81 FR 12838 - Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. (Agusta) Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 48 (March 11, 2016)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD would require performing operational checks of both hydraulic systems. This proposed AD is prompted by an assessment of the hydraulic systems of the helicopter following an accident. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of hydraulic power to the flight controls and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 48 (Friday, March 11, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12838-12841]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05368]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-4278; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-022-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD 
would require performing operational checks of both hydraulic systems. 
This proposed AD is prompted by an assessment of the hydraulic systems 
of the helicopter following an accident. The proposed actions are 
intended to prevent loss of hydraulic power to the flight controls and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 10, 2016.

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 by searching for and locating Docket number FAA-
2016-4278 or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
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, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

[[Page 12839]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2011-0207, dated October 20, 
2011 (EASA 2011-0207), to correct an unsafe condition for certain 
serial-numbered Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. An accident 
involving a Model AW139 helicopter caused the tail rotor (T/R), the T/R 
gearbox, and part of the fin to detach from the aircraft, rupturing the 
hydraulic lines and draining all of the hydraulic fluid. Investigation 
following the accident resulted in an assessment of the helicopter's 
hydraulic systems. According to EASA, this assessment revealed that an 
operational check of the hydraulic systems is necessary to ensure its 
functionality. EASA advises that this condition, if not corrected, 
could lead, in the case of multiple failures, to loss of hydraulic 
power and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. To address 
this, EASA AD 2011-0207 requires, within 50 flight hours or 2 months, 
operational checks of the power control modules and shutoff valves and 
reporting the results to the manufacturer.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, 
has notified us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are 
proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information 
and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-269, dated September 
30, 2011 (BT 139-269), for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. BT 139-
269 contains procedures for conducting operational checks of both 
hydraulic systems to confirm correct functionality. 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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 50 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), performing operational tests of the Number 1 and Number 2 
hydraulic systems power control modules (PCMs), the tail shut-off 
valve, the PCM1 and PCM2 flight control shut-off valves, and the 
emergency landing gear shut-off valve for correct functionality. 
Depending on the results of the the operational checks, this proposed 
AD would require replacing a PCM, the tail shut-off valve, a flight 
control shut-off valve, the number 2 hydraulic control panel, the 
number 1 hydraulic module, the number 1 or number 2 PCM pressure 
switch, or repairing the electrical wiring.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires reporting the results of the operational 
checks to Agusta, while the proposed AD does not. The EASA AD also 
requires compliance within 50 flight-hours or 2 months, while the 
proposed AD requires compliance within 50 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 102 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per hour, we 
estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this proposed AD.
    Performing the operational checks of the hydraulic systems would 
require about 2 work-hours for a total cost per helicopter of $170 and 
a total cost to U.S. operators of $17,340.
    Replacing a PCM would require about 3 work-hours and required parts 
would cost about $87,136, for a cost per helicopter of $87,391.
    Replacing a tail or flight control shut-off valve would require 
about 2 work-hours, and required parts would cost about $7,512, for a 
cost per helicopter of $7,682.
    Replacing the number 2 hydraulic control panel would require about 
2 work-hours, and required parts would cost about $8,165, for a cost 
per helicopter of $8,335.
    Replacing the number 1 hydraulic module would require about 4 work-
hours, and required parts would cost about $87,137, for a cost per 
helicopter of $87,477.
    Replacing a PCM pressure switch would require about 2 work-hours, 
and required parts would cost about $6,974, for a cost per helicopter 
of $7,144.
    Repairing the electrical wiring would require about 2 work-hours, 
and required parts would cost about $45, for a cost per helicopter of 
$215.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

[[Page 12840]]

    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Agustawestland S.P.A. (Agusta): Docket No. FAA-2016-4278; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-022-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, all 
serial numbers except serial number 31007, 31094, 31293, 31301, 
31303, 31313, and 31329, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an inoperative hydraulic 
shut-off valve, which could result in loss of hydraulic power and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 10, 2016.

(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

    Within 50 hours time-in service:
    (1) Perform an operational test of each Number 1 and Number 2 
power control module (PCM). If the fluid level in the reservoir 
changes more than 5mm (0.196 in) in an hour, replace the affected 
PCM.
    (2) Perform an operational test of each tail shut-off valve. If 
the 2 SERVO caution message is not illuminated and the UTIL SOV2 and 
TR SOV indications are in the open position:
    (i) Disconnect the Tail Shutoff valve connector, HP4P1.
    (ii) Disconnect the PCM2 connectors, A44P3 and A44P12.
    (iii) Disconnect the TB38 terminal board connector, TB38P1.
    (iv) Perform a continuity test from HP4P1-1 to A44P12-16, from 
HP4P1-2 to TB38P1-D, and from HP4P1-4 to A44P3-6.
    (v) If there is no continuity, repair or replace the defective 
wiring.
    (vi) If there is continuity, release the test lever of the PCM2 
to the DOWN NORM position.
    (vii) If the TRSVO indication stays in the closed position, 
replace the tail shutoff valve.
    (3) Perform an operational test of the PCM 2 flight control 
shut-off valve as described in the Compliance Instructions, 
paragraphs 5.1. through 5.5., of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-
269, dated September 30, 2011 (BT 139-269).
    (i) If the 2 SERVO caution message is illuminated:
    (A) On the hydraulic control panel, lift the guard of the SOV1/
SOV2 switch and set it to SOV2 (closed position). Make sure that the 
2 HYD PRESS caution message and the HYD 2 PRESS warning light on the 
hydraulic control panel are illuminated.
    (B) Reset the SOV1/SOV2 switch to the open position.
    (C) If the 2 HYD PRESS and 2 SERVO caution messages remain 
illuminated:
    (1) Disconnect the PL14P1 and PL14P2 connectors from the 
hydraulic control panel.
    (2) Disconnect the A1-1P4 connector from the MAU1.
    (3) Disconnect the A2-1P3 connector from the MAU2.
    (4) Disconnect the A44P3 connector from the Number 2 PCM.
    (5) Disconnect the PL1P3 connector from the circuit breaker 
panel.
    (6) Perform a continuity test from PL14P1-J to A1-1P4-18, from 
PL14P1-D to PL1P3-q, from PL14P2-J to A44P3-5, and from PL14P2-T to 
A2-1P3-34. If there is no continuity, repair or replace the 
defective wiring.
    (7) If the HYD PRESS and 2 SERVO caution messages remain 
illuminated, replace the number 2 hydraulic power module.
    (ii) If the 2 HYD PRESS caution message is illuminated, the HYD 
2 pressure indication is more than 190 bar (2,755 lbf/sq in), and 
the SOV2 shutoff valve is in the open position, replace the pressure 
switch on the Number 2 PCM.
    (iii) If the closure of SOV 2 is indicated on the MFD hydraulic 
synoptic page, before further flight, replace the Number 2 PCM.
    (4) Perform an operational test of the PCM 1 flight control 
shut-off valve as described in the Compliance Instructions, 
paragraphs 6.1. through 6.4., of BT 139-269.
    (i) If the 1 SERVO caution message is illuminated:
    (A) On the hydraulic control panel, lift the guard of the SOV1/
SOV2 switch and set it to SOV1 (closed position). Make sure that the 
1 HYD PRESS caution message and the HYD 1 PRESS warning light on the 
hydraulic control panel are illuminated.
    (B) Reset the SOV1/SOV2 switch to the open position. If the 1 
HYD PRESS and 1 SERVO caution messages remain illuminated:
    (1) Disconnect the PL14P1 and PL14P2 connectors from the 
hydraulic control panel.
    (2) Disconnect the A1-1P4 connector from the MAU1.
    (3) Disconnect the A2-1P3 connector from the MAU2.
    (4) Disconnect the A45P3 connector from the Number 1 PCM.
    (5) Disconnect the PL1P3 connector from the circuit breaker 
panel.
    (6) Perform a continuity test from PL14P1-J to A1-1P4-18, from 
PL14P1-E to A45P3-5, from PL14P1-D to PL1P3-q, and from PL14P2-T to 
A2-1P3-34. If there is no continuity, repair or replace the 
defective wiring.
    (7) If the HYD PRESS and 1 SERVO caution messages remain 
illuminated, replace the Number 1 hydraulic control panel.
    (ii) If the 1 HYD PRESS caution message is illuminated, the HYD 
1 pressure indication is more than 190 bar (2,755 lbf/sq in), and 
the SOV1 shutoff valve is in the open position, replace the pressure 
switch on the Number 1 PCM.
    (iii) If the closure of SOV 1 is indicated on the MFD hydraulic 
synoptic page, before further flight, replace the Number 1 PCM.
    (4) Perform an operational test of the emergency landing gear 
shutoff valve as described in the Compliance Instructions, 
paragraphs 7.1. through 7.4., of BT 139-269.
    (i) If the EMERG L/G PRESS caution message is illuminated, the 
HYD 1 pressure indication is more than 190 bar (2,755 lbf/sq in), 
and the UTIL SOV1 (LDG GEAR EMER) shutoff valve is in the open 
position, replace the pressure switch on the Number 1 PCM.
    (ii) If the 1 HYD MIN caution message is illuminated, inspect 
the fluid level on the Number 1 PCM and inspect the Number 1 main 
hydraulic system for leaks.
    (A) If the fluid level is between the FULL and ADD marks, or if 
there are no hydraulic fluid leaks, perform an operational test of 
the level switches. If the 1 HYD MIN caution message is illuminated, 
replace the Number 1 PCM.
    (B) If there is a hydraulic fluid leak:
    (1) Replace all leaking parts and lines or repair the leak.
    (2) If the 1 HYD MIN caution message remains illuminated, 
perform an operational test of the level switches.
    (3) If the 1 HYD MIN caution message remains illuminated, 
replace the Number 1 PCM.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76177;

[[Page 12841]]

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. 2011-0207, dated October 20, 2011. You may view 
the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA[hyphen]2016-4278.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2900: Hydraulic 
Power.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 3, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2016-05368 Filed 3-10-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P