Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 52270-52272 [2012-21285]

Download as PDF 52270 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / Proposed Rules the lever as depicted in Figure 1 to paragraph (d) of this AD. Ensure during installation of the weights that the weights are correctly assigned and installed to the control lever in accordance with the applied marks. (e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email sharon.y.miles@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. (f) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation Safety Agency (Germany) AD No. 2008–0206, dated November 25, 2008, and in the Transport Canada Civil Aviation AD No. CF–2009–12, dated March 24, 2009. (g) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6420, Tail Rotor Head. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 16, 2012. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–21284 Filed 8–28–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0886; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–067–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a certain wire strike protection system (WSPS) top cable cutter assembly installed. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of in-flight contact between the top cable cutter assembly and two main rotor (M/ SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:17 Aug 28, 2012 Jkt 226001 R) blades. This proposed AD would require reworking or replacing the top cable-cutter assembly to increase clearance between the WSPS and the M/ R blades. The proposed AD actions are intended to prevent damage to the M/R blades and subsequent loss of helicopter control. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 29, 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, Via Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA), Italy, telephone 39 0331-229111, fax 39 0331–229605/ 222595, or at https:// customersupport.agusta.com/ technical_advice.php. 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: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email sharon.y.miles@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 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 EASA AD No. 2008– 0148, dated August 5, 2008, to correct the unsafe condition for these Agusta helicopters with a top cable cutter assembly, part number (P/N) 423– 83001–1, which is part of the WSPS, P/ N 4G9540F00211 or P/N 4G9540F00311. An incident of in-flight contact between the top cable cutter assembly and two M/R blades has been reported. Our proposed AD actions are intended to prevent damage to the M/R blades and subsequent loss of helicopter control. 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 its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. Related Service Information We reviewed Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–126, dated June 20, 2008 (BT), which applies to Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with certain serial-numbered wire strike protection systems. The BT specifies, within 200 flight hours, reworking the E:\FR\FM\29AUP1.SGM 29AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / Proposed Rules top cable cutter assembly and marking it with ‘‘BT 139–126 Rev./’’ in a visible and permanent manner. EASA classified this BT as mandatory and issued AD No. 2008–0148 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require: • Within 200 hours time-in-service, removing the WSPS upper installation, P/N 4G9540A00111, including cutter assembly, P/N 423–83001–1. • Before installing a WSPS upper installation, P/N 4G9540A00111, either: Æ Reworking the top cable cutter assembly, P/N 423–83001–1, in accordance with portions of BT No. 139–126; or Æ Replacing the top cable cutter assembly, P/N 423–83001–1, with an airworthy top cable cutter assembly. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires marking the reworked top cable-cutter assembly, and this proposed AD does not. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 39 helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about three work-hours per helicopter to rework the top cable-cutter assembly, one work-hour to replace the top cable-cutter assembly, and one work-hour to remove the WSPS upper installation. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $9,000 per helicopter to replace the cutter. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $255 per helicopter to rework the top cable-cutter assembly, $9,085 per helicopter to replace the top cable-cutter assembly, and $85 per helicopter to remove the WSPS. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:17 Aug 28, 2012 Jkt 226001 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Agusta S.p.A Helicopters (Agusta): Docket No. FAA–2012–0886; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–067–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, with a wire strike protection system (WSPS) top cable cutter assembly, part number (P/N) 423–83001–1, installed, which is part of the WSPS, P/N 4G9540F00211 or P/N 4G9540F00311, certificated in any category. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 52271 (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as inflight contact between the top cable cutter assembly and main rotor (M/R) blades. This condition could result in damage to the M/ R blades and subsequent loss of helicopter control. (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 (1) Within 200 hours time-in-service, remove the WSPS upper installation, P/N 4G9540A00111, including top cable cutter assembly, P/N 423–83001–1. (2) Before installing a WSPS upper installation, P/N 4G9540A00111, either: (i) Rework the top cable cutter assembly, P/ N 423–83001–1, in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, paragraph 3.1 through 3.5, and Figure 1 of Agusta Bolletino Technico No. 139–126, dated June 20, 2008; or (ii) Replace the top cable cutter assembly, P/N 423–83001–1, with an airworthy top cable cutter assembly. (e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email sharon.y.miles@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. (f) Additional Information (1) For service information identified in this AD, contact Agusta, Via Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA), Italy, telephone 39 0331–229111, fax 39 0331–229605/222595, or at https:// customersupport.agusta.com/ technical_advice.php. 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 (EASA) AD No. 2008–0148, dated August 5, 2008. (g) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5320: Fuselage Miscellaneous Structure. E:\FR\FM\29AUP1.SGM 29AUP1 52272 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / Proposed Rules Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 16, 2012. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–21285 Filed 8–28–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 16 CFR Part 1221 [CPSC Docket No. CPSC–2011–0064] Safety Standard for Play Yards Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission, CPSC, us, or we) is proposing to amend the play yard mandatory standard. This proposed rule would address the hazards associated with the use of play yard bassinet accessories that can be assembled with missing key structural elements. The amendment is being proposed pursuant to section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA), also known as the ‘‘Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act’’ which requires us to promulgate consumer product safety standards for durable infant or toddler products. DATES: Submit comments by November 13, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by CPSC Docket No. CPSC– 2011–0064 by any of the following methods: Electronic Submissions: Submit electronic comments to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. To ensure timely processing of comments, the Commission is no longer directly accepting comments submitted by electronic mail (email), except through www.regulations.gov. The Commission encourages you to submit electronic comments by using the Federal eRulemaking Portal, as described above. Written Submissions: Submit written submissions in the following way: Mail/ Hand delivery/Courier (for paper, disk, or CD–ROM submissions), preferably in five copies, to: Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone (301) 504–7923. srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:17 Aug 28, 2012 Jkt 226001 Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this proposed rulemaking. All comments received may be posted without change, including any personal identifiers, contact information, or other personal information provided, to https:// www.regulations.gov. Do not submit confidential business information, trade secret information, or other sensitive or protected information that you do not want to be available to the public. If furnished at all, such information should be submitted in writing. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov, and insert the docket number, CPSC–2011–0064, into the ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory K. Rea, Project Manager, Directorate for Laboratory Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850; email: GRea@cpsc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Background In the Federal Register of September 20, 2011 (76 FR 58167), we published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) to establish a safety standard for play yards pursuant to section 104(b) of the CPSIA, also known as the ‘‘Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act.’’ On June 6, 2012, a draft final rule on play yards was submitted to the Commission for their consideration. The draft final rule incorporated by reference ASTM F406–12a, ‘‘Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size Baby Cribs/Play Yards.’’ The draft final rule included one additional requirement not present in ASTM F406–12a. That requirement would have addressed the hazards associated with the use of play yard bassinet accessories that can be assembled with missing key structural elements. We refer to this provision in this document as the ‘‘bassinet misassembly requirement.’’ The bassinet misassembly requirement was created after we received a comment in response to the play yard NPR. On June 27, 2012, the Commission voted unanimously to approve publication in the Federal Register of the draft final rule to establish a safety standard for play yards. Today, elsewhere in the Federal Register, we are publishing the final rule, which reflects several changes directed by the Commission in its vote. Specifically, the Commission voted to remove the bassinet misassembly requirement from PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 the draft play yard final rule submitted by staff. In light of that, the Commission also voted to provide a 6-month effective date for the safety standard for play yards, instead of 12 months as stated in the draft final rule because the recommendation for a 12 month effective date was based on the inclusion of the bassinet misassembly requirement. In addition, the Commission directed staff to draft and publish an NPR seeking comment regarding an amendment to the play yard mandatory standard to include the bassinet misassembly requirement, which is the subject of this notice. The Commission’s Order, as well as Chairman Inez M. Tenenbaum’s statement on the final rule to establish a safety standards for play yards, can be viewed at: https://www.cpsc.gov/library/ foia/ballot/ballot12/ballot12.html. B. Description of the Proposed Rule 1. Summary of the Hazard and the Infant Fatality In August 2011, we received a report of an infant fatality in the bassinet accessory of a play yard. The child died when the sleeping surface of the bassinet tilted, causing the child to slip into the corner where she suffocated. A review of the In-Depth Investigation Report (IDI) 110825CAA2853, as well as our tests on an exemplar model of the bassinet accessory and play yard involved in the fatality, led us to conclude that the incident was caused by the omission of key structural elements. Many play yards are sold with accessories that attach to the product, such as bassinets, changing tables, and mobiles. Bassinet accessories are unique among play yard accessories because they are intended to be used as a sleeping environment, and infants are meant to be left unsupervised in them for extended periods of time. Serious injuries or fatalities can result if a play yard bassinet accessory has been assembled without key structural elements, such as rods, tubes, bars, and hooks, which keep the sleep surface flat and level. A tilt in the sleeping surface of the bassinet can result in an infant getting into a position where he or she is unable to breathe and is at risk of suffocation. As seen in the IDI, it is possible that the omission of key structural elements may not initially be visually evident to the consumer. If the misassembled accessory supports an infant without a catastrophic and obvious change to the sleep surface, a consumer may continue to use the accessory and inadvertently place a child in danger. If the bassinet’s E:\FR\FM\29AUP1.SGM 29AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 29, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52270-52272]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-21285]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0886; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-067-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 the 
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a certain 
wire strike protection system (WSPS) top cable cutter assembly 
installed. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of in-flight 
contact between the top cable cutter assembly and two main rotor (M/R) 
blades. This proposed AD would require reworking or replacing the top 
cable-cutter assembly to increase clearance between the WSPS and the M/
R blades. The proposed AD actions are intended to prevent damage to the 
M/R blades and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 29, 
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, Via Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA), 
Italy, telephone 39 0331-229111, fax 39 0331-229605/222595, or at 
https://customersupport.agusta.com/technical_advice.php. 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: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email sharon.y.miles@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 EASA AD 
No. 2008-0148, dated August 5, 2008, to correct the unsafe condition 
for these Agusta helicopters with a top cable cutter assembly, part 
number (P/N) 423-83001-1, which is part of the WSPS, P/N 4G9540F00211 
or P/N 4G9540F00311. An incident of in-flight contact between the top 
cable cutter assembly and two M/R blades has been reported. Our 
proposed AD actions are intended to prevent damage to the M/R blades 
and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

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

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-126, dated June 20, 
2008 (BT), which applies to Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with 
certain serial-numbered wire strike protection systems. The BT 
specifies, within 200 flight hours, reworking the

[[Page 52271]]

top cable cutter assembly and marking it with ``BT 139-126 Rev./'' in a 
visible and permanent manner. EASA classified this BT as mandatory and 
issued AD No. 2008-0148 to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require:
     Within 200 hours time-in-service, removing the WSPS upper 
installation, P/N 4G9540A00111, including cutter assembly, P/N 423-
83001-1.
     Before installing a WSPS upper installation, P/N 
4G9540A00111, either:
     [cir] Reworking the top cable cutter assembly, P/N 423-83001-1, in 
accordance with portions of BT No. 139-126; or
     [cir] Replacing the top cable cutter assembly, P/N 423-83001-1, 
with an airworthy top cable cutter assembly.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires marking the reworked top cable-cutter 
assembly, and this proposed AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 39 helicopters 
of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about three work-
hours per helicopter to rework the top cable-cutter assembly, one work-
hour to replace the top cable-cutter assembly, and one work-hour to 
remove the WSPS upper installation. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $9,000 per helicopter to 
replace the cutter. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $255 per helicopter to rework 
the top cable-cutter assembly, $9,085 per helicopter to replace the top 
cable-cutter assembly, and $85 per helicopter to remove the WSPS.

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Agusta S.p.A Helicopters (Agusta): Docket No. FAA-2012-0886; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-067-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, 
with a wire strike protection system (WSPS) top cable cutter 
assembly, part number (P/N) 423-83001-1, installed, which is part of 
the WSPS, P/N 4G9540F00211 or P/N 4G9540F00311, certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as in-flight contact 
between the top cable cutter assembly and main rotor (M/R) blades. 
This condition could result in damage to the M/R blades and 
subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(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

    (1) Within 200 hours time-in-service, remove the WSPS upper 
installation, P/N 4G9540A00111, including top cable cutter assembly, 
P/N 423-83001-1.
    (2) Before installing a WSPS upper installation, P/N 
4G9540A00111, either:
    (i) Rework the top cable cutter assembly, P/N 423-83001-1, in 
accordance with the Compliance Instructions, paragraph 3.1 through 
3.5, and Figure 1 of Agusta Bolletino Technico No. 139-126, dated 
June 20, 2008; or
    (ii) Replace the top cable cutter assembly, P/N 423-83001-1, 
with an airworthy top cable cutter assembly.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email sharon.y.miles@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.

(f) Additional Information

    (1) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Agusta, Via Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate 
(VA), Italy, telephone 39 0331-229111, fax 39 0331-229605/222595, or 
at https://customersupport.agusta.com/technical_advice.php. 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 (EASA) AD No. 2008-0148, dated August 5, 2008.

 (g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5320: Fuselage 
Miscellaneous Structure.


[[Page 52272]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 16, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-21285 Filed 8-28-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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