Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters, 13395-13398 [2018-06094]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
1263, Revision 01, dated February 29, 2016.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1263,
Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01 and
including Appendix 02, dated December 6,
2017.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
1264, Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01,
dated July 4, 2016.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on March 15, 2004 (69 FR
5907, February 9, 2004).
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1030,
Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated
May 21, 2002.
(ii) Reserved.
(5) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
airbus.com; internet https://www.airbus.com.
(6) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
(7) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 2,
2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–05019 Filed 3–28–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0940; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–058–AD; Amendment
39–19233; AD 2018–07–02]
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 A109E, A109S,
AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII
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
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:09 Mar 28, 2018
Jkt 244001
cap. The actions of this AD are intended
to prevent an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April
13, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of April 13, 2018.
We must receive comments on this
AD by May 29, 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–
0940; 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–
0940.
Matt
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
13395
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
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. 2017–0176–
E, dated September 14, 2017, to correct
an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A.
(previously Agusta) Model A109E,
A109LUH, A109S, AW109SP, A119,
and AW119 MKII helicopters. EASA
advises of an in-flight loss of an MRB tip
cap on an AW109SP 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
between specific dates and identified
the affected MRBs by part number and
serial number. 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 repetitive inspections of the
MRB tip caps and replacing certain partnumbered MRBs.
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.
E:\FR\FM\29MRR1.SGM
29MRR1
13396
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
(EASB) No. 109EP–157 for Model
A109E helicopters, EASB No. 109S–077
for Model A109S helicopters, and EASB
No. 109SP–116 for Model AW109SP
helicopters, all dated September 8,
2017. Leonardo Helicopters has also
issued EASB No. 119–085, Revision A,
dated September 11, 2017, for Model
A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters.
This service information identifies
certain part-numbered and serialnumbered MRBs for applicability and
describes procedures for tap inspecting
the tip cap for disbonding.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
AD Requirements
For helicopters with an MRB part
number 709–0104–01–111 with serial
number 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372,
1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485
installed, this AD requires, within 5
hours time-in-service (TIS) and
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 5
hours TIS, tap inspecting the MRB tip
cap for disbonding and, if there is
disbonding, removing the MRB from
service before further flight. If there is
no disbonding on any of the
inspections, this AD requires removing
the MRB from service within 25 hours
TIS. After the effective date of this AD,
this AD prohibits installing these serialnumbered MRBs on any helicopter.
For all other helicopters, this AD
requires, within 25 hours TIS and
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25
hours TIS, tap inspecting the MRB tip
cap for disbonding. If there is any
disbonding, this AD requires removing
the MRB from service before further
flight. The repetitive inspections
required for these MRBs would no
longer be required after the MRB
accumulates 400 hours TIS.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:09 Mar 28, 2018
Jkt 244001
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model
A109LUH helicopters, while this AD
does not as that model helicopter is not
type-certificated in the U.S. The EASA
AD requires that you contact Leonardo
Helicopters, and this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 130
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
and a cost of $11,050 for the U.S. fleet
per inspection cycle. If required,
replacing one MRB will require 4 workhours and required parts will cost
$89,179, for a cost per helicopter of
$89,519.
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 and
25 hours TIS.
Therefore, we find good cause that
notice and opportunity for prior public
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
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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
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):
■
2018–07–02 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
19233; Docket No. FAA–2017–0940;
Product Identifier 2017–SW–058–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model
A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119
MKII helicopters, certificated in any category:
E:\FR\FM\29MRR1.SGM
29MRR1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(2) With an MRB with a P/N and S/N listed
in Table 1 to paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, with
400 or fewer hours time-in-service (TIS) since
first installation on a helicopter; and
(3) With an MRB P/N 709–0104–01–101
with a S/N K101 or DA38586004–1, or P/N
709–0104–01–111 with a S/N P451, P460,
Q553, Q557, Q587, Q695, Q832, R2080,
R2212 or V699, with 400 or fewer hours TIS
since maintenance on the tip cap by
Finmecannica between January 1, 2016, and
March 31, 2017.
(2) For helicopters listed in paragraph
(a)(2) or (a)(3) of this AD, within 25 hours TIS
and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25
hours 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 EASB No. 109EP–157, dated
September 8, 2017; EASB No. 109S–077,
dated September 8, 2017; EASB No. 109SP–
116, dated September 8, 2017; or EASB No.
119–085, Revision A, dated September 11,
2017; as applicable for your model
helicopter. If there is any disbonding, before
further flight, replace the MRB.
(3) After the effective date of this AD, do
not install an MRB P/N 709–0104–01–111
with a S/N 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372,
1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485 on any
helicopter.
(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 April 13, 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.
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
(e) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters listed in paragraph
(a)(1) of this AD:
(i) Within 5 hours TIS and thereafter at
intervals not exceeding 5 hours 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 (EASB)
EASB No. 109S–077, dated September 8,
2017; EASB No. 109SP–116, dated September
8, 2017; or EASB No. 119–085, Revision A,
dated September 11, 2017; as applicable for
your model helicopter. If there is any
disbonding, before further flight, remove the
MRB from service.
(ii) Within 25 hours TIS, remove the MRB
from service.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:09 Mar 28, 2018
Jkt 244001
(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.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
No. 2017–0176–E, dated September 14, 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–
0940.
(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. 109EP–157, dated
September 8, 2017.
(ii) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin No. 109S–077, dated
September 8, 2017.
(iii) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin No. 109SP–116, dated
September 8, 2017.
(iv) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin No. 119–085, Revision A,
dated September 11, 2017.
(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
E:\FR\FM\29MRR1.SGM
29MRR1
ER29MR18.000</GPH>
(1) With a main rotor blade (MRB) part
number (P/N) 709–0104–01–111 with a serial
number (S/N) 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372,
1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485;
13397
13398
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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 March 21,
2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–06094 Filed 3–28–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0711; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–003–AD; Amendment
39–19227; AD 2018–06–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 757–200,
–200CB, and –300 series airplanes. This
AD was prompted by a report of fatigue
cracking found in a certain fuselage
frame, which severed the inner chord
and web. This AD requires inspecting
the fuselage frame for existing repairs,
repetitive inspections, and applicable
repairs. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 3, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of May 3, 2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
telephone: 562–797–1717; internet:
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available on the internet at
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:09 Mar 28, 2018
Jkt 244001
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0711.
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–
0711; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chandra Ramdoss, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137;
phone: 562–627–5239; fax: 562–627–
5210; email: chandraduth.ramdoss@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 757–200, –200CB, and –300
series airplanes. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on July 27, 2017
(82 FR 34888). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of fatigue cracking
found in a certain fuselage frame, which
severed the inner chord and web. The
NPRM proposed to require inspecting
the fuselage frame for existing repairs,
repetitive inspections, and applicable
repairs. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracking of the fuselage
frame at station (STA) 1640, which
could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this final rule.
The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
Aviation Partners Boeing concurs
with the content of the NPRM.
Request To Clarify Certain Exceptions
Boeing asked that we clarify the
service information exceptions in
paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD by
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
noting that Aviation Partners Boeing
(APB) Alert Service Bulletin AP757–53–
001, Revision 1, dated June 21, 2017, is
subject to this exception only if
applicable (if winglets are installed on
the airplane). Boeing also stated that
paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD
should put the required compliance
time ‘‘after the effective date of this AD’’
in quotations to designate the content
being substituted for the quoted service
information compliance time
statements.
We agree with the commenter’s
request. We have separated the
exceptions for the referenced service
information for clarification. We have
removed the reference to the APB Alert
Service Bulletin AP757–53–001,
Revision 1, dated June 21, 2017, from
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. We have
also added paragraph (h)(3) to this AD
to specify the exception for the APB
service bulletin. Paragraphs (h)(2) and
(h)(3) of this AD specify exceptions to
the referenced service information
instructions, and are intended to be
used to determine compliance, relative
to the effective date of this AD instead
of the issue date of the service
information. We have also included the
requested quotations in paragraphs
(h)(2) and (h)(3) of this AD.
Request To Clarify Inspection Location
United Airlines (UAL) asked that the
actions identified in Figures 5 and 6,
Note (a), of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 757–53A0108, dated November
14, 2016, be clarified. UAL stated that
while Figures 5 and 6 correctly depict
the required inspection areas, the task
associated with circle action ‘‘2’’ for
each figure specifies a high frequency
eddy current (HFEC) inspection, which
cannot be done around the fasteners
common to the inner chord strap. UAL
asked that this discrepancy be
addressed in the AD in order to avoid
the need for approval of requests for an
alternative method of compliance
(AMOC).
We agree with the commenter’s
request, for the reason provided. We
have added paragraph (h)(4) to the
exceptions in this AD to clarify that an
HFEC inspection of the two fasteners
located below the lower edge of the
intercostal strap at the locations
specified in Figures 5 and 6, Note (a), of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757–
53A0108, dated November 14, 2016, is
not required by this AD.
Request To Clarify Compliance
Timeframe
Delta Airlines (DAL) asked that we
clarify the language used in paragraph
(h)(2) of the proposed AD. DAL stated
E:\FR\FM\29MRR1.SGM
29MRR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13395-13398]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06094]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0940; Product Identifier 2017-SW-058-AD; Amendment
39-19233; AD 2018-07-02]
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 A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII
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 products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 13, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 13, 2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by May 29, 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-
0940; 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-
0940.
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. 2017-0176-E, dated September 14,
2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. (previously
Agusta) Model A109E, A109LUH, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII
helicopters. EASA advises of an in-flight loss of an MRB tip cap on an
AW109SP 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 between specific dates and
identified the affected MRBs by part number and serial number.
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 repetitive
inspections of the MRB tip caps and replacing certain part-numbered
MRBs.
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.
[[Page 13396]]
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
(EASB) No. 109EP-157 for Model A109E helicopters, EASB No. 109S-077 for
Model A109S helicopters, and EASB No. 109SP-116 for Model AW109SP
helicopters, all dated September 8, 2017. Leonardo Helicopters has also
issued EASB No. 119-085, Revision A, dated September 11, 2017, for
Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This service information
identifies certain part-numbered and serial-numbered MRBs for
applicability and describes procedures for tap inspecting the tip cap
for disbonding.
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 709-0104-01-111 with serial
number 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372, 1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or
1485 installed, this AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS)
and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 5 hours TIS, tap inspecting
the MRB tip cap for disbonding and, if there is disbonding, removing
the MRB from service before further flight. If there is no disbonding
on any of the inspections, this AD requires removing the MRB from
service within 25 hours TIS. After the effective date of this AD, this
AD prohibits installing these serial-numbered MRBs on any helicopter.
For all other helicopters, this AD requires, within 25 hours TIS
and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 hours TIS, tap inspecting
the MRB tip cap for disbonding. If there is any disbonding, this AD
requires removing the MRB from service before further flight. The
repetitive inspections required for these MRBs would no longer be
required after the MRB accumulates 400 hours TIS.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD applies to Model A109LUH helicopters, while this AD
does not as that model helicopter is not type-certificated in the U.S.
The EASA AD requires that you contact Leonardo Helicopters, and this AD
does not.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 130 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 and a cost of $11,050 for the U.S. fleet per
inspection cycle. If required, replacing one MRB will require 4 work-
hours and required parts will cost $89,179, for a cost per helicopter
of $89,519.
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 and 25 hours TIS.
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior
public 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):
2018-07-02 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-19233; Docket No. FAA-2017-
0940; Product Identifier 2017-SW-058-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP,
A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category:
[[Page 13397]]
(1) With a main rotor blade (MRB) part number (P/N) 709-0104-01-
111 with a serial number (S/N) 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372, 1380,
1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485;
(2) With an MRB with a P/N and S/N listed in Table 1 to
paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, with 400 or fewer hours time-in-service
(TIS) since first installation on a helicopter; and
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29MR18.000
(3) With an MRB P/N 709-0104-01-101 with a S/N K101 or
DA38586004-1, or P/N 709-0104-01-111 with a S/N P451, P460, Q553,
Q557, Q587, Q695, Q832, R2080, R2212 or V699, with 400 or fewer
hours TIS since maintenance on the tip cap by Finmecannica between
January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017.
(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 April 13, 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 listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD:
(i) Within 5 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding
5 hours 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 (EASB) EASB No. 109S-
077, dated September 8, 2017; EASB No. 109SP-116, dated September 8,
2017; or EASB No. 119-085, Revision A, dated September 11, 2017; as
applicable for your model helicopter. If there is any disbonding,
before further flight, remove the MRB from service.
(ii) Within 25 hours TIS, remove the MRB from service.
(2) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this
AD, within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25
hours 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 EASB No. 109EP-157, dated September 8, 2017; EASB No.
109S-077, dated September 8, 2017; EASB No. 109SP-116, dated
September 8, 2017; or EASB No. 119-085, Revision A, dated September
11, 2017; as applicable for your model helicopter. If there is any
disbonding, before further flight, replace the MRB.
(3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an MRB
P/N 709-0104-01-111 with a S/N 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372, 1380,
1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485 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. 2017-0176-E, dated September 14, 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-2017-0940.
(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.
109EP-157, dated September 8, 2017.
(ii) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
109S-077, dated September 8, 2017.
(iii) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
109SP-116, dated September 8, 2017.
(iv) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
119-085, Revision A, dated September 11, 2017.
(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
[[Page 13398]]
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 March 21, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06094 Filed 3-28-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
