Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters, 18224-18226 [2013-06297]

Download as PDF 18224 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 58 / Tuesday, March 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations date except for certain instances, including when a substantive rule grants or recognizes an exemption or relieves a restriction. 5 U.S.C. 553(d). As this rule relieves a disclosure requirement and restriction on charging ATM fees, and is therefore a substantive rule that relieves requirements and restrictions, the Bureau is publishing this final rule less than 30 days before its effective date. As it is in the public interest to make the regulation conform to the statute as soon as possible, the Bureau is making the final rule effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register. VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) does not apply to a rulemaking where general notice of proposed rulemaking is not required. 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. As noted previously, the Bureau has determined that it is unnecessary to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking for this final rule. Accordingly the RFA’s requirements relating to an initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis do not apply. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES VII. Paperwork Reduction Act According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., and notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Bureau may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The collection of information related to this final rule has been previously reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in accordance with the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3507(d), and assigned OMB Control Number 3170–0014 (Expiration Date 03/ 31/15). The Bureau determined that this final rule would not impose any new recordkeeping, reporting, or disclosure requirements on covered entities or members of the public that would constitute collections of information requiring approval under the PRA. This final rule revises a third-party disclosure requirement currently approved under the aforementioned OMB control number by eliminating the requirement that ATMs have an ‘‘on or at’’ notice posted disclosing that a consumer will or may be charged a fee. The Bureau has filed a no material nonsubstantive change request with OMB requesting that this third-party disclosure requirement be moved from OMB control number 3170–0014. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Mar 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 1005 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Consumer protection, Electronic funds transfers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Automated teller machines. Federal Aviation Administration Authority and Issuance For the reasons set forth above, the Bureau is amending Regulation E, 12 CFR part 1005, as set forth below: PART 1005—ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS (REGULATION E) 1. The authority citation for Part 1005 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 12 U.S.C. 5512, 5581; 15 U.S.C. 1693b. 2. Amend § 1005.16 by revising paragraphs (b) through (d) to read as follows: ■ § 1005.16 Disclosures at automated teller machines. * * * * * (b) General. An automated teller machine operator that imposes a fee on a consumer for initiating an electronic fund transfer or a balance inquiry must provide a notice that a fee will be imposed for providing electronic fund transfer services or a balance inquiry that discloses the amount of the fee. (c) Notice requirement. An automated teller machine operator must provide the notice required by paragraph (b) of this section either by showing it on the screen of the automated teller machine or by providing it on paper, before the consumer is committed to paying a fee. (d) Imposition of fee. An automated teller machine operator may impose a fee on a consumer for initiating an electronic fund transfer or a balance inquiry only if: (1) The consumer is provided the notice required under paragraph (c) of this section, and (2) The consumer elects to continue the transaction or inquiry after receiving such notice. Supplement I to Part 1005 [Amended] 3. In Supplement I to Part 1005, remove Section 1005.16. ■ Dated: March 20, 2013. Richard Cordray, Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. [FR Doc. 2013–06861 Filed 3–25–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–AM–P PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–1088; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–005–AD; Amendment 39–17387; AD 2013–05–15] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters equipped with emergency floats. This AD requires replacing the inflation valve assembly. This AD was prompted by the failure of the emergency floats to deploy during a factory test because a needle was binding within the inflation valve assembly. The actions are intended to prevent the failure of the floats to inflate during an emergency landing. DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2013. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone (310) 539–0508; fax (310) 539–5198; or at https://www.robinsonheli.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 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: Venessa Stiger, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety/Mechanical & Environmental Systems, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport E:\FR\FM\26MRR1.SGM 26MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 58 / Tuesday, March 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712– 4137; telephone (562) 627–5337; email venessa.stiger@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On October 16, 2012, at 77 FR 63260, 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 Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with emergency floats equipped with an inflation valve assembly, part number (P/N) D757–1, not engraved with ‘‘D758–4’’ or modified with modification B900–8, and containing a housing assembly, P/ N D758–1, Revision C or prior. That NPRM proposed to require replacing the inflation valve assembly because the emergency floats failed to deploy during a factory test. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent the failure of the floats to inflate during an emergency landing. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 63260, October 16, 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 have reviewed Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB–80, dated September 7, 2011 (SB), which describes procedures for upgrading certain valve assemblies within the next 250 flight hours or by June 30, 2012, whichever occurs first. The SB reports that during a factory test of pop-out emergency floats the floats failed to inflate because of a stuck cylinder valve. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Differences Between This AD and the Service Information This AD requires replacing the inflation valve assembly within 1 year or 500 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. The SB specifies replacing the assembly within 250 flight hours or by June 30, 2012, whichever occurs first. We used the Monitor Safety/Analyze Data (MSAD) process and were able to predict when the next occurrence would VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Mar 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 likely occur if no repairs were completed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 165 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that the labor cost averages $85 per work-hour. Based on these assumptions, we estimate that replacing the inflation valve assembly takes 2.5 work-hours for a labor cost of about $213. Parts cost $850 to $955 for a total cost per helicopter of $1,063 to $1,168. According to Robinson’s service information, some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. 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, PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 18225 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): ■ 2013–05–15 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39–17387; Docket No. FAA–2012–1088; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–005–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with emergency floats equipped with an inflation valve assembly, part number (P/N) D757–1, not engraved with ‘‘D758–4’’ or modified with modification B900–8, and containing a housing assembly, P/N D758–1, Revision C or prior, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as binding of the needle within the float inflation valve assembly, which has resulted in the emergency floats failing to inflate. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 30, 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 1 year or 500 hours time-in-service (TIS), whichever occurs first, replace the inflation valve assembly with an airworthy inflation valve assembly, P/N D757–1R. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Venessa Stiger, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety/Mechanical & Environmental Systems, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, E:\FR\FM\26MRR1.SGM 26MRR1 18226 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 58 / Tuesday, March 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712– 4137; telephone (562) 627–5337; email venessa.stiger@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 Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB–80, dated September 7, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone (310) 539–0508; fax (310) 539–5198; or at https://www.robinsonheli. com/servelib.htm. You may review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency Flotation Section. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 6, 2013. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–06297 Filed 3–25–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0890; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–019–AD; Amendment 39–17388; AD 2013–05–16] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Hughes Helicopters, Inc., and McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems (Type Certificate Is Currently Held by MD Helicopters, Inc.) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) Model 369D, 369E, 369F, and 369FF helicopters with certain serial-numbered tailboom assemblies. This AD requires measuring the distance between aft longeron rivets and the outboard edge of frame rings. If the distance is too short to ensure a safe flight, the AD requires installing a VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Mar 25, 2013 Jkt 229001 doubler. This AD was prompted by the discovery of short-edge margin conditions on two tailboom assemblies. The actions are intended to detect a short-edge margin condition, prevent failure of the tailboom and loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 30, 2013. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact MD Helicopters Inc., Attn: Customer Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell Road, Mail Stop M615, Mesa, AZ 85215–9734, telephone 1–800–388– 3378, fax 480–346–6813, or at https:// www.mdhelicopters.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 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: John Cecil, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712–4137, telephone (562) 627–5228, fax (562) 627–5210, email john.cecil@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On August 29, 2012, at 77 FR 52264, 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 the specified MDHI helicopters with certain serial-numbered tailboom assemblies installed. Customers returned two tailboom assemblies to the manufacturer that contained an improperly installed frame ring at station 209.78. The frame rings were installed with too short a distance PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 between an aft longeron rivet and the outboard edge of the frame ring. This is known as a short-edge margin condition. That NPRM proposed to require that within 6 months or 100 hours time-in-service, whichever occurs first, measuring the distance from the aft face of the station 209.78 frame ring to the center of the rivet No. 1 and rivet No. 2 at the four locations where the frame ring attaches to the tailboom longeron. If either the No. 1 or No. 2 aft rivet at a frame-ring-to-tailboomlongeron location is more than 0.50 inches (12.7 millimeters) from the aft face of the station 209.78 frame ring, before further flight, the AD proposed to modify that location by fabricating and installing a doubler over the location. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of the tailboom and loss of control 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 52264, August 29, 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 MDHI has issued one Service Bulletin (SB), dated July 20, 2010, with three numbers: SB No. SB369D–207 for the Model 369D helicopters, SB No. SB369E–102 for the Model 369E helicopters, and SB No. SB369F–087 for the Model 369F and 369FF helicopters. The MDHI SB describes procedures for measuring the distance from the aft face of the station 209.78 canted frame ring to the center of the No. 1 and No. 2 aft rivet locations on each of the four longerons spaced 90 degrees apart around the frame ring. If the short-edge margin condition exists, the SB specifies modifying the tailboom by installing a repair doubler at each affected location. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 109 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that operators will spend $340 for 4 workhours at an average labor cost of $85 per work hour to access and measure for a short-edge margin condition for a cost of $37,060 for the U.S. fleet. The on-condition costs for installing the doubler are not included in our cost E:\FR\FM\26MRR1.SGM 26MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 58 (Tuesday, March 26, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18224-18226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-06297]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1088; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-005-AD; 
Amendment 39-17387; AD 2013-05-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters 
equipped with emergency floats. This AD requires replacing the 
inflation valve assembly. This AD was prompted by the failure of the 
emergency floats to deploy during a factory test because a needle was 
binding within the inflation valve assembly. The actions are intended 
to prevent the failure of the floats to inflate during an emergency 
landing.

DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; 
telephone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198; or at https://www.robinsonheli.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 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: Venessa Stiger, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety/Mechanical & Environmental Systems, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, Transport

[[Page 18225]]

Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-
4137; telephone (562) 627-5337; email venessa.stiger@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On October 16, 2012, at 77 FR 63260, 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 Robinson Helicopter 
Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with emergency 
floats equipped with an inflation valve assembly, part number (P/N) 
D757-1, not engraved with ``D758-4'' or modified with modification 
B900-8, and containing a housing assembly, P/N D758-1, Revision C or 
prior. That NPRM proposed to require replacing the inflation valve 
assembly because the emergency floats failed to deploy during a factory 
test. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent the failure of 
the floats to inflate during an emergency landing.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 63260, October 
16, 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 have reviewed Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-80, dated 
September 7, 2011 (SB), which describes procedures for upgrading 
certain valve assemblies within the next 250 flight hours or by June 
30, 2012, whichever occurs first. The SB reports that during a factory 
test of pop-out emergency floats the floats failed to inflate because 
of a stuck cylinder valve.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    This AD requires replacing the inflation valve assembly within 1 
year or 500 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. The SB specifies 
replacing the assembly within 250 flight hours or by June 30, 2012, 
whichever occurs first. We used the Monitor Safety/Analyze Data (MSAD) 
process and were able to predict when the next occurrence would likely 
occur if no repairs were completed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 165 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that the labor cost averages $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
assumptions, we estimate that replacing the inflation valve assembly 
takes 2.5 work-hours for a labor cost of about $213. Parts cost $850 to 
$955 for a total cost per helicopter of $1,063 to $1,168.
    According to Robinson's service information, some or all of the 
costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty 
coverage. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    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):

2013-05-15 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-17387; Docket 
No. FAA-2012-1088; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-005-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model 
R44 and R44 II helicopters with emergency floats equipped with an 
inflation valve assembly, part number (P/N) D757-1, not engraved 
with ``D758-4'' or modified with modification B900-8, and containing 
a housing assembly, P/N D758-1, Revision C or prior, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as binding of the needle 
within the float inflation valve assembly, which has resulted in the 
emergency floats failing to inflate.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 30, 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 1 year or 500 hours time-in-service (TIS), whichever 
occurs first, replace the inflation valve assembly with an airworthy 
inflation valve assembly, P/N D757-1R.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Venessa 
Stiger, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety/Mechanical & Environmental 
Systems, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,

[[Page 18226]]

Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, 
CA 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5337; email 
venessa.stiger@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

    Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-80, dated September 7, 2011, 
which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional 
information about the subject of this AD. For service information 
identified in this AD, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 
Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone (310) 539-0508; fax 
(310) 539-5198; or at https://www.robinsonheli.com/servelib.htm. You 
may review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 
663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency 
Flotation Section.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 6, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-06297 Filed 3-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.