Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Helicopters, 35033-35035 [2014-13836]
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35033
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 79, No. 118
Thursday, June 19, 2014
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0379; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–067–AD; Amendment
39–17870; AD 2014–12–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta
S.p.A. (Agusta) Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
Model AB412 helicopters. This AD
requires inspecting the main
transmission lubricating system oil
outlet hose (hose) for damage, and, if
required, replacing the hose. This AD is
prompted by reports of damage found
on the hose. These actions are intended
to prevent loss of main gear box (MGB)
lubrication, which could lead to failure
of the MGB and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July
7, 2014.
We must receive comments on this
AD by August 18, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:39 Jun 18, 2014
Jkt 232001
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the
Docket Operations Office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the foreign
authority’s AD, any comments received,
and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office
(telephone 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact AgustaWestland,
Product Support Engineering, Via del
Gregge, 100, 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA)
Italy, ATTN: Maurizio D’Angelo;
telephone 39–0331–664757; fax 39–
0331–664680; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tyrone Millard, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Staff,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
tyrone.d.millard@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not provide you with notice and
an opportunity to provide your
comments prior to it becoming effective.
However, we invite you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that resulted from
adopting this AD. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the AD, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
submit them only one time. We will file
in the docket all comments that we
receive, as well as a report summarizing
each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerning this
rulemaking during the comment period.
We will consider all the comments we
receive and may conduct additional
rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
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. 2013–0282–E, dated November 27,
2013, to correct an unsafe condition for
Agusta Model AB 212, AB 412, and AB
412EP helicopters. EASA advises of two
reports of oil leakage from the main
transmission lubricating system oil
outlet hose, part number 70–
061L275W210A, caused by damage on
the hose. EASA further states an
investigation has not determined the
root cause, but that relative movement
between the data plate and the hose
assembly may have been a contributing
factor. EASA advises that if not
corrected, this condition could lead to
transmission lubricating system failure
and reduced control of the helicopter.
As a result, EASA Emergency AD No.
2013–0282–E requires inspecting the
portion of the hose accessible through
the cargo hook opening for damage
within 10 flight hours, and every 100
flight hours thereafter, and inspecting
the portion of the hose accessible
through the left side of the pylon for
damage within 35 flight hours, and
every 25 flight hours thereafter. If there
is damage to the hose, EASA Emergency
AD No. 2013–0282–E requires replacing
the hose with a serviceable hose.
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
the same type design.
E:\FR\FM\19JNR1.SGM
19JNR1
35034
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 118 / Thursday, June 19, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
Related Service Information
We reviewed Agusta Bollettino
Tecnico (BT) No. 412–137, dated
November 26, 2013. BT No. 412–137
describes procedures for repetitively
inspecting the stainless steel hose
braiding beneath the hose data plates for
damage, fretting, or broken wires.
AD Requirements
This AD requires:
• Within 10 hours time-in-service
(TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 100 hours TIS, inspecting the
stainless steel hose braiding for damage,
fretting, and broken wires in the area
below the transmission oil sump, in the
external cargo hook opening.
• Within 35 hours TIS, and thereafter
at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS,
inspecting the stainless steel hose
braiding for damage, fretting, and
broken wires in the area of the
transmission oil sump behind the left
side pylon access door.
• If there is any damage, fretting, or
any broken wires, replacing the hose
before further flight.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
This AD does not apply to Model AB
212 or AB 412EP helicopters, as these
models are not type-certificated in the
U.S.
Interim Action
We consider this AD to be an interim
action. If final action is later identified,
we might consider further rulemaking
then.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with
this AD because there are no helicopters
with this type certificate on the U.S.
Registry.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
There are no helicopters with this
type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
Therefore, we believe it is unlikely that
we will receive any adverse comments
or useful information about this AD
from U.S. Operators.
Since an unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD, we determined that notice and
opportunity for public comment before
issuing this AD are unnecessary because
there are none of these products on the
U.S. Registry and that good cause exists
for making this amendment effective in
less than 30 days.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:39 Jun 18, 2014
Jkt 232001
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this 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, 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.
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):
■
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
2014–12–09 Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta):
Amendment 39–17870; Docket No.
FAA–2014–0379; Directorate Identifier
2013–SW–067–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta Model AB412
helicopters with a transmission oil outlet
hose (hose) part number 70–061L275W210A
installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
hose failure, which could result in loss of
main gear box (MGB) lubrication, failure of
the MGB, and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective July 7, 2014.
(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 10 hours time-in-service (TIS),
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100
hours TIS:
(i) If installed, remove the external cargo
suspension hook. In the cargo hook opening,
underneath the transmission oil sump, slide
the data plate and clear sleeve, if installed,
aside and, using a light, inspect the stainless
steel hose braiding for damage, fretting, or a
broken wire.
(ii) If the stainless steel hose braiding has
any damage, fretting, or a broken wire, before
further flight, replace the hose.
(2) Within 35 hours TIS, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS:
(i) Through the left side pylon door, using
a light and a mirror, inspect the stainless
steel hose braiding for damage, fretting, or a
broken wire.
(ii) If the stainless steel hose braiding has
any damage, fretting, or a broken wire, before
further flight, replace the hose.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Staff, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD.
Send your proposal to: Tyrone Millard,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
tyrone.d.millard@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
you notify your principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
(1) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No.
412–137, dated November 26, 2013, which is
not incorporated by reference, contains
additional information about the subject of
this AD. For service information identified in
E:\FR\FM\19JNR1.SGM
19JNR1
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 118 / Thursday, June 19, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
this AD, contact AgustaWestland, Product
Support Engineering, Via del Gregge, 100,
21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Italy, ATTN:
Maurizio D’Angelo; telephone 39–0331–
664757; fax 39–0331–664680; or at https://
www.agustawestland.com/technicalbullettins. You may review a copy of the
service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth Texas
76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Emergency AD No. 2013–0282–E, dated
November 27, 2013. You may view the EASA
AD on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2014–0379.
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6320: Main Rotor Gearbox.
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, the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations Office (telephone
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact AgustaWestland,
Product Support Engineering, Via del
Gregge, 100, 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA)
Italy, ATTN: Maurizio D’Angelo;
telephone 39–0331–664757; fax 39–
0331–664680; or at https://
www.agustawestland.com/technicalbulletins. 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.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 6,
2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–13836 Filed 6–18–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0378; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–050–AD; Amendment
39–17868; AD 2014–12–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta
S.p.A. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:39 Jun 18, 2014
Jkt 232001
Matt
Wilbanks, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Regulations and Policy Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB412 and
AB412EP helicopters with a certain
rotor brake pinion installed. This AD
requires inspecting the rotor brake
pinion for a crack, and replacing it if
there is a crack. This AD is prompted by
a report of a rotor brake pinion failure.
These actions are intended to detect a
crack on the rotor brake pinion and
prevent failure of the rotor brake pinion,
which could lead to detachment of parts
inside the transmission and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July
7, 2014.
We must receive comments on this
AD by August 18, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not provide you with notice and
an opportunity to provide your
comments prior to it becoming effective.
However, we invite you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that resulted from
adopting this AD. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
35035
the AD, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. We will file
in the docket all comments that we
receive, as well as a report summarizing
each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerning this
rulemaking during the comment period.
We will consider all the comments we
receive and may conduct additional
rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
This AD is prompted by AD No.
2013–0187, dated August 16, 2013 (AD
2013–0187), issued by EASA, which is
the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union, to correct
an unsafe condition for Agusta Model
AB412 and AB412EP helicopters. EASA
advises of a report of a cracked pinion,
part number (P/N) 412–040–301–101,
installed in the rotor brake quill, P/N
412–040–123–103, on an AB412
helicopter. EASA states that the crack
was discovered by a magnetic particle
inspection during a scheduled overhaul
of the rotor brake quill. EASA further
states that an investigation revealed the
crack was due to residual stress
generated during the manufacturing
process, and that this condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to
failure of the pinion with detachment of
parts inside the transmission that could
cause its malfunction or jamming,
finally resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter. To address this unsafe
condition, EASA AD 2013–0187
requires magnetic particle inspecting
the rotor brake pinion, and if there is a
crack, replacing the rotor brake pinion.
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.
Related Service Information
Agusta has issued Bollettino Tecnico
No. 412–135, Revision A, dated July 29,
2013, which describes procedures for a
one-time magnetic particle inspection of
the rotor brake pinion, P/N 412–040–
E:\FR\FM\19JNR1.SGM
19JNR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 118 (Thursday, June 19, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35033-35035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-13836]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 118 / Thursday, June 19, 2014 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 35033]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0379; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-067-AD;
Amendment 39-17870; AD 2014-12-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
Model AB412 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main
transmission lubricating system oil outlet hose (hose) for damage, and,
if required, replacing the hose. This AD is prompted by reports of
damage found on the hose. These actions are intended to prevent loss of
main gear box (MGB) lubrication, which could lead to failure of the MGB
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 7, 2014.
We must receive comments on this AD by August 18, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the foreign authority's AD,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
For service information identified in this AD, contact
AgustaWestland, Product Support Engineering, Via del Gregge, 100, 21015
Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Maurizio D'Angelo; telephone 39-0331-
664757; fax 39-0331-664680; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tyrone Millard, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
tyrone.d.millard@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
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. 2013-0282-E, dated November 27, 2013, to correct an
unsafe condition for Agusta Model AB 212, AB 412, and AB 412EP
helicopters. EASA advises of two reports of oil leakage from the main
transmission lubricating system oil outlet hose, part number 70-
061L275W210A, caused by damage on the hose. EASA further states an
investigation has not determined the root cause, but that relative
movement between the data plate and the hose assembly may have been a
contributing factor. EASA advises that if not corrected, this condition
could lead to transmission lubricating system failure and reduced
control of the helicopter.
As a result, EASA Emergency AD No. 2013-0282-E requires inspecting
the portion of the hose accessible through the cargo hook opening for
damage within 10 flight hours, and every 100 flight hours thereafter,
and inspecting the portion of the hose accessible through the left side
of the pylon for damage within 35 flight hours, and every 25 flight
hours thereafter. If there is damage to the hose, EASA Emergency AD No.
2013-0282-E requires replacing the hose with a serviceable hose.
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 the same type design.
[[Page 35034]]
Related Service Information
We reviewed Agusta Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 412-137, dated
November 26, 2013. BT No. 412-137 describes procedures for repetitively
inspecting the stainless steel hose braiding beneath the hose data
plates for damage, fretting, or broken wires.
AD Requirements
This AD requires:
Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspecting the stainless steel
hose braiding for damage, fretting, and broken wires in the area below
the transmission oil sump, in the external cargo hook opening.
Within 35 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 25 hours TIS, inspecting the stainless steel hose braiding for
damage, fretting, and broken wires in the area of the transmission oil
sump behind the left side pylon access door.
If there is any damage, fretting, or any broken wires,
replacing the hose before further flight.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
This AD does not apply to Model AB 212 or AB 412EP helicopters, as
these models are not type-certificated in the U.S.
Interim Action
We consider this AD to be an interim action. If final action is
later identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no
helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
There are no helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S.
Registry. Therefore, we believe it is unlikely that we will receive any
adverse comments or useful information about this AD from U.S.
Operators.
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary because there are
none of these products on the U.S. Registry and that good cause exists
for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this 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, 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.
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):
2014-12-09 Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta): Amendment 39-17870; Docket No.
FAA-2014-0379; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-067-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta Model AB412 helicopters with a
transmission oil outlet hose (hose) part number 70-061L275W210A
installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as hose failure, which
could result in loss of main gear box (MGB) lubrication, failure of
the MGB, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective July 7, 2014.
(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 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS:
(i) If installed, remove the external cargo suspension hook. In
the cargo hook opening, underneath the transmission oil sump, slide
the data plate and clear sleeve, if installed, aside and, using a
light, inspect the stainless steel hose braiding for damage,
fretting, or a broken wire.
(ii) If the stainless steel hose braiding has any damage,
fretting, or a broken wire, before further flight, replace the hose.
(2) Within 35 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 25 hours TIS:
(i) Through the left side pylon door, using a light and a
mirror, inspect the stainless steel hose braiding for damage,
fretting, or a broken wire.
(ii) If the stainless steel hose braiding has any damage,
fretting, or a broken wire, before further flight, replace the hose.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Tyrone Millard, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817)
222-5110; email tyrone.d.millard@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
(1) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 412-137, dated
November 26, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference, contains
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service
information identified in
[[Page 35035]]
this AD, contact AgustaWestland, Product Support Engineering, Via
del Gregge, 100, 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Maurizio
D'Angelo; telephone 39-0331-664757; fax 39-0331-664680; or at https://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bullettins. You may review a copy
of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth
Texas 76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2013-0282-E, dated November
27, 2013. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2014-0379.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320: Main Rotor
Gearbox.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 6, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-13836 Filed 6-18-14; 8:45 am]
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