Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 39444-39446 [2012-16314]
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39444
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 128 / Tuesday, July 3, 2012 / Proposed Rules
Maximum
annual fee per
licensed
category
35 to 500 employees ....................................................................................................................................................................
Fewer than 35 employees ............................................................................................................................................................
Small governmental jurisdictions (Including publicly supported educational institutions) (Population):
20,000 to 50,000 ..........................................................................................................................................................................
Fewer than 20,000 .......................................................................................................................................................................
Educational institutions that are not State or publicly supported, and have 500 employees or fewer:
35 to 500 employees ....................................................................................................................................................................
Fewer than 35 employees ............................................................................................................................................................
*
*
*
*
*
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 20th day
of June 2012.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
R.W. Borchardt,
Executive Director for Operations.
[FR Doc. 2012–16258 Filed 7–2–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0695; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–031–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 supersede an
existing airworthiness directive (AD) for
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A119 and
AW119 MKII helicopters. The existing
AD currently requires inspecting the
pilot and copilot engine rotary variable
differential transformer (RVDT) control
box assemblies to determine if the
control gear locking pin is in its proper
position. Since we issued that AD,
Agusta has developed a terminating
action for this inspection. The proposed
actions are intended to prevent failure
of an RVDT control box assembly, loss
of manual control of the engine throttle,
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 4, 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.
DATES:
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16:04 Jul 02, 2012
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2,300
500
2,300
500
2,300
500
• 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
Westland, Customer Support & Services,
Via Per Tornavento 15, 21019 Somma
Lombardo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Giovanni
Cecchelli; telephone 39 0331711133; fax
39 0331 711180; or at https://
www.agustawestland.com/technicalbullettins. You may review a copy of the
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: Jim
Grigg, Manager, FAA, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Safety Management Group,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX
76137, telephone (817) 222–5126, email
jim.grigg@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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.
Comments Invited
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2010–15–51, the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2011–
0095–E, dated May 24, 2011, to
permanently correct this unsafe
condition for the Agusta A119 and AW
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
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Sfmt 4702
Discussion
On July 16, 2010, we issued
Emergency AD 2010–15–51, and on
August 4, 2010, we issued the Final
Rule, Request for Comment, for that AD
as amendment 39–16397 (75 FR 50863,
August 18, 2010) for all Agusta model
A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters.
That AD requires inspecting the pilot
and co-pilot control box assemblies for
the proper positioning of the locking
pins, and if the locking pin is recessed
or extended in excess of 2.0 millimeters
from the face of the pin bore, or missing,
replacing the control box assembly. That
AD was prompted by a report that an
RVDT locking pin that was installed on
an AW119 MKII helicopter moved from
its proper position, resulting in
disconnect between the pilot and copilot throttle controls.
E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 128 / Tuesday, July 3, 2012 / Proposed Rules
MKII helicopters. EASA advises that
Agusta has developed a modification to
the pilot and co-pilot control box
assemblies that will ‘‘remedy the
problem and prevent recurrence.’’ This
EASA AD requires repetitive
inspections of the affected pilot and copilot control box assemblies until a
terminating action modification is made
within 8 calendar months of the
effective date of the EASA AD.
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, the EASA, their
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 the EASA and determined
the unsafe condition is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of the same
type design.
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Related Service Information
We reviewed Agusta Alert Bollettino
Tecnico (ABT) No. 119–39 Revision A,
dated May 23, 2011 (ABT 119–39). The
ABT 119–39 describes procedures for
repetitively inspecting the pilot and copilot control box assemblies for correct
positioning of the engine RVDT control
gear locking pin and provides
instructions on how to modify the pilot
and co-pilot control box assemblies to
terminate the repetitive inspections. The
EASA classified this ABT as mandatory
and issued EAD No. 2011–0095–E,
dated May 24, 2011, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these
helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain the
inspection requirements of AD 2010–
15–51, which requires a repetitive
inspection of the pilot and copilot
RVDT control box assembly locking
pins for proper position, until both
assemblies are modified. Additionally,
we are proposing to require, within 8
months, modifying the pilot control box
assembly, P/N 109–0010–81–103, and
the co-pilot control box assembly, P/N
109–0010–81–107, in accordance with
specified procedures contained in the
ABT to terminate the requirements for
the repetitive inspections.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 49 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators
may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this AD. Inspecting the
two RVDT control box assemblies
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would require about 1.5 hours at an
average labor rate of $85 per work hour,
for a cost per helicopter of about $128
and a cost to the U.S. fleet of about
$6,272 per inspection cycle.
Modification of the pilot and co-pilot
RVDT control box assemblies would
require about 8 hours at an average labor
rate of $85 per work hour, and required
parts would cost about $8, for a total
cost per helicopter of $688 and a cost to
the U.S. fleet of $33,712.
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.
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.
PO 00000
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39445
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Amendment 39–16397 (75 FR
50863, dated August 18, 2010), and
adding the following new AD:
Agusta S.P.A. Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–
2012–0695; Directorate Identifier 2011–
SW–031–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta Model A119 and
AW119 MKII helicopters, with pilot control
box assembly (control box), part number (P/
N) 109–0010–81–103, and co-pilot control
box, P/N 109–0010–81–107, installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
rotary variable differential transformer
(RVDT) locking pin, which could move out
of position and result in loss of manual
throttle control of the engine and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Other Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2010–15–51,
Amendment 39–16397 (75 FR 50863, dated
August 18, 2010).
(d) 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.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS),
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50
hours TIS, remove the cover of the pilot and
co-pilot RVDT control box assemblies and
inspect the locking pins for proper position
by following the Compliance Instructions,
Parts I and II, paragraphs 2. through 4.1 for
the pilot control box assembly and
paragraphs 5. through 7.1 for the co-pilot
control box assembly, of Agusta Bollettino
Tecnico No. 119–39, Revision A, dated May
23, 2011.
(2) If during the inspection the locking pin
is recessed or extended in excess of 2.0
millimeters from the face of the pin bore, or
missing, before further flight, replace the
RVDT control box with an airworthy RVDT
control box that has been modified in
accordance with paragraph (e)(3) of this AD.
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03JYP1
39446
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 128 / Tuesday, July 3, 2012 / Proposed Rules
(3) Within 8 months,
(i) Modify the pilot RVDT control box
assembly, P/N 109–0010–81–103, by
reference to Figures 1 through 7 and in
accordance with the Compliance
Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 5.1 through
5.16 of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 119–
39 Revision A, dated May 23, 2011; and
(ii) Modify the co-pilot RVDT control box
assembly, P/N 109–0010–81–107, by
reference to Figures 1 through 7 and in
accordance with the Compliance
Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 3.1 through
3.16 of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 119–
39, Revision A, dated May 23, 2011.
(4) Modifying the pilot and copilot RVDT
control box assemblies in accordance with
paragraph (e)(3) of this AD constitutes
terminating action for the requirements of
this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Jim Grigg,
Manager, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety
Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, TX 76137, telephone (817) 222–
5126, email jim.grigg@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR 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
(1) For service information identified in
this 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 a copy of the
service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas 76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2011–
0095–E, dated May 24, 2011.
(h) Subject
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6700: Rotors Flight Control.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 22,
2012.
M. Monica Merritt,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–16314 Filed 7–2–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:04 Jul 02, 2012
Jkt 226001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 139
Draft Parachute Landing Area
Standards
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Request for comment.
AGENCY:
The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), U.S. Department
of Transportation (DOT), invites the
United States Parachute Association,
skydiving businesses, airport operators,
airport consultants, industry
representatives and all other interested
parties to review and comment on the
draft ‘‘Parachute Landing Area
Standards’’ contained in Change 19 to
the Airport Design Advisory Circular
(‘‘AC’’), AC 150/5300–13. This change
establishes new standards and
recommendations for parachute landing
areas on airports. This action proposes
to clarify the FAA policies and
standards concerning access to federally
obligated airports for parachute landing
activities. It also proposes to clarify
Grant Assurance No. 22, ‘‘Economic
Nondiscrimination,’’ which is required
of a sponsor as a condition of receiving
a grant under the Airport Improvement
Program (AIP), to incorporate these
standards.
SUMMARY:
Comments must be received on
or before August 17, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Comments must be
submitted by:
• Hand Delivery/Courier: Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW., AAS–100,
Room 621, Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 267–3688.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Khalil Elias Kodsi, P.E. PMP, Airport
Engineering Division, (AAS–100),
Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
DC 20591; telephone (202) 267–7553.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA
has posted Change 19 for the Advisory
Circular on the Internet at: https://
www.faa.gov/airports/resources/
advisory_circulars/
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 47107(h), the
Secretary of Transportation is required
to provide notice and comment in the
Federal Register and an opportunity for
the public to comment upon proposals
to modify the assurances or add new
assurances.
The purpose of this document is
twofold: (1) To provide notice of the
proposed modification of Grant
DATES:
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Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Assurance No. 22 and to provide an
opportunity to comment consistent with
49 U.S.C. 47107(h), and (2) to invite
interested parties to review and
comment on the draft ‘‘Parachute
Landing Area Standards’’ contained in
Change 19 to the Airport Design
Advisory Circular, AC 150/5300–13.
The FAA interprets 49 U.S.C.
47107(a)(1), and the corollary grant
assurance No. 22, ‘‘Economic
Nondiscrimination,’’ to require airports
obligated under AIP grants (which
includes sponsors that are holders of
Airport Operating Certificates issued
under 14 CFR part 139) to comply with
new PLA Standards set forth in Change
19 to AC 150/5300–13, ‘‘Airport
Design,’’ which address hazards, PLA
size and location, and recommended
markings. The FAA proposes to use
these standards; along with changes in
its safety assessment review process, to
provide a more consistent and objective
examination of requests for parachute
landing areas on federally obligated
airports. The new standards and the
updated review process will ensure that
airport sponsors are able to implement
new PLAs safely and efficiently. The
PLA Standards will apply at the time
airports enter into new grant agreements
with the FAA subsequent to the
effective date of Change 19 to AC No.
150/5300–13, ‘‘Airport Design.’’
The FAA proposes to modify AIP
Grant Assurance No. 22, ‘‘Economic
Nondiscrimination,’’ to clarify that
sponsor must comply with Parachute
Landing Area (PLA) Standards set forth
in Change 19 to AC 150/5300–13,
‘‘Airport Design,’’ which address
hazards, PLA size and location, and
recommended markings. These
standards are designed to provide a
more consistent and objective
examination of requests for parachute
landing areas on federally obligated
airports. The standards will ensure that
sponsors are able to implement new
PLAs safely and efficiently.
Title 49 of the United States Code,
section 47108(a), provides that the
Secretary may impose terms on the offer
of Federal funds for AIP funded airport
development projects that the Secretary
considers necessary. Uniform design
standards for airports can be found in
FAA advisory circulars and mandatory
use is generally required on all AIP
projects. In exchange for AIP grant
funds, an airport sponsor is required by
49 U.S.C. 47107(a) to certify to the
Secretary that it will comply with a
number of Federal laws, policies, and
grant assurances. Grant Assurance No.
22, ‘‘Economic Nondiscrimination,’’
requires an airport sponsor to ‘‘make the
airport available as an airport for public
E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM
03JYP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 3, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39444-39446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16314]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0695; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-031-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 supersede an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters.
The existing AD currently requires inspecting the pilot and copilot
engine rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT) control box
assemblies to determine if the control gear locking pin is in its
proper position. Since we issued that AD, Agusta has developed a
terminating action for this inspection. The proposed actions are
intended to prevent failure of an RVDT control box assembly, loss of
manual control of the engine throttle, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 4,
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 Westland, Customer Support & Services, Via Per Tornavento 15,
21019 Somma Lombardo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39
0331711133; fax 39 0331 711180; or at https://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bullettins. You may review a copy of the 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: Jim Grigg, Manager, FAA, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
TX 76137, telephone (817) 222-5126, email jim.grigg@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
On July 16, 2010, we issued Emergency AD 2010-15-51, and on August
4, 2010, we issued the Final Rule, Request for Comment, for that AD as
amendment 39-16397 (75 FR 50863, August 18, 2010) for all Agusta model
A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. That AD requires inspecting the pilot
and co-pilot control box assemblies for the proper positioning of the
locking pins, and if the locking pin is recessed or extended in excess
of 2.0 millimeters from the face of the pin bore, or missing, replacing
the control box assembly. That AD was prompted by a report that an RVDT
locking pin that was installed on an AW119 MKII helicopter moved from
its proper position, resulting in disconnect between the pilot and co-
pilot throttle controls.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2010-15-51, the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2011-0095-E, dated May 24, 2011, to
permanently correct this unsafe condition for the Agusta A119 and AW
[[Page 39445]]
MKII helicopters. EASA advises that Agusta has developed a modification
to the pilot and co-pilot control box assemblies that will ``remedy the
problem and prevent recurrence.'' This EASA AD requires repetitive
inspections of the affected pilot and co-pilot control box assemblies
until a terminating action modification is made within 8 calendar
months of the effective date of the EASA AD.
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, the EASA, their 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 the EASA and determined the unsafe condition is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type
design.
Related Service Information
We reviewed Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (ABT) No. 119-39
Revision A, dated May 23, 2011 (ABT 119-39). The ABT 119-39 describes
procedures for repetitively inspecting the pilot and co-pilot control
box assemblies for correct positioning of the engine RVDT control gear
locking pin and provides instructions on how to modify the pilot and
co-pilot control box assemblies to terminate the repetitive
inspections. The EASA classified this ABT as mandatory and issued EAD
No. 2011-0095-E, dated May 24, 2011, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain the inspection requirements of AD
2010-15-51, which requires a repetitive inspection of the pilot and
copilot RVDT control box assembly locking pins for proper position,
until both assemblies are modified. Additionally, we are proposing to
require, within 8 months, modifying the pilot control box assembly, P/N
109-0010-81-103, and the co-pilot control box assembly, P/N 109-0010-
81-107, in accordance with specified procedures contained in the ABT to
terminate the requirements for the repetitive inspections.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 49 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this AD. Inspecting the two RVDT control box
assemblies would require about 1.5 hours at an average labor rate of
$85 per work hour, for a cost per helicopter of about $128 and a cost
to the U.S. fleet of about $6,272 per inspection cycle.
Modification of the pilot and co-pilot RVDT control box assemblies
would require about 8 hours at an average labor rate of $85 per work
hour, and required parts would cost about $8, for a total cost per
helicopter of $688 and a cost to the U.S. fleet of $33,712.
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.
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 removing Amendment 39-16397 (75 FR
50863, dated August 18, 2010), and adding the following new AD:
Agusta S.P.A. Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2012-0695; Directorate
Identifier 2011-SW-031-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters,
with pilot control box assembly (control box), part number (P/N)
109-0010-81-103, and co-pilot control box, P/N 109-0010-81-107,
installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a rotary variable
differential transformer (RVDT) locking pin, which could move out of
position and result in loss of manual throttle control of the engine
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Other Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2010-15-51, Amendment 39-16397 (75 FR
50863, dated August 18, 2010).
(d) 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.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, remove the cover of the pilot
and co-pilot RVDT control box assemblies and inspect the locking
pins for proper position by following the Compliance Instructions,
Parts I and II, paragraphs 2. through 4.1 for the pilot control box
assembly and paragraphs 5. through 7.1 for the co-pilot control box
assembly, of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 119-39, Revision A, dated
May 23, 2011.
(2) If during the inspection the locking pin is recessed or
extended in excess of 2.0 millimeters from the face of the pin bore,
or missing, before further flight, replace the RVDT control box with
an airworthy RVDT control box that has been modified in accordance
with paragraph (e)(3) of this AD.
[[Page 39446]]
(3) Within 8 months,
(i) Modify the pilot RVDT control box assembly, P/N 109-0010-81-
103, by reference to Figures 1 through 7 and in accordance with the
Compliance Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 5.1 through 5.16 of
Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 119-39 Revision A, dated May 23, 2011;
and
(ii) Modify the co-pilot RVDT control box assembly, P/N 109-
0010-81-107, by reference to Figures 1 through 7 and in accordance
with the Compliance Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 3.1 through
3.16 of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 119-39, Revision A, dated May
23, 2011.
(4) Modifying the pilot and copilot RVDT control box assemblies
in accordance with paragraph (e)(3) of this AD constitutes
terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Jim Grigg, Manager, FAA,
Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, TX 76137, telephone (817) 222-5126, email
jim.grigg@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR 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
(1) For service information identified in this 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 a copy
of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas 76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency AD 2011-0095-E, dated May 24, 2011.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700: Rotors
Flight Control.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 22, 2012.
M. Monica Merritt,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16314 Filed 7-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
