Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters, 50847-50849 [2017-23199]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules information has previously been made available to others without obligation concerning its confidentiality, (5) an explanation of the competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from public disclosure, (6) when such information might lose its confidential character due to the passage of time, and (7) why disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest. It is DOE’s policy that all comments may be included in the public docket, without change and as received, including any personal information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be exempt from public disclosure). DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of the public during the comment period in each stage of this process. Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices and information about this process should contact Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 586– 6636 or via email at ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ ee.doe.gov. Issued in Washington, DC, on October 19, 2017. David Nemtzow, Director, Building Technologies Office, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2017–23634 Filed 11–1–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0111; Product Identifier 2016–SW–079–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain AgustaWestland S.p.A. (AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD would SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:57 Nov 01, 2017 Jkt 244001 require replacing the seal and filler wedges of all emergency exit windows. The proposed actions are prompted by a report that some windows were improperly glued when installed. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2018. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0111; 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 rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/-/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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email martin.r.crane@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 50847 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. 2016– 0216, dated October 28, 2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo Helicopters (previously Finmeccanica S.p.A., previously AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters, serial numbers 49007 through 49021, 49023, 49029, 49033, 49035, 89001, 89003, 89004, 92001, 92003, and 92005. The EASA AD does not apply to windows that have been reinstalled at least once since helicopter delivery and windows that are part of bubble window kit part number (P/N) 8G5620F00111. EASA advises that during a scheduled replacement of emergency exit window seals on helicopters in service, an excessively high level of pushing force was required to jettison some of the windows. According to EASA, further investigation determined the windows were installed with glue applied in locations that were not in accordance with the approved design. This condition, if not corrected, could prevent the jettisoning of helicopter emergency exit windows, possibly affecting the evacuation of crew and passengers during an emergency situation, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires replacement of the seal and the filler wedges of the E:\FR\FM\02NOP1.SGM 02NOP1 50848 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules emergency exit windows installed in the cockpit doors and cabin. The FAA is in the process of updating AgustaWestland’s name change to Leonardo Helicopters on its type certificate. Because this name change is not yet effective, this proposed AD specifies AgustaWestland. 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 We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189–118, dated October 20, 2016. This service information specifies replacing the seal and filler wedges on all cockpit door and cabin emergency exit windows of Model AW189 helicopters, except on those windows that have been replaced or that are part of bubble window kit P/N 8G5620F00111. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require within 75 hours time-in-service, replacing the seal and filler wedges on all emergency exit windows installed in the cockpit doors and cabin. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 2 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect that removing and replacing the window seals and fillers would require 40 work-hours and parts would cost about $834, for a total cost of $4,234 per helicopter and $8,468 for the U.S. fleet. nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:57 Nov 01, 2017 Jkt 244001 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 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): ■ AgustaWestland S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA– 2017–0111; Product Identifier 2016–SW– 079–AD. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model AW189 helicopters, serial number 49007 through 49021, 49023, 49029, 49033, 49035, 89001, 89003, 89004, 92001, 92003, and 92005, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as improperly glued emergency exit windows. This condition could result in the window failing to jettison, preventing the occupants from exiting the helicopter during an emergency. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by January 2, 2018. (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 75 hours time-in-service, replace the seal and filler wedges of each cabin and cockpit door emergency exit window, except bubble windows installed in accordance with bubble window kit part number 8G5620F00111. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 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 (1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189–118, dated October 20, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/-/ 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. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016–0216, dated October 28, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in AD Docket No. FAA–2017–0111. E:\FR\FM\02NOP1.SGM 02NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5600, Window/Windshield System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 17, 2017. James A. Grigg, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–23199 Filed 11–1–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–1010; Product Identifier 2016–SW–089–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 AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting and altering the emergency flotation system (EFS). This proposed AD is prompted by a report of punctured EFS kits. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2018. 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: nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS 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–2017– 1010; 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:57 Nov 01, 2017 Jkt 244001 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 rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/-/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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222– 5110; email martin.r.crane@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. 2016– PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 50849 0263–E, dated December 24, 2016 (AD 2016–0263–E), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters (previously Agusta) Model AW189 helicopters. EASA advises that during the first scheduled maintenance of an EFS kit, float bags were found punctured. According to EASA, an investigation revealed the damage was caused by protruding parts of the pressure relief/topping valves that were not adequately protected. EASA further states that this condition could result in a partial loss of buoyancy of the EFS float bags, possibly resulting in injury to the helicopter’s occupants in a ditching event. To prevent this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2016–0263–E requires a onetime inspection of the EFS, repair of any discrepancies found, replacing the pressure relief/topping valve O-ring with a gasket, and replacing the inflate/ deflate protection with a new design inflate/deflate protection. The FAA is in the process of updating Agusta’s name change to Leonardo Helicopters on its type certificate. Because this name change is not yet effective, this proposed AD specifies Agusta. 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 We reviewed Leonardo S.p.A. Bollettino Tecnico No. 189–135, dated December 20, 2016 (BT 189–135), and Aero Sekur Service Bulletin No. SB– 189–25–003, dated November 30, 2016 (SB–189–25–003), which is attached to BT 189–135 as Annex 1. BT 189–135 specifies following the procedures in SB–189–25–003 to inspect and modify certain EFS kits installed on AW189 helicopters. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within 120 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting each float bag for punctures, replacing the pressure relief/topping (PRT) valve O-ring part number (P/N) P– G10025 with a PRT valve gasket P/N 316683A, and replacing the inflate/ deflate protection P/N 304694A with inflate/deflate protection P/N 304694B. E:\FR\FM\02NOP1.SGM 02NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 211 (Thursday, November 2, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50847-50849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23199]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0111; Product Identifier 2016-SW-079-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland 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 
certain AgustaWestland S.p.A. (AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters. 
This proposed AD would require replacing the seal and filler wedges of 
all emergency exit windows. The proposed actions are prompted by a 
report that some windows were improperly glued when installed. The 
actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2018.

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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0111; 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 rule, contact 
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, 
Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone 
+39-0331-711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/-/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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email martin.r.crane@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. 2016-0216, dated October 28, 
2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo Helicopters 
(previously Finmeccanica S.p.A., previously AgustaWestland) Model AW189 
helicopters, serial numbers 49007 through 49021, 49023, 49029, 49033, 
49035, 89001, 89003, 89004, 92001, 92003, and 92005. The EASA AD does 
not apply to windows that have been reinstalled at least once since 
helicopter delivery and windows that are part of bubble window kit part 
number (P/N) 8G5620F00111.
    EASA advises that during a scheduled replacement of emergency exit 
window seals on helicopters in service, an excessively high level of 
pushing force was required to jettison some of the windows. According 
to EASA, further investigation determined the windows were installed 
with glue applied in locations that were not in accordance with the 
approved design.
    This condition, if not corrected, could prevent the jettisoning of 
helicopter emergency exit windows, possibly affecting the evacuation of 
crew and passengers during an emergency situation, EASA advises. EASA 
consequently requires replacement of the seal and the filler wedges of 
the

[[Page 50848]]

emergency exit windows installed in the cockpit doors and cabin.
    The FAA is in the process of updating AgustaWestland's name change 
to Leonardo Helicopters on its type certificate. Because this name 
change is not yet effective, this proposed AD specifies AgustaWestland.

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

    We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-118, 
dated October 20, 2016. This service information specifies replacing 
the seal and filler wedges on all cockpit door and cabin emergency exit 
windows of Model AW189 helicopters, except on those windows that have 
been replaced or that are part of bubble window kit P/N 8G5620F00111.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require within 75 hours time-in-service, 
replacing the seal and filler wedges on all emergency exit windows 
installed in the cockpit doors and cabin.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 2 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect that removing and replacing the window seals 
and fillers would require 40 work-hours and parts would cost about 
$834, for a total cost of $4,234 per helicopter and $8,468 for the U.S. 
fleet.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

AgustaWestland S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2017-0111; Product Identifier 
2016-SW-079-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AW189 helicopters, serial number 49007 
through 49021, 49023, 49029, 49033, 49035, 89001, 89003, 89004, 
92001, 92003, and 92005, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as improperly glued 
emergency exit windows. This condition could result in the window 
failing to jettison, preventing the occupants from exiting the 
helicopter during an emergency.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 2, 2018.

(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 75 hours time-in-service, replace the seal and filler 
wedges of each cabin and cockpit door emergency exit window, except 
bubble windows installed in accordance with bubble window kit part 
number 8G5620F00111.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 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

    (1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-118, dated 
October 20, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. 
Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 
520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-
711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/-/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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0216, dated October 28, 2016. You 
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
in AD Docket No. FAA-2017-0111.

[[Page 50849]]

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5600, Window/
Windshield System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 17, 2017.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-23199 Filed 11-1-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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