Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 27144-27146 [2012-11197]

Download as PDF 27144 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules 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. For the reasons discussed above, 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, 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. 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 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 airworthiness directive (AD): The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2012–0425; Directorate Identifier 2011– NM–273–AD. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 May 08, 2012 Jkt 226001 (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by June 25, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 717–200 airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracks of overwing frames. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking that could sever a frame, which may increase the loading of adjacent frames, and result in damage to the adjacent structure and consequent loss of structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Actions Before the accumulation of 20,000 total flight cycles, or within 8,275 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a general visual and high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the left and right side overwing frames at stations 674, 696, and 715; and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–53A0034, dated October 5, 2011. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–53A0034, dated October 5, 2011. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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. 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) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (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, Los Angeles ACO to make those findings. For a repair PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane and 14 CFR 25.571, Amendment 45, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712– 4137; phone: 562–627–5357; fax: 562–627– 5210; email: george.garrido@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800–0019, Long Beach, California 90846– 0001; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 2; fax 206–766–5683; email dse.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 29, 2012. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–11022 Filed 5–8–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0448; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–016–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 A109S helicopters, which would require modifying the electrical power distribution system to carry a higher electrical load. This proposed AD is prompted by an electrical failure on an Agusta Model A109E helicopter that resulted from ‘‘inadequate functioning of the 35 amperes (amps) BATT BUS circuit breaker.’’ The proposed actions are intended to require modifying the electrical power distribution system to prevent failure of the circuit breaker, loss of electrical power to instruments powered by the ‘‘BATT BUS’’ system, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\09MYP1.SGM 09MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 9, 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 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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, S.p.A., Via Giovanni Agusta 520, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA), Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39–0331–711133; fax 39–0331–711180; or at https://www.agustawestland.com/ technical-bullettins. You may review a copy 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 F. Wiley, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 May 08, 2012 Jkt 226001 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 Italy, a Member State of the European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2009–0137, dated June 23, 2009, for the Agusta Model A109E helicopter to correct an unsafe electrical condition caused by an inadequately functioning circuit breaker that was not within design requirements. That EASA AD required installing a ‘‘BATT BUS’’ circuit breaker modification kit on the Model A109E helicopters. Based on the unsafe condition created by this circuit breaker as described in EASA AD No. 2009–0137, the FAA issued AD 2010– 20–21 (75 FR 61341, October 5, 2010; Correction published at 75 FR 65224, October 22, 2010) to require installing a ‘‘BATT BUS’’ circuit breaker modification kit on Model A109E helicopters in the United States. Subsequently, EASA issued AD No. 2009–0264, dated December 15, 2009, to correct the same unsafe condition on the Agusta Model A109S helicopters due to the design commonality between the electrical power distribution system of the Model A109E and A109S helicopters. The FAA is now proposing to issue this AD for the Model A109S helicopters to correct this same unsafe condition. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 27145 We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Agusta has issued Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S–35, dated December 11, 2009 (BT), which specifies modifying and testing the ‘‘BATT BUS’’ circuit breaker installation. The EASA classified this BT as mandatory and issued AD No. 2009–0264, dated December 15, 2009, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require compliance with specified portions of the manufacturer’s service bulletin including modifying the electrical power distribution system by installing a ‘‘BATT BUS’’ Circuit Breaker Modification Kit, part number 109– 0824–73–107, and thereafter, testing for proper functioning of the electrical system. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD This proposed AD does not reference the calendar date of June 30, 2010, which has already passed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 15 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. It would take about 8 work-hours per helicopter to install the ‘BATT BUS’ circuit breaker modification kit at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour and required parts would cost about $471 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $17,265. According to the service information of the production approval holder (PAH), 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 the PAH. 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. E:\FR\FM\09MYP1.SGM 09MYP1 27146 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 9, 2012 / Proposed Rules 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. 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: sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:37 May 08, 2012 Jkt 226001 (a) Applicability This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109S helicopters, serial numbers up to and including 22151, certificated in any category. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 17, 2012. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–11197 Filed 5–8–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of the 35 ampere (amp) ‘‘BATT BUS,’’ which could result in an electrical failure and fire, loss of electrical power to instruments powered by the ‘‘BATT BUS’’ system, 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) Required Actions Within 50 hours time-in-service, modify the electrical power distribution system by installing the ‘‘BATT BUS’’ Circuit Breaker Modification Kit, part number 109–0824–73– 107, as depicted in Figures 1 through 3 and by following the Compliance Instructions, paragraphs 4. through 7., of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S–35, dated December 11, 2009 (ASB). Thereafter, operationally test the electrical system by following paragraphs 19.1 through 19.7 of the ASB. (e) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished provided that you do not simultaneously operate the landing light and the search light. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Mark F. Wiley, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email mark.wiley@faa.gov. (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. (g) Additional Information Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 AGUSTA S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA–2012– 0448; 2010–SW–016–AD. The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (Italy) AD No. 2009–0264, dated December 15, 2009. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2460, DC Power/Distribution System. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0121; Airspace Docket No. 12–AAL–2] Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Scammon Bay, AK Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to modify Class E airspace at Scammon Bay Airport, Scammon Bay, AK. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Scammon Bay Airport. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport. DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 25, 2012. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal 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; telephone (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2012–0121; Airspace Docket No. 12–AAL–2, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Roberts, Federal Aviation Administration, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057; telephone (425) 203–4517. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory E:\FR\FM\09MYP1.SGM 09MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27144-27146]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-11197]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0448; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-016-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 A109S helicopters, which would require 
modifying the electrical power distribution system to carry a higher 
electrical load. This proposed AD is prompted by an electrical failure 
on an Agusta Model A109E helicopter that resulted from ``inadequate 
functioning of the 35 amperes (amps) BATT BUS circuit breaker.'' The 
proposed actions are intended to require modifying the electrical power 
distribution system to prevent failure of the circuit breaker, loss of 
electrical power to instruments powered by the ``BATT BUS'' system,

[[Page 27145]]

and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 9, 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 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, S.p.A., Via Giovanni Agusta 520, 21017 Cascina Costa di 
Samarate (VA), Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39-0331-
711133; fax 39-0331-711180; or at https://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bullettins. You may review a copy 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 F. Wiley, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
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 Italy, a Member State of the European Union, issued EASA AD 
No. 2009-0137, dated June 23, 2009, for the Agusta Model A109E 
helicopter to correct an unsafe electrical condition caused by an 
inadequately functioning circuit breaker that was not within design 
requirements. That EASA AD required installing a ``BATT BUS'' circuit 
breaker modification kit on the Model A109E helicopters. Based on the 
unsafe condition created by this circuit breaker as described in EASA 
AD No. 2009-0137, the FAA issued AD 2010-20-21 (75 FR 61341, October 5, 
2010; Correction published at 75 FR 65224, October 22, 2010) to require 
installing a ``BATT BUS'' circuit breaker modification kit on Model 
A109E helicopters in the United States. Subsequently, EASA issued AD 
No. 2009-0264, dated December 15, 2009, to correct the same unsafe 
condition on the Agusta Model A109S helicopters due to the design 
commonality between the electrical power distribution system of the 
Model A109E and A109S helicopters. The FAA is now proposing to issue 
this AD for the Model A109S helicopters to correct this same unsafe 
condition.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, 
has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD.
    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information 
provided by EASA and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    Agusta has issued Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S-35, dated December 
11, 2009 (BT), which specifies modifying and testing the ``BATT BUS'' 
circuit breaker installation. The EASA classified this BT as mandatory 
and issued AD No. 2009-0264, dated December 15, 2009, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require compliance with specified portions 
of the manufacturer's service bulletin including modifying the 
electrical power distribution system by installing a ``BATT BUS'' 
Circuit Breaker Modification Kit, part number 109-0824-73-107, and 
thereafter, testing for proper functioning of the electrical system.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    This proposed AD does not reference the calendar date of June 30, 
2010, which has already passed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 15 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. It would take about 8 work-hours per 
helicopter to install the `BATT BUS' circuit breaker modification kit 
at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour and required parts would 
cost about $471 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $17,265.
    According to the service information of the production approval 
holder (PAH), 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 the PAH. 
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.

[[Page 27146]]

    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.
    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 
airworthiness directive (AD):

AGUSTA S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2012-0448; 2010-SW-016-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109S 
helicopters, serial numbers up to and including 22151, certificated 
in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of the 35 ampere 
(amp) ``BATT BUS,'' which could result in an electrical failure and 
fire, loss of electrical power to instruments powered by the ``BATT 
BUS'' system, 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) Required Actions

    Within 50 hours time-in-service, modify the electrical power 
distribution system by installing the ``BATT BUS'' Circuit Breaker 
Modification Kit, part number 109-0824-73-107, as depicted in 
Figures 1 through 3 and by following the Compliance Instructions, 
paragraphs 4. through 7., of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S-35, 
dated December 11, 2009 (ASB). Thereafter, operationally test the 
electrical system by following paragraphs 19.1 through 19.7 of the 
ASB.

(e) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished provided that you do not 
simultaneously operate the landing light and the search light.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Mark F. Wiley, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email mark.wiley@faa.gov.
    (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.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (Italy) AD No. 2009-0264, dated December 15, 2009.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2460, DC Power/
Distribution System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 17, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-11197 Filed 5-8-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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