Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters, 45329-45332 [2014-18298]
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 150 / Tuesday, August 5, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Fuji Heavy Industries,
Ltd. Models FA–200–160, FA–200–180, and
FA–200–180AO airplanes, all serial numbers,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 32: Landing Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as
deterioration of brake performance due to
seal defects caused by deterioration due to
age of the O-rings of the brake master
cylinders. We are issuing this AD to prevent
the deterioration of brake performance,
which could result in reduced or loss of
control during ground operations.
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(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions required by paragraphs (f)(1) through
(f)(3) of this AD:
(1) As of September 9, 2014 (the effective
date of this AD), if the brake master cylinder
O-rings have accumulated more than 1,000
hours time-in-service (TIS) or 5 years since
the last replacement of any O-ring or if the
replacement date of any O-ring cannot be
determined, within 50 hours TIS after
September 9, 2014 (the effective date of this
AD) or 1 year after September 9, 2014 (the
effective date of this AD), whichever occurs
first, replace any O-ring following Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 200–016,
dated April 17, 2014.
(2) As of September 9, 2014 (the effective
date of this AD), every time the brake master
cylinder is replaced, inspect the manufacture
date on the data tag of the brake master
cylinder or the last replacement date of any
O-ring by referring to the airframe logbook.
(3) During any inspection of the
manufacture date of the brake master
cylinder or the last replacement date of any
O-ring as required by paragraph (f)(2) of this
AD, if it is determined that the O-rings have
accumulated more than 5 years since the
manufacture date on the data tag of the brake
master cylinder or the last replacement date
of the brake master cylinder O-rings, or if the
manufacture date on the data tag on the brake
master cylinder and the last replacement date
of any brake master cylinder O-ring cannot be
determined, before further flight, replace all
brake master cylinder O-rings when installed
on the airplane following Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 200–016,
dated April 17, 2014.
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
ATTN: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
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Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4059; fax: (816) 329–
4090; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. Before
using any approved AMOC on any airplane
to which the AMOC applies, notify your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the
FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO),
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Japan Civil Aviation Bureau
(JCAB) AD No. TCD–8396–2014, dated April
21, 2014, for related information. The MCAI
can be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0311-0002.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Service
Bulletin No. 200–016, dated April 17, 2014.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. service
information identified in this AD, contact
Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., Aerospace
Company, 1–11 Younan 1 Chome
Utsunomiya Tochigi, Japan 320–8564;
telephone: +81–28–684–7253; fax: +81–28–
684–7260; email: none; Internet: https://
www.fhi.co.jp/english/outline/section/
aero.html.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 28,
2014.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–18260 Filed 8–4–14; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0478; Directorate
Identifier 2014–SW–017–AD; Amendment
39–17902; AD 2014–07–51]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives;
AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are publishing a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
AgustaWestland S.p.A. Model AB139
and AW139 helicopters. This AD
requires repetitively inspecting the
Main Rotor (M/R) Rotating Scissors for
play of the Lower Half Scissor Spherical
Bearing (bearing) and removing the
bearing if there is play beyond allowable
limits. This AD also requires removing
all affected bearings. This AD is
prompted by reports of certain bearings
dislodging from certain M/R Rotating
Scissors. These actions are intended to
detect excessive play of the bearing and
prevent failure of the M/R Rotating
Scissors and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
August 20, 2014 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made
immediately effective by Emergency AD
(EAD) No. 2014–07–51, issued on March
27, 2014, which contains the
requirements of this AD.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of August 20, 2014.
We must receive comments on this
AD by October 6, 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.
SUMMARY:
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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 European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
incorporated by reference service
information, 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 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
robert.grant@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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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
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receive and may conduct additional
rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
On March 27, 2014, we issued EAD
No. 2014–07–51, which requires
repetitively inspecting the M/R Rotating
Scissors for play of the bearing every 5
hours time-in-service (TIS) and, if there
is play beyond allowable limits,
removing the affected bearing and reidentifying the M/R Rotating Scissors.
The EAD also requires removing all
affected bearings within 50 hours TIS.
The EAD was prompted by reports of
certain bearings dislodging from certain
M/R Rotating Scissors. The EAD was
sent previously to all known U.S.
owners and operators of these
helicopters.
EAD No. 2014–07–51 was prompted
by EAD No. 2014–0073–E, dated March
20, 2014, issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States
of the European Union, to correct an
unsafe condition for AgustaWestland
S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters. EASA advises of reports of
the dislodging of bearings, part number
(P/N) 3G6230V00654, that were
installed on M/R Rotating Scissors, P/N
3G6230A00733. EASA also states that as
a result of the investigations
accomplished by the supplier of the
bearings, it was determined that a
quality issue might have affected the
production of the bearings. EASA
advises that the condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to
loss of control of the helicopter. The
EASA EAD requires repetitive
inspections of certain M/R Rotating
Scissors, P/N 3G6230A00733, that have
been manufactured or repaired with the
installation of certain potentially
defective bearings, P/N 3G6230V00654.
The EASA EAD also requires
replacement of the affected bearings, or
as an alternative, replacement of the
M/R Rotating Scissors with an affected
bearing, which constitutes terminating
action for the repetitive inspections
required by the EAD.
This final rule makes the
requirements of EAD No. 2014–07–51,
issued March 27, 2014, effective to all
parties except those to whom they were
made immediately effective through
EAD 2014–07–51. This AD contains the
requirements of EAD 2014–07–51 with
minor editorial changes to revise the
references to ‘‘the Applicability section
of this EAD’’ in paragraphs (e)(3), (e)(4),
and (e)(5) of this AD to ‘‘paragraph (a)
of this AD.’’ These minor editorial
change are consistent with the
requirements of the EAD and do not
increase the economic burden on any
operator.
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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
AgustaWestland issued Bollettino
Tecnico No. 139–368, dated March 19,
2014 (BT), for Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters with certain serial numbered
(S/Ned) M/R Rotating Scissors, P/N
3G6230A00733; or M/R Rotating
Scissors, P/N 3G6230A00733, which
have been repaired with the installation
of certain S/Ned bearings, P/N
3G6230V00654. The BT also applies to
affected parts kept in stock. The BT was
issued to identify and replace
potentially defective bearings caused by
a supplier quality issue. The BT also
establishes an interim inspection
schedule to reduce impact on
operations.
We also reviewed AgustaWestland
AW139 Document Code 39–C–62–31–
00–00A–286C–A, issue 001, dated
August 6, 2012, for Model AB139 and
AW139 helicopters to specify the
detailed inspection of the fixed
swashplate and rotating scissors.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, within 5 hours TIS
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
5 hours TIS, inspecting the M/R
Rotating Scissors for play of the bearing.
If there is play, this AD requires, before
further flight, a more detailed inspection
of the M/R Rotating Scissors. If the
detailed inspection results determine
the play is beyond allowable limits, this
AD requires, before further flight,
removing the bearing and re-identifying
the M/R Rotating Scissors. This AD also
requires, within 50 hours TIS, removing
any affected bearing.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
102 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We
estimate that operators may incur the
following costs in order to comply with
this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85
per work-hour. Inspecting the M/R
Rotating Scissors for play of the bearing
requires a minimal amount of time, for
a nominal cost per inspection.
Performing the detailed inspection of
the M/R Rotating Scissors requires about
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1 work-hour, for a cost of $85 per
inspection. Removing a bearing requires
about 2 work-hours, for a labor cost of
$170 per bearing. Parts for replacing one
bearing cost $808, for a total
replacement cost of $978 per bearing, or
$99,756 for the U.S. fleet.
According to AgustaWestland’s
service information, some 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 by AgustaWestland.
Accordingly, we have included all costs
in our cost estimate.
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FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
Providing an opportunity for public
comments prior to adopting these AD
requirements would delay
implementing the safety actions needed
to correct this known unsafe condition.
Therefore, we found and continue to
find that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment
prior to the adoption of this rule
because the previously described unsafe
condition can adversely affect the
controllability of the helicopter and the
required corrective actions must be
accomplished within 5 hours TIS and
50 hours TIS, a short time period based
on the average flight-hour utilization
rate of these helicopters.
Since it was found that immediate
corrective action was required, notice
and opportunity for prior public
comment before issuing this AD were
impracticable and contrary to public
interest and good cause existed to make
the AD effective immediately by EAD
No. 2014–07–51, issued on March 27,
2014, to all known U.S. owners and
operators of these helicopters. These
conditions still exist and the AD is
hereby published, with a minor editorial
change, in the Federal Register as an
amendment to section 39.13 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
39.13) to make it effective to all persons.
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
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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.
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):
■
2014–07–51 AgustaWestland S.p.A.
(Agusta): Amendment 39–17902; Docket
No. FAA–2014–0478; Directorate
Identifier 2014–SW–017–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Agusta
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters,
certificated in any category:
(1) For helicopters with Main Rotor (M/R)
Rotating Scissors, part number (P/N)
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45331
3G6230A00733, with serial numbers (S/Ns)
listed in Table 1 of AgustaWestland
Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–368, dated March
19, 2014 (BT 139–368), on which the Lower
Half Scissors Spherical Bearing (bearing),
P/N 3G6230V00654, was not replaced; and
(2) For helicopters with M/R Rotating
Scissors, P/N 3G6230A00733, on which the
bearing, P/N 3G6230V00654, was replaced
with a bearing with a S/N listed in Table 2
of BT 139–368.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
excessive play of the bearing in the M/R
Rotating Scissors. This condition could result
in failure of the M/R Rotating Scissors and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 20, 2014
to all persons except those persons to whom
it was made immediately effective by
Emergency AD (EAD) No. 2014–07–51,
issued on March 27, 2014, which contains
the requirements of this AD.
(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 5 hours time-in-service (TIS)
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5
hours TIS, inspect the M/R Rotating Scissors
for play of the bearing in accordance with
paragraph 4. of Part I, Compliance
Instructions, of BT 139–368.
(2) If there is play, before further flight,
accomplish a detailed inspection of the M/R
Rotating Scissors in accordance with steps
9.1 through 12.9 of AgustaWestland AW139
Document Code 39–C–62–31–00–00A–286C–
A, Rotating control installation—Fixed
swashplate and rotating scissors—Detailed
inspection, issue 001, dated August 6, 2012.
If there is play beyond allowable limits,
before further flight, remove the bearing.
(3) Within 50 hours TIS, remove any
bearing listed in paragraph (a) of this AD.
(4) Prior to installing a M/R Rotating
Scissors with a S/N listed in paragraph (a) of
this AD, replace the bearing and re-identify
the M/R Rotating Scissors in accordance with
paragraphs 4.2. through 4.4. of Part II,
Compliance Instructions, of BT 139–368.
(5) Do not install a bearing listed in
paragraph (a) of this AD into any M/R
Rotating Scissors.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–
5110; email robert.grant@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
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certificate holding district office, before
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
EAD No. 2014–0073–E, dated March 20,
2014. You may view the EASA EAD on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2014–0478.
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0513; Directorate
Identifier 2014–CE–020–AD; Amendment
39–17920; AD 2014–15–18]
RIN 2120–AA64
(h) Subject
Airworthiness Directives; Mooney
International Corporation Airplanes
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6200, M/R System.
AGENCY:
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No.
139–368, dated March 19, 2014.
(ii) AgustaWestland AW139 Document
Code 39–C–62–31–00–00A–286C–A, Rotating
control installation—Fixed swashplate and
rotating scissors—Detailed inspection, issue
001, dated August 6, 2012.
(3) For AgustaWestland 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.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 11,
2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
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Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Mooney International Corporation
Models M20C, M20E, M20M, M20R,
and M20TN airplanes. This AD requires
inspection of the outer empennage
attach fittings for correct thickness with
replacement as necessary. This AD was
prompted by discovery of empennage
attach fittings (Lugs) that do not meet
the approved design dimensional
requirements, which could result in
possible reduction in fatigue or static
strength and/or corrosion. We are
issuing this AD to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 20,
2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of August 20, 2014.
We must receive comments on this
AD by September 19, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact Mooney International
Corporation, 165 Al Mooney Road
North, Kerrville, Texas 78028;
telephone: (830) 896–6000; email:
technicalsupport@mooney.com;
SUMMARY:
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Sfmt 4700
Internet: www.mooney.com. You may
review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329–4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–
0513; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer,
ASW–150 (c/o San Antonio MIDO),
10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San
Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210)
308–3365; facsimile: (210) 308–3370;
email: andrew.mcanaul@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We received reports of outboard
empennage attach fittings that can be
found on certain Mooney International
Corporation Models M20C, M20E,
M20M, M20R and M20TN airplanes that
do not meet the approved type design
dimensional requirements. This
condition, if not corrected, could result
in reduction of fatigue or static strength,
and/or corrosion, which could lead to
possible structural failure of the
attachment of the empennage to the
fuselage causing loss of control. We are
issuing this AD to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Mooney International
Corporation Service Bulletin M20–318,
dated June 2, 2014. The service
information describes procedures for
inspection of the outboard empennage
attach fittings and instructions for
replacement if necessary.
FAA’s Determination
We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
and determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the same
type design.
E:\FR\FM\05AUR1.SGM
05AUR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 5, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45329-45332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18298]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0478; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-017-AD;
Amendment 39-17902; AD 2014-07-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain AgustaWestland S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This
AD requires repetitively inspecting the Main Rotor (M/R) Rotating
Scissors for play of the Lower Half Scissor Spherical Bearing (bearing)
and removing the bearing if there is play beyond allowable limits. This
AD also requires removing all affected bearings. This AD is prompted by
reports of certain bearings dislodging from certain M/R Rotating
Scissors. These actions are intended to detect excessive play of the
bearing and prevent failure of the M/R Rotating Scissors and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 20, 2014 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD
(EAD) No. 2014-07-51, issued on March 27, 2014, which contains the
requirements of this AD.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of August 20, 2014.
We must receive comments on this AD by October 6, 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.
[[Page 45330]]
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 European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, any incorporated by reference service information,
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 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-bulletins. 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: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email robert.grant@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
On March 27, 2014, we issued EAD No. 2014-07-51, which requires
repetitively inspecting the M/R Rotating Scissors for play of the
bearing every 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) and, if there is play
beyond allowable limits, removing the affected bearing and re-
identifying the M/R Rotating Scissors. The EAD also requires removing
all affected bearings within 50 hours TIS. The EAD was prompted by
reports of certain bearings dislodging from certain M/R Rotating
Scissors. The EAD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and
operators of these helicopters.
EAD No. 2014-07-51 was prompted by EAD No. 2014-0073-E, dated March
20, 2014, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for
AgustaWestland S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. EASA advises
of reports of the dislodging of bearings, part number (P/N)
3G6230V00654, that were installed on M/R Rotating Scissors, P/N
3G6230A00733. EASA also states that as a result of the investigations
accomplished by the supplier of the bearings, it was determined that a
quality issue might have affected the production of the bearings. EASA
advises that the condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead
to loss of control of the helicopter. The EASA EAD requires repetitive
inspections of certain M/R Rotating Scissors, P/N 3G6230A00733, that
have been manufactured or repaired with the installation of certain
potentially defective bearings, P/N 3G6230V00654. The EASA EAD also
requires replacement of the affected bearings, or as an alternative,
replacement of the M/R Rotating Scissors with an affected bearing,
which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections
required by the EAD.
This final rule makes the requirements of EAD No. 2014-07-51,
issued March 27, 2014, effective to all parties except those to whom
they were made immediately effective through EAD 2014-07-51. This AD
contains the requirements of EAD 2014-07-51 with minor editorial
changes to revise the references to ``the Applicability section of this
EAD'' in paragraphs (e)(3), (e)(4), and (e)(5) of this AD to
``paragraph (a) of this AD.'' These minor editorial change are
consistent with the requirements of the EAD and do not increase the
economic burden on any operator.
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
AgustaWestland issued Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-368, dated March
19, 2014 (BT), for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with certain
serial numbered (S/Ned) M/R Rotating Scissors, P/N 3G6230A00733; or M/R
Rotating Scissors, P/N 3G6230A00733, which have been repaired with the
installation of certain S/Ned bearings, P/N 3G6230V00654. The BT also
applies to affected parts kept in stock. The BT was issued to identify
and replace potentially defective bearings caused by a supplier quality
issue. The BT also establishes an interim inspection schedule to reduce
impact on operations.
We also reviewed AgustaWestland AW139 Document Code 39-C-62-31-00-
00A-286C-A, issue 001, dated August 6, 2012, for Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters to specify the detailed inspection of the fixed swashplate
and rotating scissors.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, within 5 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 5 hours TIS, inspecting the M/R Rotating Scissors for
play of the bearing. If there is play, this AD requires, before further
flight, a more detailed inspection of the M/R Rotating Scissors. If the
detailed inspection results determine the play is beyond allowable
limits, this AD requires, before further flight, removing the bearing
and re-identifying the M/R Rotating Scissors. This AD also requires,
within 50 hours TIS, removing any affected bearing.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 102 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in
order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Inspecting the M/R Rotating Scissors for play of the bearing
requires a minimal amount of time, for a nominal cost per inspection.
Performing the detailed inspection of the M/R Rotating Scissors
requires about
[[Page 45331]]
1 work-hour, for a cost of $85 per inspection. Removing a bearing
requires about 2 work-hours, for a labor cost of $170 per bearing.
Parts for replacing one bearing cost $808, for a total replacement cost
of $978 per bearing, or $99,756 for the U.S. fleet.
According to AgustaWestland's service information, some 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 by AgustaWestland. Accordingly, we have included all costs in
our cost estimate.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we found and
continue to find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving
notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the
previously described unsafe condition can adversely affect the
controllability of the helicopter and the required corrective actions
must be accomplished within 5 hours TIS and 50 hours TIS, a short time
period based on the average flight-hour utilization rate of these
helicopters.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment before issuing this AD
were impracticable and contrary to public interest and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by EAD No. 2014-07-51,
issued on March 27, 2014, to all known U.S. owners and operators of
these helicopters. These conditions still exist and the AD is hereby
published, with a minor editorial change, in the Federal Register as an
amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
39.13) to make it effective to all persons.
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.
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):
2014-07-51 AgustaWestland S.p.A. (Agusta): Amendment 39-17902;
Docket No. FAA-2014-0478; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-017-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Agusta Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category:
(1) For helicopters with Main Rotor (M/R) Rotating Scissors,
part number (P/N) 3G6230A00733, with serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in
Table 1 of AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-368, dated
March 19, 2014 (BT 139-368), on which the Lower Half Scissors
Spherical Bearing (bearing), P/N 3G6230V00654, was not replaced; and
(2) For helicopters with M/R Rotating Scissors, P/N
3G6230A00733, on which the bearing, P/N 3G6230V00654, was replaced
with a bearing with a S/N listed in Table 2 of BT 139-368.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessive play of the
bearing in the M/R Rotating Scissors. This condition could result in
failure of the M/R Rotating Scissors and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 20, 2014 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency
AD (EAD) No. 2014-07-51, issued on March 27, 2014, which contains
the requirements of this AD.
(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 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 5 hours TIS, inspect the M/R Rotating
Scissors for play of the bearing in accordance with paragraph 4. of
Part I, Compliance Instructions, of BT 139-368.
(2) If there is play, before further flight, accomplish a
detailed inspection of the M/R Rotating Scissors in accordance with
steps 9.1 through 12.9 of AgustaWestland AW139 Document Code 39-C-
62-31-00-00A-286C-A, Rotating control installation--Fixed swashplate
and rotating scissors--Detailed inspection, issue 001, dated August
6, 2012. If there is play beyond allowable limits, before further
flight, remove the bearing.
(3) Within 50 hours TIS, remove any bearing listed in paragraph
(a) of this AD.
(4) Prior to installing a M/R Rotating Scissors with a S/N
listed in paragraph (a) of this AD, replace the bearing and re-
identify the M/R Rotating Scissors in accordance with paragraphs
4.2. through 4.4. of Part II, Compliance Instructions, of BT 139-
368.
(5) Do not install a bearing listed in paragraph (a) of this AD
into any M/R Rotating Scissors.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
robert.grant@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
[[Page 45332]]
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 European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) EAD No. 2014-0073-E, dated March 20, 2014. You may
view the EASA EAD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA-2014-0478.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, M/R System.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-368, dated March
19, 2014.
(ii) AgustaWestland AW139 Document Code 39-C-62-31-00-00A-286C-
A, Rotating control installation--Fixed swashplate and rotating
scissors--Detailed inspection, issue 001, dated August 6, 2012.
(3) For AgustaWestland 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-bulletins.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 11, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-18298 Filed 8-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
