Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 4136-4138 [2018-01573]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 20 / Tuesday, January 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
U.S. orchid producers numbered 158
in 2012, but the number of
establishments that are small entities is
not known. Given that orchid plants
such as Oncidium spp. are already being
imported from Taiwan in approved
growing media and all orchid species
are allowed importation without
growing material, we expect that
allowing the importation of Dendrobium
spp. orchids in approved growing media
will not significantly change the volume
or value of orchids imported by the
United States from Taiwan.
Under these circumstances, the
Administrator of the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service has
determined that this action will not
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
Executive Order 12988
This final rule has been reviewed
under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. This rule: (1) Preempts
all State and local laws and regulations
that are inconsistent with this rule; (2)
has no retroactive effect; and (3) does
not require administrative proceedings
before parties may file suit in court
challenging this rule.
National Environmental Policy Act
An environmental assessment and
finding of no significant impact have
been prepared for this final rule. The
environmental assessment provides a
basis for the conclusion that the
importation of Dendrobium spp. from
Taiwan under the conditions specified
in this rule will not have a significant
impact on the quality of the human
environment. Based on the finding of no
significant impact, the Administrator of
the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service has determined that an
environmental impact statement need
not be prepared.
The environmental assessment and
finding of no significant impact were
prepared in accordance with: (1) The
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the
Council on Environmental Quality for
implementing the procedural provisions
of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), (3)
USDA regulations implementing NEPA
(7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS’ NEPA
Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part
372).
The environmental assessment and
finding of no significant impact may be
viewed on the Regulations.gov website.3
3 Go to https://www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2016-0005. The
environmental assessment and finding of no
significant impact will appear in the resulting list
of documents.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:14 Jan 29, 2018
Jkt 244001
Copies of the environmental assessment
and finding of no significant impact are
also available for public inspection at
USDA, Room 1141, South Building,
14th Street and Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC, between 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except holidays. Persons wishing to
inspect copies are requested to call
ahead on (202) 799–7039 to facilitate
entry into the reading room. In addition,
copies may be obtained by writing to the
individual listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with section 3507(d) of
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the information
collection requirements included in this
final rule, which were filed under 0579–
0458, have been submitted for approval
to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). When OMB notifies us of its
decision, if approval is denied, we will
publish a document in the Federal
Register providing notice of what action
we plan to take.
E-Government Act Compliance
The Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service is committed to
compliance with the E-Government Act
to promote the use of the internet and
other information technologies, to
provide increased opportunities for
citizen access to Government
information and services, and for other
purposes. For information pertinent to
E-Government Act compliance related
to this rule, please contact Ms. Kimberly
Hardy, APHIS’ Information Collection
Coordinator, at (301) 851–2483.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 319
Coffee, Cotton, Fruits, Imports, Logs,
Nursery stock, Plant diseases and pests,
Quarantine, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Rice,
Vegetables.
Accordingly, we are amending 7 CFR
part 319 as follows:
PART 319—FOREIGN QUARANTINE
NOTICES
1. The authority citation for part 319
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 450, 7701–7772, and
7781–7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 7 CFR
2.22, 2.80, and 371.3.
2. Section 319.37–8 is amended as
follows:
■ a. In paragraph (e) introductory text,
by adding, in alphabetical order, an
entry for ‘‘Dendrobium spp. from
Taiwan’’; and
■ b. By revising the OMB citation at the
end of the section.
■
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The revision reads as follows:
§ 319.37–8
Growing media.
*
*
*
*
*
(Approved by the Office of Management and
Budget under control numbers 0579–0190,
0579–0439, 0579–0454, and 0579–0458)
Done in Washington, DC, this 24th day of
January 2018.
Kevin Shea,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–01737 Filed 1–29–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0939; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–057–AD; Amendment
39–19174; AD 2018–03–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta
S.p.A. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and
AW139 helicopters. This AD requires
inspecting the main rotor blade (MRB)
tip cap for disbonding. This AD is
prompted by a report of the in-flight loss
of an MRB tip cap. The actions of this
AD are intended to prevent an unsafe
condition on these helicopters.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
February 14, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of February 14, 2018.
We must receive comments on this
AD by April 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
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 20 / Tuesday, January 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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–
0939; or in person at Docket Operations
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-byreference service information, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations
(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 final 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. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0939.
Matt
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not provide you with notice and
an opportunity to provide your
comments prior to it becoming effective.
However, we invite you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that resulted from
adopting this AD. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the AD, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:14 Jan 29, 2018
Jkt 244001
filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. We will file
in the docket all comments that we
receive, as well as a report summarizing
each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerning this
rulemaking during the comment period.
We will consider all the comments we
receive and may conduct additional
rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued AD No. 2017–
0175–E, dated September 13, 2017, to
correct an unsafe condition for
Leonardo S.p.A. (previously Agusta)
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.
EASA advises of an in-flight loss of an
MRB tip cap on an AW139 helicopter
where the pilot was able to safely land
the helicopter. EASA further advises
that an investigation determined the
cause as incorrect bonding procedures
used during production on MRB part
number 3G6210A00131, serial numbers
3615, 3634, 3667, and 3729. According
to EASA, this condition could result in
loss of an MRB tip cap, increased pilot
workload, and reduced control of the
helicopter. To address this unsafe
condition, the EASA AD requires a onetime inspection of the affected MRB tip
caps within 5 hours and replacing the
affected MRBs within 10 hours if not
replaced as a result of the inspection.
The EASA AD also prohibits installing
the affected MRBs on a helicopter.
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 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 the
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
because we evaluated all information
provided by EASA and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Leonardo Helicopters has issued
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
139–508, dated September 12, 2017,
which describes procedures for
inspecting the tip cap for disbonding
using a tap test and replacing the main
rotor blade.
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4137
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.
AD Requirements
For helicopters with an MRB partnumber (P/N) 3G6210A00131 that has
serial number (S/N) 3615, 3634, 3667, or
3729 installed, this AD requires:
• Within 5 hours time-in-service
(TIS), tap inspecting each tip cap for
disbonding.
• If there is any disbonding, this AD
requires, before further flight, removing
the MRB from service.
• If there is no disbonding, this AD
requires, within 10 hours TIS, removing
the MRB from service.
This AD also prohibits installing these
serial-numbered MRBs on any
helicopter after the effective date of this
AD.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD requires that you
return the removed blades to Leonardo
Helicopters, and this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects four
helicopters of U.S. Registry.
At an average labor rate of $85 per
work-hour, we estimate that operators
may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this AD. Tap inspecting
the MRB tip caps will require 1 workhour, for a cost per helicopter of $85.
Replacing one MRB will require 4 workhours, and $141,725 for required parts.
Thus, we estimate a total cost of
$568,345 per helicopter and $2,273,380
for the U.S. fleet to comply with this
AD.
According to Leonardo Helicopters’
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 Leonardo
Helicopters. Accordingly, we have
included all costs in our cost estimate.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because the corrective actions
required by this AD must be
accomplished within 5 hours TIS.
Therefore, we find good cause that
notice and opportunity for prior public
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 20 / Tuesday, January 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
comment are impracticable. In addition,
for the reasons stated above, we find
that good cause exists for making this
amendment effective in less than 30
days.
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.
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national Government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify
that this AD:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
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15:14 Jan 29, 2018
Jkt 244001
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]
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2017–0175–E, dated September 13, 2017.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–
0939.
■
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6210 Main Rotor Blades.
2018–03–01 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
19174; Docket No. FAA–2017–0939;
Product Identifier 2017–SW–057–AD.
(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) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin No. 139–508, dated
September 12, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Leonardo Helicopters 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.
(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.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated
in any category, with a main rotor blade
(MRB) part number (P/N) 3G6210A00131
with a serial number (S/N) 3615, 3634, 3667,
or 3729 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
disbonding of an MRB tip cap. This
condition could result in loss of the MRB tip
cap, severe vibrations, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 14,
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 5 hours time-in-service (TIS),
using a tap hammer or equivalent, tap inspect
each MRB tip cap for disbonding in the area
depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo Helicopters
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 139–
508, dated September 12, 2017 (EASB).
(i) If there is any disbonding, before further
flight, remove the MRB from service.
(ii) If there is no disbonding, within 10
hours TIS, remove the MRB from service.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do
not install a MRB P/N 3G6210A00131 with
a S/N 3615, 3634, 3667, or 3729 on any
helicopter.
(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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
Safety Engineer, Safety Management 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.
PO 00000
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Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 22,
2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–01573 Filed 1–29–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
17 CFR Part 249
[Release No. 33–7424A; 34–38771A; 35–
26733A; 39–2354A; IC–22727A]
Amendments to Forms and Schedules
To Remove Voluntary Provision of
Social Security Numbers
Securities and Exchange
Commission.
ACTION: Final rule; technical correction.
AGENCY:
This document makes a
technical correction to a form
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\30JAR1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4136-4138]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01573]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0939; Product Identifier 2017-SW-057-AD; Amendment
39-19174; AD 2018-03-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD requires
inspecting the main rotor blade (MRB) tip cap for disbonding. This AD
is prompted by a report of the in-flight loss of an MRB tip cap. The
actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these
helicopters.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 14, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of February 14,
2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by April 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
[[Page 4137]]
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-
0939; or in person at Docket Operations 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
Docket Operations (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 final 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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0939.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued AD No. 2017- 0175-E, dated September 13,
2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. (previously
Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. EASA advises of an in-flight
loss of an MRB tip cap on an AW139 helicopter where the pilot was able
to safely land the helicopter. EASA further advises that an
investigation determined the cause as incorrect bonding procedures used
during production on MRB part number 3G6210A00131, serial numbers 3615,
3634, 3667, and 3729. According to EASA, this condition could result in
loss of an MRB tip cap, increased pilot workload, and reduced control
of the helicopter. To address this unsafe condition, the EASA AD
requires a one-time inspection of the affected MRB tip caps within 5
hours and replacing the affected MRBs within 10 hours if not replaced
as a result of the inspection. The EASA AD also prohibits installing
the affected MRBs on a helicopter.
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 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 the EASA AD. We
are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by
EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist
or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Leonardo Helicopters has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
No. 139-508, dated September 12, 2017, which describes procedures for
inspecting the tip cap for disbonding using a tap test and replacing
the main rotor blade.
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.
AD Requirements
For helicopters with an MRB part-number (P/N) 3G6210A00131 that has
serial number (S/N) 3615, 3634, 3667, or 3729 installed, this AD
requires:
Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), tap inspecting each
tip cap for disbonding.
If there is any disbonding, this AD requires, before
further flight, removing the MRB from service.
If there is no disbonding, this AD requires, within 10
hours TIS, removing the MRB from service.
This AD also prohibits installing these serial-numbered MRBs on any
helicopter after the effective date of this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires that you return the removed blades to Leonardo
Helicopters, and this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects four helicopters of U.S. Registry.
At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we estimate that
operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this
AD. Tap inspecting the MRB tip caps will require 1 work-hour, for a
cost per helicopter of $85. Replacing one MRB will require 4 work-
hours, and $141,725 for required parts. Thus, we estimate a total cost
of $568,345 per helicopter and $2,273,380 for the U.S. fleet to comply
with this AD.
According to Leonardo Helicopters' 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 Leonardo Helicopters. Accordingly, we have included all
costs in our cost estimate.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because the corrective actions required by this AD must be accomplished
within 5 hours TIS.
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior
public
[[Page 4138]]
comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated above,
we find that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in
less than 30 days.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
2018-03-01 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-19174; Docket No. FAA-2017-
0939; Product Identifier 2017-SW-057-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor blade
(MRB) part number (P/N) 3G6210A00131 with a serial number (S/N)
3615, 3634, 3667, or 3729 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as disbonding of an MRB tip
cap. This condition could result in loss of the MRB tip cap, severe
vibrations, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 14, 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 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), using a tap hammer or
equivalent, tap inspect each MRB tip cap for disbonding in the area
depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 139-508, dated September 12, 2017 (EASB).
(i) If there is any disbonding, before further flight, remove
the MRB from service.
(ii) If there is no disbonding, within 10 hours TIS, remove the
MRB from service.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a MRB P/
N 3G6210A00131 with a S/N 3615, 3634, 3667, or 3729 on any
helicopter.
(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:
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
(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. 2017-0175-E, dated September 13, 2017. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0939.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210 Main Rotor
Blades.
(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) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
139-508, dated September 12, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Leonardo Helicopters 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.
(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 January 22, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-01573 Filed 1-29-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
