[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 18, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23109-23112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9315]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 18, 2012 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 23109]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0409; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-055-AD; 
Amendment 39-17020; AD 2011-18-52]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters that 
requires establishing a revised life limit for each tail rotor (T/R) 
blade and updating the helicopter's historical records, repetitively 
inspecting T/R blades for a crack, and replacing certain T/R blades. 
This AD is prompted by a fatal accident involving an Agusta Model AW139 
helicopter, which may have been caused by cracks in a T/R blade. These 
actions are intended to detect and prevent a crack in a T/R blade, 
which could lead to failure of a T/R blade and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 3, 2012 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 
2011-18-52, issued on August 25, 2011, which contained the requirements 
of this AD.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 18, 2012.

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 or in person at the Docket 
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Agusta 
Westland, Customer Support & Services, Via Per Tornavento 15, 21019 
Somma Lombardo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39-0331-
711133; fax 39 0331 711180; or at http://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bullettins. You may review a copy of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Grigg, Manager, FAA, Safety 
Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; 
telephone: (817) 222-5112; fax: (817) 222-5961; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

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

Discussion

    On August 26, 2011, we issued Emergency AD No. 2011-18-52 for the 
Agusta AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The Emergency AD incorrectly lists 
the effective date as August 26, 2011, when the correct date is August 
25, 2011, which is the issue date listed above the signature block. 
That Emergency AD requires establishing a revised life limit for each 
T/R blade and updating the helicopter's historical records, 
repetitively inspecting T/R blades for a crack, and replacing certain 
T/R blades. That action was prompted by a fatal accident involving an 
Agusta Model AW139 helicopter, which may have been caused by cracks in 
a T/R blade. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could 
result in failure of a T/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued has 
issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2011-0156-E, dated August 25, 2011, to 
correct an unsafe condition for the Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters. EASA advises that in early 2011, there was a reported 
occurrence of T/R dynamic ``unbalance'' on a Model AW139 helicopter. 
Pending the results of the investigation into that occurrence, EASA 
issued AD No. 2011-0081, dated May 9, 2011, to require, as a 
precautionary measure, repetitive inspections of the T/R blades. After 
that AD was issued, a fatal accident occurred with another Model AW139 
helicopter on August 19, 2011, possibly caused by cracks in a T/R 
blade. EASA advises that this condition, if not detected and corrected, 
could lead to a T/R structural

[[Page 23110]]

failure, resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.

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 their AD. We are 
issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA 
and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. This AD 
contains minor editorial changes but is otherwise consistent with the 
Emergency AD, and will neither increase to economic burden on any 
operator nor increase the scope of the Emergency AD.

Related Service Information

    Agusta has issued Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 139-265, 
dated August 25, 2011 (BT No. 139-265), which supersedes Agusta BT No. 
139-251, dated May 6, 2011, for the Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. 
The BT specifies, within 25 flight hours and at subsequent intervals of 
every 25 flight hours thereafter, visually inspecting the T/R blades, 
part number (P/N) 3G6410A00131 or P/N 4G6410A00131, for a crack or 
signs of damage using a mirror, magnifying glass (5X or greater), and a 
``hand torch'' (flashlight). If there is a crack or signs of damage, 
the BT specifies sending the damaged blade along with certain data to 
the manufacturer. In addition, for helicopters with more than 600 
flight hours or more than 1,500 landings, whichever occurs first, the 
BT specifies replacing the T/R blades with blades that have less than 
600 flight hours and less than 1,500 landings. The BT specifies sending 
certain data to the manufacturer regarding the removed T/R blades. EASA 
classified the BT as mandatory and issued Emergency AD No. 2011-0156-E, 
dated August 25, 2011, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
helicopters.

AD Requirements

    For Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a T/R blade, P/N 
3G6410A00131 or 4G6410A00131, this AD requires:
     Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), establish a life 
limit of 600 hours TIS or 1,500 takeoff and landing cycles (cycles), 
whichever occurs first, on the affected T/R blades and update the 
helicopter's historical records. If a T/R blade's total number of 
cycles is unknown, determine the T/R blade cycles by multiplying the T/
R blade's hours TIS by 4.
     For a T/R blade that, on the effective date of this AD, 
has already exceeded 600 hours TIS or 1,500 cycles, within 5 hours TIS 
replace the T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade.
     Within 25 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 25 hours TIS, visually inspect the T/R blade for a crack or 
damage that exceeds the limits of the applicable maintenance manual. 
Inspect the T/R blade using a mirror, magnifying glass (5X or greater), 
and light source; or borescope.
     If there is a crack, or if there is damage that exceeds 
the limits of the applicable maintenance manual, before further flight, 
replace the T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The AD differs from the EASA AD in that we use the term ``take-off 
and landing cycles'' and EASA uses the term ``flight cycles.'' In 
addition, we use the term ``hours time-in-service'' to describe 
compliance times, and EASA uses ``flight hours''. EASA's AD requires 
you to contact the manufacturer if there is a crack in a T/R blade, and 
our AD does not require that action. Finally, our AD requires, within 5 
hours TIS, replacing a T/R blade that has exceeded the newly revised 
life limits. EASA's AD requires replacing the T/R blade within 5 flight 
hours or 30 days, whichever occurs first.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. If final action is 
later identified, we might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 46 helicopers of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD: each inspection will take 1 work-hour and a 
blade replacement will take 8 work-hours. Required parts will cost 
about $35,000 per T/R blade. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $237,050, assuming 
all T/R blades will require 15 recurring visual inspections, a one-time 
inspection, and that 5 T/R blades are replaced.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    The short compliance time involved is required because the 
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the 
structural integrity and controllability of the helicopter. Therefore, 
the actions previously described are required at the specified 
intervals, and this AD must be issued immediately.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters 
issued on August 26, 2011 to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. These conditions still exist, 
and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment 
to 14 CFR 39.13 to make it effective to all persons.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

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

[[Page 23111]]

under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2011-18-52 AGUSTA S.p.A. (AGUSTA): Amendment 39-17020; Docket No. 
FAA-2012-0409; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-055-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, 
with a tail rotor (T/R) blade, part number (P/N) 3G6410A00131 or P/N 
4G6410A00131, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as cracks in a T/R blade. 
The actions in this AD are intended to detect and prevent a crack in 
a T/R blade which could lead to failure of a T/R blade and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 3, 2012 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency 
AD 2011-18-52, issued on August 25, 2011, which contained the 
requirements of this AD.

(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 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), establish a life limit 
of 600 hours TIS or 1,500 takeoff and landing cycles (cycles), 
whichever occurs first, on the affected T/R blades and update the 
helicopter's historical records. If a T/R blade's total number of 
cycles is unknown, determine the T/R blade cycles by multiplying the 
T/R blade's hours TIS by 4.
    (2) For a T/R blade that, on the effective date of this AD, has 
already exceeded 600 hours TIS or 1,500 cycles, within 5 hours TIS 
replace the T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade.
    (3) Within 25 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 25 hours TIS, visually inspect the T/R blade for a crack or 
damage that exceeds the limits of the applicable maintenance manual. 
Inspect in the area depicted in the following figure using a mirror, 
magnifying glass (5X or greater), and light source, or borescope.

[[Page 23112]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18AP12.002

    (4) If there is a crack, or if there is damage that exceeds the 
limits of the applicable maintenance manual, before further flight, 
replace the T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade.
    (5) This AD revises the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
maintenance manual by reducing the life limit of the T/R blade to 
600 hours TIS or 1,500 cycles.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished provided that there is 
minimal flight crew and there are no passengers.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Jim Grigg, Manager, FAA, Safety 
Management Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; 
telephone: (817) 222-5112; fax: (817) 222-5961; email 
[email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a Part 119 operating 
certificate or under 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

    (1) Agusta Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-265, dated 
August 25, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact Agusta Westland, Customer 
Support & Services, Via Per Tornavento 15, 21019 Somma Lombardo (VA) 
Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39 0331-711133; fax 39 
0331 711180; or at http://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bullettins. You may review a copy of the service information at the 
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (Italy) AD No. 2011-0156-E, dated August 25, 2011.

(i) Subject

    The Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code is: 6410: Tail 
Rotor Blade.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 10, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-9315 Filed 4-17-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P