82 FR 60298 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 243 (December 20, 2017)

Page Range		60298-60300
FR Document		2017-27263

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-27-08 for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters. AD 2011-27- 08 required repetitively inspecting each elevator assembly for a crack. This new AD retains the initial inspection interval and adds a repetitive borescope inspection. This AD is prompted by the discovery of another crack on an elevator assembly since AD 2011-27-08 was issued. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 243 (Wednesday, December 20, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 243 (Wednesday, December 20, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60298-60300]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-27263]

[[Page 60298]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1173; Product Identifier 2017-SW-030-AD; Amendment
39-19131; AD 2017-25-17]
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) 2011-27-08 for
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters. AD 2011-27-
08 required repetitively inspecting each elevator assembly for a crack.
This new AD retains the initial inspection interval and adds a
repetitive borescope inspection. This AD is prompted by the discovery
of another crack on an elevator assembly since AD 2011-27-08 was
issued. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe
condition on these helicopters.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 4, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of January 4, 2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by February 20, 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-
1173; 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 available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1173.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email david.hatfield@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

We issued AD 2011-27-08 (77 FR 3382, January 24, 2012) (2011-27-
08), for Agusta Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters with elevator
assemblies, part number (P/N) 109-0200-02-601, 109-0200-02-801, 109-
0200-02-602, 109-0200-02-802, 109-0200-02-803, or 109-0200-02-804
installed. AD 2011-27-08 required repetitively inspecting the left and
right elevator assemblies for a crack and replacing the elevator
assembly before further flight if there is a crack. AD 2011-27-08 was
prompted by AD No. 2011-0150, dated August 9, 2011 (AD 2011-0150),
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Agusta Model
A109S and AW109SP helicopters. EASA advised of a fracture of the left
elevator assembly along the riveting of the upper skin to the fourth
rib due to fatigue.

Actions Since AD 2011-27-08 Was Issued

Since we issued AD 2011-27-08, EASA has issued Emergency AD No.
2017-0085-E, dated May 12, 2017 (EAD 2017-0085-E), which supersedes AD
2011-0150. EASA advises that since AD 2011-0150 was issued, another
crack was found in an elevator assembly during a post-flight inspection
on an A109S helicopter. EAD 2017-0085-E requires a one-time visual or
dye-penetrant inspection of the elevator upper skin in the area of the
fourth rib, and also requires drilling an access hole in each elevator
and performing repetitive inspections of the internal areas with an
endoscope. If there is a crack, EAD 2017-0085-E requires replacing the
cracked elevator assembly or contacting Agusta for an approved repair.
Also, the FAA is in the process of updating Agusta's name change to
Leonardo Helicopters S.p.A. on its FAA type certificate. Because this
name change is not yet effective, this AD specifies Agusta.

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.

[[Page 60299]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Leonardo Helicopters has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
(EASB) No. 109S-076 for Model A109S helicopters, and EASB No. 109SP-113
for Model AW109SP helicopters, both Revision A and dated May 12, 2017.
Each EASB specifies procedures for visually inspecting the elevator
assembly skin for a crack, adding an inspection hole to the elevator
assembly, and inspecting the interior of the elevator assembly with an
endoscope.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

AD Requirements

This AD retains the initial visual inspection of AD 2011-27-08, but
changes the compliance time to before further flight or before the
elevator assembly exceeds 400 hours TIS, whichever occurs later.
The AD also requires, within 10 hours TIS or before the elevator
assembly exceeds 400 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, drilling an
access hole on the lower face of each elevator assembly and performing
a borescope inspection of the internal areas of the elevator assembly
leading edge and trailing edge longerons and upper web for a crack. If
there is a crack, the AD requires replacing the elevator assembly
before further flight. Lastly, this AD requires repeating the borescope
inspection every 25 hours TIS.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

The EASA AD allows a dye-penetrant inspection of the elevator
assembly as an option, while this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect 14 helicopters of U.S.
Registry.
At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, we estimate that
operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this
AD. Inspecting the elevator assemblies with a magnifying glass will
require 3 work-hours for a cost of $255 per helicopter and $3,570 for
the U.S. fleet.
Drilling an access hole will require 1 work-hour and required parts
cost would be minimal, for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $1,190 for
the U.S. fleet.
Inspecting with a borescope will require 1 work-hour for a cost of
$85 per helicopter and $1,190 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
If required, replacing a cracked elevator assembly will require 10
work-hours and required parts will cost $23,905 for a cost per
helicopter of $24,755.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because some of the corrective actions must be accomplished before
further flight. Therefore, we find good cause that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition,
for the reason stated above, we find that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2011-27-08, Amendment 39-16910 (77 FR 3382, January 24, 2012), and
adding the following new AD:

2017-25-17 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-19131; Docket No. FAA-2017-
1173; Product Identifier 2017-SW-030-AD.

(a) Applicability

This AD applies to Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters with
elevator assemblies, part number (P/N) 109-0200-02-601, 109-0200-02-
801, 109-0200-02-602, 109-0200-02-802, 109-0200-02-803, or 109-0200-
02-804 installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

This AD defines the unsafe condition as a fatigue crack on the
elevator assembly. This condition could result in failure of the
elevator, reduced maneuverability of the helicopter, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.

This AD supersedes AD 2011-27-08, Amendment 39-16910 (77 FR
3382, January 24, 2012).

(d) Effective Date

This AD becomes effective January 4, 2018.

(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.

[[Page 60300]]

(f) Required Actions

(1) Before further flight or before the elevator assembly
accumulates 400 hours time-in-service (TIS), whichever occurs later,
inspect the left and right elevator upper skin along the 4th rib
station rivet line from the leading edge to 200 mm aft with a 10X or
higher power magnifying glass for a crack in the area depicted in
Figure 1 of Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin
(EASB) No. 109S-076, Revision A, dated May 12, 2017 (EASB 109S-076),
or EASB No. 109SP-113, Revision A, dated May 12, 2017 (EASB 109SP-
113), as appropriate for your model helicopter. If there is a crack,
before further flight, replace the elevator assembly.
(2) Within 10 hours TIS or before the elevator assembly
accumulates 400 hours TIS, whichever occurs later:
(i) Drill a 19.05 mm access hole on the lower face of each
elevator assembly as depicted in Figure 2 of EASB 109S-076 or EASB
109SP-113, as appropriate for your model helicopter. Apply Alodine
or equivalent coating and epoxy polyamide primer to the hole
surface.
(ii) Using a borescope, inspect the internal area of each
elevator assembly for a crack along the leading edge and trailing
edge longerons and upper web as depicted in Figure 3 of EASB 109S-
076 or EASB 109SP-113, as appropriate for your model helicopter. If
there is a crack, before further flight, replace the elevator
assembly. Repeat this inspection at intervals not to exceed 25 hours
TIS.

(g) 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:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth,
TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(h) Additional Information

The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0085-E, dated May 12, 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-2017-1173.

(i) Subject

Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5520 Elevator
Structure.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
109S-076, Revision A, dated May 12, 2017.
(ii) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
109SP-113, Revision A, dated May 12, 2017.
(3) For Leonardo Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head
of Airworthiness, Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate
(Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at
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 December 4, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-27263 Filed 12-19-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

60298 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 20, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION contains this AD, the European Aviation Discussion
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any We issued AD 2011–27–08 (77 FR
Federal Aviation Administration incorporated-by-reference service 3382, January 24, 2012) (2011–27–08),
information, the economic evaluation, for Agusta Model A109S and AW109SP
14 CFR Part 39 any comments received, and other helicopters with elevator assemblies,
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1173; Product information. The street address for the part number (P/N) 109–0200–02–601,
Identifier 2017–SW–030–AD; Amendment Docket Operations Office (telephone 109–0200–02–801, 109–0200–02–602,
39–19131; AD 2017–25–17] 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES 109–0200–02–802, 109–0200–02–803,
section. Comments will be available in or 109–0200–02–804 installed. AD
RIN 2120–AA64
the AD docket shortly after receipt. 2011–27–08 required repetitively
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta For service information identified in inspecting the left and right elevator
S.p.A. Helicopters this final rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A. assemblies for a crack and replacing the
Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of elevator assembly before further flight if
AGENCY: Federal Aviation there is a crack. AD 2011–27–08 was
Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520,
Administration (FAA), Department of prompted by AD No. 2011–0150, dated
21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
Transportation (DOT). August 9, 2011 (AD 2011–0150), issued
telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–
ACTION: Final rule; request for 0331–229046; or at http:// by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
comments. www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. for the Member States of the European
You may review the referenced service Union, to correct an unsafe condition
SUMMARY: We are superseding
information at the FAA, Office of the for Agusta Model A109S and AW109SP
airworthiness directive (AD) 2011–27–
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, helicopters. EASA advised of a fracture
08 for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, of the left elevator assembly along the
A109S and AW109SP helicopters. AD
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also riveting of the upper skin to the fourth
2011–27–08 required repetitively
available on the internet at http:// rib due to fatigue.
inspecting each elevator assembly for a
crack. This new AD retains the initial www.regulations.gov by searching for Actions Since AD 2011–27–08 Was
inspection interval and adds a repetitive and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– Issued
borescope inspection. This AD is 1173.
Since we issued AD 2011–27–08,
prompted by the discovery of another FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: EASA has issued Emergency AD No.
crack on an elevator assembly since AD David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 2017–0085–E, dated May 12, 2017 (EAD
2011–27–08 was issued. The actions of Engineer, Safety Management Section, 2017–0085–E), which supersedes AD
this AD are intended to prevent an Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 2011–0150. EASA advises that since AD
unsafe condition on these helicopters. 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 2011–0150 was issued, another crack
DATES: This AD becomes effective 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email was found in an elevator assembly
January 4, 2018. david.hatfield@faa.gov. during a post-flight inspection on an
The Director of the Federal Register A109S helicopter. EAD 2017–0085–E
approved the incorporation by reference SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
requires a one-time visual or dye-
of certain documents listed in this AD Comments Invited penetrant inspection of the elevator
as of January 4, 2018. upper skin in the area of the fourth rib,
We must receive comments on this This AD is a final rule that involves and also requires drilling an access hole
AD by February 20, 2018. requirements affecting flight safety, and in each elevator and performing
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by we did not provide you with notice and repetitive inspections of the internal
any of the following methods: an opportunity to provide your areas with an endoscope. If there is a
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to comments prior to it becoming effective. crack, EAD 2017–0085–E requires
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the However, we invite you to participate in replacing the cracked elevator assembly
online instructions for sending your this rulemaking by submitting written or contacting Agusta for an approved
comments electronically. comments, data, or views. We also repair.
• Fax: 202–493–2251. invite comments relating to the Also, the FAA is in the process of
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. economic, environmental, energy, or updating Agusta’s name change to
Department of Transportation, Docket federalism impacts that resulted from Leonardo Helicopters S.p.A. on its FAA
Operations, M–30, West Building adopting this AD. The most helpful type certificate. Because this name
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 comments reference a specific portion of change is not yet effective, this AD
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC the AD, explain the reason for any specifies Agusta.
20590–0001. recommended change, and include
FAA’s Determination
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the supporting data. To ensure the docket
‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 does not contain duplicate comments, These helicopters have been approved
p.m., Monday through Friday, except commenters should send only one copy by the aviation authority of Italy and are
Federal holidays. of written comments, or if comments are approved for operation in the United
filed electronically, commenters should States. Pursuant to our bilateral
Examining the AD Docket submit them only one time. We will file agreement with Italy, EASA, its
You may examine the AD docket on in the docket all comments that we technical representative, has notified us
the internet at http:// receive, as well as a report summarizing of the unsafe condition described in the
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES

www.regulations.gov by searching for each substantive public contact with EASA AD. We are issuing this AD
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– FAA personnel concerning this because we evaluated all information
1173; or in person at the Docket rulemaking during the comment period. provided by EASA and determined the
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 We will consider all the comments we unsafe condition exists and is likely to
p.m., Monday through Friday, except receive and may conduct additional exist or develop on other helicopters of
Federal holidays. The AD docket rulemaking based on those comments. these same type designs.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Dec 19, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20DER1.SGM 20DER1

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 20, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 60299

Related Service Information Under 1 If required, replacing a cracked 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
CFR Part 51 elevator assembly will require 10 work- Alaska to the extent that it justifies
Leonardo Helicopters has issued hours and required parts will cost making a regulatory distinction; and
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin $23,905 for a cost per helicopter of 4. Will not have a significant
(EASB) No. 109S–076 for Model A109S $24,755. economic impact, positive or negative,
helicopters, and EASB No. 109SP–113 FAA’s Justification and Determination on a substantial number of small entities
for Model AW109SP helicopters, both of the Effective Date under the criteria of the Regulatory
Revision A and dated May 12, 2017. Flexibility Act.
Each EASB specifies procedures for An unsafe condition exists that
We prepared an economic evaluation
visually inspecting the elevator requires the immediate adoption of this
of the estimated costs to comply with
assembly skin for a crack, adding an AD without providing an opportunity
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
inspection hole to the elevator for public comments prior to adoption.
assembly, and inspecting the interior of The FAA has found that the risk to the List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
the elevator assembly with an flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
endoscope. safety, Incorporation by reference,
This service information is reasonably rule because some of the corrective
actions must be accomplished before Safety.
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal further flight. Therefore, we find good Adoption of the Amendment
course of business or by the means cause that notice and opportunity for
identified in the ADDRESSES section. prior public comment are impracticable. Accordingly, under the authority
In addition, for the reason stated above, delegated to me by the Administrator,
AD Requirements we find that good cause exists for the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
This AD retains the initial visual making this amendment effective in less follows:
inspection of AD 2011–27–08, but than 30 days.
changes the compliance time to before PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
Authority for This Rulemaking DIRECTIVES
further flight or before the elevator
assembly exceeds 400 hours TIS, Title 49 of the United States Code
whichever occurs later. specifies the FAA’s authority to issue ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
The AD also requires, within 10 hours rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, continues to read as follows:
TIS or before the elevator assembly section 106, describes the authority of Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
exceeds 400 hours TIS, whichever the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
occurs later, drilling an access hole on Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more § 39.13 [Amended]
the lower face of each elevator assembly detail the scope of the Agency’s ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
and performing a borescope inspection authority. removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
of the internal areas of the elevator We are issuing this rulemaking under 2011–27–08, Amendment 39–16910 (77
assembly leading edge and trailing edge the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, FR 3382, January 24, 2012), and adding
longerons and upper web for a crack. If Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: the following new AD:
there is a crack, the AD requires General requirements.’’ Under that
replacing the elevator assembly before 2017–25–17 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
section, Congress charges the FAA with 19131; Docket No. FAA–2017–1173;
further flight. Lastly, this AD requires promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Product Identifier 2017–SW–030–AD.
repeating the borescope inspection air commerce by prescribing regulations
every 25 hours TIS. for practices, methods, and procedures (a) Applicability

Differences Between This AD and the the Administrator finds necessary for This AD applies to Model A109S and
safety in air commerce. This regulation AW109SP helicopters with elevator
EASA AD assemblies, part number (P/N) 109–0200–02–
is within the scope of that authority
The EASA AD allows a dye-penetrant because it addresses an unsafe condition 601, 109–0200–02–801, 109–0200–02–602,
inspection of the elevator assembly as 109–0200–02–802, 109–0200–02–803, or
that is likely to exist or develop on 109–0200–02–804 installed, certificated in
an option, while this AD does not. products identified in this rulemaking any category.
Costs of Compliance action.
(b) Unsafe Condition
We estimate that this AD will affect Regulatory Findings This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
14 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We determined that this AD will not fatigue crack on the elevator assembly. This
At an average labor rate of $85 per have federalism implications under condition could result in failure of the
hour, we estimate that operators may elevator, reduced maneuverability of the
Executive Order 13132. This AD will helicopter, and subsequent loss of control of
incur the following costs in order to not have a substantial direct effect on
comply with this AD. Inspecting the the helicopter.
the States, on the relationship between
elevator assemblies with a magnifying the national Government and the States, (c) Affected ADs
glass will require 3 work-hours for a or on the distribution of power and This AD supersedes AD 2011–27–08,
cost of $255 per helicopter and $3,570 responsibilities among the various Amendment 39–16910 (77 FR 3382, January
for the U.S. fleet. levels of government. 24, 2012).
Drilling an access hole will require 1
work-hour and required parts cost For the reasons discussed, I certify (d) Effective Date
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES

would be minimal, for a cost of $85 per that this AD: This AD becomes effective January 4, 2018.
helicopter and $1,190 for the U.S. fleet. 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (e) Compliance
Inspecting with a borescope will action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
You are responsible for performing each
require 1 work-hour for a cost of $85 per 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under action required by this AD within the
helicopter and $1,190 for the U.S. fleet DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures specified compliance time unless it has
per inspection cycle. (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); already been accomplished prior to that time.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Dec 19, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20DER1.SGM 20DER1

60300 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 20, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

(f) Required Actions (2) You must use this service information (CRES) latch pin cross bolts of the MCD;
(1) Before further flight or before the as applicable to do the actions required by and related investigative and corrective
elevator assembly accumulates 400 hours this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. actions if necessary. We are issuing this
time-in-service (TIS), whichever occurs later, (i) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert
AD to address the unsafe condition on
inspect the left and right elevator upper skin Service Bulletin No. 109S–076, Revision A,
dated May 12, 2017. these products.
along the 4th rib station rivet line from the
leading edge to 200 mm aft with a 10X or (ii) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert DATES: This AD is effective January 24,
higher power magnifying glass for a crack in Service Bulletin No. 109SP–113, Revision A, 2018.
the area depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo dated May 12, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (3) For Leonardo Helicopters service approved the incorporation by reference
(EASB) No. 109S–076, Revision A, dated May information identified in this AD, contact of a certain publication listed in this AD
12, 2017 (EASB 109S–076), or EASB No. Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, as of January 24, 2018.
109SP–113, Revision A, dated May 12, 2017 Head of Airworthiness, Viale G. Agusta 520,
ADDRESSES: For service information
(EASB 109SP–113), as appropriate for your 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
model helicopter. If there is a crack, before telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331– identified in this final rule, contact VT
further flight, replace the elevator assembly. 229046; or at http:// Mobile Aerospace Engineering Inc.,
(2) Within 10 hours TIS or before the www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. 2100 9th Street, Brookley Aeroplex,
elevator assembly accumulates 400 hours (4) You may view this service information Mobile, AL 36615; telephone: 251–379–
TIS, whichever occurs later: at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 0112; email: mae.757sf@vtmae.com;
(i) Drill a 19.05 mm access hole on the Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, internet: http://www.vtmae.com. You
lower face of each elevator assembly as Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For may view this service information at the
depicted in Figure 2 of EASB 109S–076 or information on the availability of this
EASB 109SP–113, as appropriate for your
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
model helicopter. Apply Alodine or (5) You may view this service information
Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For
equivalent coating and epoxy polyamide that is incorporated by reference at the information on the availability of this
primer to the hole surface. National Archives and Records material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(ii) Using a borescope, inspect the internal Administration (NARA). For information on It is also available on the internet at
area of each elevator assembly for a crack the availability of this material at NARA, call http://www.regulations.gov by searching
along the leading edge and trailing edge (202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
longerons and upper web as depicted in www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- 0251.
Figure 3 of EASB 109S–076 or EASB 109SP– locations.html.
113, as appropriate for your model Examining the AD Docket
helicopter. If there is a crack, before further Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December
flight, replace the elevator assembly. Repeat 4, 2017. You may examine the AD docket on
this inspection at intervals not to exceed 25 Scott A. Horn, the internet at http://
hours TIS. Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, www.regulations.gov by searching for
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs) Aircraft Certification Service. 0251; or in person at the Docket
[FR Doc. 2017–27263 Filed 12–19–17; 8:45 am] Management Facility between 9 a.m.
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your except Federal holidays. The AD docket
proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety contains this final rule, the regulatory
Engineer, Safety Management Section, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION evaluation, any comments received, and
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 other information. The address for the
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; Federal Aviation Administration Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW- Docket Management Facility, U.S.
FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. 14 CFR Part 39 Department of Transportation, Docket
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
Operations, M–30, West Building
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under [Docket No. FAA–2017–0251; Product
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that Identifier 2016–NM–101–AD; Amendment
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
you notify your principal inspector, or 39–19133; AD 2017–26–02] New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 20590.
the local flight standards district office or RIN 2120–AA64 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
certificate holding district office, before Samuel Belete, Aerospace Engineer,
operating any aircraft complying with this Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
AD through an AMOC. Company Airplanes Atlanta ACO Branch, 1701 Columbia
(h) Additional Information AGENCY: Federal Aviation Avenue, College Park, GA 30337;
The subject of this AD is addressed in Administration (FAA), DOT. telephone: 404–474–5580; fax: 404–
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD ACTION: Final rule.
474–5605; email: samuel.belete@
No. 2017–0085–E, dated May 12, 2017. You faa.gov.
may view the EASA AD on the internet at SUMMARY: We are adopting a new SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017– Discussion
1173. The Boeing Company Model 757–200
series airplanes. This AD was prompted We issued a notice of proposed
(i) Subject by a report indicating that the main rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) cargo door (MCD) forward-most cam part 39 by adding an AD that would
Code: 5520 Elevator Structure. latch on the forward center cam latch
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES

apply to certain The Boeing Company
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference pair broke during flight. This AD Model 757–200 series airplanes. The
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
requires repetitive inspections for NPRM published in the Federal
approved the incorporation by reference of discrepancies of cam latches, latch pins, Register on June 8, 2017 (82 FR 26617).
the service information listed in this and latch pin cross bolts of the MCD; The NPRM was prompted by a report
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR replacement of all alloy steel latch pin indicating that the MCD forward-most
part 51. cross bolts with corrosion-resistant steel cam latch on the forward center cam

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Dec 19, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20DER1.SGM 20DER1

Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:58:01
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:58:01

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 January 4, 2018.
Contact		David Hatfield, 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 60298
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

82 FR 60298 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 243 (December 20, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration