Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 63374-63376 [2016-21707]

Download as PDF 63374 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 179 / Thursday, September 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–0142, Revision 04, dated March 30, 2011. (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57–143, Revision 2, dated July 10, 1989. Pages 1, 3, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 14 of this document are identified as Revision 2, dated July 10, 1989; pages 2 and 8 are identified as original, dated December 12, 1986; and pages 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, and 15 are identified as Revision March 19, 1987. (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57– 6010, Revision 05, dated February 21, 2011. (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A300–57– 6011, Revision 2, dated July 10, 1989. Pages 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 11, and 12 of this document are identified as Revision 2, dated July 10, 1989; pages 3, 4, and 13 are identified as Revision 1, dated March 19, 1987; and pages 6, 9, 10 are identified as original, dated December 17, 1986. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. (4) 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. (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 Renton, Washington, on August 24, 2016. John P. Piccola, Jr., Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–21146 Filed 9–14–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–3781; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–048–AD; Amendment 39–18649; AD 2016–18–18] RIN 2120–AA64 rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:38 Sep 14, 2016 Jkt 238001 AW109SP helicopters. This AD requires visually inspecting the tail rotor drive shaft assembly (drive shaft) for a crack. This AD was prompted by the discovery of three cracks on the drive shaft of a Model A109S helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack on the drive shaft to prevent failure of the driveshaft, failure of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. DATES: This AD is effective October 20, 2016. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of October 20, 2016. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–3781. 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–2015– 3781; 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 (phone: 800– 647–5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email martin.r.crane@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On March 22, 2016, at 81 FR 15171, the Federal Register published our PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters with a drive shaft part number (P/N) 109–8412–02–1 or 109–8412–02–3 installed. The NPRM proposed to require visually inspecting the drive shaft for a crack. The proposed requirements were intended to detect a crack on the drive shaft to prevent failure of the driveshaft, failure of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015–0054, dated March 27, 2015, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for the Model A109A with retrofit kit P/N 109–0820–27–101 installed, and Model A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109LUH, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. EASA advises that during scheduled maintenance on a Model A109S helicopter, three cracks were found on the drive shaft. An investigation could not determine the cause of the cracking but concluded it could not have been caused by fatigue. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to tail rotor failure, possibly resulting in loss of helicopter control, EASA advises. EASA AD No. 2015–0054 consequently requires a one-time inspection of the drive shaft, and replacing the drive shaft if cracks are found. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (81 FR 15171, March 22, 2016). 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 and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Interim Action We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval holder has not determined the cause of the unsafe E:\FR\FM\15SER1.SGM 15SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 179 / Thursday, September 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations condition identified in this AD. If a cause is determined and actions developed to address the cause, we might consider additional rulemaking. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD applies to Agusta Model A109LUH helicopters. This AD does not because this model does not have an FAA type certificate. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 109–147 for Model A109A helicopters with retrofit kit P/N 109–0820–27–101 installed, Model A109A II, and Model A109C helicopters; BT No. 109EP–143 for Model A109E helicopters; BT No. 109K– 68 for Model A109K2 helicopters; BT No. 109S–067 for Model A109S helicopters; and BT No. 109SP–094 for Model AW109SP helicopters. All of the BTs are dated March 25, 2015. AgustaWestland reports that during a scheduled servicing of an A109S helicopter, three cracks were found on drive shaft, P/N 109–8412–02–1. The BTs prescribe a one-time drive shaft inspection for cracks. 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. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 142 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: • Inspecting the drive shaft requires 9 work-hours and no parts. The estimated cost is $765 per helicopter and $108,630 for the U.S. fleet. • Replacing the drive shaft requires no additional labor hours. Parts cost $6,082 per helicopter. According to Agusta 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 Agusta. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:38 Sep 14, 2016 Jkt 238001 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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 2016–18–18 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39– 18649; Docket No. FAA–2015–3781; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–048–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters with a tail rotor drive shaft assembly (drive shaft) part number 109–8412–02–1 or 109–8412–02–3 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a drive shaft. This condition could result in failure of a drive shaft, failure of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes October 20, 2016. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Within 50 hours time-in-service: (1) Visually inspect each drive shaft in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, paragraph 4, of AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 109–147, dated March 25, 2015; BT No. 109EP–143, dated March 25, 2015; BT No. 109K–68, dated March 25, 2015; BT No. 109S–067, dated March 25, 2015; or BT No. 109SP–094, dated March 25, 2015, as applicable for your model helicopter. (2) If there is a crack, replace the drive shaft before further flight. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASWFTW-AMOC-Requests@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 ■ § 39.13 63375 The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015–0054, dated March 27, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2015– 3781. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor Drive Shaft. E:\FR\FM\15SER1.SGM 15SER1 63376 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 179 / Thursday, September 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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. 109–147, dated March 25, 2015. (ii) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP–143, dated March 25, 2015. (iii) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 109K–68, dated March 25, 2015. (iv) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S–067, dated March 25, 2015. (v) AgustaWestland Bollettino TecnicoNo. 109SP–094, dated March 25, 2015. (3) For Agusta S.p.A. service information identified in this final rule, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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 September 1, 2016. Lance T. Gant, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–21707 Filed 9–14–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Comparability Determination for Japan: Margin Requirements for Uncleared Swaps for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Notice of comparability determination for margin requirements for uncleared swaps under the laws of Japan. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES AGENCY: The following is the analysis and determination of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (‘‘Commission’’) regarding a request by the Japan Financial Services Agency 14:38 Sep 14, 2016 Jkt 238001 U.S.C. 1 et. seq. 7 U.S.C. 6s(e)(1)(B). SDs and MSPs for which there is a Prudential Regulator must meet the margin requirements for uncleared swaps established by the applicable Prudential Regulator. 7 U.S.C. 6s(e)(1)(A). See also 7 U.S.C. 1a(39) (defining the term ‘‘Prudential Regulator’’ to include the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; the Farm Credit Administration; and the Federal Housing Finance Agency). The Prudential Regulators published final margin requirements in November 2015. See Margin and Capital Requirements for Covered Swap Entities, 80 FR 74840 (Nov. 30, 2015) (‘‘Prudential Regulators’ Final Margin Rule’’). 3 See Margin Requirements for Uncleared Swaps for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants, 81 FR 636 (Jan. 6, 2016). The Margin Rule, which became effective April 1, 2016, is codified in part 23 of the Commission’s regulations. See 17 CFR 23.150 through 23.159, and 23.161. The Commission’s regulations are found in chapter I of Title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 17 CFR 1 et. seq. 2 See 17 CFR Chapter I VerDate Sep<11>2014 I. Introduction Pursuant to section 4s(e) of the CEA,1 the Commission is required to promulgate margin requirements for uncleared swaps applicable to each SD and MSP for which there is no Prudential Regulator (collectively, ‘‘Covered Swap Entities’’ or ‘‘CSEs’’).2 The Commission published final margin requirements for such CSEs in January 2016 (the ‘‘Final Margin Rule’’).3 Subsequently, on May 31, 2016, the Commission published in the Federal Register its final rule with respect to the cross-border application of the 17 COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION SUMMARY: (‘‘JFSA’’) that the Commission determine that laws and regulations applicable in Japan provide a sufficient basis for an affirmative finding of comparability with respect to margin requirements for uncleared swaps applicable to certain swap dealers (‘‘SDs’’) and major swap participants (‘‘MSPs’’) registered with the Commission. As discussed in detail herein, with one exception, the Commission has found the margin requirements for uncleared swaps under the laws and regulations of Japan comparable to those under the Commodity Exchange Act (‘‘CEA’’) and Commission regulations. DATES: This determination is effective September 15, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eileen T. Flaherty, Director, 202–418– 5326, eflaherty@cftc.gov, or Frank N. Fisanich, Chief Counsel, 202–418–5949, ffisanich@cftc.gov, Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, DC 20581. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Commission’s margin requirements for uncleared swaps applicable to CSEs (hereinafter, the ‘‘Cross-Border Margin Rule’’).4 The Cross-Border Margin Rule sets out the circumstances under which a CSE is allowed to satisfy the requirements under the Margin Rule by complying with comparable foreign margin requirements (‘‘substituted compliance’’); offers certain CSEs a limited exclusion from the Commission’s margin requirements; and outlined a framework for assessing whether a foreign jurisdiction’s margin requirements are comparable to the Final Margin Rule (‘‘comparability determinations’’). The Commission promulgated the Cross-Border Margin Rule after close consultation with the Prudential Regulators and in light of comments from and discussions with market participants and foreign regulators.5 On June 17, 2016, the JFSA (the ‘‘applicant’’) submitted a request that the Commission determine that laws and regulations applicable in Japan provide a sufficient basis for an affirmative finding of comparability with respect to the Final Margin Rule. The applicant provided Commission staff with an updated submission on July 26, 2016. On August 18, 2016, the application was further supplemented with corrections and additional materials. The Commission’s analysis and comparability determination for Japan regarding the Final Margin Rule is detailed below. 4 See Margin Requirements for Uncleared Swaps for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants— Cross-Border Application of the Margin Requirements, 81 FR 34818 (May 31, 2016). The Cross-Border Margin Rule, which became effective August 1, 2016, is codified in part 23 of the Commission’s regulations. See 17 CFR 23.160. 5 In 2014, in conjunction with re-proposing its margin requirements, the Commission requested comment on three alternative approaches to the cross-border application of its margin requirements: (i) A transaction-level approach consistent with the Commission’s guidance on the cross-border application of the CEA’s swap provisions, see Interpretive Guidance and Policy Statement Regarding Compliance with Certain Swap Regulations, 78 FR 45292 (July 26, 2013) (the ‘‘Guidance’’); (ii) an approach consistent with the Prudential Regulators’ proposed cross-border framework for margin, see Margin and Capital Requirements for Covered Swap Entities, 79 FR 57348 (Sept. 24, 2014); and (iii) an entity-level approach that would apply margin rules on a firmwide basis (without any exclusion for swaps with non-U.S. counterparties). See Margin Requirements for Uncleared Swaps for Swap Dealers and Major Swap Participants, 79 FR 59898 (Oct. 3, 2014). Following a review of comments received in response to this release, the Commission’s Global Markets Advisory Committee (‘‘GMAC’’) hosted a public panel discussion on the cross-border application of margin requirements. See GMAC Meeting (May 14, 2015), transcript and webcast available at https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/Events/ opaevent_gmac051415. E:\FR\FM\15SER1.SGM 15SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 179 (Thursday, September 15, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63374-63376]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21707]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3781; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-048-AD; 
Amendment 39-18649; AD 2016-18-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta 
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and 
AW109SP helicopters. This AD requires visually inspecting the tail 
rotor drive shaft assembly (drive shaft) for a crack. This AD was 
prompted by the discovery of three cracks on the drive shaft of a Model 
A109S helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack 
on the drive shaft to prevent failure of the driveshaft, failure of the 
tail rotor, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

DATES: This AD is effective October 20, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of October 20, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3781.

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-2015-
3781; 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
martin.r.crane@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On March 22, 2016, at 81 FR 15171, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Agusta S.p.A. Model 
A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters 
with a drive shaft part number (P/N) 109-8412-02-1 or 109-8412-02-3 
installed. The NPRM proposed to require visually inspecting the drive 
shaft for a crack. The proposed requirements were intended to detect a 
crack on the drive shaft to prevent failure of the driveshaft, failure 
of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2015-0054, dated March 27, 2015, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for the Model A109A 
with retrofit kit P/N 109-0820-27-101 installed, and Model A109A II, 
A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109LUH, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters.
    EASA advises that during scheduled maintenance on a Model A109S 
helicopter, three cracks were found on the drive shaft. An 
investigation could not determine the cause of the cracking but 
concluded it could not have been caused by fatigue. This condition, if 
not detected and corrected, could lead to tail rotor failure, possibly 
resulting in loss of helicopter control, EASA advises. EASA AD No. 
2015-0054 consequently requires a one-time inspection of the drive 
shaft, and replacing the drive shaft if cracks are found.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (81 FR 15171, March 
22, 2016).

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 and that air 
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as 
proposed.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval 
holder has not determined the cause of the unsafe

[[Page 63375]]

condition identified in this AD. If a cause is determined and actions 
developed to address the cause, we might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Agusta Model A109LUH helicopters. This AD 
does not because this model does not have an FAA type certificate.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 109-147 for 
Model A109A helicopters with retrofit kit P/N 109-0820-27-101 
installed, Model A109A II, and Model A109C helicopters; BT No. 109EP-
143 for Model A109E helicopters; BT No. 109K-68 for Model A109K2 
helicopters; BT No. 109S-067 for Model A109S helicopters; and BT No. 
109SP-094 for Model AW109SP helicopters. All of the BTs are dated March 
25, 2015. AgustaWestland reports that during a scheduled servicing of 
an A109S helicopter, three cracks were found on drive shaft, P/N 109-
8412-02-1. The BTs prescribe a one-time drive shaft inspection for 
cracks.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 142 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting the drive shaft requires 9 work-hours and no 
parts. The estimated cost is $765 per helicopter and $108,630 for the 
U.S. fleet.
     Replacing the drive shaft requires no additional labor 
hours. Parts cost $6,082 per helicopter.
    According to Agusta 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 Agusta. 
Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-18-18 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-18649; Docket No. FAA-2015-
3781; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-048-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, 
A109E, A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters with a tail rotor 
drive shaft assembly (drive shaft) part number 109-8412-02-1 or 109-
8412-02-3 installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a drive 
shaft. This condition could result in failure of a drive shaft, 
failure of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of helicopter 
control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes October 20, 2016.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 50 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Visually inspect each drive shaft in accordance with the 
Compliance Instructions, paragraph 4, of AgustaWestland Bollettino 
Tecnico (BT) No. 109-147, dated March 25, 2015; BT No. 109EP-143, 
dated March 25, 2015; BT No. 109K-68, dated March 25, 2015; BT No. 
109S-067, dated March 25, 2015; or BT No. 109SP-094, dated March 25, 
2015, as applicable for your model helicopter.
    (2) If there is a crack, replace the drive shaft before further 
flight.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@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 European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0054, dated March 27, 2015. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2015-3781.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor 
Drive Shaft.

[[Page 63376]]

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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. 109-147, dated March 
25, 2015.
    (ii) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-143, dated 
March 25, 2015.
    (iii) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 109K-68, dated March 
25, 2015.
    (iv) AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 109S-067, dated March 
25, 2015.
    (v) AgustaWestland Bollettino TecnicoNo. 109SP-094, dated March 
25, 2015.
    (3) For Agusta S.p.A. service information identified in this 
final rule, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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 September 1, 2016.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-21707 Filed 9-14-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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