Airworthiness Directives; Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., High Landing Gear Forward Crosstube Assembly, 67261-67263 [2012-26901]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 218 / Friday, November 9, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
(1) Upgrade the flight control computer
(FCC) to introduce the SRIW logic, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300–
22–6056, dated April 25, 2012.
(2) Upgrade the flight warning computer
(FWC) to introduce the SRIW aural
capability, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–31–6140, dated May
4, 2012.
(B) Activate the SRIW device, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A300–22–6055, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated May 31, 2012.
(ii) For Model A310 series airplanes: Do
the actions specified in paragraphs
(g)(2)(ii)(A) and (g)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD.
(A) Install a SRIW device, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A310–22–2063,
including Appendix 01, dated June 20, 2012.
Before or concurrently with the SRIW
installation, do the actions specified in
paragraphs (g)(2)(ii)(A)(1) and (g)(2)(ii)(A)(2)
of this AD.
(1) Upgrade the FCC to introduce the SRIW
logic, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A310–22–2065, dated April
25, 2012.
(2) Upgrade the FWC to introduce the
SRIW aural capability, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A310–31–2144, dated May
4, 2012.
(B) Activate the SRIW device, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A310–22–2064, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated May 31, 2012.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Manager, ANM–
116, 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For related information, refer to MCAI
European Aviation Safety Agency
Airworthiness Directive 2012–0088, dated
June 25, 2012, and the service bulletins
identified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through
(i)(1)(viii) of this AD, for related information.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A300–22–6055, Revision 01, including
Appendix 01, dated May 31, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A310–22–2064, Revision 01, including
Appendix 01, dated May 31, 2012.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
13:51 Nov 08, 2012
Jkt 229001
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–22–
6054, including Appendix 01, dated June 20,
2012.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–22–
6056, dated April 25, 2012.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–31–6140,
dated May 4, 2012.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–22–
2063, including Appendix 01, dated June 20,
2012.
(vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–22–
2065, dated April 25, 2012.
(viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–31–
2144, dated May 4, 2012.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–
3356; telephone 425–227–2125; fax 425–227–
1149.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A300–22–6055, Revision 01, including
Appendix 01, dated May 31, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A310–22–2064, Revision 01, including
Appendix 01, dated May 31, 2012.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–22–
6054, including Appendix 01, dated June 20,
2012.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–22–
6056, dated April 25, 2012.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–31–6140,
dated May 4, 2012.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–22–
2063, including Appendix 01, dated June 20,
2012.
(vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–22–
2065, dated April 25, 2012.
(viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A310–31–
2144, dated May 4, 2012.
(3) For the service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS–EAW
(Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 44 51; email account.airwortheas@airbus.com; Internet https://
www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
67261
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
12, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–26963 Filed 11–8–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0502; Directorate
Identifier 2010–SW–097–AD; Amendment
39–17242; AD 2012–22–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aeronautical
Accessories, Inc., High Landing Gear
Forward Crosstube Assembly
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI)
high landing gear forward crosstube
assemblies (crosstubes) installed on
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB412
and AB412EP; and Bell Helicopter
Textron, Inc. (Bell) Model 205A, 205A–
1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP
helicopters during production or based
on a supplemental type certificate
(STC). This AD requires counting and
recording the total number of landings
for the crosstubes, and inspecting the
crosstubes and replacing them if a crack
or other damage exists. This AD was
prompted by two reports from the field
of failed crosstubes. The actions are
intended to prevent failure of a
crosstube, collapse of the landing gear,
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective December
14, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of December 14, 2012.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box
3689, Bristol, TN 37625–3689,
telephone (423) 538–5151 or (800) 251–
7094, fax (423) 538–8469, or at https://
www.aero-access.com. 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.
Examining the AD Docket: You may
examine the AD docket on the Internet
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\09NOR1.SGM
09NOR1
67262
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 218 / Friday, November 9, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
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 AD, any
incorporated-by-reference service
information, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations Office (phone: 800–
647–5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations
Office, M–30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137;
telephone (817) 222–5170; email 7-avsasw-170@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On May 11, 2012, at 77 FR 27663, the
Federal Register published our notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to
include an AD that would apply to AAI
crosstubes installed on Agusta Model
AB412 and AB412EP, and Bell Model
205A, 205A–1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF,
and 412EP helicopters during
production or based on an STC. That
NPRM proposed to require creating a
component history card or equivalent
record and counting and recording the
total number of landings for the
crosstubes. It also proposed to require
inspecting the crosstubes and replacing
them if a crack or other damage exists.
The proposed requirements were
intended to prevent failure of a
crosstube, collapse of the landing gear,
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by two
reports from the field of crosstube
failures. AAI issued Alert Service
Bulletin AA–08055, Revision B, dated
August 12, 2009 (ASB) to provide
procedures for repetitively inspecting
the high forward crosstubes to detect
this condition.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we received no comments on the NPRM
(77 FR 27663, May 11, 2012).
FAA’s Determination
We have reviewed the relevant
information and determined that an
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of
these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
VerDate Mar<15>2010
13:51 Nov 08, 2012
Jkt 229001
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Related Service Information
We reviewed the AAI ASB, which
specifies establishing a takeoff/landing
history, recurrent visual and fluorescent
penetrant inspections of the crosstubes,
and dimensional inspections of the skid
gear. We have also reviewed AAI
Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness (ICA) for Crosstubes,
Report No. AA–01136, Revision K,
dated February 15, 2012, which
contains the information necessary for
inspection and maintenance of each
crosstube installed on the Agusta and
Bell helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
115 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
operators will incur the following costs
to comply with this AD:
• Creating a historical record and
determining the number of landings will
require a half work hour at an average
labor rate of $85 per hour for a cost per
helicopter of about $42 and a cost to the
U.S. operator fleet of $4,830 per
inspection cycle.
• Preparing and inspecting the
crosstube will require 8.5 work hours at
an average labor rate of $85 per hour for
a cost per helicopter of about $722 and
a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of
$83,030 per inspection cycle.
• Performing the dimensional
inspection of the skid gear will require
1 work hour at an average labor rate of
$85 per hour for a cost per helicopter of
$85 and a cost to the U.S. operator fleet
of $9,775 per inspection cycle.
• Fluorescent penetrant inspecting
the crosstube will require 24 work hours
at an average labor rate of $85 per hour
for a cost per helicopter of $2,040 and
a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of
$234,600 per inspection cycle.
• If required, replacing a crosstube
with an airworthy crosstube will require
10 work hours at an average labor rate
of $85, required parts will cost $9,315,
for a cost per helicopter of $10,165.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
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 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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):
■
2012–22–06 Aeronautical Accessories, Inc.
(AAI): Amendment 39–17242; Docket
No. FAA–2012–0502; Directorate
Identifier 2010–SW–097–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to high landing gear
forward crosstube assembly (crosstube), part
E:\FR\FM\09NOR1.SGM
09NOR1
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 218 / Friday, November 9, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
number (P/N) 212–321–103, installed on
Agusta S.p.A. Model AB412 and AB412EP
and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model
205A, 205A–1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and
412EP helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
failure of the landing gear crosstube, which
could result in collapse of the landing gear
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective December 14,
2012.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with
(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 50 hours time-in-service (TIS)
after the effective date of this AD:
(i) Create a component history card or
equivalent record for the crosstube by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
Part A, paragraph 1., of AAI Alert Service
Bulletin No. AA–08055, Revision B, dated
August 12, 2009 (ASB).
(ii) Determine and record on the
component history card or equivalent record
the total number of landings for the
crosstube. If the landing information is
unavailable, estimate the number by
multiplying the airframe hours TIS by 10.
Continue to count and record the number of
landings for the crosstube. For the purposes
of this AD, a landing would be counted
anytime the helicopter lifts off into the air
and then lands again with any further
reduction of the collective after the landing
gear touches the ground.
(2) Within 50 hours TIS after the effective
date of this AD or before reaching a total of
7,500 landings on any crosstube, whichever
occurs later:
(i) Prepare the crosstube inspection areas
as described in the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 1. through 5.
and Figure 1, of the ASB.
(ii) Using a 10X or higher power
magnifying glass and a bright light, visually
inspect the prepared areas of the crosstube
for a crack. If there is a crack, before further
flight, replace the crosstube with an
airworthy crosstube.
(iii) If there is no crack, following the
inspection, prime and paint the inspection
areas by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 7. and 8., of
the ASB. If there is any corrosion or other
damage, perform the replacement or repair
required in paragraph (e)(5)(iv) of this AD
before priming and painting the inspection
areas.
(3) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed
200 landings, clean the crosstube inspection
areas by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part C, paragraph 1., of the ASB.
Using a 10X or higher power magnifying
glass and a bright light, visually inspect the
clear-coated areas of the crosstube for a crack.
If there is a crack, before further flight,
VerDate Mar<15>2010
13:51 Nov 08, 2012
Jkt 229001
replace the crosstube with an airworthy
crosstube.
(4) Within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD or before reaching a total of 10,000
landings on any crosstube, whichever occurs
later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
2,500 landings or 12 months, whichever
occurs first, determine the horizontal
deflection of the crosstube from the
centerline of the helicopter (BL 0.0) to the
outside of the skid tubes by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part D,
paragraphs 1. and 2., of the ASB. If the
crosstube measures outside any of the limits
depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB, before
further flight, replace the crosstube with an
airworthy crosstube.
(5) Within 3 months after the effective date
of this AD or before reaching a total of 12,500
landings on any crosstube, whichever occurs
later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
5,000 landings:
(i) Remove and disassemble the landing
gear assembly and crosstube to prepare for a
fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
Part E.1, paragraphs 1. through 6., of the
ASB.
(ii) Clean and prepare the crosstube by
removing the sealant and paint as described
in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part E.2,
paragraphs 1. through 3. and Figure 3, of the
ASB.
(iii) Perform an FPI of the crosstube in the
areas depicted in Figure 3 of the ASB for a
crack, any corrosion, a nick, scratch, dent, or
any other damage by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part E.3,
paragraph 1., of the ASB. If there is a crack,
before further flight, replace the crosstube
with an airworthy crosstube.
(iv) If there is any corrosion or a nick,
scratch, dent, or any other damage, before
further flight, repair the crosstube to an
airworthy configuration if the damage is
within the maximum repair damage limits or
replace the crosstube with an airworthy
crosstube. Chapter 3.5 Repair, Table 1. and
Figure 3 of the AAI Instructions for
Continued Airworthiness for Crosstubes,
Report No. AA–01136, Revision K, dated
February 15, 2012, contains the maximum
repair damage limits and repair procedures.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification
Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Kohner,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX
76137; telephone (817) 222–5170; email 7avs-asw-170@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.
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
67263
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3213: Main Landing Gear Strut/Axle/
Truck.
(h) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Aeronautical Accessories Inc. Alert
Service Bulletin No. AA–08055, Revision B,
dated August 12, 2009.
(ii) Aeronautical Accessories Inc.
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness for
Crosstubes, Report No. AA–01136, Revision
K, dated February 15, 2012.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Aeronautical Accessories,
Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, TN 37625–3689,
telephone (423) 538–5151 or (800) 251–7094,
fax (423) 538–8469, or at https://www.aeroaccess.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(5) You may also view this service
information at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/
cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 24,
2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–26901 Filed 11–8–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0428; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–078–AD; Amendment
39–17248; AD 2012–22–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330–243, –243F, –341,
–342, and –343 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of cracking of air
intake cowls on Rolls-Royce Trent
engines, worn and detached attachment
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\09NOR1.SGM
09NOR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 218 (Friday, November 9, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67261-67263]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26901]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0502; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-097-AD;
Amendment 39-17242; AD 2012-22-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., High
Landing Gear Forward Crosstube Assembly
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI) high landing gear forward
crosstube assemblies (crosstubes) installed on Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta)
Model AB412 and AB412EP; and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) Model
205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters during
production or based on a supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD
requires counting and recording the total number of landings for the
crosstubes, and inspecting the crosstubes and replacing them if a crack
or other damage exists. This AD was prompted by two reports from the
field of failed crosstubes. The actions are intended to prevent failure
of a crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective December 14, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of December 14,
2012.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, TN 37625-3689,
telephone (423) 538-5151 or (800) 251-7094, fax (423) 538-8469, or at
https://www.aero-access.com. 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.
Examining the AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the
Internet
[[Page 67262]]
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 AD, any incorporated-by-reference
service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received,
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-
140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5170;
email 7-avs-asw-170@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On May 11, 2012, at 77 FR 27663, the Federal Register published our
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to AAI crosstubes installed
on Agusta Model AB412 and AB412EP, and Bell Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B,
212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters during production or based on an
STC. That NPRM proposed to require creating a component history card or
equivalent record and counting and recording the total number of
landings for the crosstubes. It also proposed to require inspecting the
crosstubes and replacing them if a crack or other damage exists. The
proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a crosstube,
collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by two reports from the field of crosstube
failures. AAI issued Alert Service Bulletin AA-08055, Revision B, dated
August 12, 2009 (ASB) to provide procedures for repetitively inspecting
the high forward crosstubes to detect this condition.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 27663, May 11,
2012).
FAA's Determination
We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other
products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.
Related Service Information
We reviewed the AAI ASB, which specifies establishing a takeoff/
landing history, recurrent visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections
of the crosstubes, and dimensional inspections of the skid gear. We
have also reviewed AAI Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA)
for Crosstubes, Report No. AA-01136, Revision K, dated February 15,
2012, which contains the information necessary for inspection and
maintenance of each crosstube installed on the Agusta and Bell
helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 115 helicopters of U.S.
Registry and that operators will incur the following costs to comply
with this AD:
Creating a historical record and determining the number of
landings will require a half work hour at an average labor rate of $85
per hour for a cost per helicopter of about $42 and a cost to the U.S.
operator fleet of $4,830 per inspection cycle.
Preparing and inspecting the crosstube will require 8.5
work hours at an average labor rate of $85 per hour for a cost per
helicopter of about $722 and a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of
$83,030 per inspection cycle.
Performing the dimensional inspection of the skid gear
will require 1 work hour at an average labor rate of $85 per hour for a
cost per helicopter of $85 and a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of
$9,775 per inspection cycle.
Fluorescent penetrant inspecting the crosstube will
require 24 work hours at an average labor rate of $85 per hour for a
cost per helicopter of $2,040 and a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of
$234,600 per inspection cycle.
If required, replacing a crosstube with an airworthy
crosstube will require 10 work hours at an average labor rate of $85,
required parts will cost $9,315, for a cost per helicopter of $10,165.
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2012-22-06 Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI): Amendment 39-17242;
Docket No. FAA-2012-0502; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-097-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to high landing gear forward crosstube assembly
(crosstube), part
[[Page 67263]]
number (P/N) 212-321-103, installed on Agusta S.p.A. Model AB412 and
AB412EP and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B,
212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, certificated in any
category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of the landing
gear crosstube, which could result in collapse of the landing gear
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective December 14, 2012.
(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 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD:
(i) Create a component history card or equivalent record for the
crosstube by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part A,
paragraph 1., of AAI Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-08055, Revision
B, dated August 12, 2009 (ASB).
(ii) Determine and record on the component history card or
equivalent record the total number of landings for the crosstube. If
the landing information is unavailable, estimate the number by
multiplying the airframe hours TIS by 10. Continue to count and
record the number of landings for the crosstube. For the purposes of
this AD, a landing would be counted anytime the helicopter lifts off
into the air and then lands again with any further reduction of the
collective after the landing gear touches the ground.
(2) Within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or
before reaching a total of 7,500 landings on any crosstube,
whichever occurs later:
(i) Prepare the crosstube inspection areas as described in the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 1. through 5. and
Figure 1, of the ASB.
(ii) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass and a bright
light, visually inspect the prepared areas of the crosstube for a
crack. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the
crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
(iii) If there is no crack, following the inspection, prime and
paint the inspection areas by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 7. and 8., of the ASB. If there is
any corrosion or other damage, perform the replacement or repair
required in paragraph (e)(5)(iv) of this AD before priming and
painting the inspection areas.
(3) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 200 landings, clean
the crosstube inspection areas by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part C, paragraph 1., of the ASB. Using a 10X or
higher power magnifying glass and a bright light, visually inspect
the clear-coated areas of the crosstube for a crack. If there is a
crack, before further flight, replace the crosstube with an
airworthy crosstube.
(4) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD or before
reaching a total of 10,000 landings on any crosstube, whichever
occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500
landings or 12 months, whichever occurs first, determine the
horizontal deflection of the crosstube from the centerline of the
helicopter (BL 0.0) to the outside of the skid tubes by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, Part D, paragraphs 1. and 2., of
the ASB. If the crosstube measures outside any of the limits
depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB, before further flight, replace the
crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
(5) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD or
before reaching a total of 12,500 landings on any crosstube,
whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
5,000 landings:
(i) Remove and disassemble the landing gear assembly and
crosstube to prepare for a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) by
following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part E.1, paragraphs 1.
through 6., of the ASB.
(ii) Clean and prepare the crosstube by removing the sealant and
paint as described in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part E.2,
paragraphs 1. through 3. and Figure 3, of the ASB.
(iii) Perform an FPI of the crosstube in the areas depicted in
Figure 3 of the ASB for a crack, any corrosion, a nick, scratch,
dent, or any other damage by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part E.3, paragraph 1., of the ASB. If there is a
crack, before further flight, replace the crosstube with an
airworthy crosstube.
(iv) If there is any corrosion or a nick, scratch, dent, or any
other damage, before further flight, repair the crosstube to an
airworthy configuration if the damage is within the maximum repair
damage limits or replace the crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
Chapter 3.5 Repair, Table 1. and Figure 3 of the AAI Instructions
for Continued Airworthiness for Crosstubes, Report No. AA-01136,
Revision K, dated February 15, 2012, contains the maximum repair
damage limits and repair procedures.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Kohner,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX
76137; telephone (817) 222-5170; email 7-avs-asw-170@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) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3213: Main Landing
Gear Strut/Axle/Truck.
(h) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Aeronautical Accessories Inc. Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-
08055, Revision B, dated August 12, 2009.
(ii) Aeronautical Accessories Inc. Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness for Crosstubes, Report No. AA-01136, Revision K, dated
February 15, 2012.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, TN 37625-
3689, telephone (423) 538-5151 or (800) 251-7094, fax (423) 538-
8469, or at https://www.aero-access.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room
663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(5) You may also view this service information at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 24, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26901 Filed 11-8-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
