GCU). This proposed AD was prompted by laboratory tests which revealed a potential fault in the overvoltage protection on a certain part-numbered GCU. This proposed AD would require replacing each affected GCU with an airworthy GCU. In addition, any affected GCU is not approved for installation on any helicopter. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the overvoltage protection of the GCU, degraded performance of the electrical power generation and distribution systems, a fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 20, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\20JAP1.SGM 20JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 13 / Friday, January 20, 2012 / Proposed Rules 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Examining The AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Agusta Westland, Customer Support & Services, Via Per Tornavento 15, 21019 Somma Lombardo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39–0331–711133; fax 39–0331–711180; or at https:// www.agustawestland.com/technicalbullettins. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Mark Wiley, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222–5134; fax: (817) 222–5961; email: mark.wiley@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:11 Jan 19, 2012 Jkt 226001 expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD No. 2009–0042, dated February 25, 2009 (AD–2009– 0042) to correct an unsafe condition for the Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, all serial numbers (S/Ns) except S/Ns 31002, 31003, 31004, and 31007. EASA advises that laboratory tests performed on a new GCU model under development have shown a potential fault in the overvoltage protection of currently installed GCUs, part number (P/N) 1152550–3. EASA advises that this condition, if not corrected, could adversely affect the helicopter’s electrical power generation and distribution system functionalities. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Related Service Information 2927 Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD does not apply to certain serial-numbered Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, and this proposed AD applies to all serialnumbered Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 72 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. We estimate that it would take about 4 work hours per helicopter at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $42,384 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the proposed AD for the U.S. operator fleet to be $3,076,128. According to the Agusta service information some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Agusta. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. Authority for This Rulemaking Agusta S.p.A. issued Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–133, Revision A, dated March 17, 2009 (BT), for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, S/Ns 31005 up to S/N 31143, except for S/Ns 31007, 31037, 31038, 31094; S/N 31112; S/Ns 31146 up to S/N 31148; S/N 31155; S/Ns 31201 up to S/N 31218; and S/Ns 41001 up to S/N 41022, except S/N 41007; with a GCU, P/N 1152550–3. This BT specifies, within 6 months from receipt of the BT, removing GCU, P/N 1152550– 3, modifying electrical connector A13P1 and A14P1, and replacing each GCU with an airworthy GCU, P/N 1152550– 4 or 1152550–5, to improve electrical power generation and distribution system functionalities. EASA classified this BT as mandatory and issued AD 2009–0048 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. 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. Proposed AD Requirements Regulatory Findings This proposed AD would require, within 6 months, removing the No. 1 and No.2 GCU, P/N 1152550–3, modifying the electrical connectors A13P1 and A14P1 by installing wiring to the power distribution panel, and installing a No. 1 and No. 2 GCU with P/N 1152550–4 or 1152550–5. Both GCUs must have identical P/Ns on the same helicopter. We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\20JAP1.SGM 20JAP1 2928 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 13 / Friday, January 20, 2012 / Proposed Rules For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed 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); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. 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 proposed 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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Agusta S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta): Docket No. FAA–2012–0013; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–043–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, with a generator control unit (GCU), part-number (P/N) 1152550–3 installed; certificated in any category. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a potential fault in the overvoltage protection in GCUs currently installed on Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the overvoltage protection of the GCU, degraded performance of the electrical power generation and distribution systems, or fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (d) Requirements (1) Remove the No. 1 and No. 2 GCU, P/N 1152550–3. Do not install GCU, P/N 1152550–3, on any helicopter. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Jan 19, 2012 Jkt 226001 (e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. (2) For operations conducted under a Part 119 operating certificate or under Part 91, Subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (f) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (Italy) AD 2009–0042, dated February 25, 2009. 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: § 39.13 (2) Modify the electrical connector A13P1 (GCU #1) and A14P1 (GCU #2) by installing the wiring to the power distribution panel (PDP) for your serial-numbered helicopter as depicted in Figure 1 of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–133, Revision A, dated March 17, 2009. (3) Using either GCU P/N 1152550–4 or GCU P/N 1152550–5, install a No. 1 and No. 2 GCU that has the same part number. Having different part-numbered GCUs on the same helicopter is not approved. (g) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2430 DC generating system. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 5, 2012. Lance T. Gant, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–1121 Filed 1–19–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0033; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–086–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 report of an electrical arc and hydraulic haze in the wheel bay of the left-hand main landing gear (MLG) possibly resulting from chafing between the hydraulic high pressure hose and electrical wiring of the green electrical motor pump (EMP). This proposed AD would require prohibiting in-flight use of the green EMPs; revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) limitations section; installing a placard in the cockpit overhead panel; doing a one-time general visual inspection for correct condition and installation of hydraulic pressure hoses, electrical conduits, feeder cables, and associated clamping devices; and corrective action if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct chafing of hydraulic pressure hoses and electrical wiring of the green EMPs, which in combination with a system failure, could cause an uncontrolled and undetected fire in the MLG bay. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 5, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • 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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS— EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced 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. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this proposed AD, the E:\FR\FM\20JAP1.SGM 20JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 13 (Friday, January 20, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2926-2928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1121]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0013; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-043-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a certain 
generator control unit (GCU). This proposed AD was prompted by 
laboratory tests which revealed a potential fault in the overvoltage 
protection on a certain part-numbered GCU. This proposed AD would 
require replacing each affected GCU with an airworthy GCU. In addition, 
any affected GCU is not approved for installation on any helicopter. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the overvoltage protection 
of the GCU, degraded performance of the electrical power generation and 
distribution systems, a fire, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 20, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and

[[Page 2927]]

5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Examining The AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this proposed AD, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone (800) 647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Agusta Westland, Customer Support & Services, Via Per Tornavento 15, 
21019 Somma Lombardo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 
39-0331-711133; fax 39-0331-711180; or at https://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bullettins. You may review copies of 
the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Wiley, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone: (817) 222-5134; fax: (817) 
222-5961; email: mark.wiley@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD No. 
2009-0042, dated February 25, 2009 (AD-2009-0042) to correct an unsafe 
condition for the Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, all serial 
numbers (S/Ns) except S/Ns 31002, 31003, 31004, and 31007. EASA advises 
that laboratory tests performed on a new GCU model under development 
have shown a potential fault in the overvoltage protection of currently 
installed GCUs, part number (P/N) 1152550-3. EASA advises that this 
condition, if not corrected, could adversely affect the helicopter's 
electrical power generation and distribution system functionalities.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    Agusta S.p.A. issued Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-133, 
Revision A, dated March 17, 2009 (BT), for Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters, S/Ns 31005 up to S/N 31143, except for S/Ns 31007, 31037, 
31038, 31094; S/N 31112; S/Ns 31146 up to S/N 31148; S/N 31155; S/Ns 
31201 up to S/N 31218; and S/Ns 41001 up to S/N 41022, except S/N 
41007; with a GCU, P/N 1152550-3. This BT specifies, within 6 months 
from receipt of the BT, removing GCU, P/N 1152550-3, modifying 
electrical connector A13P1 and A14P1, and replacing each GCU with an 
airworthy GCU, P/N 1152550-4 or 1152550-5, to improve electrical power 
generation and distribution system functionalities. EASA classified 
this BT as mandatory and issued AD 2009-0048 to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 6 months, removing the No. 1 
and No.2 GCU, P/N 1152550-3, modifying the electrical connectors A13P1 
and A14P1 by installing wiring to the power distribution panel, and 
installing a No. 1 and No. 2 GCU with P/N 1152550-4 or 1152550-5. Both 
GCUs must have identical P/Ns on the same helicopter.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD does not apply to certain serial-numbered Model AB139 
and AW139 helicopters, and this proposed AD applies to all serial-
numbered Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 72 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. We estimate that it would take about 4 
work hours per helicopter at an average labor rate of $85 per work 
hour. Required parts would cost about $42,384 per helicopter. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the proposed AD for 
the U.S. operator fleet to be $3,076,128.
    According to the Agusta service information some of the costs of 
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty 
coverage by Agusta. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.

[[Page 2928]]

    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. 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 proposed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Agusta S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta): Docket No. FAA-2012-0013; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-043-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, 
with a generator control unit (GCU), part-number (P/N) 1152550-3 
installed; certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a potential fault in the 
overvoltage protection in GCUs currently installed on Model AB139 
and AW139 helicopters. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure 
of the overvoltage protection of the GCU, degraded performance of 
the electrical power generation and distribution systems, or fire, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(d) Requirements

    (1) Remove the No. 1 and No. 2 GCU, P/N 1152550-3. Do not 
install GCU, P/N 1152550-3, on any helicopter.
    (2) Modify the electrical connector A13P1 (GCU 1) and 
A14P1 (GCU 2) by installing the wiring to the power 
distribution panel (PDP) for your serial-numbered helicopter as 
depicted in Figure 1 of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-133, 
Revision A, dated March 17, 2009.
    (3) Using either GCU P/N 1152550-4 or GCU P/N 1152550-5, install 
a No. 1 and No. 2 GCU that has the same part number. Having 
different part-numbered GCUs on the same helicopter is not approved.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance 
with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or 
local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (2) For operations conducted under a Part 119 operating 
certificate or under Part 91, Subpart K, we suggest that you notify 
your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the 
manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate 
holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying 
with this AD through an AMOC.

(f) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (Italy) AD 2009-0042, dated February 25, 2009.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2430 DC generating 
system.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 5, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-1121 Filed 1-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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