### 5319 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2014 / Proposed Rules

Pub. L. 103–305, 49 U.S.C. § 47107(l)(1) (Aug. 23, 1994).

Issued in Washington, DC, on January 17,
2014. Randall S. Fiertz, Director, Office of Airport Compliance and Management Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2014–02033 Filed 1–30–14; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 39**

**[Docket No. FAA–2014–0041; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–053–AD]** 

**RIN 2120–AA64**

**Airworthiness Directives; Ballonbau Wo** 

** ̈ rner GmbH Balloons** 

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

**ACTION :**  Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

**SUMMARY :**  We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner GmbH Models NL– 280/STU, NL–380/STU, NL–510/STU, NL–640/STU, NL–840/STU, and NL– 1000/STU balloons. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as current inspection intervals are no longer adequate to ensure timely detection of deterioration or damage. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

**DATES :**  We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 17, 2014.

**ADDRESSES :**  You may send comments by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

• Fax: (202) 493–2251.

• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Ballonbau Wo

 ̈ rner GmbH, Zirbelstrasse 57c, D–86154 Augsburg, Germany; telephone: +49 821 4504060; fax: +49 821 419641; Internet: www.ballonbau.de. You may review this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–
4148. Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA– 2014–0041; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the

**ADDRESSES** section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4123; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@ faa.gov.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :** 
Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the

**ADDRESSES** section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2014–0041; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–053–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those
comments.

We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http:// regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD No.: 2013– 0293R1, dated December 17, 2013 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner GmbH Models NL– 280/STU, NL–380/STU, NL–510/STU, NL–640/STU, NL–840/STU, and NL– 1000/STU balloons. The MCAI states:

The results of an analysis of NL–STU maintenance data revealed that the current inspection intervals are no longer adequate to ensure timely detection of deterioration or damage, which could affected the structural integrity of the balloon.

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of balloon components or envelope, possibly resulting in loss of the balloon.

To address this potential unsafe condition, Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner developed new, more detailed and descriptive Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (at the same time separated from the Flight Manual) and issued Technische Mitteilung/Technical Note EASA.BA.009–6 to inform all operators.

For the reasons described above, EASA issued AD 2013–0293 to require compliance with the updated Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. This AD is revised to extend the compliance time for the initial porosity test, for balloons which have already exceeded the relevant threshold. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2014–0041.

Relevant Service Information

Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner GmbH has issued Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Technical Note) Ballonbau Wo

 ̈ rner GmbH EASA.BA.009–6, dated November 7, 2013; and Ballonbau Wo

 ̈ rner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL–STU, Issue 1, dated November 2013. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 6 products of U.S. registry.


### 5320 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2014 / Proposed Rules

The scope of the proposed inspections may vary depending on the condition of the balloon. We have no way of knowing how extensive an inspection may be necessary for each balloon. The scope of damage found in the proposed inspections could vary significantly from balloon to balloon. We have no way of determining how much damage may be found on each balloon or the cost to repair damaged parts on each balloon or the number of balloons that may require repair.
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 above, 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, 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. 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.

**§ 39.13 [Amended]**

■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Ballonbau Worner GmbH: Docket No. FAA– 2014–0041; Directorate Identifier 2013– CE–053–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by March 17,
2014.
(b) Affected ADs

None. (c) Applicability

This AD applies to Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner GmbH Model NL–280/STU, NL–380/STU, NL–510/STU, NL–640/STU, NL–840/STU, and NL–1000/STU balloons, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject

Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 5: Time Limits.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as current inspection intervals are no longer adequate to ensure timely detection of deterioration or damage. If this condition is uncorrected, it could result in reduced structural integrity of the balloon.
(f) Actions and Compliance

Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(4) of this AD:

(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, complete all inspections and maintenance tasks described in the Chapter 5, Annual Inspection, in the Ballonbau Wo

 ̈ rner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL–STU, Issue 1, dated November 2013.

(2) If any discrepancies are found during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, repair as applicable following Chapter 6, Standard Repair Procedures, in the Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL–STU, Issue 1, dated November 2013. (3) If on the effective date of this AD, a balloon has already exceeded the threshold compliance time for the porosity test as defined in Sections 5.1.1.4, 5.1.2.4 and 5.1.3.4 of Chapter 5 in Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL–STU, Issue 1, dated November 2013, within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, conduct the porosity test following Sections 5.1.1.4, 5.1.2.4 and 5.1.3.4 of Chapter 5 in Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL–STU, Issue 1, dated November 2013.

(4) After the effective date of this AD, do all inspections and necessary repairs following Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Technical Note) Ballonbau
Wo

 ̈ rner GmbH EASA.BA.009–6, dated November 7, 2013; and Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner GmbH Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Gas Balloon Model NL–STU, Issue 1, dated November 2013.

Note 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD: Pilots may only accomplish preventative maintenance limited to those items identified in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this
AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4123; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(h) Related Information

Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2013–0293R1, dated December 17, 2013, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet

at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2014– 0041. For service information related to this AD, contact Ballonbau Wo  ̈ rner GmbH, Zirbelstrasse 57c, D–86154 Augsburg, Germany; telephone: +49 821 4504060; fax: +49 821 419641; Internet: www.ballonbau.de. You may review this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148.


### 5321 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2014 / Proposed Rules

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 23, 2014. Earl Lawrence, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–01950 Filed 1–30–14; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 39**

**[Docket No. FAA–2014–0038; Directorate Identifier 2013–SW–023–AD]** 

**RIN 2120–AA64**

**Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate**  **Previously Held by Eurocopter France)**

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

**SUMMARY :**  We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Model EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive visual and tap test inspections of each main rotor blade (blade) leading edge stainless steel protective strip (strip) for a crack, cut, or blind or open debonding (debonding), and taking approved corrective measures. If there is a crack or if there is debonding that exceeds acceptable limits, this AD would require, before further flight, repairing or replacing the blade with an airworthy part. This proposed AD is prompted by suspected water seepage through a crack in the blade strip resulting in significant debonding. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of the blade strip, excessive vibrations induced by blade weight imbalance, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

**DATES :**  We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 1, 2014.

**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 proposed AD, the foreign authority’s 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 Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at http:// www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub

. You may review 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 :**  Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email gary.b.roach@faa.gov.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :** 
Comments Invited

We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time.

We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD No. 2013–0103, dated May 2, 2013, which supersedes EASA AD No. 2007–0180–E, dated June 29, 2007, to correct an unsafe condition for the Eurocopter Model EC225LP helicopters with certain blades installed. EASA advises that an investigation of significant debonding of a blade strip revealed rapidly progressing debonding caused by water seepage through a crack in the blade strip. EASA AD No. 2007–0180–E required repetitive inspections of the blade strip and accomplishing any corrective actions. After issuance of EASA AD No. 2007–0180–E, Eurocopterdeveloped a modified strip and reidentified blade part numbers with the modified strip. Because these other blades with the modified strip are still susceptible to debonding, EASA issued superseding AD 2013–0103 to extendthe applicability to the new partnumbered blades.

FAA’s Determination

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

Related Service Information

Eurocopter issued an Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 05A010, Revision 2, dated April 22, 2013, for the Model EC225LP helicopter and for the non-FAA typed certificated Model EC725AP military helicopter. The EASB specifies a visual check and tapping test of the bonding of the strip on the leading edge of the blades for cracks, cuts, and debonding and taking corrective actions as applicable. Revision 1 to the EASB changed the visual check and the tapping test so that they can be performed without removing the blades. Revision 2 extended the applicability to additional part-numbered blades with a modified strip installed. Proposed AD Requirements

This proposed AD would require:

• Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 85 hours TIS, visually and tap