82 FR 55752 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 225 (November 24, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 225 (November 24, 2017)
| Page Range | 55752-55755 | |
| FR Document | 2017-24738 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 225 (Friday, November 24, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 55752-55755] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-24738] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0982; Product Identifier 2017-SW-009-AD; Amendment 39-19102; AD 2017-23-08] 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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-24-02 for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. AD 2014-24-02 required repetitively inspecting the main rotor (M/R) rotating scissors, removing certain lower half scissor spherical bearings (bearings) from service, and installing a special nut. This new AD revises the inspection requirements and requires replacing the bearings. This AD is prompted by a new report of a dislodged bearing of an M/R rotating scissor. The actions of this AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective December 11, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of December 11, 2017. We must receive comments on this AD by January 23, 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- 0982; 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 incorporated by reference service information, 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 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 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. It is also [[Page 55753]] available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0982. 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 We issued AD 2014-24-02, Amendment 39-18035 (79 FR 70785, November 28, 2014) (AD 2014-24-02), for Agusta S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a M/R rotating scissors part number (P/N) 3G6230A00733 with a bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 installed. AD 2014-24-02 required repetitive inspections of the M/R rotating scissors for damage and play of the bearing and replacing the nut with a special nut, P/N 3G6230A06851, which lengthens the compliance time for repetitive inspections. AD 2014-24-02 was prompted by AD No. 2014-0215-E, dated September 24, 2014, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA AD No. 2014-0215-E corrected an unsafe condition for the AgustaWestland S.p.A and AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. EASA advised of reports of early excessive play in the bearings and a report of a chipped bearing liner. Actions Since AD 2014-24-02 Was Issued Since we issued AD 2014-24-02, EASA issued AD No. 2017-0028-E, dated February 15, 2017, which supersedes AD No. 2014-0215-E. EASA AD No. 2017-0028-E was prompted by a report of a dislodged bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 with special nut P/N 3G6230A06851 installed. EASA advises that all bearings P/N 3G6230V00654 could prematurely damage or wear, including those with the special nut. For these reasons, EASA AD No. 2017-0028-E partially retains the repetitive inspections and requires replacement of the bearing with improved bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 as terminating action for the inspections. Additionally, Agusta S.p.A. has changed its name to Leonardo Helicopters. Because the FAA is in the process of updating this name change on its FAA type certificate and it is not yet effective, this AD specifies Agusta S.p.A. as the type certificate holder. 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 We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters (previously Agusta S.p.A.) Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-392, Revision A, dated February 14, 2017. This service information specifies repetitively inspecting the M/R rotating scissors to monitor the bearings and replacing the bearing with a new part-numbered bearing. 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. Other Related Service Information We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters AW139 IETP Document Code AMP-39-C- 62-31-00-00A-31AC-A, Rotating control installation--Fixed swashplate and rotating scissors--Detailed inspection, Issue 29, dated July 31, 2017. This service information describes procedures for a detailed inspection of the fixed swashplate and rotating scissors. AD Requirements This new AD reduces the inspection interval for some M/R rotating scissors, clarifies the inspection for damage, adds an inspection for movement of the bearing out of its seat, and retains the inspection for play of the bearing. Depending on the outcome of these inspections, this AD requires replacing the bearing with an improved bearing, replacing the rotating scissor attachment flange with a certain part- numbered rotating scissor attachment flange, and replacing the nut with a certain part-numbered special nut. If not done as a result of the inspections, this AD also requires replacing each nut with a certain part-numbered special nut. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires replacing each bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 within 12 months; whereas, this AD does not. We plan to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to give the public an opportunity to comment on this long-term requirement. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 103 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 work-hour. Inspecting for bearing liner wear, seat movement, and play will take about 1 work-hour for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $8,755 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing a bearing will take 2 work- hours and parts will cost $892 for a cost of $1,062 per bearing. Replacing a rotating scissor attachment flange will cost $20,629 for parts and no additional labor. Installing two special nuts on a helicopter will take 1 work-hour and parts will cost $682 for a cost of $767 helicopter and $79,001 for the U.S. fleet. According to Leonardo Helicopter's 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 Helicopter. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting these AD [[Page 55754]] requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the unsafe condition can adversely affect the controllability of the helicopter and some of the required corrective actions must be accomplished within 5 hours time-in-service and thereafter every 24 hours. Other corrective actions in this AD must be accomplished within 100 hours time-in-service; however, these helicopters are generally high-usage aircraft and could reach this compliance time within a very short calendar time. 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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-24-02, Amendment 39-18035 (79 FR 70785, November 28, 2014), and adding the following new AD: 2017-23-08 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-19102; Docket No. FAA-2017- 0982; Product Identifier 2017-SW-009-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with main rotor (M/R) rotating scissors with a lower half scissor spherical bearing (bearing) P/N 3G6230V00654 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessive play of the bearing in the M/R rotating scissors. This condition could result in failure of the M/R rotating scissors and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2014-24-02, Amendment 39-18035 (79 FR 70785, November 28, 2014). (d) Effective Date This AD becomes effective December 11, 2017. (e) 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. (f) Required Actions (1) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter before the first flight of each day or at intervals not exceeding 24-clock hours, whichever occurs later: (i) Using a magnifying glass and a flashlight, visually inspect each bearing for wear of the bearing liner. Some examples of wear are shown in Figures 4 through 8 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-392, Revision A, dated February 14, 2017 (BT 139-392). If there is any wear of the liner, before further flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and install special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action for the remaining actions of this AD for the bearing. (ii) Inspect each bearing for movement. Refer to Figure 9 of BT 139-392. If the bearing moves freely out of its seat, before further flight, replace the rotating scissor attachment flange with flange P/N 3G6220A00633, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and install special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action for the remaining actions of this AD for the bearing. (iii) Inspect the M/R rotating scissors for play and wear of each bearing, paying particular attention to the bearing staking condition, by manually moving the lower half scissor along the axis of the spherical bearing. Refer to Figure 1 of BT 139-392. If there is any play or wear beyond allowable limits, before further flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and install special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action for the remaining actions of this AD for the bearing. (2) Within 100 hours TIS, replace and torque each lower half scissor nut with special nut P/N 3G6230A06851 to the M/R rotating scissor in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, steps 5.1 through 5.9 of BT 139-392, except you are not required to discard parts. (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any M/R rotating scissors with a bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 installed. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Additional Information (1) Leonardo Helicopters AW139 IETP Document Code AMP-39-C-62- 31-00-00A-31AC-A, Rotating control installation--Fixed [[Page 55755]] swashplate and rotating scissors--Detailed inspection, Issue 29, dated July 31, 2017, 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 a copy of the 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. 2017-0028-E, dated February 15, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0982. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, M/R System. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-392, Revision A, dated February 14, 2017. (ii) Reserved. (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 http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 7, 2017. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017-24738 Filed 11-22-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![55752 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 225 / Friday, November 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
the denial notification letter, that the payment of the full amount of the scissors, removing certain lower half
requester may incur fees as a result of estimated fee before the Council begins scissor spherical bearings (bearings)
processing the request. In the denial to process a new request or the pending from service, and installing a special
notification letter, the Council shall request. nut. This new AD revises the inspection
advise the requester that the Council (h) Form of payment. Payment may be requirements and requires replacing the
will not proceed to process the request made by check or money order paid to bearings. This AD is prompted by a new
further unless the requester, in writing, the Treasurer of the United States. report of a dislodged bearing of an M/
directs the Council to do so and either (i) Charging interest. The Council may R rotating scissor. The actions of this
agrees to pay any fees that may apply to charge interest on any unpaid bill AD are intended to correct an unsafe
processing the request or specifies an starting on the 31st day following the condition on these products.
upper limit (of not less than $25) that date of billing the requester. Interest DATES: This AD becomes effective
the requester is willing to pay to process charges will be assessed at the rate December 11, 2017.
the request. If the Council does not provided in 31 U.S.C. 3717 and will The Director of the Federal Register
receive this written direction and accrue from the date of the billing until approved the incorporation by reference
agreement/specification within thirty payment is received by the Council. The of a certain document listed in this AD
(30) days of the date of the denial Council will follow the provisions of the as of December 11, 2017.
notification letter, then the Council Debt Collection Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97– We must receive comments on this
shall deem the FOIA request to be 365, 96 Stat. 1749), as amended, and its AD by January 23, 2018.
withdrawn. administrative procedures, including
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
(7) Appeals of denials of requests to the use of consumer reporting agencies,
reduce or waive fees. If the Council any of the following methods:
collection agencies, and offset.
denies a request to reduce or waive fees, • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
(j) Aggregating requests. If the Council
then the requester shall have the right http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
reasonably determines that a requester
to submit an appeal of the denial online instructions for sending your
or a group of requesters acting together
determination in accordance with comments electronically.
is attempting to divide a request into a
§ 1301.11. The Council shall • Fax: 202–493–2251.
series of requests for the purpose of
communicate this appeal right as part of • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
avoiding fees, the Council may aggregate
its written notification to the requester Department of Transportation, Docket
those requests and charge accordingly.
denying the fee reduction or waiver Operations, M–30, West Building
The Council may presume that multiple
request. The requester shall clearly mark Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
requests involving related matters
its appeal request and any envelope that New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
submitted within a thirty (30) calendar
encloses it with the words ‘‘Appeal for DC 20590–0001.
day period have been made in order to
Fee Reduction/Waiver.’’ • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
avoid fees. The Council shall not
(g) Notice of estimated fees; advance ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
aggregate multiple requests involving
payments. (1) When the Council p.m., Monday through Friday, except
unrelated matters.
estimates the fees for processing a Federal holidays.
request will exceed the limit set by the Dated: November 16, 2017.
Eric A. Froman,
Examining the AD Docket
requester, and that amount is less than
$250, the Council shall notify the Executive Director, Financial Stability You may examine the AD docket on
requester of the estimated costs, broken Oversight Council. the Internet at http://
down by search, review and duplication [FR Doc. 2017–25386 Filed 11–22–17; 8:45 am] www.regulations.gov by searching for
fees. The requester must provide an BILLING CODE P and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
agreement to pay the estimated costs, 0982; or in person at the Docket
except that the requester may Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
reformulate the request in an attempt to DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION p.m., Monday through Friday, except
reduce the estimated fees. Federal holidays. The AD docket
(2) If the requester fails to state a limit Federal Aviation Administration contains this AD, the European Aviation
and the costs are estimated to exceed Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
$250, the requester shall be notified of 14 CFR Part 39 incorporated by reference service
the estimated costs, broken down by information, the economic evaluation,
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0982; Product
search, review and duplication fees, and any comments received, and other
Identifier 2017–SW–009–AD; Amendment
must pay such amount prior to the 39–19102; AD 2017–23–08] information. The street address for the
processing of the request, or provide Docket Operations Office (telephone
satisfactory assurance of full payment if RIN 2120–AA64 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
the requester has a history of prompt section. Comments will be available in
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta the AD docket shortly after receipt.
payment of FOIA fees. Alternatively, the
S.p.A. Helicopters For service information identified in
requester may reformulate the request in
such a way as to constitute a request for AGENCY: Federal Aviation this final rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A.
responsive records at a reduced fee. Administration (FAA), Department of Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of
(3) The Council reserves the right to Transportation (DOT). Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520,
request advance payment after a request ACTION: Final rule; request for 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
is processed and before records are comments. telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
released. 0331–229046; or at http://www.leonardo
(4) If a requester previously has failed SUMMARY: We are superseding company.com/-/bulletins. You may
to pay a fee within thirty (30) calendar Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–24– review the referenced service
days of the date of the billing, the 02 for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model information at the FAA, Office of the
requester shall be required to pay the AB139 and AW139 helicopters. AD Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
full amount owed plus any applicable 2014–24–02 required repetitively 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
interest, and to make an advance inspecting the main rotor (M/R) rotating Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:12 Nov 22, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\24NOR1.SGM 24NOR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_55977/page/1.svg)
![55754 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 225 / Friday, November 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
requirements would delay 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in day or at intervals not exceeding 24-clock
implementing the safety actions needed Alaska to the extent that it justifies hours, whichever occurs later:
to correct this known unsafe condition. making a regulatory distinction; and (i) Using a magnifying glass and a
4. Will not have a significant flashlight, visually inspect each bearing for
Therefore, we find that the risk to the
wear of the bearing liner. Some examples of
flying public justifies waiving notice economic impact, positive or negative,
wear are shown in Figures 4 through 8 of
and comment prior to the adoption of on a substantial number of small entities Leonardo Helicopters Alert Bollettino
this rule because the unsafe condition under the criteria of the Regulatory Tecnico No. 139–392, Revision A, dated
can adversely affect the controllability Flexibility Act. February 14, 2017 (BT 139–392). If there is
of the helicopter and some of the We prepared an economic evaluation any wear of the liner, before further flight,
required corrective actions must be of the estimated costs to comply with replace the bearing with bearing P/N
accomplished within 5 hours time-in- this AD and placed it in the AD docket. 3G6230V00655 and install special nut P/N
service and thereafter every 24 hours. 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 constitutes
Other corrective actions in this AD must
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation terminating action for the remaining actions
be accomplished within 100 hours time- of this AD for the bearing.
in-service; however, these helicopters safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety. (ii) Inspect each bearing for movement.
are generally high-usage aircraft and Refer to Figure 9 of BT 139–392. If the
could reach this compliance time within Adoption of the Amendment bearing moves freely out of its seat, before
a very short calendar time. further flight, replace the rotating scissor
Accordingly, under the authority
Since an unsafe condition exists that attachment flange with flange P/N
delegated to me by the Administrator, 3G6220A00633, replace the bearing with
requires the immediate adoption of this
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and install
AD, we determined that notice and
follows: special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing
opportunity for public comment before
the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655
issuing this AD are impracticable and PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS constitutes terminating action for the
that good cause exists for making this DIRECTIVES remaining actions of this AD for the bearing.
amendment effective in less than 30 (iii) Inspect the M/R rotating scissors for
days. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 play and wear of each bearing, paying
Authority for This Rulemaking continues to read as follows: particular attention to the bearing staking
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. condition, by manually moving the lower
Title 49 of the United States Code half scissor along the axis of the spherical
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue § 39.13 [Amended] bearing. Refer to Figure 1 of BT 139–392. If
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, there is any play or wear beyond allowable
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by limits, before further flight, replace the
section 106, describes the authority of
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
2014–24–02, Amendment 39–18035 (79 install special nut P/N 3G6230A06851.
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
FR 70785, November 28, 2014), and Replacing the bearing with bearing P/N
detail the scope of the Agency’s
adding the following new AD: 3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action
authority. for the remaining actions of this AD for the
We are issuing this rulemaking under 2017–23–08 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
bearing.
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, 19102; Docket No. FAA–2017–0982;
(2) Within 100 hours TIS, replace and
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Product Identifier 2017–SW–009–AD.
torque each lower half scissor nut with
General requirements.’’ Under that (a) Applicability special nut P/N 3G6230A06851 to the M/R
section, Congress charges the FAA with This AD applies to Model AB139 and rotating scissor in accordance with the
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in AW139 helicopters with main rotor (M/R) Compliance Instructions, Part II, steps 5.1
air commerce by prescribing regulations rotating scissors with a lower half scissor through 5.9 of BT 139–392, except you are
spherical bearing (bearing) P/N not required to discard parts.
for practices, methods, and procedures
3G6230V00654 installed, certificated in any (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do
the Administrator finds necessary for not install any M/R rotating scissors with a
safety in air commerce. This regulation category.
bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 installed.
is within the scope of that authority (b) Unsafe Condition
because it addresses an unsafe condition (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
This AD defines the unsafe condition as (AMOCs)
that is likely to exist or develop on excessive play of the bearing in the M/R
products identified in this rulemaking rotating scissors. This condition could result (1) The Manager, Safety Management
action. in failure of the M/R rotating scissors and Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller,
Regulatory Findings Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety
(c) Affected ADs Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards
We determined that this AD will not
This AD supersedes AD 2014–24–02, Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort
have federalism implications under Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110;
Amendment 39–18035 (79 FR 70785,
Executive Order 13132. This AD will email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
November 28, 2014).
not have a substantial direct effect on (2) For operations conducted under a 14
the States, on the relationship between (d) Effective Date CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
the national Government and the States, This AD becomes effective December 11, 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
or on the distribution of power and 2017. you notify your principal inspector, or
responsibilities among the various lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
(e) Compliance the local flight standards district office or
levels of government.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
For the reasons discussed, I certify You are responsible for performing each certificate holding district office, before
action required by this AD within the operating any aircraft complying with this
that this AD: specified compliance time unless it has AD through an AMOC.
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory already been accomplished prior to that time.
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (h) Additional Information
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under (f) Required Actions (1) Leonardo Helicopters AW139 IETP
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (1) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), Document Code AMP–39–C–62–31–00–00A–
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and thereafter before the first flight of each 31AC–A, Rotating control installation—Fixed
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:12 Nov 22, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\24NOR1.SGM 24NOR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_55977/page/3.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 225 / Friday, November 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 55755
swashplate and rotating scissors—Detailed DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION continued.airworthiness@atr-
inspection, Issue 29, dated July 31, 2017, aircraft.com. You may view this
which is not incorporated by reference, Federal Aviation Administration referenced service information at the
contains additional information about the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601
subject of this AD. For service information 14 CFR Part 39 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
identified in this AD, contact Leonardo information on the availability of this
S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of [Docket No. FAA–2017–1027; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–092–AD; Amendment material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 It is also available on the Internet at
39–19105; AD 2017–24–01]
C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone
http://www.regulations.gov by searching
+39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or RIN 2120–AA64
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
at http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/
bulletins. You may review a copy of the Airworthiness Directives; ATR—GIE 1027.
service information at the FAA, Office of the Avions de Transport Régional Examining the AD Docket
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Airplanes
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
You may examine the AD docket on
TX 76177. AGENCY: Federal Aviation the Internet at http://
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Administration (FAA), DOT. www.regulations.gov by searching for
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD ACTION: Final rule; request for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
No. 2017–0028–E, dated February 15, 2017. comments. 1027; or in person at the Docket
You may view the EASA AD on the Internet Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching SUMMARY: We are adopting a new p.m., Monday through Friday, except
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017– airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Federal holidays. The AD docket
0982. ATR—GIE Avions de Transport contains this AD, the regulatory
Régional Model ATR42–500 airplanes evaluation, any comments received, and
(i) Subject
and Model ATR72–212A airplanes. This other information. The street address for
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) AD requires an inspection for routing the Docket Operations office (telephone
Code: 6200, M/R System. attachments of electrical harness 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference bundles and for wire damage, and section. Comments will be available in
(1) The Director of the Federal Register corrective actions if necessary. This AD the AD docket shortly after receipt.
approved the incorporation by reference was prompted by reports of electrical FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
(IBR) of the service information listed in this harness bundle chafing with a window Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR blinding panel in the fuselage due to Engineer, International Section,
part 51. missing routing attachments. We are Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601
(2) You must use this service information issuing this AD to address the unsafe Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–
as applicable to do the actions required by condition on these products. 3356; telephone 425–227–1112; fax
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. DATES: This AD becomes effective 425–227–1149.
(i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Bollettino December 11, 2017. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Tecnico No. 139–392, Revision A, dated The Director of the Federal Register
February 14, 2017. Discussion
approved the incorporation by reference
(ii) Reserved. The European Aviation Safety Agency
of certain publications listed in this AD
(3) For Leonardo Helicopters service (EASA), which is the Technical Agent
as of December 11, 2017.
information identified in this AD, contact for the Member States of the European
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi,
We must receive comments on this
AD by January 8, 2018. Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520,
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
Directive 2017–0118, dated July 7, 2017
21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
using the procedures found in 14 CFR (referred to after this as the Mandatory
telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–
229046; or at http://www.leonardo 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following Continuing Airworthiness Information,
company.com/-/bulletins. methods: or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
(4) You may view this service information • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to condition for certain ATR—GIE Avions
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the de Transport Régional Model ATR42–
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, instructions for submitting comments. 500 airplanes and Model ATR72–212A
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For • Fax: 202–493–2251. airplanes. The MCAI states:
information on the availability of this • Mail: U.S. Department of An event was reported of several spurious
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. Transportation, Docket Operations, M– alarms on a recently delivered ATR 72
(5) You may view this service information 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room aeroplane. During troubleshooting, damage
that is incorporated by reference at the W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., was evidenced on the electrical harness
National Archives and Records bundle (Route 1M) due to chafing with a
Washington, DC 20590. window blinding panel located on the left
Administration (NARA). For information on
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of hand of the fuselage, zone 231. A bracket,
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: http://
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– necessary to maintain the harness bundle
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room close to the structure of the fuselage and
locations.html. W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., avoid chafing, was missing.
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 Same bracket has also been found missing
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November p.m., Monday through Friday, except on the other side of the fuselage (symmetrical
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
7, 2017. Federal holidays. location, Right Hand side, zone 232, route
Scott A. Horn, 2M) with no damage on the harness bundle.
For service information identified in
A quality investigation revealed another
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, this final rule, contact ATR—GIE aeroplane on the production line, where
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Avions de Transport Régional, 1, Allée same brackets were not installed.
Aircraft Certification Service. Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, This condition, if not detected and
[FR Doc. 2017–24738 Filed 11–22–17; 8:45 am] France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; corrected, may lead to wire failure (cut or
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email shorted) and, in case of several failures in
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:12 Nov 22, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\24NOR1.SGM 24NOR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_55977/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2017-11-22 23:34:08
Document Modified: 2017-11-22 23:34:08
| 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 | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule; request for comments. | |
| Dates | This AD becomes effective December 11, 2017. | |
| 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] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 55752 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR