80_FR_34362 80 FR 34247 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Helicopters

80 FR 34247 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 115 (June 16, 2015)

Page Range34247-34249
FR Document2015-14415

We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta Model A109A and A109A II helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires replacing a certain part-numbered blade with an approved part- numbered blade. This AD is prompted by an error in the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) that incorrectly allows installation of a certain part-numbered blade on the affected helicopters. These actions are intended to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34247-34249]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14415]



[[Page 34247]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-2119; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-005-AD; 
Amendment 39-18179; AD 2015-05-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Agusta Model A109A and A109A II helicopters, which was sent previously 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD 
requires replacing a certain part-numbered blade with an approved part-
numbered blade. This AD is prompted by an error in the Illustrated 
Parts Catalog (IPC) that incorrectly allows installation of a certain 
part-numbered blade on the affected helicopters. These actions are 
intended to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 1, 2015 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 
2015-05-51, issued on March 3, 2015, which contained the requirements 
of this AD.
    We must receive comments on this AD by August 17, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://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 http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact 
AgustaWestland, Product Support Engineering, Via del Gregge, 100, 21015 
Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Maurizio D'Angelo; telephone 39-0331-
664757; fax 39-0331-664680; or at http://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bulletins. You may review the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin Crane, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; 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

    On March 3, 2015, we issued Emergency AD 2015-05-51 to correct an 
unsafe condition for Agusta Model A109A helicopters, serial numbers 
7154 through 7255, and for all Model A109A II helicopters. Emergency AD 
2015-05-51 requires replacing blade part number (P/N) 109-0103-01-7 
with blade P/N 109-0103-01-9 or 109-0103-01-115. The emergency AD was 
sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these 
helicopters. This action was prompted by an error in the IPC that 
allows installing blade P/N 109-0103-01-7 on certain serial-numbered 
Model A109A helicopters and on Model A109A II helicopters.
    Emergency AD 2015-05-51 was prompted by Emergency AD No. 2015-0025-
E, dated February 18, 2015, issued by EASA, which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain serial-numbered Agusta Model A109A and all Model 
A109A II helicopters. EASA advises of the installation of blade P/N 
109-0103-01-7 on Model A109A II helicopters. In a subsequent 
investigation, it was determined that blade P/N 109-0103-01-7 is only 
eligible for installation on Model A109A helicopters up to serial 
number (S/N) 7153. EASA states that for Model A109A and A109A II 
helicopters, the current IPC incorrectly allows installing blade P/N 
109-0103-01-7 on all helicopters. The EASA AD requires identifying each 
blade P/N 109-0103-01-7 and replacing it with P/N 109-0103-01-9 or P/N 
109-0103-01-115. The EASA AD also prohibits installing blade P/N 109-
0103-01-7 on Model A109A helicopters from S/N 7154 through 7255 
inclusive and on all Model A109A II helicopters.

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 EAD. 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

    AgustaWestland Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-142, dated February 
17, 2015, specifies determining whether the affected part-numbered 
blade is installed and, if installed, replacing it with blade P/N 109-
0103-01-9 or P/N 109-0103-01-115. Also, the service information states 
that AgustaWestland has updated the A109A/AII IPC to give the correct 
information about the applicable configuration.

[[Page 34248]]

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, before further flight, replacing blade P/N 109-
0103-01-7 with blade P/N 109-0103-01-9 or 109-0103-01-115.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 34 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per hour. We 
estimate 1 work hour to replace a blade and $143,000 for required 
parts, for a total cost of $143,085 per blade.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we found and 
continue to find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving 
notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the 
previously described unsafe condition can adversely affect the 
controllability of the helicopter and the required action must be 
accomplished before further flight.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and contrary to 
the public interest and that good cause existed for making the AD 
effective immediately by Emergency AD 2015-05-51, issued on March 3, 
2015, to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. 
These conditions still exist and the AD is hereby published in the 
Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all 
persons.

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):

2015-05-51 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-18179; Docket No. FAA-2015-
2119; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-005-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model A109A helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 
7154 through 7255, and all Model A109A II helicopters, with a main 
rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N) 109-0103-01-7 installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as the installation of a 
blade that does not meet type design. This condition could result in 
blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 1, 2015 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by EAD 2015-
05-51, issued on March 3, 2015, which contained the requirements of 
this AD.

(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

    Before further flight, replace each blade with blade P/N 109-
0103-01-9 or 109-0103-01-115.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Martin Crane, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137; 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

    (1) AgustaWestland Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-142, dated 
February 17, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For a copy of 
the service information referenced in this AD, contact: 
AgustaWestland, Product Support Engineering, Via del Gregge, 100, 
21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Maurizio D'Angelo; telephone 
39-0331-664757; fax 39-0331-664680; or at http://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bulletins. You may review the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2015-0025-E, dated February 
18, 2015. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2015-2119.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6210 Main Rotor 
Blades.


[[Page 34249]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 2, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-14415 Filed 6-15-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 115 / Tuesday, June 16, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 34247 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD II helicopters. Emergency AD 2015–05– docket contains this AD, the European 51 requires replacing blade part number Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any (P/N) 109–0103–01–7 with blade P/N comments received, and other 109–0103–01–9 or 109–0103–01–115. 14 CFR Part 39 information. The street address for the The emergency AD was sent previously [Docket No. FAA–2015–2119; Directorate Docket Operations Office (telephone to all known U.S. owners and operators Identifier 2015–SW–005–AD; Amendment 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES of these helicopters. This action was 39–18179; AD 2015–05–51] section. Comments will be available in prompted by an error in the IPC that the AD docket shortly after receipt. allows installing blade P/N 109–0103– RIN 2120–AA64 For service information identified in 01–7 on certain serial-numbered Model Airworthiness Directives; Agusta this AD, contact AgustaWestland, A109A helicopters and on Model S.p.A. (Agusta) Helicopters Product Support Engineering, Via del A109A II helicopters. Gregge, 100, 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Emergency AD 2015–05–51 was AGENCY: Federal Aviation Italy, ATTN: Maurizio D’Angelo; prompted by Emergency AD No. 2015– Administration (FAA), Department of telephone 39–0331–664757; fax 39– 0025–E, dated February 18, 2015, issued Transportation (DOT). 0331–664680; or at http:// by EASA, which is the Technical Agent ACTION: Final rule; request for www.agustawestland.com/technical- for the Member States of the European comments. bulletins. You may review the Union, to correct an unsafe condition referenced service information at the for certain serial-numbered Agusta SUMMARY: We are publishing a new FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Model A109A and all Model A109A II airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham helicopters. EASA advises of the Model A109A and A109A II helicopters, Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas installation of blade P/N 109–0103–01– which was sent previously to all known 76137. 7 on Model A109A II helicopters. In a U.S. owners and operators of these subsequent investigation, it was FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: helicopters. This AD requires replacing determined that blade P/N 109–0103– Martin Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, a certain part-numbered blade with an 01–7 is only eligible for installation on Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 approved part-numbered blade. This AD Model A109A helicopters up to serial Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas is prompted by an error in the number (S/N) 7153. EASA states that for 76137; telephone (817) 222 5110; email Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) that Model A109A and A109A II helicopters, Martin.R.Crane@faa.gov. incorrectly allows installation of a the current IPC incorrectly allows certain part-numbered blade on the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: installing blade P/N 109–0103–01–7 on affected helicopters. These actions are Comments Invited all helicopters. The EASA AD requires intended to prevent blade failure and identifying each blade P/N 109–0103– This AD is a final rule that involves subsequent loss of control of the 01–7 and replacing it with P/N 109– requirements affecting flight safety, and helicopter. 0103–01–9 or P/N 109–0103–01–115. we did not provide you with notice and DATES: This AD becomes effective July an opportunity to provide your The EASA AD also prohibits installing 1, 2015 to all persons except those comments prior to it becoming effective. blade P/N 109–0103–01–7 on Model persons to whom it was made However, we invite you to participate in A109A helicopters from S/N 7154 immediately effective by Emergency AD this rulemaking by submitting written through 7255 inclusive and on all 2015–05–51, issued on March 3, 2015, comments, data, or views. We also Model A109A II helicopters. which contained the requirements of invite comments relating to the FAA’s Determination this AD. economic, environmental, energy, or We must receive comments on this federalism impacts that resulted from These helicopters have been approved AD by August 17, 2015. adopting this AD. The most helpful by the aviation authority of Italy and are ADDRESSES: You may send comments by comments reference a specific portion of approved for operation in the United any of the following methods: the AD, explain the reason for any States. Pursuant to our bilateral • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to recommended change, and include agreement with Italy, EASA, its http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the supporting data. To ensure the docket technical representative, has notified us online instructions for sending your does not contain duplicate comments, of the unsafe condition described in the comments electronically. commenters should send only one copy EASA EAD. We are issuing this AD • Fax: 202–493–2251. of written comments, or if comments are because we evaluated all information • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. filed electronically, commenters should provided by EASA and determined the Department of Transportation, Docket submit them only one time. We will file unsafe condition exists and is likely to Operations, M–30, West Building in the docket all comments that we exist or develop on other helicopters of Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 receive, as well as a report summarizing these same type designs. New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, each substantive public contact with Related Service Information DC 20590–0001. FAA personnel concerning this • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the rulemaking during the comment period. AgustaWestland Alert Bollettino ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 We will consider all the comments we Tecnico No. 109–142, dated February p.m., Monday through Friday, except receive and may conduct additional 17, 2015, specifies determining whether asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal holidays. rulemaking based on those comments. the affected part-numbered blade is installed and, if installed, replacing it Examining the AD Docket Discussion with blade P/N 109–0103–01–9 or P/N You may examine the AD docket on On March 3, 2015, we issued 109–0103–01–115. Also, the service the Internet at http:// Emergency AD 2015–05–51 to correct an information states that AgustaWestland www.regulations.gov or in person at the unsafe condition for Agusta Model has updated the A109A/AII IPC to give Docket Operations Office between 9 A109A helicopters, serial numbers 7154 the correct information about the a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through through 7255, and for all Model A109A applicable configuration. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jun 15, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM 16JNR1

34248 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 115 / Tuesday, June 16, 2015 / Rules and Regulations AD Requirements is within the scope of that authority (b) Unsafe Condition This AD requires, before further flight, because it addresses an unsafe condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as replacing blade P/N 109–0103–01–7 that is likely to exist or develop on the installation of a blade that does not meet with blade P/N 109–0103–01–9 or 109– products identified in this rulemaking type design. This condition could result in 0103–01–115. action. blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Costs of Compliance Regulatory Findings (c) Effective Date We estimate that this AD will affect We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under This AD becomes effective July 1, 2015 to 34 helicopters of U.S. Registry. all persons except those persons to whom it We estimate that operators may incur Executive Order 13132. This AD will was made immediately effective by EAD the following costs in order to comply not have a substantial direct effect on 2015–05–51, issued on March 3, 2015, which with this AD. Labor costs are estimated the States, on the relationship between contained the requirements of this AD. at $85 per hour. We estimate 1 work the national Government and the States, hour to replace a blade and $143,000 for or on the distribution of power and (d) Compliance required parts, for a total cost of responsibilities among the various You are responsible for performing each $143,085 per blade. levels of government. action required by this AD within the FAA’s Justification and Determination For the reasons discussed, I certify specified compliance time unless it has that this AD: already been accomplished prior to that time. of the Effective Date Providing an opportunity for public 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (e) Required Actions comments prior to adopting these AD action’’ under Executive Order 12866; Before further flight, replace each blade requirements would delay 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under with blade P/N 109–0103–01–9 or 109–0103– implementing the safety actions needed DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures 01–115. to correct this known unsafe condition. (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance Therefore, we found and continue to 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in (AMOCs) find that the risk to the flying public Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (1) The Manager, Safety Management justifies waiving notice and comment Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this prior to the adoption of this rule 4. Will not have a significant AD. Send your proposal to: Martin Crane, because the previously described unsafe economic impact, positive or negative, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft condition can adversely affect the on a substantial number of small entities Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort controllability of the helicopter and the under the criteria of the Regulatory Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222 required action must be accomplished Flexibility Act. 5110; email Martin.R.Crane@faa.gov. before further flight. We prepared an economic evaluation (2) For operations conducted under a 14 Since an unsafe condition exists that of the estimated costs to comply with CFR part 119 operating certificate or under requires the immediate adoption of this this AD and placed it in the AD docket. 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that AD, we determined that notice and you notify your principal inspector, or opportunity for public comment before List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 lacking a principal inspector, the manager of issuing this AD are impracticable and Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation the local flight standards district office or contrary to the public interest and that certificate holding district office, before safety, Incorporation by reference, good cause existed for making the AD operating any aircraft complying with this Safety. AD through an AMOC. effective immediately by Emergency AD 2015–05–51, issued on March 3, 2015, Adoption of the Amendment (g) Additional Information to all known U.S. owners and operators Accordingly, under the authority (1) AgustaWestland Alert Bollettino of these helicopters. These conditions delegated to me by the Administrator, Tecnico No. 109–142, dated February 17, still exist and the AD is hereby the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as 2015, which is not incorporated by reference, published in the Federal Register as an follows: contains additional information about the amendment to section 39.13 of the subject of this AD. For a copy of the service Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS information referenced in this AD, contact: 39.13) to make it effective to all persons. DIRECTIVES AgustaWestland, Product Support Engineering, Via del Gregge, 100, 21015 Authority for This Rulemaking ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 Lonate Pozzolo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Maurizio Title 49 of the United States Code continues to read as follows: D’Angelo; telephone 39–0331–664757; fax specifies the FAA’s authority to issue 39–0331–664680; or at http:// rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. www.agustawestland.com/technical- section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended] bulletins. You may review the referenced the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: service information at the FAA, Office of the Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 detail the scope of the Agency’s the following new airworthiness Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, authority. directive (AD): Texas 76137. We are issuing this rulemaking under 2015–05–51 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39– (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, 18179; Docket No. FAA–2015–2119; European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–005–AD. Emergency AD No. 2015–0025–E, dated February 18, 2015. You may view the EASA General requirements.’’ Under that (a) Applicability AD on the Internet at http:// section, Congress charges the FAA with www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– This AD applies to Model A109A promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 7154 2015–2119. air commerce by prescribing regulations through 7255, and all Model A109A II for practices, methods, and procedures helicopters, with a main rotor blade (blade) (h) Subject the Administrator finds necessary for part number (P/N) 109–0103–01–7 installed, Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) safety in air commerce. This regulation certificated in any category. Code: 6210 Main Rotor Blades. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jun 15, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM 16JNR1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 115 / Tuesday, June 16, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 34249 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 2, Facility, U.S. Department of airplanes); and Model A300 series 2015. Transportation, Docket Operations, M– airplanes. The MCAI states: Lance T. Gant, 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room During routine maintenance, cracks were Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., found in the wing bottom skin and in the Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Washington, DC. associated internal support structure on an [FR Doc. 2015–14415 Filed 6–15–15; 8:45 am] For service information identified in A300 aeroplane aft of the rear spar and BILLING CODE 4910–13–P this AD, contact Airbus SAS inboard of rib 9. Initially, cracks were found Airworthiness Office– EAW, 1 Rond in the skin only, starting from a fastener close Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac to the forward outboard corner of access panel 575FB/675FB. Subsequently, cases DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 were reported of cracks being found in the 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email skin support strap and the stiffener. Federal Aviation Administration account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; This condition, if not detected and Internet http://www.airbus.com. You corrected, could affect the structural integrity 14 CFR Part 39 may view this referenced service of the aeroplane. [Docket No. FAA–2014–0618; Directorate information at the FAA, Transport To address this unsafe condition, EASA Identifier 2012–NM–171–AD; Amendment Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue issued AD 2006–0282 [http:// 39–18178; AD 2015–12–05] SW., Renton, WA. For information on ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2006-0282] [which the availability of this material at the corresponds with FAA AD 2008–06–18, RIN 2120–AA64 Amendment 39–15430 (73 FR 14670, March FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also 19, 2008)] to require repetitive inspections of Airworthiness Directives; Airbus available on the Internet at http:// the wing lower skin panel and associated Airplanes www.regulations.gov by searching for internal support structure aft of the rear spar and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– and inboard of rib 9. AGENCY: Federal Aviation 0618. Since that [EASA] AD was issued, the Administration (FAA), Department of FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan results of a fleet survey and updated Fatigue Transportation (DOT). Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, and Damage Tolerance analysis, which were ACTION: Final rule. performed in order to substantiate the second International Branch, ANM–116, A300 and A300–600 Extended Service Goal Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, (ESG2) exercise, revealed that the inspection SUMMARY: We are superseding 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA threshold and interval had to be reduced to Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008–06– 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2125; allow timely detection of cracks and the 18 for all Airbus Model A300 B4–600, fax 425–227–1149. accomplishment of an applicable corrective B4–600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, action. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F Prompted by these findings, Airbus issued airplanes (collectively called Model Discussion Revision 05 of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A300–600 series airplanes); and Model A300–57–0177 and Revision 07 of Airbus SB We issued a notice of proposed A300 series airplanes. AD 2008–06–18 A300–57–6029. rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR For the reasons described above, this required repetitive inspections for any part 39 to supersede AD 2008–06–18, [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA cracking of the wing lower skin panel Amendment 39–15430 (73 FR 14670, AD 2006–0282, which is superseded, but and associated internal support March 19, 2008). AD 2008–06–18 requires the accomplishment of those actions structure, and if necessary, corrective applied to all Airbus Model A300 B4– within reduced thresholds and intervals. actions such as modifying the lower 600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series You may examine the MCAI in the panel inboard of rib 9 aft of the rear spar airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R AD docket on the Internet at http:// and repairing cracks. This new AD Variant F airplanes (collectively called www.regulations.gov/ continues to require actions required by Model A300–600 series airplanes); and #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0618- AD 2008–06–18, and reduces certain Model A300 series airplanes. The NPRM 0002. compliance times. This AD was published in the Federal Register on prompted by a report that information Comments September 3, 2014 (79 FR 52263). The from an analysis and a fleet survey NPRM proposed to continue to require We gave the public the opportunity to shows a need for reduced compliance repetitive inspections for any cracking participate in developing this AD. The times and intervals. We are issuing this of the wing lower skin panel and following presents the comment AD to detect and correct cracking, associated internal support structure, received on the NPRM (79 FR 52263, which could lead to reduced structural and if necessary, corrective actions such September 3, 2014) and the FAA’s integrity of the airplane. as modifying the lower panel inboard of response to each comment. DATES: This AD becomes effective July rib 9 aft of the rear spar and repairing 21, 2015. cracks. The NPRM also proposed to Request To Revise Method Used To The Director of the Federal Register reduce some compliance times. Determine Compliance Times approved the incorporation by reference The European Aviation Safety Agency United Parcel Service (UPS) requested of a certain publication listed in this AD (EASA), which is the Technical Agent that the proposed compliance times be as of July 21, 2015. for the Member States of the European revised to be less complex. UPS stated The Director of the Federal Register Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness that the proposed compliance times approved the incorporation by reference Directive 2012–0203, dated October 1, contain a method known as ‘‘Average asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES of certain other publications listed in 2012 (referred to after this as the Flight Time’’ (AFT) which results in a this AD as of April 23, 2008 (73 FR Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness variable flight hour limit and adds an 14670, March 19, 2008). Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct unnecessary complexity to the threshold ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model table and subsequent inspection actions. docket on the Internet at http:// A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R UPS added that use of the AFT method, www.regulations.gov/ series airplanes, and Model A300 C4– along with a lack of standard procedures #!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0618; or in 605R Variant F airplanes (collectively for implementing the AFT method person at the Docket Management called Model A300–600 series would create uncertainty for operators VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jun 15, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM 16JNR1


Document Created: 2018-02-22 10:23:01
Document Modified: 2018-02-22 10:23:01
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule; request for comments.
DatesThis AD becomes effective July 1, 2015 to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2015-05-51, issued on March 3, 2015, which contained the requirements of this AD.
ContactMartin Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222 5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 34247 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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