82 FR 50847 - Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 211 (November 2, 2017)

Page Range		50847-50849
FR Document		2017-23199

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain AgustaWestland S.p.A. (AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the seal and filler wedges of all emergency exit windows. The proposed actions are prompted by a report that some windows were improperly glued when installed. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 211 (Thursday, November 2, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 211 (Thursday, November 2, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50847-50849]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-23199]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0111; Product Identifier 2016-SW-079-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain AgustaWestland S.p.A. (AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters. 
This proposed AD would require replacing the seal and filler wedges of 
all emergency exit windows. The proposed actions are prompted by a 
report that some windows were improperly glued when installed. The 
actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2018.

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 No. FAA-2017-
0111; 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 
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 http://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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email [email protected].

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. 2016-0216, dated October 28, 
2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo Helicopters 
(previously Finmeccanica S.p.A., previously AgustaWestland) Model AW189 
helicopters, serial numbers 49007 through 49021, 49023, 49029, 49033, 
49035, 89001, 89003, 89004, 92001, 92003, and 92005. The EASA AD does 
not apply to windows that have been reinstalled at least once since 
helicopter delivery and windows that are part of bubble window kit part 
number (P/N) 8G5620F00111.
    EASA advises that during a scheduled replacement of emergency exit 
window seals on helicopters in service, an excessively high level of 
pushing force was required to jettison some of the windows. According 
to EASA, further investigation determined the windows were installed 
with glue applied in locations that were not in accordance with the 
approved design.
    This condition, if not corrected, could prevent the jettisoning of 
helicopter emergency exit windows, possibly affecting the evacuation of 
crew and passengers during an emergency situation, EASA advises. EASA 
consequently requires replacement of the seal and the filler wedges of 
the

[[Page 50848]]

emergency exit windows installed in the cockpit doors and cabin.
    The FAA is in the process of updating AgustaWestland's name change 
to Leonardo Helicopters on its type certificate. Because this name 
change is not yet effective, this proposed AD specifies AgustaWestland.

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

    We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-118, 
dated October 20, 2016. This service information specifies replacing 
the seal and filler wedges on all cockpit door and cabin emergency exit 
windows of Model AW189 helicopters, except on those windows that have 
been replaced or that are part of bubble window kit P/N 8G5620F00111.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require within 75 hours time-in-service, 
replacing the seal and filler wedges on all emergency exit windows 
installed in the cockpit doors and cabin.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 2 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect that removing and replacing the window seals 
and fillers would require 40 work-hours and parts would cost about 
$834, for a total cost of $4,234 per helicopter and $8,468 for the U.S. 
fleet.

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.
    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.: Docket No. FAA-2017-0111; Product Identifier 
2016-SW-079-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AW189 helicopters, serial number 49007 
through 49021, 49023, 49029, 49033, 49035, 89001, 89003, 89004, 
92001, 92003, and 92005, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as improperly glued 
emergency exit windows. This condition could result in the window 
failing to jettison, preventing the occupants from exiting the 
helicopter during an emergency.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 2, 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

    Within 75 hours time-in-service, replace the seal and filler 
wedges of each cabin and cockpit door emergency exit window, except 
bubble windows installed in accordance with bubble window kit part 
number 8G5620F00111.

(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: 
Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy 
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

    (1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-118, dated 
October 20, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For 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 http://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.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0216, dated October 28, 2016. You 
may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
in AD Docket No. FAA-2017-0111.

[[Page 50849]]

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5600, Window/
Windshield System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 17, 2017.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-23199 Filed 11-1-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules 50847

information has previously been made require replacing the seal and filler Comments Invited
available to others without obligation wedges of all emergency exit windows. We invite you to participate in this
concerning its confidentiality, (5) an The proposed actions are prompted by rulemaking by submitting written
explanation of the competitive injury to a report that some windows were comments, data, or views. We also
the submitting person which would improperly glued when installed. The invite comments relating to the
result from public disclosure, (6) when actions of this proposed AD are economic, environmental, energy, or
such information might lose its intended to correct an unsafe condition federalism impacts that might result
confidential character due to the on these products. from adopting the proposals in this
passage of time, and (7) why disclosure DATES: We must receive comments on document. The most helpful comments
of the information would be contrary to this proposed AD by January 2, 2018. reference a specific portion of the
the public interest. proposal, explain the reason for any
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
It is DOE’s policy that all comments recommended change, and include
may be included in the public docket, any of the following methods:
without change and as received, • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to supporting data. To ensure the docket
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the does not contain duplicate comments,
including any personal information commenters should send only one copy
provided in the comments (except online instructions for sending your
comments electronically. of written comments, or if comments are
information deemed to be exempt from
public disclosure). • Fax: 202–493–2251. filed electronically, commenters should
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. submit only one time.
DOE considers public participation to
Department of Transportation, Docket We will file in the docket all
be a very important part of the process
Operations, M–30, West Building comments that we receive, as well as a
for developing test procedures and
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 report summarizing each substantive
energy conservation standards. DOE
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, public contact with FAA personnel
actively encourages the participation
DC 20590–0001. concerning this proposed rulemaking.
and interaction of the public during the
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the Before acting on this proposal, we will
comment period in each stage of this
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 consider all comments we receive on or
process. Interactions with and between
p.m., Monday through Friday, except before the closing date for comments.
members of the public provide a
Federal holidays. We will consider comments filed after
balanced discussion of the issues and
the comment period has closed if it is
assist DOE in the process. Anyone who Examining the AD Docket possible to do so without incurring
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing
You may examine the AD docket on expense or delay. We may change this
list to receive future notices and
the Internet at http:// proposal in light of the comments we
information about this process should
www.regulations.gov by searching for receive.
contact Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 586– and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– Discussion
6636 or via email at 0111; or in person at the Docket
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 EASA, which is the Technical Agent
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ for the Member States of the European
ee.doe.gov. p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2016–
Issued in Washington, DC, on October 19,
contains this proposed AD, the 0216, dated October 28, 2016, to correct
2017. an unsafe condition for Leonardo
European Aviation Safety Agency
David Nemtzow,
(EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, Helicopters (previously Finmeccanica
Director, Building Technologies Office, any comments received, and other S.p.A., previously AgustaWestland)
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
information. The street address for the Model AW189 helicopters, serial
[FR Doc. 2017–23634 Filed 11–1–17; 8:45 am]
Docket Operations Office (telephone numbers 49007 through 49021, 49023,
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES 49029, 49033, 49035, 89001, 89003,
section. Comments will be available in 89004, 92001, 92003, and 92005. The
the AD docket shortly after receipt. EASA AD does not apply to windows
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION that have been reinstalled at least once
For service information identified in
since helicopter delivery and windows
this proposed rule, contact Leonardo
Federal Aviation Administration that are part of bubble window kit part
S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi,
number (P/N) 8G5620F00111.
Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta
14 CFR Part 39 EASA advises that during a scheduled
520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va)
replacement of emergency exit window
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0111; Product Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax
seals on helicopters in service, an
Identifier 2016–SW–079–AD] +39–0331–229046; or at http://
excessively high level of pushing force
RIN 2120–AA64 www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins.
was required to jettison some of the
You may review the referenced service
windows. According to EASA, further
Airworthiness Directives; information at the FAA, Office of the
investigation determined the windows
AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
were installed with glue applied in
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
AGENCY: Federal Aviation locations that were not in accordance
Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Administration (FAA), DOT. with the approved design.
nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: This condition, if not corrected, could
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety prevent the jettisoning of helicopter
(NPRM). Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, emergency exit windows, possibly
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, affecting the evacuation of crew and
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX passengers during an emergency
AgustaWestland S.p.A. 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email situation, EASA advises. EASA
(AgustaWestland) Model AW189 martin.r.crane@faa.gov. consequently requires replacement of
helicopters. This proposed AD would SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: the seal and the filler wedges of the

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50848 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules

emergency exit windows installed in the promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (a) Applicability
cockpit doors and cabin. air commerce by prescribing regulations This AD applies to Model AW189
The FAA is in the process of updating for practices, methods, and procedures helicopters, serial number 49007 through
AgustaWestland’s name change to the Administrator finds necessary for 49021, 49023, 49029, 49033, 49035, 89001,
Leonardo Helicopters on its type safety in air commerce. This regulation 89003, 89004, 92001, 92003, and 92005,
certificate. Because this name change is is within the scope of that authority certificated in any category.
not yet effective, this proposed AD because it addresses an unsafe condition (b) Unsafe Condition
specifies AgustaWestland. that is likely to exist or develop on This AD defines the unsafe condition as
products identified in this rulemaking improperly glued emergency exit windows.
FAA’s Determination
action. This condition could result in the window
These helicopters have been approved failing to jettison, preventing the occupants
by the aviation authority of Italy and are Regulatory Findings from exiting the helicopter during an
approved for operation in the United emergency.
We determined that this proposed AD
States. Pursuant to our bilateral would not have federalism implications (c) Comments Due Date
agreement with Italy, EASA, its under Executive Order 13132. This We must receive comments by January 2,
technical representative, has notified us proposed AD would not have a 2018.
of the unsafe condition described in its substantial direct effect on the States, on
AD. We are proposing this AD because (d) Compliance
the relationship between the national
we evaluated all known relevant You are responsible for performing each
Government and the States, or on the
information and determined that an action required by this AD within the
distribution of power and specified compliance time unless it has
unsafe condition is likely to exist or responsibilities among the various already been accomplished prior to that time.
develop on other products of the same levels of government.
type design. (e) Required Actions
For the reasons discussed, I certify
this proposed regulation: Within 75 hours time-in-service, replace
Related Service Information
the seal and filler wedges of each cabin and
We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory cockpit door emergency exit window, except
Bollettino Tecnico No. 189–118, dated action’’ under Executive Order 12866; bubble windows installed in accordance with
October 20, 2016. This service 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the bubble window kit part number
information specifies replacing the seal DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures 8G5620F00111.
and filler wedges on all cockpit door (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
and cabin emergency exit windows of 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in (AMOCs)
Model AW189 helicopters, except on Alaska to the extent that it justifies (1) The Manager, Safety Management
those windows that have been replaced making a regulatory distinction; and Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
or that are part of bubble window kit 4. Will not have a significant may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
P/N 8G5620F00111. economic impact, positive or negative, proposal to: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section,
Proposed AD Requirements on a substantial number of small entities Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
under the criteria of the Regulatory Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
This proposed AD would require Flexibility Act. telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-
within 75 hours time-in-service, FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
We prepared an economic evaluation
replacing the seal and filler wedges on (2) For operations conducted under a 14
of the estimated costs to comply with
all emergency exit windows installed in CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
this proposed AD and placed it in the
the cockpit doors and cabin. 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
AD docket.
you notify your principal inspector, or
Costs of Compliance lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
We estimate that this proposed AD the local flight standards district office or
would affect 2 helicopters of U.S. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation certificate holding district office before
Registry and that labor costs average $85 safety, Incorporation by reference, operating any aircraft complying with this
Safety. AD through an AMOC.
per work-hour. Based on these
estimates, we expect that removing and The Proposed Amendment (g) Additional Information
replacing the window seals and fillers (1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino
would require 40 work-hours and parts Accordingly, under the authority Tecnico No. 189–118, dated October 20,
would cost about $834, for a total cost delegated to me by the Administrator, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference,
of $4,234 per helicopter and $8,468 for the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part contains additional information about the
the U.S. fleet. 39 as follows: subject of this AD. For service information
identified in this AD, contact Leonardo
Authority for This Rulemaking PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of
DIRECTIVES Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017
Title 49 of the United States Code C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
at http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/
section 106, describes the authority of continues to read as follows: bulletins. You may review the referenced
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. service information at the FAA, Office of the
nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS

Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
§ 39.13 [Amended] Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority. ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding TX 76177.
the following new airworthiness (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
We are issuing this rulemaking under European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, directive (AD): No. 2016–0216, dated October 28, 2016. You
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: AgustaWestland S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA– may view the EASA AD on the Internet at
General requirements.’’ Under that 2017–0111; Product Identifier 2016–SW– http://www.regulations.gov in AD Docket No.
section, Congress charges the FAA with 079–AD. FAA–2017–0111.

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules 50849

(h) Subject contains this proposed AD, the 0263–E, dated December 24, 2016 (AD
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) European Aviation Safety Agency 2016–0263–E), to correct an unsafe
Code: 5600, Window/Windshield System. (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, condition for Leonardo S.p.A.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 17, any comments received, and other Helicopters (previously Agusta) Model
2017. information. The street address for the AW189 helicopters. EASA advises that
James A. Grigg, Docket Operations Office (telephone during the first scheduled maintenance
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES of an EFS kit, float bags were found
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service. section. Comments will be available in punctured. According to EASA, an
the AD docket shortly after receipt. investigation revealed the damage was
[FR Doc. 2017–23199 Filed 11–1–17; 8:45 am]
For service information identified in caused by protruding parts of the
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
this proposed rule, contact Leonardo pressure relief/topping valves that were
S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, not adequately protected. EASA further
Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta states that this condition could result in
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) a partial loss of buoyancy of the EFS
Federal Aviation Administration Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax float bags, possibly resulting in injury to
+39–0331–229046; or at http:// the helicopter’s occupants in a ditching
14 CFR Part 39 www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. event. To prevent this unsafe condition,
You may review the referenced service EASA AD 2016–0263–E requires a one-
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1010; Product time inspection of the EFS, repair of any
information at the FAA, Office of the
Identifier 2016–SW–089–AD]
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, discrepancies found, replacing the
RIN 2120–AA64 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, pressure relief/topping valve O-ring
Fort Worth, TX 76177. with a gasket, and replacing the inflate/
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta deflate protection with a new design
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
S.p.A. Helicopters inflate/deflate protection.
Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Policy The FAA is in the process of updating
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Agusta’s name change to Leonardo
Administration (FAA), DOT.
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Helicopters on its type certificate.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking Because this name change is not yet
(NPRM). Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–
5110; email martin.r.crane@faa.gov. effective, this proposed AD specifies
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Agusta.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta FAA’s Determination
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW189 Comments Invited
These helicopters have been approved
helicopters. This proposed AD would We invite you to participate in this by the aviation authority of Italy and are
require inspecting and altering the rulemaking by submitting written approved for operation in the United
emergency flotation system (EFS). This comments, data, or views. We also States. Pursuant to our bilateral
proposed AD is prompted by a report of invite comments relating to the agreement with Italy, EASA, its
punctured EFS kits. The actions of this economic, environmental, energy, or technical representative, has notified us
proposed AD are intended to prevent an federalism impacts that might result of the unsafe condition described in its
unsafe condition on these helicopters. from adopting the proposals in this AD. We are proposing this AD because
DATES: We must receive comments on document. The most helpful comments we evaluated all known relevant
this proposed AD by January 2, 2018. reference a specific portion of the information and determined that an
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by proposal, explain the reason for any unsafe condition is likely to exist or
any of the following methods: recommended change, and include develop on other products of the same
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to supporting data. To ensure the docket type design.
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the does not contain duplicate comments,
online instructions for sending your commenters should send only one copy Related Service Information
comments electronically. of written comments, or if comments are We reviewed Leonardo S.p.A.
• Fax: 202–493–2251. filed electronically, commenters should Bollettino Tecnico No. 189–135, dated
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. submit only one time. December 20, 2016 (BT 189–135), and
Department of Transportation, Docket We will file in the docket all Aero Sekur Service Bulletin No. SB–
Operations, M–30, West Building comments that we receive, as well as a 189–25–003, dated November 30, 2016
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 report summarizing each substantive (SB–189–25–003), which is attached to
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, public contact with FAA personnel BT 189–135 as Annex 1. BT 189–135
DC 20590–0001. concerning this proposed rulemaking. specifies following the procedures in
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the Before acting on this proposal, we will SB–189–25–003 to inspect and modify
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 consider all comments we receive on or certain EFS kits installed on AW189
p.m., Monday through Friday, except before the closing date for comments. helicopters.
Federal holidays. We will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is Proposed AD Requirements
Examining the AD Docket This proposed AD would require,
possible to do so without incurring
nlaroche on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS

You may examine the AD docket on expense or delay. We may change this within 120 hours time-in-service (TIS),
the Internet at http:// proposal in light of the comments we inspecting each float bag for punctures,
www.regulations.gov by searching for receive. replacing the pressure relief/topping
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– (PRT) valve O-ring part number (P/N) P–
1010; or in person at the Docket Discussion G10025 with a PRT valve gasket P/N
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 EASA, which is the Technical Agent 316683A, and replacing the inflate/
p.m., Monday through Friday, except for the Member States of the European deflate protection P/N 304694A with
Federal holidays. The AD docket Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2016– inflate/deflate protection P/N 304694B.

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Document Created: 2017-11-02 02:41:50
Document Modified: 2017-11-02 02:41:50

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2018.
Contact		Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 50847
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

82 FR 50847 - Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 211 (November 2, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration