Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 32072-32074 [2015-13354]

Download as PDF 32072 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 108 / Friday, June 5, 2015 / Proposed Rules (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Carl Gray, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE–117A, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404–474–5554; fax: 404– 474–5605; email: carl.w.gray@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Airworthiness Office, Dept. 6A0M, Zone 0252, Column P–58, 86 S. Cobb Drive, Marietta, GA 30063; telephone 770–494– 5444; fax 770–494–5445; email ams.portal@ lmco.com; Internet https:// www.lockheedmartin.com/ams/tools/ TechPubs.html. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 14, 2015. Jeffrey E. Duven, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–13339 Filed 6–4–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–1935; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–008–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting certain subfloor frames for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracks on in-service helicopters. The proposed actions are intended to detect or prevent a crack in the subfloor frame, which could result in failure of the pilot and co-pilot pedal support frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 4, 2015. 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. DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Jun 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 • 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 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 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. PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. 2014– 0048, dated March 4, 2014, to correct an unsafe condition for Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a serial number (S/N) 31005 through 31517 (except S/N 31007, 31415, 31431, 31491, 31500, 31508, and 31516) and S/ N 41001 through 41356 (except S/N 41355). EASA advises that cracks have been reported in the subfloor frame at station (STA) 2105 on in-service helicopters. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the pedals supporting the frame, which in turn could lead to the pedals being inoperative and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, EASA advises. The EASA AD requires repetitive inspections of the subfloor frame at STA 2105 for a crack. The EASA AD also requires installation of frame reinforcements before further flight if there is a crack or within 1,200 flight hours if there is no crack. The EASA AD provides that installation of the frame reinforcements constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by the AD. 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 Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed AgustaWestland Bolletino Tecnico No. 139–311, Revision B, dated June 4, 2014 (BT), for certain serial-numbered Agusta Model E:\FR\FM\05JNP1.SGM 05JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 108 / Friday, June 5, 2015 / Proposed Rules AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The BT calls for visual inspections of the subfloor frames within 30 flight hours or two months, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals of 300 flight hours or 6 months, whichever comes first, until frame reinforcements are installed to prevent future failures. The BT also specifies installing the frame reinforcements immediately if a crack is found and within 1,200 flight hours if a crack is not found. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require: • Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, using a light, inspecting all visible surfaces of the subfloor frames at station (STA) 2105 for a crack. • If there is a crack, before further flight, and if there are no cracks, within 1200 hours TIS, installing frame STA 2105 retromod part number (P/N) 3G5306P47211. This terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires conducting the initial inspection within 30 flight hours or 2 months, whichever occurs first, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 300 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first. The proposed AD would require conducting the initial inspection within 30 TIS, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 102 U.S.-registered helicopters and that labor costs average $85 a work hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • The visual inspection would require 2 work-hours for a labor cost of $170 per helicopter. No parts would be needed, so the cost would total $170 per helicopter, $17,340 for the U.S. fleet. • If there are no cracks, installing the frame reinforcements would require 240 work-hours for a labor cost of $20,400 and parts would cost $2,274. The total cost would be $22,674 per helicopter. • If there is a crack, installing the frame reinforcements would require 240 work-hours for a labor cost of $20,400 and parts would cost $3,401. The total cost would be $23,801 per helicopter. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Jun 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 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: PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 32073 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): ■ Agusta S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA–2015–1935; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–008–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 31005 through 31517 (except S/N 31007, 31415, 31431, 31491, 31500, 31508, and 31516) and S/N 41001 through 41356 (except S/N 41355), certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a subfloor frame. This condition could result in failure of the pilot and copilot pedal support frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by August 4, 2015. (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 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, using a light, inspect all visible surfaces of the left hand subfloor frame, right hand subfloor frame, and middle subfloor frame at station (STA) 2105 for a crack as shown in Figures 10 through 13 of AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 139– 311, Revision B, dated June 4, 2014 (BT 139– 311). (2) If there is a crack, before further flight, install frame STA 2105 retromod part number (P/N) 3G5306P47211 by following the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 7 through 7.10. of BT 139–311. (3) If there are no cracks, within 1200 hours TIS, install frame STA 2105 retromod P/N 3G5306P47211 by following the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 7 through 7.10. of BT 139–311. (4) Installing frame STA 2105 retromod P/ N 3G5306P47211 terminates the repetitive inspection requirements in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. (f) Special Flight Permit Special Flight Permits are prohibited. (g) 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 E:\FR\FM\05JNP1.SGM 05JNP1 32074 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 108 / Friday, June 5, 2015 / Proposed Rules 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 certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) No. 2014–0048, March 4, 2014. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5300, Fuselage Structure (General). Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 26, 2015. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–13354 Filed 6–4–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2015–1345; Airspace Docket No. 14–AWP–13] Proposed Establishment of Multiple Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes; Western United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to establish 13 high altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes), and one low altitude RNAV route (Troute) in the western United States. The routes would promote operational efficiencies for users and provide connectivity to current and proposed RNAV en route and terminal procedures. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: Comments must be received on or before July 20, 2015. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001; telephone: (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2015–1345 and VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:42 Jun 04, 2015 Jkt 235001 Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would modify the route structure in the western U.S. to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the NAS. Background RIN 2120–AA66 DATES: Airspace Docket No. 14–AWP–13 at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Stahl, Airspace Policy and Regulations Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The development of new RNAV Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) routes requires incorporation of these proposed Q and T routes into the NAS Route Structure in order to maximize the benefits of increased safety in high volume en route sectors. The Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) currently does not have routes that join the Performance Based Navigation (PBN) arrival and departure procedures. The existing conventional jet route structure does not serve the new SID/STAR designs. Routes made up of ground based navigational aids are not capable of delivering aircraft onto the RNAV based arrival and departure procedures in an efficient manner. Developing these predictable and repeatable flight paths (Q and T routes) through a complex area confined by restricted areas will improve throughput and safety for Los Angeles ARTCC. This first phase of a two phase project will align a network of Q-Routes with the new SID’s and STAR’s. The Q-Route structure is projected to optimize descent/climb profiles to/from several airports in southern California and PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 create segregated arrival/departure paths to reduce airspace complexity. Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA– 2015–1345 and Airspace Docket No. 14– AWP–13) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA Docket No. FAA–2015–1345 and Airspace Docket No. 14–AWP–13.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received on or before the specified comment closing date will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the public docket both before and after the comment closing date. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Western Service Center, Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind Ave SW., Renton, WA 98057. E:\FR\FM\05JNP1.SGM 05JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 108 (Friday, June 5, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32072-32074]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13354]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1935; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-008-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed 
AD would require visually inspecting certain subfloor frames for a 
crack. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracks on in-service 
helicopters. The proposed actions are intended to detect or prevent a 
crack in the subfloor frame, which could result in failure of the pilot 
and co-pilot pedal support frame and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 4, 2015.

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 
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

    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. 2014-0048, dated March 4, 2014, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters with a serial number (S/N) 31005 through 31517 (except S/N 
31007, 31415, 31431, 31491, 31500, 31508, and 31516) and S/N 41001 
through 41356 (except S/N 41355). EASA advises that cracks have been 
reported in the subfloor frame at station (STA) 2105 on in-service 
helicopters. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead 
to failure of the pedals supporting the frame, which in turn could lead 
to the pedals being inoperative and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter, EASA advises.
    The EASA AD requires repetitive inspections of the subfloor frame 
at STA 2105 for a crack. The EASA AD also requires installation of 
frame reinforcements before further flight if there is a crack or 
within 1,200 flight hours if there is no crack. The EASA AD provides 
that installation of the frame reinforcements constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections required by the AD.

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 Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed AgustaWestland Bolletino Tecnico No. 139-311, Revision 
B, dated June 4, 2014 (BT), for certain serial-numbered Agusta Model

[[Page 32073]]

AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The BT calls for visual inspections of the 
subfloor frames within 30 flight hours or two months, whichever occurs 
first, and thereafter at intervals of 300 flight hours or 6 months, 
whichever comes first, until frame reinforcements are installed to 
prevent future failures. The BT also specifies installing the frame 
reinforcements immediately if a crack is found and within 1,200 flight 
hours if a crack is not found. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require:
     Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, using a light, inspecting all 
visible surfaces of the subfloor frames at station (STA) 2105 for a 
crack.
     If there is a crack, before further flight, and if there 
are no cracks, within 1200 hours TIS, installing frame STA 2105 
retromod part number (P/N) 3G5306P47211. This terminates the repetitive 
inspection requirements of this AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires conducting the initial inspection within 30 
flight hours or 2 months, whichever occurs first, and thereafter, at 
intervals not to exceed 300 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs 
first. The proposed AD would require conducting the initial inspection 
within 30 TIS, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 300 hours 
TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 102 U.S.-registered 
helicopters and that labor costs average $85 a work hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     The visual inspection would require 2 work-hours for a 
labor cost of $170 per helicopter. No parts would be needed, so the 
cost would total $170 per helicopter, $17,340 for the U.S. fleet.
     If there are no cracks, installing the frame 
reinforcements would require 240 work-hours for a labor cost of $20,400 
and parts would cost $2,274. The total cost would be $22,674 per 
helicopter.
     If there is a crack, installing the frame reinforcements 
would require 240 work-hours for a labor cost of $20,400 and parts 
would cost $3,401. The total cost would be $23,801 per helicopter.

 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Agusta S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2015-1935; Directorate Identifier 
2014-SW-008-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters, serial number (S/N) 31005 through 31517 (except S/N 
31007, 31415, 31431, 31491, 31500, 31508, and 31516) and S/N 41001 
through 41356 (except S/N 41355), certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a subfloor 
frame. This condition could result in failure of the pilot and co-
pilot pedal support frame and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 4, 2015.

(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 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, using a light, inspect all 
visible surfaces of the left hand subfloor frame, right hand 
subfloor frame, and middle subfloor frame at station (STA) 2105 for 
a crack as shown in Figures 10 through 13 of AgustaWestland 
Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-311, Revision B, dated June 4, 2014 (BT 
139-311).
    (2) If there is a crack, before further flight, install frame 
STA 2105 retromod part number (P/N) 3G5306P47211 by following the 
Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 7 through 7.10. of BT 
139-311.
    (3) If there are no cracks, within 1200 hours TIS, install frame 
STA 2105 retromod P/N 3G5306P47211 by following the Compliance 
Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 7 through 7.10. of BT 139-311.
    (4) Installing frame STA 2105 retromod P/N 3G5306P47211 
terminates the repetitive inspection requirements in paragraph 
(e)(1) of this AD.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    Special Flight Permits are prohibited.

(g) 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

[[Page 32074]]

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 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) No. 2014-0048, March 4, 2014. You may view the 
EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD 
Docket.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5300, Fuselage 
Structure (General).

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 26, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-13354 Filed 6-4-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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