### 44511 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2012 / Proposed Rules

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.

**§ 39.13 [Amended]**

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter): Docket No. FAA–2012–0795; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–53–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Eurocopter Model AS332C, L, and L1 helicopters with a main rotor head (MRH), part number (P/N) 332A31–0001–05 or P/N 332A31–0001–06, with a serial number (S/N) M172, M216, M261, M308, M547, M561, M677, M811, M859, M935, M936, M938, or M942installed; having less than 275 hours time-inservice (TIS) since the last overhaul of the MRH; certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

This AD defines the unsafe condition as deterioration of the MRH swash-plate upper bearing (bearing), which could result in overloading the scissor links which drive the main rotor system, failure of the scissors links, 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

Within 5 hours TIS:(1) Inspect the MRH bearing for a nonsmooth point (friction point) by rotating the MRH swash-plate and:

(i) If there is a friction point in the bearing, before further flight, replace the MRH with an airworthy MRH.

(ii) If there is not a friction point in the bearing, lubricate the MRH swash-plate and rotate it until grease is expelled; inspect the expelled grease for metal particles.

(A) If there is a metal particle in the grease, before further flight, replace the MRH with an airworthy MRH.

(B) If there is not a metal particle in the grease, measure the force required to rotate the MRH swash-plate using a spring scale attached to the pitch change rod attachment yokes.

( 1 ) If the force to rotate the MRH swashplate is equal to or greater than 5.5 kg, before further flight, replace the MRH with an airworthy MRH.

(2) If the force to rotate the MRH swashplate is less than 5.5 kg, inspect the MRH swash-plate assembly for vertical play in the bearing. If there is vertical play in the bearing, before further flight, replace the MRH with an airworthy MRH.

(2) Before installing an MRH, P/N 332A31– 0001–05 or P/N 332A31–001–06, with S/N M172, M216, M261, M308, M547, M561, M677, M811, M859, M935, M936, M938, or M942 on any helicopter, inspect the MRH in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 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.

(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.

(f) Additional Information

(1) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin, No. 62.00.73, Revision 0, dated September 8, 2008, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For this service information, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053–4005; telephone (800) 232–0323; or at http://www.eurocopter.com. You may review this 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 the European Aviation Safety Agency (France) Emergency AD No. 2008–0172–E, dated September 9, 2008.
(g) Subject

Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400,Tail Rotor System.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 20,
2012. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–18454 Filed 7–27–12; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 39**

**[Docket No. FAA–2012–0798; Directorate Identifier 2012–CE–023–AD]** 

**RIN 2120–AA64**

**Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Airplanes** 

**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 Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 Airplanes. 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 possible installation of non-conforming air filter elements that are not fitted with metallic mesh and could internally collapse resulting in


### 44512 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2012 / Proposed Rules

disruption of the powerplant operation. 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 September 13,
2012.

**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 Alpha Aviation, 59 Hautapu Road, RD 1, Cambridge 3493, New Zealand; telephone: +64 7 827 0528; fax: +64 7 929 2878; Internet: www.alphaaviation.co.nz. You may review copies of the 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; 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) 329–4146; 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–2012–0798; Directorate Identifier 2012–CE–023–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 Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for New Zealand, has issued DCA/R2000/41, dated June 8, 2012 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

This emergency AD with the effective date 11 June 2012 is prompted by a report from EASA of finding a non conforming air filter fitted to an overseas aircraft during maintenance. Investigation revealed that air filters with P/N 57.34.00.010 supplied by CEAPR between June 2009 and April 2012 may not have the metallic mesh inside the filter. This AD mandates an inspection of air filters with P/N 57.34.00.010 to determine if a metallic mesh is fitted.

Relevant Service Information

Alpha Aviation has issued Service Bulletin AA–SB–71–006, dated May 2012. 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 10 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about .5 work-hour per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.

Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $425, or 42.50 per product.

In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about .5 work-hour and require parts costing $100 for a cost of $142.50 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.
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.


### 44513 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 146 / Monday, July 30, 2012 / Proposed Rules

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:
Alpha Aviation Concept Limited: Docket No. FAA–2012–0798; Directorate Identifier 2012–CE–023–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by September 13, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs

None. (c) Applicability

This AD applies to Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject

Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 71, Power Plant.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of possible installation of non-conforming air filter elements that are not fitted with metallic mesh and could internally collapse resulting in disruption of the powerplant operation. We are issuing this proposed AD to inspect the air filter element and replace if applicable.
(f) Actions and Compliance

Unless already done, do the following actions following Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA–SB–71–006, dated May 2012:

(1) Within the next 30 days time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect the air filter part number (P/N) 57.34.00.010 to determine if it has been fitted with a perforated metal liner.

(2) If, after the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, the air filter part number (P/N) 57.34.00.010 is found to include the perforated metal liner, no further action is required.

(3) If, after the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, the air filter is found to not contain the perforated metal liner, before further flight, replace the air filter with a new air filter P/N 57.34.00.010 that does contain the perforated metal liner.

(4) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any air filter P/N 57.34.00.010 that does not have the perforated metal liner depicted in Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA–SB–71–006, dated May 2012.
(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) 329–4146; 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.

(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer,
AES–200.

(h) Related Information

Refer to MCAI DCA/R2000/41 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for New Zealand, dated June 8, 2012; and Alpha Aviation Service Bulletin AA–SB–71–006, dated May 2012, for related information. For service information related to this AD, contact Alpha Aviation, 59 Hautapu Road, RD 1, Cambridge 3493, New Zealand; telephone: +64 7 827 0528; fax: +64 7 929 2878; Internet: www.alphaaviation.co.nz. You may review copies of the 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. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 24,
2012. James Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–18461 Filed 7–27–12; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 39**

**[Docket No. FAA–2012–0794; Directorate Identifier 2006–SW–04–AD]** 

**RIN 2120–AA64**

**Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters** 

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

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

**SUMMARY :**  We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters. This proposed AD would require revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft flight Manual (RFM) to reduce the starter generator operating current to 180 amperes (amps) and installing a placard in the instrument panel indicating the revised limitation. This proposed AD is prompted by thedetermination that the manufacturerinstalled Aircraft Parts Corporation (APC) starter generator has exceeded the shaft horse power extractions allowed for Turbomeca engines. The proposed actions are intended to prevent the engine surge margin being reduced, which can result in engine failure.

**DATES :**  We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 28,
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.

• 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