Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 8745-8747 [2018-03929]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(2) Inspect all visible bracket surfaces for
corrosion. If there is any corrosion, remove
the corrosion and measure the corrosion
depth.
(i) If the measured corrosion depth is less
than 0.5 mm, perform a jettisoning test. If the
door passes the test, apply corrosion
protectant. If the door does not pass the test,
replace the jettisoning system before further
flight.
(ii) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.5
mm or more, perform a jettisoning test. If the
door passes the test, apply corrosion
protectant, perform a jettisoning test at
intervals not to exceed two months for not
more than six months, and replace the
jettisoning system within six months. If the
door does not pass the test, replace the
jettisoning system before further flight.
(3) Measure the clearance between the
bracket and stainless steel pipe. If the
clearance is less than 3 mm, remove the
lockwire from the union and loosen the
unions of the air vent pipe. Position the
support and the air vent pipe to ensure a
minimum clearance of 3 mm. Tighten the
support and unions of the pipe and safety the
union using lockwire.
(4) For Model EC225LP helicopters and
Model AS332-series helicopters with
modification AL25612, inspect for drain
obstruction by compressing the middle rail
roller well piston and injecting distilled
water through the roller well to determine if
the water drains. If the drain is obstructed,
remove the sealing compound and adhesive
from the gutter in the bracket area. Remove
the drain from the gutter and unclog the
drain and gutter using a spatula or brush.
Clean the gutter on the bracket side and the
drain. Apply adhesive to the gutter and then
slide in the drain. Allow the adhesive to dry,
and then apply sealing compound.
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
(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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5116; 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
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2015–0156, dated July 29, 2015, and
corrected July 30, 2015. You may view the
EASA AD on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2016–5019.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5220, Emergency Exits.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:58 Feb 28, 2018
Jkt 244001
(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) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. AS332–53.01.86, Revision 1,
dated June 29, 2015.
(ii) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. EC225–53A048, Revision 0,
dated August 18, 2014.
(3) For Airbus Helicopters service
information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive,
Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972)
641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–
3775; or at https://
www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/ref/
Technical-Support_73.html.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February
21, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–03928 Filed 2–28–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0103; Product
Identifier 2016–SW–086–AD; Amendment
39–19207; AD 2018–04–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta
S.p.A. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. Model AB139 and Model AW139
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting
the thickness of the tail gearbox (TGB)
central housing (housing). This AD was
prompted by reports that the housing
thickness does not conform to its type
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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8745
design. The actions of this AD are
intended to detect and correct an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 5,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of April 5, 2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Leonardo S.p.A., 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–
0103.
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–
0103; 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
(phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations Office, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:
Discussion
On September 22, 2017, at 82 FR
44363, the Federal Register published
our notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to Agusta S.p.A. Model
AB139 and Model AW139 helicopters.
The NPRM proposed to require
inspecting the thickness of the TGB
housing and replacing the TGB before
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8746
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
further flight if the thickness is less than
2.65 mm (0.104 inch). The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent
a crack in the TGB central housing,
which could result in the failure of the
tail gear rotor transmission and loss of
helicopter control.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2016–0246, dated December 13, 2016,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly
Finmeccanica S.p.A. and Agusta S.p.A.)
Model AB139 and Model AW139
helicopters.
EASA advises that the thickness of
some sections of the housing do not
conform to the type design and could
lead to premature cracks in the housing,
resulting in failure of the tail gear rotor
transmission and reduced control of the
helicopter. The EASA AD consequently
requires a one-time inspection to
determine the thickness of the housing
wall, and depending on the findings,
replacing the housing or TGB assembly
with an airworthy part.
The FAA is in the process of updating
Agusta S.p.A.’s name change to
Leonardo S.p.A. on its FAA type
certificate. Because this name change is
not yet effective, this AD specifies
Agusta S.p.A. as the type certificate
holder.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we received no comments on the NPRM.
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of Italy and are
approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to our bilateral
agreement with Italy, EASA, its
technical representative, has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
because we evaluated all information
provided by EASA and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
If a housing has fewer than 7,500
hours TIS, the EASA AD requires a
dimensional inspection of the housing
wall at a helicopter’s first return to a
shop or service station for a TGB
overhaul or repair after the EASA AD’s
effective date but no later than 7,500
hours TIS. This AD requires such an
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:58 Feb 28, 2018
Jkt 244001
inspection only before reaching 7,500
hours TIS.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters
Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–274, dated
September 14, 2016 (BT 139–274),
which specifies procedures for a
dimensional check of the housing or
TGB to determine the thickness of the
housing wall. For housings with fewer
than 7,500 flight hours, BT 139–274
specifies compliance with the
dimensional check by measurement
during the next repair or overhaul, and
replacing the housing if it does not meet
its thickness requirement. For housings
with 7,500 or more flight hours, BT
139–274 specifies compliance with the
dimensional check by ultrasonic
inspection within 300 flight hours, and
replacing the TGB if it does not meet its
thickness requirement. BT 139–274
excludes certain serial-numbered
housings from the applicability because
they were inspected before delivery to
customers.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 103
helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
labor costs average $85 per work-hour.
Based on these estimates, we expect the
following costs:
• Measuring the thickness of the
housing requires .5 work-hour, and no
parts are needed for a total cost of $43
per helicopter.
• Ultrasonic inspecting the thickness
of the housing requires 2 work-hours,
and no parts are needed for a total cost
of $170 per helicopter.
• Replacing the TGB housing requires
5 work-hours, and parts cost $11,185 for
a total cost of $11,610 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
helicopters identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2018–04–11 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
19207; Docket No. FAA–2017–0103;
Product Identifier 2016–SW–086–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model
AB139 and Model AW139 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with a tail
gearbox (TGB) assembly part number (P/N)
3T6522A00239, 3T6522A00242,
3T6522A00243, or 3T6522A00246 that has a
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 41 / Thursday, March 1, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
central housing P/N 3T6522A05144 or
3T6522A05146, all serial numbers except
those listed in Table 1 of Leonardo
Helicopters Bollettino Technico No. 139–274,
dated September 14, 2016.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
nonconforming thickness in a section of a
TGB central housing, which can lead to a
crack in the TGB central housing. This
condition could result in the failure of the
tail gear rotor transmission and loss of
helicopter control.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6720, Tail Rotor Control System.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective April 5, 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) For helicopters with a TGB central
housing with less than 7,500 hours time-inservice (TIS), before accumulating 7,500
hours TIS, measure the thickness of the
central housing in accordance with the
Compliance Instructions, Part I paragraphs 1.
and 2., of Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino
Tecnico No. 139–274, dated September 14,
2016 (BT 139–274). If the thickness is less
than 2.65 mm (0.104 inch), replace the TGB
central housing before further flight.
(2) For helicopters with a TGB central
housing with 7,500 or more hours TIS,
within 300 hours TIS, ultrasonic inspect the
TGB in accordance with the Compliance
Instructions, Part II paragraphs 4. through 4.5
of BT 139–274. If the thickness is less than
2.65 mm (0.104 inch), replace the TGB before
further flight.
(3) After the effective date of this AD, do
not install a central housing P/N
3T6522A05144 or 3T6522A05146, all serial
numbers except those listed in Table 1 of BT
139–274, on any helicopter unless it has
passed inspection in accordance with
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February
16, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(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.
17:58 Feb 28, 2018
(j) 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 Bollettino Tecnico
No. 139–274, dated September 14, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Leonardo Helicopters service
information identified in this AD, contact
Leonardo S.p.A., 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.
[FR Doc. 2018–03929 Filed 2–28–18; 8:45 am]
(f) Special Flight Permits
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2016–0246, dated December 13, 2016.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2017–0103.
Jkt 244001
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG–2018–0071]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation;
Sacramento River, Sacramento, CA
Coast Guard, DHS.
Notice of deviation from
drawbridge regulation.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard has issued a
temporary deviation from the operating
schedule that governs the Tower
SUMMARY:
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8747
Drawbridge across the Sacramento
River, mile 59.0 at Sacramento, CA. The
deviation is necessary to allow the local
community to participate in footrace
events. This deviation allows the bridge
to remain in the closed-to-navigation
position during the deviation period.
DATES: This deviation is effective from
8 a.m. on March 10, 2018 to 1 p.m. on
March 11, 2018.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this
deviation, USCG–2018–0071, is
available at https://www.regulations.gov.
Type the docket number in the
‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’
Click on Open Docket Folder on the line
associated with this deviation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this temporary
deviation, call or email Carl T. Hausner,
Chief, Bridge Section, Eleventh Coast
Guard District; telephone 510–437–
3516, email Carl.T.Hausner@uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
California Department of Transportation
has requested a temporary change to the
operation of the Tower Drawbridge,
mile 59.0, over Sacramento River, at
Sacramento, CA. The drawbridge
navigation span provides a vertical
clearance of 30 feet above Mean High
Water in the closed-to-navigation
position. The draw operates as required
by 33 CFR 117.189(a). Navigation on the
waterway is commercial and
recreational.
The drawspan will be secured in the
closed-to-navigation position from 8
a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on March 10, 2018,
and from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March
11, 2018, to allow the community to
participate in the Shamrock 5K footrace
and the Shamrock Half Marathon,
respectively. This temporary deviation
has been coordinated with the waterway
users. No objections to the proposed
temporary deviation were raised.
Vessels able to pass through the
bridge in the closed position may do so
at any time. The bridge will be able to
open for emergencies and there is no
immediate alternate route for vessels to
pass. The Coast Guard will also inform
the users of the waterway through our
Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners
of the change in operating schedule for
the bridge so that vessel operators can
arrange their transits to minimize any
impact caused by the temporary
deviation.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e),
the drawbridge must return to its regular
operating schedule immediately at the
end of the effective period of this
temporary deviation. This deviation
from the operating regulations is
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 41 (Thursday, March 1, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8745-8747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03929]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0103; Product Identifier 2016-SW-086-AD; Amendment
39-19207; AD 2018-04-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. Model AB139 and Model AW139 helicopters. This AD requires
inspecting the thickness of the tail gearbox (TGB) central housing
(housing). This AD was prompted by reports that the housing thickness
does not conform to its type design. The actions of this AD are
intended to detect and correct an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 5, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of April 5, 2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Leonardo S.p.A., 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-2017-0103.
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-
0103; 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:
Discussion
On September 22, 2017, at 82 FR 44363, the Federal Register
published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Agusta S.p.A.
Model AB139 and Model AW139 helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require
inspecting the thickness of the TGB housing and replacing the TGB
before
[[Page 8746]]
further flight if the thickness is less than 2.65 mm (0.104 inch). The
proposed requirements were intended to prevent a crack in the TGB
central housing, which could result in the failure of the tail gear
rotor transmission and loss of helicopter control.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016-0246, dated December 13, 2016,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A.
(formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A. and Agusta S.p.A.) Model AB139 and Model
AW139 helicopters.
EASA advises that the thickness of some sections of the housing do
not conform to the type design and could lead to premature cracks in
the housing, resulting in failure of the tail gear rotor transmission
and reduced control of the helicopter. The EASA AD consequently
requires a one-time inspection to determine the thickness of the
housing wall, and depending on the findings, replacing the housing or
TGB assembly with an airworthy part.
The FAA is in the process of updating Agusta S.p.A.'s name change
to Leonardo S.p.A. on its FAA type certificate. Because this name
change is not yet effective, this AD specifies Agusta S.p.A. as the
type certificate holder.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative,
has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We
are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by
EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist
or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
If a housing has fewer than 7,500 hours TIS, the EASA AD requires a
dimensional inspection of the housing wall at a helicopter's first
return to a shop or service station for a TGB overhaul or repair after
the EASA AD's effective date but no later than 7,500 hours TIS. This AD
requires such an inspection only before reaching 7,500 hours TIS.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-274,
dated September 14, 2016 (BT 139-274), which specifies procedures for a
dimensional check of the housing or TGB to determine the thickness of
the housing wall. For housings with fewer than 7,500 flight hours, BT
139-274 specifies compliance with the dimensional check by measurement
during the next repair or overhaul, and replacing the housing if it
does not meet its thickness requirement. For housings with 7,500 or
more flight hours, BT 139-274 specifies compliance with the dimensional
check by ultrasonic inspection within 300 flight hours, and replacing
the TGB if it does not meet its thickness requirement. BT 139-274
excludes certain serial-numbered housings from the applicability
because they were inspected before delivery to customers.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 103 helicopters of U.S. Registry
and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these
estimates, we expect the following costs:
Measuring the thickness of the housing requires .5 work-
hour, and no parts are needed for a total cost of $43 per helicopter.
Ultrasonic inspecting the thickness of the housing
requires 2 work-hours, and no parts are needed for a total cost of $170
per helicopter.
Replacing the TGB housing requires 5 work-hours, and parts
cost $11,185 for a total cost of $11,610 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2018-04-11 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-19207; Docket No. FAA-2017-
0103; Product Identifier 2016-SW-086-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model AB139 and Model AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail gearbox (TGB)
assembly part number (P/N) 3T6522A00239, 3T6522A00242, 3T6522A00243,
or 3T6522A00246 that has a
[[Page 8747]]
central housing P/N 3T6522A05144 or 3T6522A05146, all serial numbers
except those listed in Table 1 of Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino
Technico No. 139-274, dated September 14, 2016.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as nonconforming thickness
in a section of a TGB central housing, which can lead to a crack in
the TGB central housing. This condition could result in the failure
of the tail gear rotor transmission and loss of helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective April 5, 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) For helicopters with a TGB central housing with less than
7,500 hours time-in-service (TIS), before accumulating 7,500 hours
TIS, measure the thickness of the central housing in accordance with
the Compliance Instructions, Part I paragraphs 1. and 2., of
Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-274, dated September
14, 2016 (BT 139-274). If the thickness is less than 2.65 mm (0.104
inch), replace the TGB central housing before further flight.
(2) For helicopters with a TGB central housing with 7,500 or
more hours TIS, within 300 hours TIS, ultrasonic inspect the TGB in
accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II paragraphs 4.
through 4.5 of BT 139-274. If the thickness is less than 2.65 mm
(0.104 inch), replace the TGB before further flight.
(3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a
central housing P/N 3T6522A05144 or 3T6522A05146, all serial numbers
except those listed in Table 1 of BT 139-274, on any helicopter
unless it has passed inspection in accordance with paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) 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.
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0246, dated December 13, 2016. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA-2017-0103.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor
Control System.
(j) 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 Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-274, dated
September 14, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Leonardo Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A., 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 February 16, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-03929 Filed 2-28-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
