83 FR 10565 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 48 (March 12, 2018)

Page Range		10565-10567
FR Document		2018-04861

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW189 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting and altering the emergency flotation system (EFS). This AD is prompted by a report of punctured EFS kits. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 48 (Monday, March 12, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 48 (Monday, March 12, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10565-10567]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04861]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1010; Product Identifier 2016-SW-089-AD; Amendment 
39-19191; AD 2018-03-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta 
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW189 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting 
and altering the emergency flotation system (EFS). This AD is prompted 
by a report of punctured EFS kits. The actions of this AD are intended 
to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

DATES: This AD is effective April 16, 2018.

ADDRESSES: 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.

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-
1010; or in person at Docket Operations 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, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On November 2, 2017, at 82 FR 50849, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Agusta Model AW189 
helicopters with certain part-numbered and serial-numbered EFS float 
assemblies installed. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting each 
float bag for punctures, replacing the pressure relief/topping (PRT) 
valve O-ring part number

[[Page 10566]]

(P/N) P-G10025 with a PRT valve gasket P/N 316683A, and replacing the 
inflate/deflate protection P/N 304694A with inflate/deflate protection 
P/N 304694B. The NPRM also proposed to require repairing the float bag 
if there are any cuts, tears, punctures, or abrasion on a float bag. 
The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a punctured EFS 
float bag, which could result in loss of buoyancy of an EFS float bag 
while being used in an emergency water ditching and subsequent injury 
to helicopter occupants.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016-0263-E, dated December 22, 
2016 (AD 2016-0263-E), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters (previously Agusta) Model AW189 
helicopters. EASA advises that during the first scheduled maintenance 
of an EFS kit, float bags were found punctured due to protruding parts 
of the pressure relief/topping valves that were not adequately 
protected. EASA further states that this condition could result in a 
partial loss of buoyancy of the EFS float bags, possibly resulting in 
injury to the helicopter's occupants in a ditching event. To prevent 
this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2016-0263-E requires a one-time 
inspection of the EFS, repair of any discrepancies found, replacing the 
pressure relief/topping valve O-ring with a gasket, and replacing the 
inflate/deflate protection with a new design inflate/deflate 
protection.
    The FAA is in the process of updating Agusta's name change to 
Leonardo Helicopters on its type certificate. Because this name change 
is not yet effective, this AD specifies Agusta.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.

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 the same type design and that air 
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as 
proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires compliance within 15 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) or 10 days for helicopters flying overwater above sea state 4 or 
within 120 hours or 60 days for helicopters operating overwater up to 
sea state 4. This AD requires compliance within 120 hours TIS 
regardless of sea state conditions.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-135, 
dated December 20, 2016 (BT 189-135), and Aero Sekur Service Bulletin 
No. SB-189-25-003, dated November 30, 2016 (SB-189-25-003), which is 
attached to BT 189-135 as Annex A. BT 189-135 specifies following the 
procedures in SB-189-25-003 to inspect and modify certain EFS kits 
installed on Model AW189 helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects two helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators will incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. 
Inspecting each float bag, replacing the PRT valve gasket, and 
replacing the inflate/deflate protection require about 40 work-hours, 
and required parts cost about $500, for a cost per helicopter of $3,900 
and a cost of $7,800 for the U.S. fleet. If required, repairing a float 
bag will require about 2 work-hours, and required parts cost about $90, 
for a cost per float bag of $260.

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 helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

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

2018-03-18 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-19191; Docket No. FAA-2017-
1010; Product Identifier 2016-SW-089-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW189 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with an emergency float 
system (EFS) float assembly part number (P/N) 8G9560V00131, serial 
number (S/N) 066 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00231, S/N 068 or lower; P/N 
8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/N 8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or 
lower, installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a punctured EFS float 
bag. This condition could result in loss of buoyancy of an EFS

[[Page 10567]]

float bag being used in an emergency water ditching and subsequent 
injury to helicopter occupants.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 16, 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

    (1) Within 120 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Unfold and inspect each float bag assembly for any cuts, 
tears, punctures, or abrasion. If there is a cut, tear, puncture, or 
any abrasion, before further flight, repair the float bag assembly.
    (ii) Replace each O-ring P/N S-B10104 with a pressure relief/
topping (PRT) valve gasket P/N 316683A.
    (iii) Install each PRT valve P/N P-G10025 and apply a torque of 
4.5 to 5.5 Nm (39.8 to 48.6 inch-pounds).
    (iv) Replace each inflate/deflate protection P/N 304694A with a 
PRT valve protection P/N 304694B.
    (v) Install a piece of tape approximately 220 millimeters long 
over each PRT valve protection P/N 304694B.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an EFS 
float assembly P/N 8G9560V00131, S/N 066 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00231, 
S/N 068 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/N 
8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or lower on any helicopter unless you have 
complied with the actions in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Martin R. Crane, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Regulations and 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. 189-135, dated 
December 20, 2016, and Aero Sekur Service Bulletin No. SB-189-25-
003, dated November 30, 2016, which are not incorporated by 
reference, contain 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. 2016-0263-E, dated December 22, 2016. 
You may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2017-1010.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212 Emergency 
Flotation Section.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 2, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-04861 Filed 3-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 48 / Monday, March 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 10565

2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (AMOCs) airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (1) The Manager, Safety Management S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW189
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, helicopters. This AD requires inspecting
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your and altering the emergency flotation
Alaska to the extent that it justifies proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
making a regulatory distinction; and system (EFS). This AD is prompted by
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
a report of punctured EFS kits. The
4. Will not have a significant actions of this AD are intended to
economic impact, positive or negative, Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email; email 9- prevent an unsafe condition on these
on a substantial number of small entities helicopters.
ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
under the criteria of the Regulatory (2) For operations conducted under a 14
Flexibility Act. DATES: This AD is effective April 16,
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
2018.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
you notify your principal inspector, or ADDRESSES: For service information
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation lacking a principal inspector, the manager of identified in this final rule, contact
safety, Incorporation by reference, the local flight standards district office or Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo
certificate holding district office, before Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale
Safety. operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC.
G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di
Adoption of the Amendment Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–
(g) Additional Information 0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator, (1) Finmeccanica Bollettino Tecnico No. at http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/
412–145, dated March 8, 2016, which is not bulletins. You may review the
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
incorporated by reference, contains referenced service information at the
follows: additional information about the subject of FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
this AD. For service information identified in
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters,
DIRECTIVES Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate 76177.
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax Examining the AD Docket
continues to read as follows: +39–0331–229046; or at http://
www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You You may examine the AD docket on
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. may review a copy of the service information the internet at http://
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, www.regulations.gov by searching for
§ 39.13 [Amended] Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 1010; or in person at Docket Operations
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
the following new airworthiness between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
directive (AD): No. 2016–0054, dated March 14, 2016. You through Friday, except Federal holidays.
2018–05–10 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39– may view the EASA AD on the internet at The AD docket contains this AD, the
19219; Docket No. FAA–2018–0181; http://www.regulations.gov by searching for European Aviation Safety Agency
Product Identifier 2017–SW–085–AD. and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2018– (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation,
0181. any comments received, and other
(a) Applicability
(h) Subject information. The street address for
This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model
AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters with a seat
Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
belt comfort clip installed. Code: 2500 Cabin Equipment/Furnishings. 5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
(b) Unsafe Condition Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 2, 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
2018.
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
shoulder harness seat belt comfort clip Lance T. Gant, Washington, DC 20590.
interfering with the seat belt inertia reel, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
which could prevent the seatbelt from Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
locking and result in injury to the occupant
Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety
[FR Doc. 2018–04872 Filed 3–9–18; 8:45 am]
during an emergency landing. Engineer, Regulations and Policy
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
(c) Effective Date FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
This AD becomes effective March 27, 2018. Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(d) Compliance 5110; email martin.r.crane@faa.gov.
Federal Aviation Administration SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the Discussion
specified compliance time unless it has 14 CFR Part 39
already been accomplished prior to that time. On November 2, 2017, at 82 FR 50849,
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1010; Product the Federal Register published our
(e) Required Actions Identifier 2016–SW–089–AD; Amendment notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM),
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service: 39–19191; AD 2018–03–18] which proposed to amend 14 CFR part
(i) Remove from service each seat belt RIN 2120–AA64 39 by adding an AD that would apply
comfort clip. to Agusta Model AW189 helicopters
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES

(ii) Inspect each shoulder harness seat belt Airworthiness Directives; Agusta with certain part-numbered and serial-
for a rip and abrasion. If there is a rip or any S.p.A. Helicopters
abrasion, before further flight, replace the
numbered EFS float assemblies
shoulder harness seat belt. AGENCY: Federal Aviation installed. The NPRM proposed to
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do Administration (FAA), DOT. require inspecting each float bag for
not install a shoulder harness seat belt punctures, replacing the pressure relief/
ACTION: Final rule.
comfort clip on any helicopter. topping (PRT) valve O-ring part number

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 Mar 09, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\12MRR1.SGM 12MRR1

10566 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 48 / Monday, March 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

(P/N) P–G10025 with a PRT valve gasket Differences Between This AD and the Regulatory Findings
P/N 316683A, and replacing the inflate/ EASA AD This AD will not have federalism
deflate protection P/N 304694A with implications under Executive Order
inflate/deflate protection P/N 304694B. The EASA AD requires compliance
within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 13132. This AD will not have a
The NPRM also proposed to require substantial direct effect on the States, on
repairing the float bag if there are any 10 days for helicopters flying overwater
above sea state 4 or within 120 hours or the relationship between the national
cuts, tears, punctures, or abrasion on a government and the States, or on the
float bag. The proposed requirements 60 days for helicopters operating
overwater up to sea state 4. This AD distribution of power and
were intended to prevent a punctured responsibilities among the various
EFS float bag, which could result in loss requires compliance within 120 hours
TIS regardless of sea state conditions. levels of government.
of buoyancy of an EFS float bag while For the reasons discussed above, I
being used in an emergency water Related Service Information certify that this AD:
ditching and subsequent injury to (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
helicopter occupants. We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. Bollettino Tecnico No. 189–135, dated (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
2016–0263–E, dated December 22, 2016 December 20, 2016 (BT 189–135), and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(AD 2016–0263–E), issued by EASA, Aero Sekur Service Bulletin No. SB– (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
which is the Technical Agent for the 189–25–003, dated November 30, 2016 (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
Member States of the European Union, (SB–189–25–003), which is attached to in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
to correct an unsafe condition for BT 189–135 as Annex A. BT 189–135 making a regulatory distinction; and
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters (previously specifies following the procedures in (4) Will not have a significant
Agusta) Model AW189 helicopters. SB–189–25–003 to inspect and modify economic impact, positive or negative,
EASA advises that during the first certain EFS kits installed on Model on a substantial number of small entities
scheduled maintenance of an EFS kit, AW189 helicopters. under the criteria of the Regulatory
float bags were found punctured due to Flexibility Act.
protruding parts of the pressure relief/ Costs of Compliance
We prepared an economic evaluation
topping valves that were not adequately We estimate that this AD affects two of the estimated costs to comply with
protected. EASA further states that this helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
condition could result in a partial loss that operators will incur the following
of buoyancy of the EFS float bags, List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
costs in order to comply with this AD.
possibly resulting in injury to the Labor costs are estimated at $85 per Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
helicopter’s occupants in a ditching work-hour. Inspecting each float bag, safety, Incorporation by reference,
event. To prevent this unsafe condition, Safety.
replacing the PRT valve gasket, and
EASA AD 2016–0263–E requires a one-
replacing the inflate/deflate protection Adoption of the Amendment
time inspection of the EFS, repair of any
require about 40 work-hours, and Accordingly, under the authority
discrepancies found, replacing the
required parts cost about $500, for a cost delegated to me by the Administrator,
pressure relief/topping valve O-ring
per helicopter of $3,900 and a cost of the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
with a gasket, and replacing the inflate/
$7,800 for the U.S. fleet. If required, follows:
deflate protection with a new design
repairing a float bag will require about
inflate/deflate protection.
2 work-hours, and required parts cost PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
The FAA is in the process of updating about $90, for a cost per float bag of
Agusta’s name change to Leonardo DIRECTIVES
$260.
Helicopters on its type certificate. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
Because this name change is not yet Authority for This Rulemaking
continues to read as follows:
effective, this AD specifies Agusta.
Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Comments specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, § 39.13 [Amended]
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
we did not receive any comments on the the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness
NPRM. Aviation Programs, describes in more directive (AD):
detail the scope of the Agency’s 2018–03–18 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
FAA’s Determination authority. 19191; Docket No. FAA–2017–1010;
These helicopters have been approved We are issuing this rulemaking under Product Identifier 2016–SW–089–AD.
by the aviation authority of Italy and are the authority described in Subtitle VII, (a) Applicability
approved for operation in the United Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta)
States. Pursuant to our bilateral ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any
agreement with Italy, EASA, its section, Congress charges the FAA with category, with an emergency float system
technical representative, has notified us promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (EFS) float assembly part number (P/N)
of the unsafe condition described in the air commerce by prescribing regulations 8G9560V00131, serial number (S/N) 066 or
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD for practices, methods, and procedures lower; P/N 8G9560V00231, S/N 068 or lower;
because we evaluated all information the Administrator finds necessary for P/N 8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES

provided by EASA and determined the safety in air commerce. This regulation N 8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or lower,
unsafe condition exists and is likely to is within the scope of that authority installed.
exist or develop on other helicopters of because it addresses an unsafe condition (b) Unsafe Condition
the same type design and that air safety that is likely to exist or develop on This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
and the public interest require adopting helicopters identified in this rulemaking punctured EFS float bag. This condition
the AD requirements as proposed. action. could result in loss of buoyancy of an EFS

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 Mar 09, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\12MRR1.SGM 12MRR1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 48 / Monday, March 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 10567

float bag being used in an emergency water Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 FR 9677 (February 8, 2017) is effective
ditching and subsequent injury to helicopter Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, March 13, 2018.
occupants. TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
(c) Effective Date
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD Terry King, Flight Technologies and
This AD becomes effective April 16, 2018. No. 2016–0263–E, dated December 22, 2016. Procedures Division, Flight Standards
You may view the EASA AD on the internet Service, Federal Aviation
(d) Compliance
at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. Administration, 800 Independence
You are responsible for performing each FAA–2017–1010. Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
action required by this AD within the
(h) Subject telephone (202) 267–8790; email
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time. Terry.King@faa.gov.
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3212 Emergency Flotation Section. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 120 hours time-in-service: Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 2, Background
(i) Unfold and inspect each float bag 2018. On December 13, 2016, the FAA
assembly for any cuts, tears, punctures, or Scott A. Horn, published a final rule entitled,
abrasion. If there is a cut, tear, puncture, or Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, ‘‘Revisions to Operational Requirements
any abrasion, before further flight, repair the Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
float bag assembly.
for the Use of Enhanced Flight Vision
Aircraft Certification Service. Systems (EFVS) and to Pilot
(ii) Replace each O-ring P/N S–B10104
[FR Doc. 2018–04861 Filed 3–9–18; 8:45 am] Compartment View Requirements for
with a pressure relief/topping (PRT) valve
gasket P/N 316683A. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Vision Systems.’’ 1 Prior to that final
(iii) Install each PRT valve P/N P–G10025 rule, the operating rules for EFVS
and apply a torque of 4.5 to 5.5 Nm (39.8 to operations to 100 feet above the TDZE
48.6 inch-pounds). DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION were contained in § 91.175(l) and (m). In
(iv) Replace each inflate/deflate protection the EFVS final rule, which became
P/N 304694A with a PRT valve protection P/ Federal Aviation Administration
N 304694B.
effective, in part, on March 13, 2017, the
(v) Install a piece of tape approximately FAA created new 14 CFR 91.176 to
14 CFR Part 91
220 millimeters long over each PRT valve contain the operating rules for EFVS
protection P/N 304694B. [Docket No.: FAA–2013–0485; Amdt. No. operations to touchdown and rollout
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do 91–345B] and for EFVS operations to 100 feet
not install an EFS float assembly P/N above the TDZE.
8G9560V00131, S/N 066 or lower; P/N RIN 2120–AJ94 As explained in the preamble to the
8G9560V00231, S/N 068 or lower; P/N final rule, the FAA provided an
8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/N Revisions to Operational
Requirements for the Use of Enhanced adequate transition period for operators
8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or lower on any
helicopter unless you have complied with Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and to and pilots conducting EFVS operations
the actions in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. Pilot Compartment View Requirements to 100 feet above the touchdown zone
for Vision Systems; Correcting elevation.2 During this transition period,
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance which concludes on March 13, 2018, a
(AMOCs) Amendment
pilot may comply with either § 91.175(l)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management AGENCY: Federal Aviation and (m) or § 91.176(b). Beginning on
Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this Administration (FAA), DOT. March 13, 2018, persons conducting
AD. Send your proposal to: Martin R. Crane,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and ACTION: Final rule; correction; correcting EFVS operations to 100 feet above the
Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, amendment. TDZE must comply with § 91.176(b).
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX Section 91.175(e)(1) included a cross-
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9- SUMMARY: The FAA is correcting a final reference to § 91.175(l) prior to the final
ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. rule published on December 13, 2016. In rule. To accommodate the transition
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 that rule, the FAA amended its period, the FAA made a conforming
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under regulations to allow operators to use an amendment to § 91.175(e)(1), effective
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) in March 13, 2017, by adding a cross-
you notify your principal inspector, or
lieu of natural vision to continue reference to § 91.176. Additionally, to
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or descending from 100 feet above the conform with the conclusion of the
certificate holding district office, before touchdown zone elevation (TDZE) to the transition period, the FAA included
operating any aircraft complying with this runway and to land on certain straight- instructions to amend § 91.175(e)(1),
AD through an AMOC. in instrument approach procedures effective March 13, 2018, by removing
(g) Additional Information
(IAPs) under instrument flight rules the cross-reference to § 91.175(l).
(IFR). As part of the final rule, the FAA Prior to the EFVS final rule,
(1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino inadvertently removed some regulatory § 91.175(e)(1) allowed a pilot operating
Tecnico No. 189–135, dated December 20,
2016, and Aero Sekur Service Bulletin No. text. This document corrects that error. an aircraft, except a military aircraft of
SB–189–25–003, dated November 30, 2016, Additionally, this document corrects the the United States, to immediately
which are not incorporated by reference, same error in an amendatory instruction execute an appropriate missed approach
contain additional information about the of the EFVS final rule to ensure the procedure whenever operating under
subject of this AD. For service information correction to the regulation is retained § 91.175(c) or (l) and the requirements of
identified in this AD, contact Leonardo when the regulation is subsequently that paragraph are not met at either of
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES

S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of amended on March 13, 2018. the following times: (i) When the
Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017
DATES: The correcting amendment
C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone 1 81 FR 90126; corrected at 82 FR 2193, January
+39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or (amendatory instruction 2) is effective
9, 2017; delayed at 82 FR 9677, February 8, 2017;
at http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/ March 12, 2018. The correction to the corrected at 83 FR 1186, January 10, 2018; corrected
bulletins. You may review the referenced final rule published at 81 FR 90126 at 83 FR 4420, January 31, 2018.
service information at the FAA, Office of the (December 13, 2016), and delayed at 82 2 81 FR at 90154.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:01 Mar 09, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\12MRR1.SGM 12MRR1

Document Created: 2018-11-01 08:52:11
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 08:52:11

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.
Dates		This AD is effective April 16, 2018.
Contact		Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 10565
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 10565 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 48 (March 12, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration