83 FR 42230 - Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 162 (August 21, 2018)

Page Range		42230-42232
FR Document		2018-17903

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW109SP helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting and altering the rescue hoist. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a damaged hoist cable that detached after load application. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 162 (Tuesday, August 21, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 21, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42230-42232]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17903]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 21, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 42230]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0726; Product Identifier 2017-SW-097-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Finmeccanica 
S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW109SP helicopters. This proposed 
AD would require inspecting and altering the rescue hoist. This 
proposed AD is prompted by a report of a damaged hoist cable that 
detached after load application. The actions of this proposed AD are 
intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 22, 
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-2018-
0726; 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 proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 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 proposed rule, contact 
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, 
Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone 
+39-0331-711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued AD No. 2017-0025, dated February 14, 2017, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly 
Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW109SP helicopters. 
EASA advises that a hoist cable became snagged behind a hoist handle 
assembly nut and broke during a dummy load application. EASA further 
advises that this condition could result in detachment of an external 
load, and subsequent personal injury or injury to persons on the 
ground. To address this unsafe condition, the EASA AD requires 
inspecting the hoist cable, modifying the rescue hoist handle, and 
amending the rescue hoist pre-flight inspection described in the 
rotorcraft flight manual.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, 
has notified us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are 
proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information 
and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop 
on other helicopters of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 109SP-110, 
dated February 13, 2017 (BT 109SP-110), which contains procedures for 
inspecting the hoist handle, the passenger-side cabin doorframe, and 
the hoist cable. This service information also specifies replacing the 
attaching hardware on the rescue hoist handle and adding a temporary 
pre-flight check of the hoist cable to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual.
    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.

[[Page 42231]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 10 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) or before the next hoist operation, whichever occurs first, 
inspecting the hoist handle assembly and the upper section of the cabin 
doorframe for chafing caused by the hoist cable. If there is any 
chafing, this proposed AD would require, before further flight, 
repairing the damage and inspecting the first 6 meters (20 feet) of the 
hoist cable for cable diameter, broken wires, kinks, bird caging, 
flattened areas, abrasion, and necking. If the cable dimension is less 
than 4.70 mm (0.185 inch), or if there are any broken wires, kinks, 
bird caging, flattened areas, abrasion, or necking, this proposed AD 
would require, before the next hoist operation, replacing the hoist 
cable.
    This proposed AD would also require, within 25 hours TIS, replacing 
the rescue hoist handle attaching hardware.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires amending the rotorcraft flight manual by 
adding a daily rescue hoist cable preflight inspection, this proposed 
AD does not since the actions in this proposed AD would correct the 
unsafe condition.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 30 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 hoist handle assembly, cabin doorframe, and hoist 
cable would require about 2 hours, for a cost of $170 per helicopter 
and $5,100 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing the hardware on the hoist 
handle assembly would require about 1 hour and required parts cost 
would be minimal, for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $2,550 for the 
U.S. fleet.
    If required, replacing a hoist cable would require about 3 hours 
and required parts would cost $3,150, for a cost per helicopter of 
$3,405.
    According to Leonardo Helicopter's service information some of the 
costs of this proposed 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.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Finmeccanica 
S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A): Docket No. FAA-2018-0726; Product 
Identifier 2017-SW-097-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AW109SP helicopters, certificated in 
any category, with a rescue hoist part number 109-B810-16-101 or 
109-B810-16-201 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as chafing of a rescue 
hoist cable. This condition could result in detachment of an 
external load and subsequent injury to persons being lifted.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 22, 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 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or before the next 
hoist operation, whichever occurs first, inspect the rescue hoist 
handle assembly and the upper part of the cabin doorframe for 
chafing. The inspection area of the cabin doorframe is depicted in 
Figure 3 of Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 109SP-110, 
dated February 13, 2017 (BT 109SP-110). Examples of chafing are 
shown in Figures 10 and 11 of BT 109SP-110. If there is any chafing, 
before further flight, repair the chafed areas and inspect the first 
6 meters (20 feet) of the hoist cable as follows:
    (i) Measure the diameter of the hoist cable as described in the 
Compliance Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 3.4.1 through 3.4.2 of 
BT 109SP-110.
    (ii) Average the two measurements at each location. If at any 
location the diameter of the hoist cable is less than 4.7 mm (0.185 
inch), before the next hoist operation, remove the hoist cable from 
service.
    (iii) Inspect the hoist cable for broken wires, kinks, bird 
caging, flattened areas, abrasion, and necking, referencing the 
examples shown and depicted in Figures 5 through 9 of BT 109SP-110. 
If there are any broken wires, kinks, bird caging, flattened areas, 
abrasion, or necking, before the next hoist operation, remove the 
hoist cable from service.
    (2) Within 25 hours TIS, replace the rescue hoist handle 
attaching hardware as described in the Compliance Instructions, Part 
II, paragraphs 3 through 6, of BT 109SP-110.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    A one-time special flight permit may be granted provided that 
the hoist is not used.

[[Page 42232]]

(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. 2017-0025, dated February 14, 2017. You may 
view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
the AD Docket.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: Cabin/Equipment 
Furnishings.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 6, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-17903 Filed 8-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

42230

Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 162

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– the comment period has closed if it is
contains notices to the public of the proposed 0726; or in person at Docket Operations possible to do so without incurring
issuance of rules and regulations. The between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday expense or delay. We may change this
purpose of these notices is to give interested through Friday, except Federal holidays. proposal in light of the comments we
persons an opportunity to participate in the The AD docket contains this proposed receive.
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
AD, the European Aviation Safety Discussion
Agency (EASA) AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and EASA, which is the Technical Agent
other information. The street address for for the Member States of the European
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– Union, has issued AD No. 2017–0025,
Federal Aviation Administration 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. dated February 14, 2017, to correct an
Comments will be available in the AD unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A.
14 CFR Part 39 docket shortly after receipt. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A,
For service information identified in AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0726; Product AW109SP helicopters. EASA advises
Identifier 2017–SW–097–AD]
this proposed rule, contact Leonardo
S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, that a hoist cable became snagged
RIN 2120–AA64 Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta behind a hoist handle assembly nut and
520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) broke during a dummy load application.
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax EASA further advises that this condition
S.p.A. Helicopters +39–0331–229046; or at http:// could result in detachment of an
www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. external load, and subsequent personal
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
You may review the referenced service injury or injury to persons on the
Administration (FAA), DOT.
information at the FAA, Office of the ground. To address this unsafe
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking condition, the EASA AD requires
(NPRM). Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, inspecting the hoist cable, modifying
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Fort Worth, TX 76177. the rescue hoist handle, and amending
airworthiness directive (AD) for the rescue hoist pre-flight inspection
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate described in the rotorcraft flight manual.
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Previously Held by Finmeccanica Engineer, Safety Management Section, FAA’s Determination
S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, These helicopters have been approved
AW109SP helicopters. This proposed 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX by the aviation authority of Italy and are
AD would require inspecting and 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email approved for operation in the United
altering the rescue hoist. This proposed david.hatfield@faa.gov. States. Pursuant to our bilateral
AD is prompted by a report of a SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: agreement with Italy, EASA, its
damaged hoist cable that detached after technical representative, has notified us
load application. The actions of this Comments Invited
of the unsafe condition described in its
proposed AD are intended to address an We invite you to participate in this AD. We are proposing this AD because
unsafe condition on these products. rulemaking by submitting written we evaluated all known relevant
DATES: We must receive comments on comments, data, or views. We also information and determined that an
this proposed AD by October 22, 2018. invite comments relating to the unsafe condition is likely to exist or
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by economic, environmental, energy, or develop on other helicopters of the same
any of the following methods: federalism impacts that might result type design.
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to from adopting the proposals in this
document. The most helpful comments Related Service Information Under 1
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
reference a specific portion of the CFR Part 51
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically. proposal, explain the reason for any We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters
• Fax: 202–493–2251. recommended change, and include Bollettino Tecnico No. 109SP–110,
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S. supporting data. To ensure the docket dated February 13, 2017 (BT 109SP–
Department of Transportation, Docket does not contain duplicate comments, 110), which contains procedures for
Operations, M–30, West Building commenters should send only one copy inspecting the hoist handle, the
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 of written comments, or if comments are passenger-side cabin doorframe, and the
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC filed electronically, commenters should hoist cable. This service information
20590–0001. submit only one time. also specifies replacing the attaching
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the We will file in the docket all hardware on the rescue hoist handle
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS

‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 comments that we receive, as well as a and adding a temporary pre-flight check
p.m., Monday through Friday, except report summarizing each substantive of the hoist cable to the Rotorcraft Flight
Federal holidays. public contact with FAA personnel Manual.
concerning this proposed rulemaking. This service information is reasonably
Examining the AD Docket Before acting on this proposal, we will available because the interested parties
You may examine the AD docket on consider all comments we receive on or have access to it through their normal
the internet at http:// before the closing date for comments. course of business or by the means
www.regulations.gov by searching for We will consider comments filed after identified in the ADDRESSES section.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules 42231

Proposed AD Requirements section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended]
This proposed AD would require, the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more the following new airworthiness
before the next hoist operation, detail the scope of the Agency’s directive (AD):
whichever occurs first, inspecting the authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously
hoist handle assembly and the upper Held by Finmeccanica S.p.A,
section of the cabin doorframe for the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: AgustaWestland S.p.A): Docket No.
chafing caused by the hoist cable. If FAA–2018–0726; Product Identifier
there is any chafing, this proposed AD General requirements.’’ Under that
2017–SW–097–AD.
would require, before further flight, section, Congress charges the FAA with
repairing the damage and inspecting the promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (a) Applicability
first 6 meters (20 feet) of the hoist cable air commerce by prescribing regulations This AD applies to Model AW109SP
for cable diameter, broken wires, kinks, for practices, methods, and procedures helicopters, certificated in any category, with
bird caging, flattened areas, abrasion, the Administrator finds necessary for a rescue hoist part number 109–B810–16–101
and necking. If the cable dimension is safety in air commerce. This regulation or 109–B810–16–201 installed.
less than 4.70 mm (0.185 inch), or if is within the scope of that authority (b) Unsafe Condition
there are any broken wires, kinks, bird because it addresses an unsafe condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
caging, flattened areas, abrasion, or that is likely to exist or develop on chafing of a rescue hoist cable. This
necking, this proposed AD would products identified in this rulemaking condition could result in detachment of an
require, before the next hoist operation, action. external load and subsequent injury to
replacing the hoist cable. Regulatory Findings persons being lifted.
This proposed AD would also require,
We determined that this proposed AD (c) Comments Due Date
within 25 hours TIS, replacing the
rescue hoist handle attaching hardware. would not have federalism implications We must receive comments by October 22,
under Executive Order 13132. This 2018.
Differences Between This Proposed AD proposed AD would not have a
and the EASA AD (d) Compliance
substantial direct effect on the States, on
You are responsible for performing each
The EASA AD requires amending the the relationship between the national action required by this AD within the
rotorcraft flight manual by adding a Government and the States, or on the specified compliance time unless it has
daily rescue hoist cable preflight distribution of power and already been accomplished prior to that time.
inspection, this proposed AD does not responsibilities among the various
since the actions in this proposed AD levels of government. (e) Required Actions
would correct the unsafe condition. For the reasons discussed, I certify (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or
this proposed regulation: before the next hoist operation, whichever
Costs of Compliance 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory occurs first, inspect the rescue hoist handle
We estimate that this proposed AD action’’ under Executive Order 12866; assembly and the upper part of the cabin
would affect 30 helicopters of U.S. 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the doorframe for chafing. The inspection area of
Registry. DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures the cabin doorframe is depicted in Figure 3
At an average labor rate of $85 per of Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
hour, we estimate that operators may No. 109SP–110, dated February 13, 2017 (BT
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in 109SP–110). Examples of chafing are shown
incur the following costs in order to Alaska to the extent that it justifies in Figures 10 and 11 of BT 109SP–110. If
comply with this AD. Inspecting the making a regulatory distinction; and there is any chafing, before further flight,
hoist handle assembly, cabin doorframe, 4. Will not have a significant repair the chafed areas and inspect the first
and hoist cable would require about 2 economic impact, positive or negative, 6 meters (20 feet) of the hoist cable as
hours, for a cost of $170 per helicopter on a substantial number of small entities follows:
and $5,100 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing under the criteria of the Regulatory (i) Measure the diameter of the hoist cable
the hardware on the hoist handle Flexibility Act. as described in the Compliance Instructions,
assembly would require about 1 hour We prepared an economic evaluation Part I, paragraphs 3.4.1 through 3.4.2 of BT
and required parts cost would be of the estimated costs to comply with 109SP–110.
minimal, for a cost of $85 per helicopter this proposed AD and placed it in the (ii) Average the two measurements at each
location. If at any location the diameter of the
and $2,550 for the U.S. fleet. AD docket. hoist cable is less than 4.7 mm (0.185 inch),
If required, replacing a hoist cable before the next hoist operation, remove the
would require about 3 hours and List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
hoist cable from service.
required parts would cost $3,150, for a Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation (iii) Inspect the hoist cable for broken
cost per helicopter of $3,405. safety, Incorporation by reference, wires, kinks, bird caging, flattened areas,
According to Leonardo Helicopter’s Safety. abrasion, and necking, referencing the
service information some of the costs of examples shown and depicted in Figures 5
this proposed AD may be covered under The Proposed Amendment through 9 of BT 109SP–110. If there are any
warranty, thereby reducing the cost Accordingly, under the authority broken wires, kinks, bird caging, flattened
impact on affected individuals. We do delegated to me by the Administrator, areas, abrasion, or necking, before the next
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part hoist operation, remove the hoist cable from
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS

not control warranty coverage by
Leonardo Helicopters. Accordingly, we 39 as follows: service.
(2) Within 25 hours TIS, replace the rescue
have included all costs in our cost hoist handle attaching hardware as described
estimate. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES in the Compliance Instructions, Part II,
Authority for This Rulemaking paragraphs 3 through 6, of BT 109SP–110.
Title 49 of the United States Code ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 (f) Special Flight Permits
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue continues to read as follows: A one-time special flight permit may be
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. granted provided that the hoist is not used.

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42232 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance DATES: We must receive comments on proposal, explain the reason for any
(AMOCs) this proposed AD by October 22, 2018. recommended change, and include
(1) The Manager, Safety Management ADDRESSES: You may send comments by supporting data. To ensure the docket
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, any of the following methods: does not contain duplicate comments,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to commenters should send only one copy
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the of written comments, or if comments are
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 online instructions for sending your filed electronically, commenters should
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; comments electronically. submit only one time.
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW- • Fax: 202–493–2251. We will file in the docket all
FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. comments that we receive, as well as a
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 Department of Transportation, Docket report summarizing each substantive
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under Operations, M–30, West Building public contact with FAA personnel
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that concerning this proposed rulemaking.
you notify your principal inspector, or
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC Before acting on this proposal, we will
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of consider all comments we receive on or
the local flight standards district office or 20590–0001.
certificate holding district office before • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the before the closing date for comments.
operating any aircraft complying with this ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 We will consider comments filed after
AD through an AMOC. p.m., Monday through Friday, except the comment period has closed if it is
Federal holidays. possible to do so without incurring
(h) Additional Information
expense or delay. We may change this
The subject of this AD is addressed in Examining the AD Docket proposal in light of the comments we
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD receive.
No. 2017–0025, dated February 14, 2017. You You may examine the AD docket on
may view the EASA AD on the internet at the internet at http:// Discussion
http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. www.regulations.gov by searching for
Transport Canada, which is the
(i) Subject
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
aviation authority for Canada, has
0740; or in person at Docket Operations
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) issued Canadian AD No. CF–2016–13,
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
Code: Cabin/Equipment Furnishings. dated May 16, 2016 (AD No. CF–2016–
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 6, 13), to correct an unsafe condition for
The AD docket contains this proposed
2018. Bell Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L–1,
AD, the Transport Canada AD, the
Lance T. Gant, 206L–3, 206L–4, and 407 helicopters.
economic evaluation, any comments
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Transport Canada advises that they have
received, and other information. The
Division, Aircraft Certification Service. received two reports of torsional
street address for Docket Operations
[FR Doc. 2018–17903 Filed 8–20–18; 8:45 am] overload failure of the main rotor mast
(telephone 800–647–5527) is in the
caused by a blocked oil line restrictor in
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
the freewheel lubrication system.
available in the AD docket shortly after
Transport Canada states the restrictor
receipt.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION may become contaminated during
For service information identified in
maintenance, causing blockage.
this proposed rule, contact Bell
Federal Aviation Administration Transport Canada further states that a
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited,
blocked restrictor could cause the
12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec
14 CFR Part 39 freewheel assembly to malfunction and
J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0740; Product result in failure of the main rotor mast
(800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or
Identifier 2016–SW–045–AD] and loss of control of the helicopter.
at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. Additionally, the Canadian AD
RIN 2120–AA64 You may review the referenced service advises that although certain later
information at the FAA, Office of the versions of these helicopters are
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, equipped with a filter in the freewheel
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, lubrication system that is designed to
Helicopters Fort Worth, TX 76177. trap contaminants and prevent blockage
AGENCY: Federal Aviation FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: of the restrictor, installation of the filter
Administration (FAA), DOT. David Hatfield, Aviation Safety does not guarantee the restrictor will
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
Engineer, Safety Management Section, remain free of contaminants. According
(NPRM). Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, to Transport Canada, one occurrence of
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX restrictor blockage resulted from
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email contaminants being introduced
airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell david.hatfield@faa.gov. downstream from the filter, which
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: subsequently caused failure of the
(Bell) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L–1, freewheel assembly. For these reasons,
206L–3, 206L–4, and 407 helicopters. Comments Invited
AD No. CF–2016–13 requires inspecting
This proposed AD would require We invite you to participate in this
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS

and cleaning the restrictors and filters to
inspecting and cleaning the oil supply rulemaking by submitting written reduce the risk of freewheel failure.
restrictor (restrictor) to the freewheel comments, data, or views. We also
assembly. This proposed AD is invite comments relating to the FAA’s Determination
prompted by reports of a blocked oil economic, environmental, energy, or These helicopters have been approved
line restrictor in the freewheel federalism impacts that might result by the aviation authority of Canada and
lubrication system. The proposed from adopting the proposals in this are approved for operation in the United
actions are intended to address an document. The most helpful comments States. Pursuant to our bilateral
unsafe condition on these products. reference a specific portion of the agreement with Canada, Transport

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Document Created: 2018-08-21 00:07:34
Document Modified: 2018-08-21 00:07:34

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 22, 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		83 FR 42230
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 42230 - Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 162 (August 21, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration