Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters (Type Certificate Currently Held by AgustaWestland S.p.A.) (Agusta), 41464-41466 [2014-16681]

Download as PDF 41464 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 136 / Wednesday, July 16, 2014 / Proposed Rules with P/N 109–0401–27–107 is terminating action for the inspection requirements of this AD. (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a Gleason crown, P/N 109–0403– 07–103, or a Gleason crown assembly, P/N 109–0401–27–101 or P/N 109–0401–27–109, on any helicopter. (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, 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 the attention of the person identified in paragraph (g) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (g) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email rao.edupuganti@ faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this proposed 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. (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013–0118, dated June 3, 2013. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2014–0472. (h) Subject tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Joint Aircraft System Component Code: 6320: Main Rotor Gearbox. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 9, 2014. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Jul 15, 2014 Jkt 232001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0465; Directorate Identifier 2013–SW–044–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) [FR Doc. 2014–16683 Filed 7–15–14; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters (Type Certificate Currently Held by AgustaWestland S.p.A.) (Agusta) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta AB139 and AW139 helicopters to require replacing certain single-braided flexible hydraulic hoses with doublebraided flexible hydraulic hoses. This proposed AD is prompted by occurrences of leaking flexible hydraulic hoses. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of hydraulic power and subsequent loss of helicopter control. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 15, 2014. SUMMARY: 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. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 service information identified in this proposed 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. 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: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013– 0177, dated August 8, 2013, to correct an unsafe condition for Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. EASA advises that leaking hydraulic system flexible hoses have been reported on inservice helicopters. An investigation indicated that single braided flexible hydraulic hoses, which are part of the E:\FR\FM\16JYP1.SGM 16JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 136 / Wednesday, July 16, 2014 / Proposed Rules original design for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, may not be strong enough to cope with the hydraulic system pressure over long periods. If not corrected, this condition could lead to other hydraulic system leaks, possibly resulting in loss of hydraulic power and reduced control of the helicopter, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires that the flexible single-braided hydraulic hoses be replaced with flexible double-braided hydraulic hoses. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information AgustaWestland Bolletino Tecnico No. 139–307, dated June 19, 2013 (BT), calls for replacing certain single braided flexible hydraulic hoses with double braided flexible hydraulic hoses for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The BT states that the replacement should be conducted within 300 flight hours or six months from receipt of the BT, whichever comes first, to prevent in-service leaks. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS), replacing the flexible single-braided hydraulic hose with a flexible doublebraided hydraulic hose. The AD would also prohibit installing the singlebraided flexible hydraulic hose on any helicopter. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires replacing the flexible single-braided hydraulic hoses within 300 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first. This proposed AD requires that the flexible singlebraided hydraulic hoses be replaced within 300 hours TIS. TIS and flight hours are synonymous. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 115 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect that replacing the flexible single-braided hydraulic hoses VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Jul 15, 2014 Jkt 232001 with flexible double-braided hydraulic flexible hoses would require 6 workhours for a labor cost of $510. Parts would cost $3,089 for a total cost of $3,599 per helicopter, and $413,885 for the U.S. fleet. The Proposed Amendment Authority for This Rulemaking 41465 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: 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. Amend § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Agusta S.p.A. (Type certificate currently held by AgustaWestland S.p.A.) (Agusta) Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2014– 0465; Directorate Identifier 2013–SW– 044–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a flexible hydraulic hose, part number (P/N) A494AE2E00E0670X, A494AE3E00E0424X, A494AE3E00E0530X, A494AE3E00E0570X, A494AE3E00E0580X, A494AE3E00E0620X, A494AE3E00E0930X, A494AE6E14E0348X, or A494AE6E21E0330X, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a leak in a hydraulic system flexible hose. This condition could result in loss of hydraulic power and subsequent loss of helicopter control. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by September 15, 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 300 hours time-in-service, replace each flexible hydraulic hose with a double braided flexible hydraulic hose in the accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 5 through 7; Part II, paragraphs 5 through 7; Part III, paragraphs 5 through 6; Part IV, paragraphs 5 through 6; and Part V, paragraphs 5 through 7; as applicable for your helicopter serial number and configuration, of AgustaWestland Bolletino Tecnico No. 139– 307, dated June 19, 2013. (2) Do not install a flexible hydraulic hose, P/N A494AE2E00E0670X, A494AE3E00E0424X, A494AE3E00E0530X, A494AE3E00E0570X, A494AE3E00E0580X, A494AE3E00E0620X, A494AE3E00E0930X, A494AE6E14E0348X, or A494AE6E21E0330X, on any helicopter. E:\FR\FM\16JYP1.SGM 16JYP1 41466 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 136 / Wednesday, July 16, 2014 / Proposed Rules (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 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. (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 (EASA) AD No. 2013–0177, dated August 8, 2013. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2014–0465. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2910, Hydraulic System, Main. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 8, 2014. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–16681 Filed 7–15–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0464; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–002–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2013–18– 01 for Eurocopter France Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, AS–365–N3, and SA–366G1 helicopters. AD 2013–18–01 currently requires inspecting the collective pitch lever for correct locking and unlocking conditions. As published, AD 2013–18– 01 contains certain errors. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2013–18–01, correct these errors, and update the type tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Jul 15, 2014 Jkt 232001 certificate holder’s name. The proposed actions are intended to detect an incorrectly adjusted collective pitch lever, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 15, 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 proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the 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: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion On August 21, 2013, we issued AD 2013–18–01, amendment 39–17574 (78 FR 56599, September 13, 2013) for Eurocopter France Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS– 365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA–366G1 helicopters, except helicopters with modification (MOD) 0767B5 installed. AD 2013–18–01 requires inspecting the collective pitch lever for correct unlocking with a spring scale, and if required, adjusting the collective pitch lever restraining tab and, for certain models, adjusting the collective link rods. AD 2013–18–01 also requires inspecting the collective pitch lever for the risk of inadvertent locking by measuring the clearance between the locking pin of the collective pitch lever and the L-section of the restraining tab, and if required, modifying the tab with a slight bend to the tab. AD 2013–18–01 was prompted by AD No. 2011–0154, dated August 22, 2011, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2011–0154 to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA–365N, SA–365N1, AS–365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA–366G1 helicopters. EASA advises that two occurrences have been reported of inadvertent locking and unlocking of the collective pitch lever. One inadvertent collective pitch lever locking occurred when moving the collective pitch lever to the low-pitch position, and one inadvertent collective pitch lever unlocking occurred during E:\FR\FM\16JYP1.SGM 16JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 136 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41464-41466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-16681]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0465; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-044-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters (Type 
Certificate Currently Held by AgustaWestland S.p.A.) (Agusta)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Agusta AB139 and AW139 helicopters to require replacing certain single-
braided flexible hydraulic hoses with double-braided flexible hydraulic 
hoses. This proposed AD is prompted by occurrences of leaking flexible 
hydraulic hoses. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of 
hydraulic power and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 15, 
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 proposed AD, the European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For 
service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Agusta 
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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2013-0177, dated August 8, 2013, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters. EASA advises that leaking hydraulic system flexible hoses 
have been reported on in-service helicopters. An investigation 
indicated that single braided flexible hydraulic hoses, which are part 
of the

[[Page 41465]]

original design for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, may not be 
strong enough to cope with the hydraulic system pressure over long 
periods. If not corrected, this condition could lead to other hydraulic 
system leaks, possibly resulting in loss of hydraulic power and reduced 
control of the helicopter, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires 
that the flexible single-braided hydraulic hoses be replaced with 
flexible double-braided hydraulic hoses.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, 
has notified us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are 
proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information 
and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    AgustaWestland Bolletino Tecnico No. 139-307, dated June 19, 2013 
(BT), calls for replacing certain single braided flexible hydraulic 
hoses with double braided flexible hydraulic hoses for Model AB139 and 
AW139 helicopters. The BT states that the replacement should be 
conducted within 300 flight hours or six months from receipt of the BT, 
whichever comes first, to prevent in-service leaks.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 300 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), replacing the flexible single-braided hydraulic hose with a 
flexible double-braided hydraulic hose. The AD would also prohibit 
installing the single-braided flexible hydraulic hose on any 
helicopter.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires replacing the flexible single-braided 
hydraulic hoses within 300 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs 
first. This proposed AD requires that the flexible single-braided 
hydraulic hoses be replaced within 300 hours TIS. TIS and flight hours 
are synonymous.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 115 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect that replacing the flexible single-braided 
hydraulic hoses with flexible double-braided hydraulic flexible hoses 
would require 6 work-hours for a labor cost of $510. Parts would cost 
$3,089 for a total cost of $3,599 per helicopter, and $413,885 for the 
U.S. fleet.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Agusta S.p.A. (Type certificate currently held by AgustaWestland 
S.p.A.) (Agusta) Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2014-0465; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-SW-044-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with 
a flexible hydraulic hose, part number (P/N) A494AE2E00E0670X, 
A494AE3E00E0424X, A494AE3E00E0530X, A494AE3E00E0570X, 
A494AE3E00E0580X, A494AE3E00E0620X, A494AE3E00E0930X, 
A494AE6E14E0348X, or A494AE6E21E0330X, installed, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a leak in a hydraulic 
system flexible hose. This condition could result in loss of 
hydraulic power and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 15, 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 300 hours time-in-service, replace each flexible 
hydraulic hose with a double braided flexible hydraulic hose in the 
accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 5 
through 7; Part II, paragraphs 5 through 7; Part III, paragraphs 5 
through 6; Part IV, paragraphs 5 through 6; and Part V, paragraphs 5 
through 7; as applicable for your helicopter serial number and 
configuration, of AgustaWestland Bolletino Tecnico No. 139-307, 
dated June 19, 2013.
    (2) Do not install a flexible hydraulic hose, P/N 
A494AE2E00E0670X, A494AE3E00E0424X, A494AE3E00E0530X, 
A494AE3E00E0570X, A494AE3E00E0580X, A494AE3E00E0620X, 
A494AE3E00E0930X, A494AE6E14E0348X, or A494AE6E21E0330X, on any 
helicopter.

[[Page 41466]]

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: 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.
    (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 (EASA) AD No. 2013-0177, dated August 8, 2013. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0465.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2910, Hydraulic 
System, Main.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 8, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2014-16681 Filed 7-15-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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