Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 73906-73908 [2012-28432]
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73906
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 239 / Wednesday, December 12, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
(1) For airplanes on which the special
detailed inspection specified in AWL 53–61–
153 of Bombardier TR 2B–2187, dated June
22, 2011; or Canadair Regional Jet TR 2B–
2109, dated October 13, 2005; has not been
done as of the effective date of this AD: The
initial compliance time for AWL 53–61–153
is at the applicable time specified in
paragraph (i)(1)(i) or (i)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) For airplanes that have accumulated
10,500 total flight cycles or less as of the
effective date of this AD: Before the
accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles.
(ii) For airplanes that have accumulated
more than 10,500 total flight cycles as of the
effective date of this AD: Within 1,500 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the special
detailed inspection specified in AWL 53–61–
153 of Bombardier TR 2B–2187, dated June
22, 2011; or Canadair Regional Jet TR 2B–
2109, dated October 13, 2005; has been done
as of the effective date of this AD: The initial
compliance time for AWL 53–61–153 is
within 4,360 flight cycles after accomplishing
the most recent special detailed inspection,
or within 1,500 flight cycles after
accomplishing the most recent detailed
inspection as specified in AWL 53–61–153 of
Canadair Regional Jet TR 2B–2109, dated
October 13, 2005, whichever occurs later.
(j) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After accomplishing the revisions required
by paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be
used other than those specified in
Bombardier TR 2B–2187, dated June 22,
2011, to Appendix B—Airworthiness
Limitations, of Part 2 of the Bombardier CL–
600–2B19 MRM, unless the actions and
intervals are approved as an AMOC in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with
(k) New Action of This AD: General Revision
of the MRM
The maintenance program revision
required by paragraph (i) of this AD may be
done by inserting a copy of Bombardier TR
2B–2187, dated June 22, 2011, into Appendix
B—Airworthiness Limitations, of Part 2 of
the Bombardier CL–600–2B19 MRM. When
this TR has been included in general
revisions of the MRM, the general revisions
may be inserted in the MRM, provided the
relevant information in the general revision
is identical to that in this TR.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it
to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing
Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO,
1600 Stewart Avenue Suite 410, Westbury,
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–7300;
fax (516) 794–5531. Before using any
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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. The AMOC approval letter
must specifically reference this AD. AMOCs
approved previously in accordance with AD
2005–23–01, Amendment 39–14359 (70 FR
69073, November 14, 2005), are approved as
AMOCs with the corresponding requirements
of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD only.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(m) 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.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on January 16, 2013.
(i) Bombardier TR 2B–2187, dated June 22,
2011, to Appendix B—Airworthiness
Limitations, of Part 2 of the Bombardier CL–
600–2B19 MRM.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on November 29, 2005 (70
FR 69073, November 14, 2005).
(i) Canadair Regional Jet Temporary
Revision 2B–2109, dated October 13, 2005, to
the Canadair Regional Jet Maintenance
Requirements Manual, Part 2, Appendix B,
‘‘Airworthiness Limitations.’’
(ii) Reserved.
(5) For service information identified in
ˆ
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´
Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514–
855–7401; email
thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://
www.bombardier.com.
(6) You may review copies of the service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(7) 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 30, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–29708 Filed 12–11–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0501; Directorate
Identifier 2009–SW–083–AD; Amendment
39–17258; AD 2012–23–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta
S.p.A. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E and
Model A109S helicopters with certain
lower semichannel assemblies installed.
This AD requires a one-time inspection
of the lower semichannel assemblies to
determine if metallic spacers are
installed. If the metallic spacers are
installed, this AD requires an inspection
for the correct installation of the
metallic spacers on the semichannels
and for the correct seating of the gaskets.
If the metallic spacers are not installed
with rivets, the lower semichannel
assemblies must be modified, and the
main drive shaft must be inspected for
damage. This AD was prompted by
reports of damage to the main drive
shaft caused by improperly secured
metallic spacers on some A109 model
helicopters. The actions of this AD are
intended to detect missing spacer rivets,
which could allow the metallic spacers
to rotate and lead to damage and failure
of the main drive shaft, and subsequent
loss of helicopter control.
DATES: This AD is effective January 16,
2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of January 16, 2013.
ADDRESSES: 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 the
referenced service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas
76137.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 239 / Wednesday, December 12, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
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: Jim
Grigg, Manager, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
jim.grigg@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with
Discussion
On May 22, 2012, at 77 FR 30234, 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
Model A109E helicopters, up to and
including serial number (S/N) 11694,
except 11633 and 11634; and Model
A109S helicopters, up to and including
S/N 22034, except 22026 and 22033;
with lower semichannel assemblies,
part number (P/N)109–0641–10–213 or
109–0642–01–171, installed. That
NPRM proposed to require a one-time
inspection of the lower semichannel
assemblies to determine if metallic
spacers are installed. If the metallic
spacers are installed, the AD proposed
to require an inspection for the correct
installation of the metallic spacers and
correct seating of the gaskets. If the
metallic spacers are installed without
rivets, the AD proposed to require
modification of the lower semichannel
assemblies and inspection of the main
drive shaft for damage. The proposed
requirements were intended to detect
missing spacer rivets, which could
allow the metallic spacers to rotate and
lead to damage and failure of the main
drive shaft, and subsequent loss of
helicopter control.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD
No. 2007–0192–E, dated July 13, 2007
(EAD 2007–0192–E), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain serialnumbered Agusta Model A109E, A109S,
and A109LUH helicopters with lower
semichannel assemblies, P/N 109–0641–
10–213 or 109–0642–01–171, installed.
EASA advises that some cases of
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interference between the metallic
spacer, P/N 109–0642–01–195, and the
main drive shaft, P/N 109–0415–06–
103, have been detected on the Model
A109LUH helicopter, a military version
of the Model A109 helicopter that is not
type certificated in the U.S., and that
this interference has damaged the main
drive shaft. EASA advises that this
condition, if not corrected, could lead to
failure of the main drive shaft ‘‘with
significant effects on the safety of the
helicopter.’’
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we received no comments on the NPRM
(77 FR 30234, May 22, 2012).
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of Italy and are
approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with Italy, EASA, its
technical representative, has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
because we evaluated all information
provided by EASA and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
This AD differs from the EASA AD as
follows:
• This AD is not applicable to
A109LUH model helicopters because
they are not type certificated for use in
the United States;
• This AD does not require
compliance ‘‘not later than September
30, 2007’’ because that date has passed;
• This AD uses the term ‘‘hours timein-service’’ rather than ‘‘flight hours’’
when referring to compliance times; and
• This AD does not contain the steps
necessary to install the main drive shaft.
Related Service Information
Agusta has issued Mandatory Alert
Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP–79, dated
July 12, 2007 (BT 109EP–79), which
applies to certain S/Ns of the model
A109E helicopter, and Mandatory Alert
Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S–15, dated
July 12, 2007 (BT 109S–15), which
applies to certain S/Ns of the model
A109S helicopter. Both BT 109EP–79
and BT 109S–15 specify performing an
inspection on the left side and right side
lower semichannel assemblies to
determine if metallic spacers are
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73907
installed. If the metallic spacers are
installed, BT 109EP–79 and BT 109S–15
specify inspecting the metallic spacers
for correct installation, inspecting the
gaskets for correct seating, modifying
the semichannel assemblies by
installing missing rivets, and inspecting
the main drive shaft for damage if the
metallic spacers are installed without
rivets.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
about 90 helicopters of U.S. registry. We
also estimate an average labor rate of
$85 per work hour. Based on these
assessments, we calculate the following
costs:
• Inspecting the lower semichannel
assembly for metallic spacers will take
about 15 minutes for a labor cost of $21
per helicopter. No parts will be needed,
so the total cost for the 90-helicopter
fleet will be $1,890.
• Inspecting for missing rivets will
take about three work-hours for a total
labor cost of $255 per helicopter. Parts
will cost $10, increasing the perhelicopter cost to $265.
• Removing, inspecting for damage,
and reinstalling the main drive shaft
will take four work-hours for a labor
cost of $340. No parts will be required.
• Replacing the main drive shaft. This
task also will take four work-hours, so
that labor costs will again total $340.
Parts will cost $20,824 for a total perhelicopter cost of $21,164.
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
helicopters 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 239 / Wednesday, December 12, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
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):
■
2012–23–02 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
17258; Docket No. FAA–2012–0501;
Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–083–AD.
emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model A109E
helicopters, up to and including serial
number (S/N) 11694, except 11633 and
11634; and Model A109S helicopters, up to
and including S/N 22034, except S/N 22026
and 22033; with lower semichannel
assemblies, part number (P/N) 109–0641–10–
213 or 109–0642–01–171, installed;
certificated in any category.
Note to paragraph (a) of this AD: The
lower semichannel assemblies are subcomponents of the forward firewall assembly.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
missing spacer rivets, which could allow the
metallic spacers to rotate and lead to damage
and failure of the main drive shaft, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
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(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective January 16,
2013.
(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
Within 50 hours time-in-service:
(1) Inspect the left-side and right-side
lower semichannel assemblies by referring to
Figures 1 and 2, and in accordance with
Paragraph 3. of the Compliance Instructions
in the Agusta Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No.
109EP–79 for the Model A109E helicopter, or
BT No. 109S–15 for the Model A109S
helicopter, both dated July 12, 2007, to
determine if metallic spacers, P/N 109–0642–
01–195, are installed. If metallic spacers are
not installed, no further actions are required.
(2) For each semichannel assembly with a
metallic spacer, remove the semichannel
assembly from the helicopter firewall and
note whether it is the left-side or right-side
semichannel assembly.
(3) Inspect each removed semichannel
assembly and determine whether there is a
fixing rivet, P/N MS20427M3–5,
MS20426T3–5, or A298A04TW02, installed
that holds the spacer to the lower
semichannel assembly and whether the
gasket is properly seated.
(4) For each semichannel assembly without
a fixing rivet on each side of the lower
semichannel assembly or those where the
gasket is improperly seated, separate the
lower semichannel from the upper
semichannel, noting the orientation of each
spacer and gasket. Modify the lower
semichannel assembly by installing a fixing
rivet on each side of the lower semichannel
assembly, and reattaching the lower and
upper semichannel assemblies in accordance
with paragraphs 4.2 through 4.7 of the
appropriate BT for your model helicopter.
Paragraph 4.2 of the BT states ‘‘remove the
fixing rivets’’; this AD changes that provision
to ‘‘remove the screws, P/N MS27039–08–
05.’’
(5) Inspect each main drive shaft for a nick,
a scratch, or other damage in the
semichannel area. If a nick, a scratch, or
other damage is found that exceeds those
allowable damage tolerances in the
maintenance manual, replace the main drive
shaft with an airworthy main drive shaft.
(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, Safety Management Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone
(817) 222–5110; 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
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operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in the
European Aviation Safety Agency Emergency
AD No. 2007–0192–E, dated July 13, 2007
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 7100, powerplant system.
(i) 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) Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP–
79, dated July 12, 2007.
(ii) Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S–15,
dated July 12, 2007.
(3) For Agusta S.p.A. 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.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(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.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November
6, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–28432 Filed 12–11–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0678; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–285–AD; Amendment
39–17280; AD 2012–24–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 239 (Wednesday, December 12, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73906-73908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-28432]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0501; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-083-AD;
Amendment 39-17258; AD 2012-23-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E and Model A109S helicopters with certain
lower semichannel assemblies installed. This AD requires a one-time
inspection of the lower semichannel assemblies to determine if metallic
spacers are installed. If the metallic spacers are installed, this AD
requires an inspection for the correct installation of the metallic
spacers on the semichannels and for the correct seating of the gaskets.
If the metallic spacers are not installed with rivets, the lower
semichannel assemblies must be modified, and the main drive shaft must
be inspected for damage. This AD was prompted by reports of damage to
the main drive shaft caused by improperly secured metallic spacers on
some A109 model helicopters. The actions of this AD are intended to
detect missing spacer rivets, which could allow the metallic spacers to
rotate and lead to damage and failure of the main drive shaft, and
subsequent loss of helicopter control.
DATES: This AD is effective January 16, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of January 16,
2013.
ADDRESSES: 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 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 at https://
[[Page 73907]]
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: Jim Grigg, Manager, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email jim.grigg@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On May 22, 2012, at 77 FR 30234, 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 Model A109E helicopters,
up to and including serial number (S/N) 11694, except 11633 and 11634;
and Model A109S helicopters, up to and including S/N 22034, except
22026 and 22033; with lower semichannel assemblies, part number (P/
N)109-0641-10-213 or 109-0642-01-171, installed. That NPRM proposed to
require a one-time inspection of the lower semichannel assemblies to
determine if metallic spacers are installed. If the metallic spacers
are installed, the AD proposed to require an inspection for the correct
installation of the metallic spacers and correct seating of the
gaskets. If the metallic spacers are installed without rivets, the AD
proposed to require modification of the lower semichannel assemblies
and inspection of the main drive shaft for damage. The proposed
requirements were intended to detect missing spacer rivets, which could
allow the metallic spacers to rotate and lead to damage and failure of
the main drive shaft, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Emergency AD No. 2007-0192-E, dated July 13, 2007 (EAD 2007-0192-E), to
correct an unsafe condition for certain serial-numbered Agusta Model
A109E, A109S, and A109LUH helicopters with lower semichannel
assemblies, P/N 109-0641-10-213 or 109-0642-01-171, installed. EASA
advises that some cases of interference between the metallic spacer, P/
N 109-0642-01-195, and the main drive shaft, P/N 109-0415-06-103, have
been detected on the Model A109LUH helicopter, a military version of
the Model A109 helicopter that is not type certificated in the U.S.,
and that this interference has damaged the main drive shaft. EASA
advises that this condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of
the main drive shaft ``with significant effects on the safety of the
helicopter.''
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 30234, May 22,
2012).
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative,
has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We
are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by
EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist
or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
This AD differs from the EASA AD as follows:
This AD is not applicable to A109LUH model helicopters
because they are not type certificated for use in the United States;
This AD does not require compliance ``not later than
September 30, 2007'' because that date has passed;
This AD uses the term ``hours time-in-service'' rather
than ``flight hours'' when referring to compliance times; and
This AD does not contain the steps necessary to install
the main drive shaft.
Related Service Information
Agusta has issued Mandatory Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-79,
dated July 12, 2007 (BT 109EP-79), which applies to certain S/Ns of the
model A109E helicopter, and Mandatory Alert Bollettino Tecnico No.
109S-15, dated July 12, 2007 (BT 109S-15), which applies to certain S/
Ns of the model A109S helicopter. Both BT 109EP-79 and BT 109S-15
specify performing an inspection on the left side and right side lower
semichannel assemblies to determine if metallic spacers are installed.
If the metallic spacers are installed, BT 109EP-79 and BT 109S-15
specify inspecting the metallic spacers for correct installation,
inspecting the gaskets for correct seating, modifying the semichannel
assemblies by installing missing rivets, and inspecting the main drive
shaft for damage if the metallic spacers are installed without rivets.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 90 helicopters of U.S.
registry. We also estimate an average labor rate of $85 per work hour.
Based on these assessments, we calculate the following costs:
Inspecting the lower semichannel assembly for metallic
spacers will take about 15 minutes for a labor cost of $21 per
helicopter. No parts will be needed, so the total cost for the 90-
helicopter fleet will be $1,890.
Inspecting for missing rivets will take about three work-
hours for a total labor cost of $255 per helicopter. Parts will cost
$10, increasing the per-helicopter cost to $265.
Removing, inspecting for damage, and reinstalling the main
drive shaft will take four work-hours for a labor cost of $340. No
parts will be required.
Replacing the main drive shaft. This task also will take
four work-hours, so that labor costs will again total $340. Parts will
cost $20,824 for a total per-helicopter cost of $21,164.
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 helicopters 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
[[Page 73908]]
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):
2012-23-02 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-17258; Docket No. FAA-2012-
0501; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-083-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model A109E helicopters, up to and including
serial number (S/N) 11694, except 11633 and 11634; and Model A109S
helicopters, up to and including S/N 22034, except S/N 22026 and
22033; with lower semichannel assemblies, part number (P/N) 109-
0641-10-213 or 109-0642-01-171, installed; certificated in any
category.
Note to paragraph (a) of this AD: The lower semichannel
assemblies are sub-components of the forward firewall assembly.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as missing spacer rivets,
which could allow the metallic spacers to rotate and lead to damage
and failure of the main drive shaft, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective January 16, 2013.
(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
Within 50 hours time-in-service:
(1) Inspect the left-side and right-side lower semichannel
assemblies by referring to Figures 1 and 2, and in accordance with
Paragraph 3. of the Compliance Instructions in the Agusta Bollettino
Tecnico (BT) No. 109EP-79 for the Model A109E helicopter, or BT No.
109S-15 for the Model A109S helicopter, both dated July 12, 2007, to
determine if metallic spacers, P/N 109-0642-01-195, are installed.
If metallic spacers are not installed, no further actions are
required.
(2) For each semichannel assembly with a metallic spacer, remove
the semichannel assembly from the helicopter firewall and note
whether it is the left-side or right-side semichannel assembly.
(3) Inspect each removed semichannel assembly and determine
whether there is a fixing rivet, P/N MS20427M3-5, MS20426T3-5, or
A298A04TW02, installed that holds the spacer to the lower
semichannel assembly and whether the gasket is properly seated.
(4) For each semichannel assembly without a fixing rivet on each
side of the lower semichannel assembly or those where the gasket is
improperly seated, separate the lower semichannel from the upper
semichannel, noting the orientation of each spacer and gasket.
Modify the lower semichannel assembly by installing a fixing rivet
on each side of the lower semichannel assembly, and reattaching the
lower and upper semichannel assemblies in accordance with paragraphs
4.2 through 4.7 of the appropriate BT for your model helicopter.
Paragraph 4.2 of the BT states ``remove the fixing rivets''; this AD
changes that provision to ``remove the screws, P/N MS27039-08-05.''
(5) Inspect each main drive shaft for a nick, a scratch, or
other damage in the semichannel area. If a nick, a scratch, or other
damage is found that exceeds those allowable damage tolerances in
the maintenance manual, replace the main drive shaft with an
airworthy main drive shaft.
(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, Safety
Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 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
The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation
Safety Agency Emergency AD No. 2007-0192-E, dated July 13, 2007
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7100, powerplant
system.
(i) 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) Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-79, dated July 12, 2007.
(ii) Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S-15, dated July 12, 2007.
(3) For Agusta S.p.A. 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.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(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/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 6, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-28432 Filed 12-11-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P