Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 50849-50851 [2017-23200]

Download as PDF 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 50850 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules If there are any cuts, tears, punctures, or abrasion on a float bag, the proposed AD would require repairing the float bag before further flight. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires compliance within 15 hours TIS or 10 days for helicopters flying overwater above sea state 4 or within 120 hours or 60 days for helicopters operating overwater up to sea state 4. The proposed AD would require compliance within 120 hours TIS regardless of sea state conditions. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect two helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Inspecting each float bag, replacing the PRT valve gasket, and replacing the inflate/deflate protection would require about 40 workhours, and required parts would cost about $500, for a cost per helicopter of $3,900 and a total cost of $7,800 for the U.S. fleet. If required, repairing a float bag would require about 2 work-hours, and required parts would cost $90, for a cost per float bag of $260. 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 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:57 Nov 01, 2017 Jkt 244001 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): ■ Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters: Docket No. FAA– 2017–1010; Product Identifier 2016–SW– 089–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any category, with an emergency float system (EFS) float assembly part number (P/N) 8G9560V00131, serial number (S/N) 066 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00231, S/N 068 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/N 8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or lower, installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a punctured EFS float bag. This condition could result in loss of buoyancy of an EFS float bag being used in an emergency water ditching and subsequent injury to helicopter occupants. (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 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions (1) Within 120 hours time-in-service: (i) Unfold and inspect each float bag assembly for any cuts, tears, punctures, or abrasion. If there is a cut, tear, puncture, or any abrasion, before further flight, repair the float bag assembly. (ii) Replace each O-ring P/N S–B10104 with a pressure relief/topping (PRT) valve gasket P/N 316683A. (iii) Install each PRT valve P/N P–G10025 and apply a torque of 4.5 to 5.5 Nm (39.8 to 48.6 inch-pounds). (iv) Replace each inflate/deflate protection P/N 304694A with a PRT valve protection P/N 304694B. (iv) Install a piece of tape approximately 220 millimeters long over each PRT valve protection P/N 304694B. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an EFS float assembly P/N 8G9560V00131, S/N 066 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00231, S/N 068 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/N 8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or lower on any helicopter unless you have complied with the actions in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 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 9ASW-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 S.p.A. Bollettino Tecnico No. 189–135, dated December 20, 2016, and Aero Sekur Service Bulletin No. SB–189–25–003, dated November 30, 2016, which are not incorporated by reference, contain 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. 2016–0263–E, dated December 24, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. 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: 3212 Emergency Flotation Section. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 16, 2017. James A. Grigg, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–23200 Filed 11–1–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R03–OAR–2017–0479; FRL–9968–42– Region 3] Air Quality Plans; Pennsylvania; Lebanon County 2012 Fine Particulate Matter Standard Determination of Attainment Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to determine that the Lebanon County, Pennsylvania nonattainment area (the Lebanon County Area) has attained the 2012 annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). This proposed determination of attainment, also known as a clean data determination, is based on quality assured and certified ambient air quality data for the 2014–2016 monitoring period. If finalized, the effect of this determination of attainment would be to suspend certain planning requirements for the area, including the requirement to submit an attainment demonstration and associated reasonably available control measures (RACM), a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, and contingency measures. These requirements would be suspended for as long as the area continues to meet the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. However, this proposed action is not a redesignation to attainment for the area. This action is being taken under the Clean Air Act (CAA). DATES: Written comments must be received on or before December 4, 2017. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R03– OAR–2017–0479 at https:// www.regulations.gov, or via email to stahl.cynthia@epa.gov. For comments submitted at Regulations.gov, follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from Regulations.gov. For either manner of nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:57 Nov 01, 2017 Jkt 244001 submission, EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be confidential business information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e. on the Web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, please contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. For the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/ commenting-epa-dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maria A. Pino, (215) 814–2181, or by email at pino.maria@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background On December 14, 2012, EPA promulgated a revised primary annual PM2.5 NAAQS to provide increased protection of public health from fine particle pollution (the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS). See 78 FR 3086 (January 15, 2013). In that action, EPA strengthened the primary annual PM2.5 standard, lowering the level from 15.0 micrograms per cubic meter (mg/m3) to 12.0 mg/m3. The 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS is attained when the 3-year average of the annual arithmetic means does not exceed 12.0 mg/m3. See 40 CFR 50.18. On December 18, 2014 (80 FR 2206), EPA made designation determinations, as required by CAA section 107(d)(1), for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS. In that action, EPA designated the Lebanon County Area as moderate nonattainment for the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS. See 40 CFR 81.339. Under EPA’s longstanding Clean Data Policy,1 which was codified in EPA’s Clean Air Fine Particulate Implementation Rule (72 FR 20586, April 25, 2007), EPA may issue a determination of attainment after notice and comment rulemaking determining that a specific area is attaining the relevant standard. See 40 CFR 51.1004. The effect of a clean data determination is to suspend the requirement for the 1 ‘‘Clean Data Policy for the Fine Particle National Ambient Air Quality Standards,’’ Memorandum from Stephen D. Page, December 14, 2004. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 50851 area to submit an attainment demonstration, RACM, RFP plan, contingency measures, and any other planning State Implementation Plans (SIPs) related to attainment for as long as the area continues to attain the standard. In EPA’s Fine Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards: State Implementation Plan Requirements (81 FR 58010, August 24, 2016), EPA reaffirmed the Clean Data Policy at 40 CFR 51.1015. The rule states that, upon a determination by EPA that a moderate PM2.5 nonattainment area has attained the PM2.5 NAAQS, the requirements for the state to submit an attainment demonstration, RACM (including reasonably available control technology (RACT) for stationary sources), RFP, quantitative milestones and quantitative milestone reports, and contingency measures for the area shall be suspended until such time as: (1) The area is redesignated to attainment, after which such requirements are permanently discharged; or, (2) EPA determines that the area has re-violated the PM2.5 NAAQS, at which time the state shall submit such attainment plan elements for the moderate nonattainment area by a future date to be determined by EPA and announced through publication in the Federal Register at the time EPA determines the area is violating the PM2.5 NAAQS. See 40 CFR 51.1015. II. EPA’s Evaluation Under EPA regulations at 40 CFR part 50, § 50.18 and appendix N, the annual primary PM2.5 standard is met when the 3-year average of PM2.5 annual mean mass concentrations for each eligible monitoring site is less than or equal to 12 mg/m3. Three years of valid annual means are required to produce a valid annual PM2.5 NAAQS design value. A year meets data completeness requirements when quarterly data capture rates for all four quarters are at least 75 percent (%) from eligible monitoring sites. See 40 CFR part 50, appendix N. By letter dated May 17, 2017, Pennsylvania certified its 2016 ambient air quality monitoring data. EPA issued final 2014–2016 design values on July 27, 2017. There is one PM2.5 monitor in the Lebanon County Area. Table 1 shows the Lebanon County Area design value for the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS for the years 2014–2016 at the Lebanon County monitor. Consistent with the requirements contained in 40 CFR part 50, EPA has reviewed the PM2.5 ambient air quality monitoring data for the 2014–2016 E:\FR\FM\02NOP1.SGM 02NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 211 (Thursday, November 2, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50849-50851]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23200]


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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

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 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.

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 
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. 2016-0263-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 one-time 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.

[[Page 50850]]

If there are any cuts, tears, punctures, or abrasion on a float bag, 
the proposed AD would require repairing the float bag before further 
flight.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires compliance within 15 hours TIS or 10 days for 
helicopters flying overwater above sea state 4 or within 120 hours or 
60 days for helicopters operating overwater up to sea state 4. The 
proposed AD would require compliance within 120 hours TIS regardless of 
sea state conditions.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect two helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. Inspecting each float bag, replacing 
the PRT valve gasket, and replacing the inflate/deflate protection 
would require about 40 work-hours, and required parts would cost about 
$500, for a cost per helicopter of $3,900 and a total cost of $7,800 
for the U.S. fleet. If required, repairing a float bag would require 
about 2 work-hours, and required parts would cost $90, for a cost per 
float bag of $260.

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. Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2017-1010; Product 
Identifier 2016-SW-089-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW189 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with an emergency float 
system (EFS) float assembly part number (P/N) 8G9560V00131, serial 
number (S/N) 066 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00231, S/N 068 or lower; P/N 
8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/N 8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or 
lower, installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a punctured EFS float 
bag. This condition could result in loss of buoyancy of an EFS float 
bag being used in an emergency water ditching and subsequent injury 
to helicopter occupants.

(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

    (1) Within 120 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Unfold and inspect each float bag assembly for any cuts, 
tears, punctures, or abrasion. If there is a cut, tear, puncture, or 
any abrasion, before further flight, repair the float bag assembly.
    (ii) Replace each O-ring P/N S-B10104 with a pressure relief/
topping (PRT) valve gasket P/N 316683A.
    (iii) Install each PRT valve P/N P-G10025 and apply a torque of 
4.5 to 5.5 Nm (39.8 to 48.6 inch-pounds).
    (iv) Replace each inflate/deflate protection P/N 304694A with a 
PRT valve protection P/N 304694B.
    (iv) Install a piece of tape approximately 220 millimeters long 
over each PRT valve protection P/N 304694B.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an EFS 
float assembly P/N 8G9560V00131, S/N 066 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00231, 
S/N 068 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/N 
8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or lower on any helicopter unless you have 
complied with the actions in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 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 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 S.p.A. Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-135, dated 
December 20, 2016, and Aero Sekur Service Bulletin No. SB-189-25-
003, dated November 30, 2016, which are not incorporated by 
reference, contain 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. 2016-0263-E, dated December 24, 2016. 
You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

[[Page 50851]]

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212 Emergency 
Flotation Section.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 16, 2017.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-23200 Filed 11-1-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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