83_FR_7458 83 FR 7423 - Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters

83 FR 7423 - Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 35 (February 21, 2018)

Page Range7423-7425
FR Document2018-03494

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for AgustaWestland S.p.A. (AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the tail gearbox (TGB) fitting for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a crack on a TGB fitting that was found during a scheduled inspection. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 35 (Wednesday, February 21, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 21, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7423-7425]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03494]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0619; Product Identifier 2016-SW-093-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland 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 
AgustaWestland S.p.A. (AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters. This 
proposed AD would require inspecting the tail gearbox (TGB) fitting for 
a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of a crack on a TGB 
fitting that was found during a scheduled inspection. The actions of 
this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 23, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0619; 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

[[Page 7424]]

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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    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 EASA AD No. 2016-0177, dated September 8, 
2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo Helicopters (formerly 
Finmeccanica S.p.A. and AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters with a 
tail assembly part number (P/N) 8G5350A00131.
    EASA advises that a crack was detected on the TGB fitting P/N 
4F5350A04152 during a scheduled inspection of an AW189 helicopter. EASA 
advises that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead 
to crack propagation up to a critical length. This condition could 
reduce the assembly's ability to sustain loads from the TGB and tail 
rotor, possibly resulting to reduced helicopter control. The EASA AD 
consequently requires repetitive inspections of the fitting and 
replacing the fitting, depending on the inspections' outcome. EASA 
considers these actions to be interim and that further AD action may 
follow.
    The FAA is in the process of updating AgustaWestland's name changes 
to Finmeccanica S.p.A., and then to Leonardo Helicopters, on its FAA 
type certificate. Because this name change is not yet effective, this 
AD specifies AgustaWestland.

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 products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Leonardo Helicopters has issued Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-114, 
dated September 6, 2016 (BT), which specifies inspecting the TGB 
fitting within 30 flight hours or 1 month from the receipt of the BT, 
whichever comes first, and then at intervals not to exceed 150 flight 
hours. If a crack is found, the BT requires replacing the TGB fitting.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require within 30 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, cleaning 
the areas around the Hi-lok holes and inspecting the TGB fitting for a 
crack. If a crack exists, this proposed AD would require replacing the 
part before the next flight.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires you to provide a compliance record and return 
parts to Leonardo Helicopters if a crack is found on the fitting. This 
proposed AD would require no such actions.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD to be an interim action. The design 
approval holder is expected to develop a modification that will address 
the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is 
developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 helicopters of U.S. Registry and 
that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, 
we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting the TGB fitting would require 4 work-hours and 
no parts for a cost per helicopter of $340 and $1,360 for the U.S. 
fleet each inspection cycle.
     Replacing the TGB fitting would require 48 work-hours and 
parts would cost $30,000 for a cost of $34,080 per helicopter.
    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.

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

[[Page 7425]]

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):

AgustaWestland S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2017-0619; Product Identifier 
2016-SW-093-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to AgustaWestland S.p.A. Model AW189 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with tail assembly part 
number 8G5350A00131 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack on a tail 
gearbox fitting. This condition could reduce the tail assembly's 
ability to sustain loads from the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) and the 
tail rotor and result in loss of helicopter control.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 23, 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

    Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, clean and inspect the TGB 
fitting for a crack in the areas depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo 
Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-114, dated September 6, 2016. 
If there is a crack, replace the TGB fitting before further flight.

(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 [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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0177, dated September 8, 2016. You may 
view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0619.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor 
Gearbox. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 12, 2018.

Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-03494 Filed 2-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                             7423

                                                 facilitate the orderly resolution of the                default, including upon an event of                   DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                 defaulting counterparty; or                             receivership, conservatorship,
                                                    (B) Where the agreement is subject by                insolvency, liquidation, or similar                   Federal Aviation Administration
                                                 its terms to, or incorporates, any of the               proceeding, of the counterparty,
                                                 laws referenced in paragraph (2)(i)(A) of               provided that, in any such case,                      14 CFR Part 39
                                                 this definition; and                                                                                          [Docket No. FAA–2017–0619; Product
                                                                                                            (i) Any exercise of rights under the
                                                    (ii) The agreement may limit the right                                                                     Identifier 2016–SW–093–AD]
                                                                                                         agreement will not be stayed or avoided
                                                 to accelerate, terminate, and close-out
                                                 on a net basis all transactions under the               under applicable law in the relevant                  RIN 2120–AA64
                                                 agreement and to liquidate or set-off                   jurisdictions, other than:
                                                                                                                                                               Airworthiness Directives;
                                                 collateral promptly upon an event of                       (A) In receivership, conservatorship,
                                                                                                                                                               AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters
                                                 default of the counterparty to the extent               or resolution under the Federal Deposit
                                                 necessary for the counterparty to                       Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.),               AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                 comply with the requirements of part                    Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street                Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                 47, Subpart I of part 252 or part 382 of                Reform and Consumer Protection Act                    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                 Title 12, as applicable;                                (12 U.S.C. 5381 et seq.), the Federal                 (NPRM).
                                                 *       *    *     *    *                               Housing Enterprises Financial Safety
                                                                                                                                                               SUMMARY:    We propose to adopt a new
                                                                                                         and Soundness Act of 1992, as amended                 airworthiness directive (AD) for
                                                 FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE
                                                                                                         (12 U.S.C. 4617), or the Farm Credit Act              AgustaWestland S.p.A.
                                                 AGENCY
                                                                                                         of 1971, as amended (12 U.S.C. 2183                   (AgustaWestland) Model AW189
                                                 Authority and Issuance                                  and 2279cc), or laws of foreign                       helicopters. This proposed AD would
                                                   For the reasons set forth in the                      jurisdictions that are substantially                  require inspecting the tail gearbox (TGB)
                                                 preamble, the Federal Housing Finance                   similar to the U.S. laws referenced in                fitting for a crack. This proposed AD is
                                                 Agency proposes to amend chapter XII                    this paragraph (2)(i)(A) in order to                  prompted by a report of a crack on a
                                                 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations,               facilitate the orderly resolution of the              TGB fitting that was found during a
                                                 as follows:                                             defaulting counterparty; or                           scheduled inspection. The actions of
                                                                                                            (B) Where the agreement is subject by              this proposed AD are intended to
                                                 PART 1221—MARGIN AND CAPITAL                                                                                  prevent an unsafe condition on these
                                                 REQUIREMENTS FOR COVERED                                its terms to, or incorporates, any of the
                                                                                                         laws referenced in paragraph (2)(i)(A) of             products.
                                                 SWAP ENTITIES
                                                                                                         this definition; and                                  DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                 ■ 13. The authority citation for part                                                                         this proposed AD by April 23, 2018.
                                                                                                            (ii) The agreement may limit the right
                                                 1221 continues to read as follows:                      to accelerate, terminate, and close-out               ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                                   Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6s(e), 15 U.S.C. 78o–             on a net basis all transactions under the             any of the following methods:
                                                 10(e), 12 U.S.C. 4513, and 12 U.S.C. 4526(a).                                                                    • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                                                                                         agreement and to liquidate or set-off                 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                 ■ 14. Section 1221.1 is amended by                      collateral promptly upon an event of                  online instructions for sending your
                                                 adding paragraph (e)(7) to read as                      default of the counterparty to the extent             comments electronically.
                                                 follows:                                                necessary for the counterparty to                        • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                 § 1221.1 Authority, purpose, and scope,
                                                                                                         comply with the requirements of part                     • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                                 exemptions and compliance dates.                        47, Subpart I of part 252 or part 382 of              Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                                                                         Title 12, as applicable;                              Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                 *     *     *    *     *                                                                                      Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                   (e) * * *                                             *       *    *     *    *
                                                                                                                                                               New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
                                                   (7) For purposes of determining the                     Dated: January 29, 2018.                            20590–0001.
                                                 date on which a non-cleared swap or a                   Joseph M. Otting,                                        • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
                                                 non-cleared security-based swap was                                                                           ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                                                                         Comptroller of the Currency.
                                                 entered into, a Covered Swap Entity will                                                                      p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                 not take into account amendments to                       By order of the Board of Governors of the
                                                                                                                                                               Federal holidays.
                                                 the non-cleared swap or the non-cleared                 Federal Reserve System, January 24, 2018.
                                                 security-based swap that were entered                   Ann E. Misback,                                       Examining the AD Docket
                                                 into solely to comply with the                          Secretary of the Board.                                 You may examine the AD docket on
                                                 requirements of part 47, Subpart I of                                                                         the internet at http://
                                                                                                           Dated at Washington, DC, this 25th day of
                                                 part 252 or part 382 of Title 12, as                                                                          www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                         January 2018.
                                                 applicable.                                                                                                   and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                                                                         Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.                0619; or in person at Docket Operations
                                                 *     *     *    *     *
                                                 ■ 15. Section 1221.2 is amended by                      Robert E. Feldman,                                    between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
                                                 revising paragraph (2) of the definition                Executive Secretary.                                  through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                                 of Eligible master netting agreement to                   Dated: January 26, 2018.                            The AD docket contains this proposed
                                                 read as follows:                                                                                              AD, the European Aviation Safety
                                                                                                         Melvin L. Watt,
                                                                                                                                                               Agency (EASA) AD, the economic
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 § 1221.2   Definitions.                                 Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency.             evaluation, any comments received, and
                                                 *     *     *     *     *                                 Dated: January 25, 2018                             other information. The street address for
                                                   (2) The agreement provides the                        Dale L. Aultman,                                      Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–
                                                 covered swap entity the right to                                                                              5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                                                                         Secretary, Farm Credit Administration Board.
                                                 accelerate, terminate, and close-out on a                                                                     Comments will be available in the AD
                                                 net basis all transactions under the                    [FR Doc. 2018–02560 Filed 2–20–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                               docket shortly after receipt.
                                                 agreement and to liquidate or set-off                   BILLING CODE P                                          For service information identified in
                                                 collateral promptly upon an event of                                                                          this proposed rule, contact Leonardo


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                                                 7424                Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi,                     EASA advises that this condition, if not              on the fitting. This proposed AD would
                                                 Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta                   detected and corrected, could lead to                 require no such actions.
                                                 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va)                     crack propagation up to a critical length.
                                                                                                                                                               Interim Action
                                                 Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax                   This condition could reduce the
                                                 +39–0331–229046; or at http://                          assembly’s ability to sustain loads from                We consider this proposed AD to be
                                                 www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins.                    the TGB and tail rotor, possibly                      an interim action. The design approval
                                                 You may review the referenced service                   resulting to reduced helicopter control.              holder is expected to develop a
                                                 information at the FAA, Office of the                   The EASA AD consequently requires                     modification that will address the
                                                 Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                     repetitive inspections of the fitting and             unsafe condition identified in this AD.
                                                 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,                      replacing the fitting, depending on the               Once this modification is developed,
                                                 Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                   inspections’ outcome. EASA considers                  approved, and available, we might
                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt                   these actions to be interim and that                  consider additional rulemaking.
                                                 Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,                further AD action may follow.                         Costs of Compliance
                                                 Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft                     The FAA is in the process of updating
                                                                                                         AgustaWestland’s name changes to                         We estimate that this AD affects 4
                                                 Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
                                                                                                         Finmeccanica S.p.A., and then to                      helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
                                                 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                                                                                         Leonardo Helicopters, on its FAA type                 labor costs average $85 per work-hour.
                                                 telephone (817) 222–5110; email
                                                                                                         certificate. Because this name change is              Based on these estimates, we expect the
                                                 matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
                                                                                                         not yet effective, this AD specifies                  following costs:
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                         AgustaWestland.                                          • Inspecting the TGB fitting would
                                                 Comments Invited                                                                                              require 4 work-hours and no parts for a
                                                                                                         FAA’s Determination                                   cost per helicopter of $340 and $1,360
                                                    We invite you to participate in this                                                                       for the U.S. fleet each inspection cycle.
                                                 rulemaking by submitting written                          These helicopters have been approved
                                                                                                                                                                  • Replacing the TGB fitting would
                                                 comments, data, or views. We also                       by the aviation authority of Italy and are
                                                                                                                                                               require 48 work-hours and parts would
                                                 invite comments relating to the                         approved for operation in the United
                                                                                                                                                               cost $30,000 for a cost of $34,080 per
                                                 economic, environmental, energy, or                     States. Pursuant to our bilateral
                                                                                                                                                               helicopter.
                                                 federalism impacts that might result                    agreement with Italy, EASA, its
                                                                                                                                                                  According to Leonardo Helicopters’
                                                 from adopting the proposals in this                     technical representative, has notified us
                                                                                                                                                               service information, some of the costs of
                                                 document. The most helpful comments                     of the unsafe condition described in its
                                                                                                                                                               this AD may be covered under warranty,
                                                 reference a specific portion of the                     AD. We are proposing this AD because
                                                                                                                                                               thereby reducing the cost impact on
                                                 proposal, explain the reason for any                    we evaluated all known relevant
                                                                                                                                                               affected individuals. We do not control
                                                 recommended change, and include                         information and determined that an
                                                                                                                                                               warranty coverage by Leonardo
                                                 supporting data. To ensure the docket                   unsafe condition is likely to exist or
                                                                                                                                                               Helicopters. Accordingly, we have
                                                 does not contain duplicate comments,                    develop on other products of the same
                                                                                                                                                               included all costs in our cost estimate.
                                                 commenters should send only one copy                    type design.
                                                 of written comments, or if comments are                                                                       Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                                                                         Related Service Information Under 1
                                                 filed electronically, commenters should                 CFR Part 51                                              Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                 submit only one time.                                                                                         specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                    We will file in the docket all                          Leonardo Helicopters has issued                    rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                 comments that we receive, as well as a                  Bollettino Tecnico No. 189–114, dated                 section 106, describes the authority of
                                                 report summarizing each substantive                     September 6, 2016 (BT), which specifies               the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                 public contact with FAA personnel                       inspecting the TGB fitting within 30                  Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
                                                 concerning this proposed rulemaking.                    flight hours or 1 month from the receipt              detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                 Before acting on this proposal, we will                 of the BT, whichever comes first, and                 authority.
                                                 consider all comments we receive on or                  then at intervals not to exceed 150 flight               We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                 before the closing date for comments.                   hours. If a crack is found, the BT                    the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                                 We will consider comments filed after                   requires replacing the TGB fitting.                   Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                 the comment period has closed if it is                     This service information is reasonably             General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                 possible to do so without incurring                     available because the interested parties              section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                 expense or delay. We may change this                    have access to it through their normal                promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                 proposal in light of the comments we                    course of business or by the means                    air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                                 receive.                                                identified in the ADDRESSES section.                  for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                 Discussion                                              Proposed AD Requirements                              the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                                                                                                                               safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                   EASA, which is the Technical Agent                      This proposed AD would require                      is within the scope of that authority
                                                 for the Member States of the European                   within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS)                 because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                 Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2016–                     and thereafter at intervals not to exceed             that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                 0177, dated September 8, 2016, to                       150 hours TIS, cleaning the areas                     products identified in this rulemaking
                                                 correct an unsafe condition for                         around the Hi-lok holes and inspecting                action.
                                                 Leonardo Helicopters (formerly                          the TGB fitting for a crack. If a crack
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 Finmeccanica S.p.A. and                                 exists, this proposed AD would require                Regulatory Findings
                                                 AgustaWestland) Model AW189                             replacing the part before the next flight.              We determined that this proposed AD
                                                 helicopters with a tail assembly part                                                                         would not have federalism implications
                                                                                                         Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                                 number (P/N) 8G5350A00131.                                                                                    under Executive Order 13132. This
                                                                                                         and the EASA AD
                                                   EASA advises that a crack was                                                                               proposed AD would not have a
                                                 detected on the TGB fitting P/N                           The EASA AD requires you to provide                 substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                 4F5350A04152 during a scheduled                         a compliance record and return parts to               the relationship between the national
                                                 inspection of an AW189 helicopter.                      Leonardo Helicopters if a crack is found              Government and the States, or on the


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                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                            7425

                                                 distribution of power and                               (e) Required Actions                                  –200C, –300, –400, –500 series
                                                 responsibilities among the various                         Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and          airplanes. This proposed AD was
                                                 levels of government.                                   thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours       prompted by reports of cracking in
                                                   For the reasons discussed, I certify                  TIS, clean and inspect the TGB fitting for a          certain flanges, and the adjacent web, of
                                                 this proposed regulation:                               crack in the areas depicted in Figure 1 of            the wing outboard flap track at certain
                                                   1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                  Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No.           positions. This proposed AD would
                                                 action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                   189–114, dated September 6, 2016. If there is         require an inspection to determine the
                                                   2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the            a crack, replace the TGB fitting before further
                                                                                                         flight.
                                                                                                                                                               part number of the wing outboard flap
                                                 DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                                                                        track assembly; repetitive inspections of
                                                 (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                       (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 each affected wing outboard flap track
                                                   3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in             (AMOCs)                                               for discrepancies, and applicable on-
                                                 Alaska to the extent that it justifies                     (1) The Manager, Safety Management                 condition actions; and repetitive
                                                 making a regulatory distinction; and                    Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,            overhaul of each wing outboard flap
                                                   4. Will not have a significant                        may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your              track. We are proposing this AD to
                                                 economic impact, positive or negative,                  proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation             address the unsafe condition on these
                                                 on a substantial number of small entities               Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
                                                                                                         Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
                                                                                                                                                               products.
                                                 under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                 Flexibility Act.                                        Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                 DATES:  We must receive comments on
                                                                                                         telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-                this proposed AD by April 9, 2018.
                                                   We prepared an economic evaluation
                                                                                                         FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
                                                 of the estimated costs to comply with                      (2) For operations conducted under a 14            ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
                                                 this proposed AD and placed it in the                   CFR part 119 operating certificate or under           using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                                                 AD docket.                                              14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that            11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
                                                                                                         you notify your principal inspector, or               methods:
                                                 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                                                                         lacking a principal inspector, the manager of            • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                                   Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                the local flight standards district office or         http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                 safety, Incorporation by reference,                     certificate holding district office before
                                                                                                         operating any aircraft complying with this
                                                                                                                                                               instructions for submitting comments.
                                                 Safety.
                                                                                                         AD through an AMOC.                                      • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                 The Proposed Amendment                                                                                           • Mail: U.S. Department of
                                                                                                         (g) Additional Information
                                                   Accordingly, under the authority                                                                            Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                                                                                            The subject of this AD is addressed in             30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
                                                 delegated to me by the Administrator,                   European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
                                                 the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                                                                         W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
                                                                                                         No. 2016–0177, dated September 8, 2016.
                                                 39 as follows:                                                                                                Washington, DC 20590.
                                                                                                         You may view the EASA AD on the internet
                                                                                                         at http://www.regulations.gov by searching               • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
                                                 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–           address above between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                 DIRECTIVES                                              0619.                                                 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                                                                                                                               Federal holidays.
                                                 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 (h) Subject
                                                                                                                                                                  For service information identified in
                                                 continues to read as follows:                             Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
                                                                                                                                                               this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
                                                                                                         Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox. Issued in
                                                     Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                                                                         Fort Worth, Texas, on February 12, 2018.              Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
                                                                                                                                                               Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
                                                 § 39.13   [Amended]                                     Scott A. Horn,                                        Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
                                                 ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,            90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717;
                                                 the following new airworthiness                         Compliance & Airworthiness Division,                  internet https://
                                                 directive (AD):                                         Aircraft Certification Service.                       www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
                                                 AgustaWestland S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA–                  [FR Doc. 2018–03494 Filed 2–20–18; 8:45 am]           this referenced service information at
                                                    2017–0619; Product Identifier 2016–SW–               BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
                                                    093–AD.                                                                                                    2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
                                                 (a) Applicability                                                                                             For information on the availability of
                                                                                                         DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          this material at the FAA, call 206–231–
                                                   This AD applies to AgustaWestland S.p.A.
                                                 Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any                                                                  3195. It is also available on the internet
                                                                                                         Federal Aviation Administration                       at http://www.regulations.gov by
                                                 category, with tail assembly part number
                                                 8G5350A00131 installed.                                                                                       searching for and locating Docket No.
                                                                                                         14 CFR Part 39                                        FAA–2018–0112.
                                                 (b) Unsafe Condition
                                                                                                         [Docket No. FAA–2018–0112; Product                    Examining the AD Docket
                                                   This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
                                                                                                         Identifier 2017–NM–161–AD]
                                                 crack on a tail gearbox fitting. This condition                                                                 You may examine the AD docket on
                                                 could reduce the tail assembly’s ability to             RIN 2120–AA64
                                                 sustain loads from the tail rotor gearbox
                                                                                                                                                               the internet at http://
                                                 (TGB) and the tail rotor and result in loss of                                                                www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                         Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
                                                 helicopter control.                                                                                           and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                                                                                         Company Airplanes
                                                                                                                                                               0112; or in person at the Docket
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 (c) Comments Due Date                                                                                         Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
                                                                                                         AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                    We must receive comments by April 23,                Administration (FAA), DOT.                            Monday through Friday, except Federal
                                                 2018.                                                                                                         holidays. The AD docket contains this
                                                                                                         ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                 (d) Compliance                                          (NPRM).                                               NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any
                                                   You are responsible for performing each                                                                     comments received, and other
                                                 action required by this AD within the                   SUMMARY:  We propose to adopt a new                   information. The street address for the
                                                 specified compliance time unless it has                 airworthiness directive (AD) for all The              Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–
                                                 already been accomplished prior to that time.           Boeing Company Model 737–100, –200,                   5527) is listed above. Comments will be


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Document Created: 2018-02-21 01:48:34
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 01:48:34
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 23, 2018.
ContactMatt 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 Citation83 FR 7423 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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