[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 92 (Friday, May 11, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27663-27666]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-11472]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0502; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-097-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. High 
Landing Gear Forward Crosstube Assembly

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI) high landing gear forward 
crosstube assemblies (crosstubes) installed on Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) 
Model AB412 and AB412EP; and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) Model 
205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters during 
production or based on a supplemental type certificate (STC). This 
proposed AD is prompted by two reports from the field of failed 
crosstubes. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a 
crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 10, 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.

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    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 proposed 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 proposed AD, contact 
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, TN 37625-3689, 
telephone (423) 538-5151 or (800) 251-7094, fax (423) 538-8469, or at 
http://www.aero-access.com. 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: Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5170; 
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

    We propose to adopt a new AD for AAI crosstubes, part number (P/N) 
212-321-103, installed on Agusta Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters, 
and Bell Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP 
helicopters, during production or under STC SR01052AT. This proposal 
would require creating a component history card or equivalent record, 
determining the total number of landings, and continuing recording the 
number of landings for each crosstube. This proposal would also require 
certain recurring visual, dimensional, and fluorescent penetrant 
inspections of each crosstube. This proposal would require repairing 
damaged crosstubes that are within acceptable limits. If there is a 
crack, or any corrosion or a nick, scratch, dent, or any other damage 
outside the maximum repair damage limits, this proposal requires, 
before further flight, replacing any unairworthy crosstube with an 
airworthy crosstube. This proposal is prompted by two reports from the 
field of failed crosstubes. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

FAA's Determination

    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

    We reviewed AAI Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AA-08055, Revision 
B, dated August 12, 2009, which specifies establishing a takeoff/
landing history, recurrent visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections 
of the crosstubes, and dimensional inspections of the skid gear. We 
have also reviewed AAI Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) 
for Crosstubes, Report No. AA-01136, Revision K, dated February 15, 
2012, which contain the information necessary for inspection and 
maintenance of each crosstube installed on the Agusta and Bell 
helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    The proposed AD would require:
     Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), creating a 
component history card or equivalent record for each affected 
crosstube, and determining and recording the total number of landings. 
If the landing information is unavailable, estimating the number by 
multiplying the airframe hours TIS by a factor of 10. Continue to count 
and record the number of landings for each crosstube. For the purposes 
of this AD, a landing would be counted anytime the helicopter lifts off 
into the air and then lands again with any further reduction of the 
collective after the landing gear touches the ground.
     At specified intervals, using a 10X or higher magnifying 
glass and a strong light, inspecting each crosstube for a crack. If 
there is a crack, replacing the crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
     At specified intervals, determining the horizontal 
deflection of each crosstube from the centerline of the helicopter (BL 
0.0) to the outside of the skid tubes. If the crosstube measures 
outside the limits, replacing the crosstube with an airworthy 
crosstube.
     At specified intervals, removing each crosstube and 
performing a fluorescent penetrant inspection of each crosstube for a 
crack, any corrosion, a nick, scratch, dent, or any other damage. If 
there is a crack, replacing the crosstube with an airworthy crosstube. 
If there is any corrosion or a nick, scratch, dent, or any other damage 
repairing the crosstube to an airworthy configuration if the damage is 
within the maximum damage limits, or replacing with an airworthy 
crosstube.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The service information uses the term ``flight hours.'' We use 
``hours time-in-service.''

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 115 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD:
     Creating a historical record and determining the number of 
landings would require .5 work hour at an average labor rate of $85 per 
hour for a cost per helicopter of $42 and a cost to the U.S. operator 
fleet of $4,830 per inspection cycle.
     Preparing and inspecting the crosstube would require 8.5 
work hours at an average labor rate of $85 per hour for a cost per 
helicopter of $722 and a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of $83,030 per 
inspection cycle.
     Performing the dimensional inspection of the skid gear 
would require 1 work hour at an average labor rate of $85 per hour for 
a cost per helicopter of $85 and a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of 
$9,775 per inspection cycle.
     Fluorescent penetrant inspecting the crosstube would 
require 24 work

[[Page 27665]]

hours at an average labor rate of $85 per hour for a cost per 
helicopter of $2,040 and a cost to the U.S. operator fleet of $234,600 
per inspection cycle.
     If required, replacing a crosstube with an airworthy 
crosstube would require 10 work hours at an average labor rate of $85, 
required parts will cost $9,315, for a cost per helicopter of $10,165.

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

    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]

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

Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI): Docket No. FAA-2012-0502; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-097-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to high landing gear forward crosstube assembly 
(crosstube), part number (P/N) 212-321-103, installed on Agusta 
S.p.A. Model AB412 and AB412EP and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. 
Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of the landing 
gear crosstube which could result in collapse of the landing gear 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) 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.

(d) Required Actions

    (1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD:
    (i) Create a component history card or equivalent record for the 
crosstube by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part A, 
paragraph 1., of AAI Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-08055, Revision 
B, dated August 12, 2009 (ASB).
    (ii) Determine and record on the component history card or 
equivalent record the total number of landings for the crosstube. If 
the landing information is unavailable, estimate the number by 
multiplying the airframe hours TIS by 10. Continue to count and 
record the number of landings for the crosstube. For the purposes of 
this AD, a landing would be counted anytime the helicopter lifts off 
into the air and then lands again with any further reduction of the 
collective after the landing gear touches the ground.
    (2) Within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD or 
before reaching a total of 7,500 landings on any crosstube, 
whichever occurs later:
    (i) Prepare the crosstube inspection areas as described in the 
Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 1. through 5. and 
Figure 1, of the ASB.
    (ii) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass and a bright 
light, visually inspect the prepared areas of the crosstube for a 
crack. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the 
crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
    (iii) If there is no crack, following the inspection, prime and 
paint the inspection areas by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 7. and 8., of the ASB. If there is 
any corrosion or other damage, perform the replacement or repair 
required in paragraph (d)(5)(iv) of this AD before priming and 
painting the inspection areas.
    (3) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 200 landings, clean 
the crosstube inspection areas by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part C, paragraph 1., of the ASB. Using a 10X or 
higher power magnifying glass and a bright light, visually inspect 
the clear-coated areas of the crosstube for a crack. If there is a 
crack, before further flight, replace the crosstube with an 
airworthy crosstube.
    (4) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD or before 
reaching a total of 10,000 landings on any crosstube, whichever 
occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 
landings or 12 months, whichever occurs first, determine the 
horizontal deflection of the crosstube from the centerline of the 
helicopter (BL 0.0) to the outside of the skid tubes by following 
the Accomplishment Instructions, Part D, paragraphs 1. and 2., of 
the ASB. If the crosstube measures outside any of the limits 
depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB, before further flight, replace the 
crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
    (5) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD or 
before reaching a total of 12,500 landings on any crosstube, 
whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
5,000 landings:
    (i) Remove and disassemble the landing gear assembly and 
crosstube to prepare for a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) by 
following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part E.1, paragraphs 1. 
through 6., of the ASB.
    (ii) Clean and prepare the crosstube by removing the sealant and 
paint as described in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part E.2, 
paragraphs 1. through 3. and Figure 3, of the ASB.
    (iii) Perform an FPI of the crosstube in the areas depicted in 
Figure 3 of the ASB for a crack, any corrosion, a nick, scratch, 
dent, or any other damage by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part E.3, paragraph 1., of the ASB. If there is a 
crack, before further flight, replace the crosstube with an 
airworthy crosstube.
    (iv) If there is any corrosion or a nick, scratch, dent, or any 
other damage, before further flight, repair the crosstube to an 
airworthy configuration if the damage is within the maximum repair 
damage limits or replace the crosstube with an airworthy crosstube. 
Chapter 3.5 Repair, Table 1. and Figure 3 of the AAI Instructions 
for

[[Page 27666]]

Continued Airworthiness for Crosstubes, Report No. AA-01136, 
Revision K, dated February 15, 2012, contains the maximum repair 
damage limits and repair procedures.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Kohner, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 
76137; telephone (817) 222-5170; 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.

(f) Additional Information

    For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, TN 37625-
3689, telephone (423) 538-5151 or (800) 251-7094, fax (423) 538-
8469, or at http://www.aero-access.com. You may review a copy of 
this information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
76137.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3213: Main Landing 
Gear Strut/Axle/Truck.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 2, 2012.
Carlton N. Cochran,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-11472 Filed 5-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P