83 FR 13395 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 61 (March 29, 2018)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 61 (March 29, 2018)
| Page Range | 13395-13398 | |
| FR Document | 2018-06094 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 61 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 13395-13398] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-06094] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0940; Product Identifier 2017-SW-058-AD; Amendment 39-19233; AD 2018-07-02] 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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main rotor blade (MRB) tip cap for disbonding. This AD is prompted by a report of the in-flight loss of an MRB tip cap. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective April 13, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 13, 2018. We must receive comments on this AD by May 29, 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- 0940; 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, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (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- 0940. 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 matthew.fuller@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 EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD No. 2017-0176-E, dated September 14, 2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. (previously Agusta) Model A109E, A109LUH, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters. EASA advises of an in-flight loss of an MRB tip cap on an AW109SP helicopter where the pilot was able to safely land the helicopter. EASA further advises that an investigation determined the cause as incorrect bonding procedures used between specific dates and identified the affected MRBs by part number and serial number. According to EASA, this condition could result in loss of an MRB tip cap, increased pilot workload, and reduced control of the helicopter. To address this unsafe condition, the EASA AD requires repetitive inspections of the MRB tip caps and replacing certain part-numbered MRBs. 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. [[Page 13396]] 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 Leonardo Helicopters has issued Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 109EP-157 for Model A109E helicopters, EASB No. 109S-077 for Model A109S helicopters, and EASB No. 109SP-116 for Model AW109SP helicopters, all dated September 8, 2017. Leonardo Helicopters has also issued EASB No. 119-085, Revision A, dated September 11, 2017, for Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This service information identifies certain part-numbered and serial-numbered MRBs for applicability and describes procedures for tap inspecting the tip cap for disbonding. 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 For helicopters with an MRB part number 709-0104-01-111 with serial number 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372, 1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485 installed, this AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 5 hours TIS, tap inspecting the MRB tip cap for disbonding and, if there is disbonding, removing the MRB from service before further flight. If there is no disbonding on any of the inspections, this AD requires removing the MRB from service within 25 hours TIS. After the effective date of this AD, this AD prohibits installing these serial-numbered MRBs on any helicopter. For all other helicopters, this AD requires, within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 hours TIS, tap inspecting the MRB tip cap for disbonding. If there is any disbonding, this AD requires removing the MRB from service before further flight. The repetitive inspections required for these MRBs would no longer be required after the MRB accumulates 400 hours TIS. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD applies to Model A109LUH helicopters, while this AD does not as that model helicopter is not type-certificated in the U.S. The EASA AD requires that you contact Leonardo Helicopters, and this AD does not. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 130 helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Tap inspecting the MRB tip caps will require 1 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85 and a cost of $11,050 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. If required, replacing one MRB will require 4 work- hours and required parts will cost $89,179, for a cost per helicopter of $89,519. According to Leonardo Helicopters' 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 Helicopters. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. 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 the corrective actions required by this AD must be accomplished within 5 hours TIS and 25 hours TIS. Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reasons 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2018-07-02 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-19233; Docket No. FAA-2017- 0940; Product Identifier 2017-SW-058-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category: [[Page 13397]] (1) With a main rotor blade (MRB) part number (P/N) 709-0104-01- 111 with a serial number (S/N) 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372, 1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485; (2) With an MRB with a P/N and S/N listed in Table 1 to paragraph (a)(2) of this AD, with 400 or fewer hours time-in-service (TIS) since first installation on a helicopter; and [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29MR18.000 (3) With an MRB P/N 709-0104-01-101 with a S/N K101 or DA38586004-1, or P/N 709-0104-01-111 with a S/N P451, P460, Q553, Q557, Q587, Q695, Q832, R2080, R2212 or V699, with 400 or fewer hours TIS since maintenance on the tip cap by Finmecannica between January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as disbonding of an MRB tip cap. This condition could result in loss of the MRB tip cap, severe vibrations, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 13, 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) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD: (i) Within 5 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 5 hours TIS, using a tap hammer or equivalent, tap inspect each MRB tip cap for disbonding in the area depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) EASB No. 109S- 077, dated September 8, 2017; EASB No. 109SP-116, dated September 8, 2017; or EASB No. 119-085, Revision A, dated September 11, 2017; as applicable for your model helicopter. If there is any disbonding, before further flight, remove the MRB from service. (ii) Within 25 hours TIS, remove the MRB from service. (2) For helicopters listed in paragraph (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this AD, within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 hours TIS, using a tap hammer or equivalent, tap inspect each MRB tip cap for disbonding in the area depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109EP-157, dated September 8, 2017; EASB No. 109S-077, dated September 8, 2017; EASB No. 109SP-116, dated September 8, 2017; or EASB No. 119-085, Revision A, dated September 11, 2017; as applicable for your model helicopter. If there is any disbonding, before further flight, replace the MRB. (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an MRB P/N 709-0104-01-111 with a S/N 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372, 1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485 on any helicopter. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 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 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. (g) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0176-E, dated September 14, 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-2017-0940. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210 Main Rotor Blades. (i) 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. 109EP-157, dated September 8, 2017. (ii) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 109S-077, dated September 8, 2017. (iii) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 109SP-116, dated September 8, 2017. (iv) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 119-085, Revision A, dated September 11, 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 [[Page 13398]] 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 March 21, 2018. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018-06094 Filed 3-28-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53– cap. The actions of this AD are intended Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
1263, Revision 01, dated February 29, 2016. to prevent an unsafe condition on these Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1263, products. telephone (817) 222–5110; email
Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01 and
DATES: This AD becomes effective April matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
including Appendix 02, dated December 6,
2017. 13, 2018. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53– The Director of the Federal Register
1264, Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, approved the incorporation by reference Comments Invited
dated July 4, 2016. of certain documents listed in this AD
(4) The following service information was as of April 13, 2018. This AD is a final rule that involves
approved for IBR on March 15, 2004 (69 FR We must receive comments on this requirements affecting flight safety, and
5907, February 9, 2004). AD by May 29, 2018. we did not provide you with notice and
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1030, an opportunity to provide your
Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
comments prior to it becoming effective.
May 21, 2002. any of the following methods:
However, we invite you to participate in
(ii) Reserved. • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
this rulemaking by submitting written
(5) For service information identified in http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
comments, data, or views. We also
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness online instructions for sending your
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice invite comments relating to the
comments electronically.
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; • Fax: 202–493–2251. economic, environmental, energy, or
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. federalism impacts that resulted from
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ Department of Transportation, Docket adopting this AD. The most helpful
airbus.com; internet http://www.airbus.com. comments reference a specific portion of
(6) You may view this service information
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 the AD, explain the reason for any
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, recommended change, and include
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590–0001. supporting data. To ensure the docket
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the does not contain duplicate comments,
(7) You may view this service information ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 commenters should send only one copy
that is incorporated by reference at the p.m., Monday through Friday, except of written comments, or if comments are
National Archives and Records Federal holidays. filed electronically, commenters should
Administration (NARA). For information on submit them only one time. We will file
the availability of this material at NARA, call Examining the AD Docket in the docket all comments that we
202–741–6030, or go to: http:// You may examine the AD docket on receive, as well as a report summarizing
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- each substantive public contact with
locations.html.
the internet at http://
www.regulations.gov by searching for FAA personnel concerning this
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 2, and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– rulemaking during the comment period.
2018. 0940; or in person at Docket Operations We will consider all the comments we
Michael Kaszycki, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday receive and may conduct additional
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, through Friday, except Federal holidays. rulemaking based on those comments.
Aircraft Certification Service. The AD docket contains this AD, the Discussion
[FR Doc. 2018–05019 Filed 3–28–18; 8:45 am] European Aviation Safety Agency
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by- EASA, which is the Technical Agent
reference service information, the for the Member States of the European
economic evaluation, any comments Union, has issued AD No. 2017–0176–
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION received, and other information. The E, dated September 14, 2017, to correct
street address for Docket Operations an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A.
Federal Aviation Administration (telephone 800- 647–5527) is in the (previously Agusta) Model A109E,
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be A109LUH, A109S, AW109SP, A119,
14 CFR Part 39
available in the AD docket shortly after and AW119 MKII helicopters. EASA
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0940; Product receipt. advises of an in-flight loss of an MRB tip
Identifier 2017–SW–058–AD; Amendment For service information identified in cap on an AW109SP helicopter where
39–19233; AD 2018–07–02] this final rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A. the pilot was able to safely land the
RIN 2120–AA64 Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of helicopter. EASA further advises that an
Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, investigation determined the cause as
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; incorrect bonding procedures used
S.p.A. Helicopters telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39– between specific dates and identified
0331–229046; or at http:// the affected MRBs by part number and
AGENCY: Federal Aviation www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. serial number. According to EASA, this
Administration (FAA), Department of You may review the referenced service condition could result in loss of an MRB
Transportation (DOT). information at the FAA, Office of the tip cap, increased pilot workload, and
ACTION: Final rule; request for Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, reduced control of the helicopter. To
comments. 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, address this unsafe condition, the EASA
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also AD requires repetitive inspections of the
available on the internet at http:// MRB tip caps and replacing certain part-
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E, A109S, www.regulations.gov by searching for numbered MRBs.
AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– The FAA is in the process of updating
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting 0940. Agusta’s name change to Leonardo
the main rotor blade (MRB) tip cap for FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Helicopters on its type certificate.
disbonding. This AD is prompted by a Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Because this name change is not yet
report of the in-flight loss of an MRB tip Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft effective, this AD specifies Agusta.
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FAA’s Determination Differences Between This AD and the air commerce by prescribing regulations
These helicopters have been approved EASA AD for practices, methods, and procedures
by the aviation authority of Italy and are The EASA AD applies to Model the Administrator finds necessary for
approved for operation in the United A109LUH helicopters, while this AD safety in air commerce. This regulation
States. Pursuant to our bilateral does not as that model helicopter is not is within the scope of that authority
agreement with Italy, EASA, its type-certificated in the U.S. The EASA because it addresses an unsafe condition
technical representative, has notified us AD requires that you contact Leonardo that is likely to exist or develop on
of the unsafe condition described in the Helicopters, and this AD does not. products identified in this rulemaking
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD action.
Costs of Compliance
because we evaluated all information Regulatory Findings
provided by EASA and determined the We estimate that this AD affects 130
helicopters of U.S. Registry. We determined that this AD will not
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
At an average labor rate of $85 per have federalism implications under
exist or develop on other helicopters of
work-hour, we estimate that operators Executive Order 13132. This AD will
these same type designs.
may incur the following costs in order not have a substantial direct effect on
Related Service Information Under 1 to comply with this AD. Tap inspecting the States, on the relationship between
CFR Part 51 the MRB tip caps will require 1 work- the national Government and the States,
Leonardo Helicopters has issued hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85 or on the distribution of power and
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin and a cost of $11,050 for the U.S. fleet responsibilities among the various
(EASB) No. 109EP–157 for Model per inspection cycle. If required, levels of government.
A109E helicopters, EASB No. 109S–077 replacing one MRB will require 4 work- For the reasons discussed, I certify
for Model A109S helicopters, and EASB hours and required parts will cost that this AD:
No. 109SP–116 for Model AW109SP $89,179, for a cost per helicopter of 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
helicopters, all dated September 8, $89,519. action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
According to Leonardo Helicopters’ 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
2017. Leonardo Helicopters has also
service information, some of the costs of DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
issued EASB No. 119–085, Revision A,
this AD may be covered under warranty, (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
dated September 11, 2017, for Model
thereby reducing the cost impact on 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters.
affected individuals. We do not control Alaska to the extent that it justifies
This service information identifies
warranty coverage by Leonardo making a regulatory distinction; and
certain part-numbered and serial-
Helicopters. Accordingly, we have 4. Will not have a significant
numbered MRBs for applicability and
included all costs in our cost estimate. economic impact, positive or negative,
describes procedures for tap inspecting
the tip cap for disbonding. FAA’s Justification and Determination on a substantial number of small entities
This service information is reasonably of the Effective Date under the criteria of the Regulatory
available because the interested parties Flexibility Act.
An unsafe condition exists that We prepared an economic evaluation
have access to it through their normal requires the immediate adoption of this
course of business or by the means of the estimated costs to comply with
AD without providing an opportunity this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
identified in the ADDRESSES section. for public comments prior to adoption.
AD Requirements The FAA has found that the risk to the List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
flying public justifies waiving notice Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
For helicopters with an MRB part and comment prior to adoption of this
number 709–0104–01–111 with serial safety, Incorporation by reference,
rule because the corrective actions Safety.
number 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372, required by this AD must be
1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485 accomplished within 5 hours TIS and Adoption of the Amendment
installed, this AD requires, within 5 25 hours TIS.
hours time-in-service (TIS) and Accordingly, under the authority
Therefore, we find good cause that delegated to me by the Administrator,
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 5 notice and opportunity for prior public
hours TIS, tap inspecting the MRB tip the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
comment are impracticable. In addition, follows:
cap for disbonding and, if there is for the reasons stated above, we find
disbonding, removing the MRB from that good cause exists for making this PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
service before further flight. If there is amendment effective in less than 30 DIRECTIVES
no disbonding on any of the days.
inspections, this AD requires removing ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
the MRB from service within 25 hours Authority for This Rulemaking continues to read as follows:
TIS. After the effective date of this AD, Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
this AD prohibits installing these serial- specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
numbered MRBs on any helicopter. rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, § 39.13 [Amended]
For all other helicopters, this AD section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
requires, within 25 hours TIS and the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more directive (AD):
hours TIS, tap inspecting the MRB tip detail the scope of the Agency’s
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
cap for disbonding. If there is any authority. 2018–07–02 Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39–
disbonding, this AD requires removing We are issuing this rulemaking under 19233; Docket No. FAA–2017–0940;
the MRB from service before further the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Product Identifier 2017–SW–058–AD.
flight. The repetitive inspections Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: (a) Applicability
required for these MRBs would no General requirements.’’ Under that This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. Model
longer be required after the MRB section, Congress charges the FAA with A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119
accumulates 400 hours TIS. promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in MKII helicopters, certificated in any category:
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![13398 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 61 / Thursday, March 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
information on the availability of this http://www.regulations.gov by searching noting that Aviation Partners Boeing
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– (APB) Alert Service Bulletin AP757–53–
(5) You may view this service information 0711. 001, Revision 1, dated June 21, 2017, is
that is incorporated by reference at the subject to this exception only if
National Archives and Records Examining the AD Docket
Administration (NARA). For information on
applicable (if winglets are installed on
You may examine the AD docket on the airplane). Boeing also stated that
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: http://
the internet at http:// paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- www.regulations.gov by searching for should put the required compliance
locations.html. and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– time ‘‘after the effective date of this AD’’
0711; or in person at the Docket in quotations to designate the content
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 21,
Management Facility between 9 a.m. being substituted for the quoted service
2018.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, information compliance time
Scott A. Horn,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket statements.
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, contains this final rule, the regulatory We agree with the commenter’s
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, evaluation, any comments received, and
Aircraft Certification Service.
request. We have separated the
other information. The address for the exceptions for the referenced service
[FR Doc. 2018–06094 Filed 3–28–18; 8:45 am]
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is information for clarification. We have
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Docket Management Facility, U.S. removed the reference to the APB Alert
Department of Transportation, Docket Service Bulletin AP757–53–001,
Operations, M–30, West Building Revision 1, dated June 21, 2017, from
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. We have
Federal Aviation Administration New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC also added paragraph (h)(3) to this AD
20590. to specify the exception for the APB
14 CFR Part 39 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: service bulletin. Paragraphs (h)(2) and
Chandra Ramdoss, Aerospace Engineer, (h)(3) of this AD specify exceptions to
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0711; Product Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles the referenced service information
Identifier 2017–NM–003–AD; Amendment ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount instructions, and are intended to be
39–19227; AD 2018–06–07]
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; used to determine compliance, relative
RIN 2120–AA64 phone: 562–627–5239; fax: 562–627– to the effective date of this AD instead
5210; email: chandraduth.ramdoss@ of the issue date of the service
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing faa.gov. information. We have also included the
Company Airplanes requested quotations in paragraphs
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
AGENCY: Federal Aviation (h)(2) and (h)(3) of this AD.
Discussion
Administration (FAA), DOT. Request To Clarify Inspection Location
ACTION: Final rule. We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR United Airlines (UAL) asked that the
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new part 39 by adding an AD that would actions identified in Figures 5 and 6,
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain apply to certain The Boeing Company Note (a), of Boeing Alert Service
The Boeing Company Model 757–200, Model 757–200, –200CB, and –300 Bulletin 757–53A0108, dated November
–200CB, and –300 series airplanes. This series airplanes. The NPRM published 14, 2016, be clarified. UAL stated that
AD was prompted by a report of fatigue in the Federal Register on July 27, 2017 while Figures 5 and 6 correctly depict
cracking found in a certain fuselage (82 FR 34888). The NPRM was the required inspection areas, the task
frame, which severed the inner chord prompted by a report of fatigue cracking associated with circle action ‘‘2’’ for
and web. This AD requires inspecting found in a certain fuselage frame, which each figure specifies a high frequency
the fuselage frame for existing repairs, severed the inner chord and web. The eddy current (HFEC) inspection, which
repetitive inspections, and applicable NPRM proposed to require inspecting cannot be done around the fasteners
repairs. We are issuing this AD to the fuselage frame for existing repairs, common to the inner chord strap. UAL
address the unsafe condition on these repetitive inspections, and applicable asked that this discrepancy be
products. repairs. We are issuing this AD to detect addressed in the AD in order to avoid
and correct cracking of the fuselage the need for approval of requests for an
DATES: This AD is effective May 3, 2018. alternative method of compliance
The Director of the Federal Register frame at station (STA) 1640, which
could result in reduced structural (AMOC).
approved the incorporation by reference We agree with the commenter’s
of certain publications listed in this AD integrity of the airplane.
request, for the reason provided. We
as of May 3, 2018. Comments have added paragraph (h)(4) to the
ADDRESSES: For service information exceptions in this AD to clarify that an
We gave the public the opportunity to
identified in this final rule, contact participate in developing this final rule. HFEC inspection of the two fasteners
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, The following presents the comments located below the lower edge of the
Attention: Contractual & Data Services received on the NPRM and the FAA’s intercostal strap at the locations
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC response to each comment. specified in Figures 5 and 6, Note (a), of
110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757–
telephone: 562–797–1717; internet: Support for the NPRM 53A0108, dated November 14, 2016, is
rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with RULES
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You Aviation Partners Boeing concurs not required by this AD.
may view this service information at the with the content of the NPRM.
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 Request To Clarify Compliance
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For Request To Clarify Certain Exceptions Timeframe
information on the availability of this Boeing asked that we clarify the Delta Airlines (DAL) asked that we
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. service information exceptions in clarify the language used in paragraph
It is also available on the internet at paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD by (h)(2) of the proposed AD. DAL stated
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Document Created: 2018-03-29 00:25:23
Document Modified: 2018-03-29 00:25:23
| 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 April 13, 2018. | |
| 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 | 83 FR 13395 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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