This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains notices to the public of the proposed

issuance of rules and regulations. The

purpose of these notices is to give interested

persons an opportunity to participate in the

rule making prior to the adoption of the final

rules.

Proposed Rules Federal Register

12424 

Vol. 82, No. 41 

Friday, March 3, 2017 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Agricultural Marketing Service 

7 CFR Part 52 

[Doc. No. AMS–FV–08–0076] 

United States Standards for Grades of 

Frozen Onions 

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, 

USDA. 

ACTION: Reopening of comment period. 

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that 

the Agricultural Marketing Service 

(AMS) is reopening the comment period 

for the document inviting comments on 

a proposal to create new United States 

Standards for Grades of Frozen Onions 

and request for comments published in 

the Federal Register on November 23, 

2016. The comment period for this 

document closed on January 23, 2017. 

The grade standards would provide a 

common language for trade, a means of 

measuring value in the marketing of 

frozen onions, and guidance on the 

effective use of frozen onions. 

DATES: AMS is reopening the comment 

period for the proposed rule published 

November 23, 2016 (81 FR 84506). 

Comments must be received by April 3, 

2017. 

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are 

invited to submit comments on the 

notice via the Internet at: http://

www.regulations.gov. Comments may 

also be submitted by email to 

Brian.Griffin@ams.usda.gov; by mail to 

Brian E. Griffin, Standardization 

Branch, Specialty Crops Inspection 

Division, AMS, USDA, 1400 

Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0247, 

Washington, DC 20250–0247; and via 

fax to (202) 690–1527. All comments 

should reference the document number, 

dates, and page numbers of this issue 

and the November 23, 2016, issue of the 

Federal Register. All comments 

received will be posted online without 

change, including any personal 

information provided, and will be made 

available for public inspection at the 

above physical address during regular 

business hours. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Brian E. Griffin, Agricultural Marketing 

Specialist, Specialty Crops Inspection 

Division, Specialty Crops Program, 

AMS, USDA; telephone: (202) 720– 

5021, fax (202) 690–1527, or email 

Brian.Griffin@ams.usda.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A 

document regarding proposed new 

United States Standards for Grades of 

Frozen onions was published in the 

Federal Register on November 23, 2016 

(81 FR 84506). The proposed standards 

were developed at the request of the 

frozen food industry and reflect the 

industry’s extensive input. The 

standards would establish a frozen 

onion product description, designate 

various product styles, provide the 

criteria for various grade levels of frozen 

onions, and describe tolerance limits for 

defects. 

The 60-day comment period provided 

in the previously published proposed 

rule closed January 23, 2017. The 

comment period is reopened until April 

3, 2017. AMS is reopening the public 

comment period for 30 days to ensure 

that interested persons have sufficient 

time to review and comment on the 

document. 

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621–1627. 

Dated: February 27, 2017. 

Bruce Summers, 

Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing 

Service. 

[FR Doc. 2017–04079 Filed 3–2–17; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3410–02–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2016–5019; Directorate 

Identifier 2015–SW–079–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 

Helicopters 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 

Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, 

AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and 

EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD 

would require inspecting the sliding 

cabin doors. This proposed AD is 

prompted by the failure of the sliding 

door’s jettison mechanism due to 

corrosion. The proposed actions are 

intended to address the unsafe 

condition in these products. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by May 2, 2017. 

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–2016– 

5019; 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 

European Aviation Safety Agency 

(EASA) 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 rule, contact Airbus 

Helicopters, 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, 

10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, 

Fort Worth, TX 76177. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 41 / Friday, March 3, 2017 / Proposed Rules 12425 

Engineer, Safety Management Group, 

Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 

Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 

telephone (817) 222–5116; email 

david.hatfield@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 

EASA, which is the Technical Agent 

for the Member States of the European 

Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015– 

0156, dated July 29, 2015, and corrected 

July 30, 2015, to correct an unsafe 

condition for Airbus Helicopters Model 

AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, 

and AS332L2 helicopters manufactured 

before July 14, 2014, and equipped with 

cabin sliding plug doors (sliding doors) 

modified in accordance with Airbus 

Helicopters modification (MOD) 

AL25612 or 0725870. EASA AD No. 

2015–0156 also applies to Airbus 

Helicopters Model EC225LP helicopters 

manufactured before July 14, 2014, and 

equipped with sliding doors. 

EASA advises that the sliding door’s 

emergency jettisoning mechanism failed 

during a scheduled inspection and that 

a subsequent investigation found 

significant corrosion damage caused by 

water that accumulated after a plasticrubber compound obstructed the water 

drain of the door’s jettison mechanism 

system. This condition, if not detected 

and corrected, could lead to jamming of 

the jettisoning mechanism, possibly 

preventing the jettisoning of the door 

during an emergency and jeopardizing 

the safe evacuation of occupants, EASA 

advises. 

To address this unsafe condition, 

EASA AD No. 2015–0156 requires a 

one-time inspection of the left hand and 

right hand sliding doors for corrosion. 

FAA’s Determination 

These helicopters have been approved 

by the aviation authority of France and 

are 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 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 

We reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert 

Service Bulletin No. AS332–53.01.86, 

Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB 

AS332–53.01.86), for Model AS332C, 

AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, and 

AS332L2 helicopters and military 

model AS332B, B1, F1, M, and M1 

helicopters; and Alert Service Bulletin 

No. EC225–53A048, Revision 0, dated 

August 18, 2014 (ASB EC225–53A048), 

for Model EC225LP helicopters. ASB 

AS332–53.01.86 and ASB EC225– 

53A048 specify checking areas of the 

emergency jettisoning system of the 

sliding doors for the absence of sealing 

compound, for corrosion on the visible 

surfaces of the bracket, for the absence 

of interference between the stainless 

steel pipe and the aluminum bracket, 

and for non-obstruction of the drain. 

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 days, visually inspecting the 

left-hand and right-hand sliding doors 

for sealing compound and removing any 

sealing compound. 

This proposed AD also would require 

inspecting all visible bracket surfaces 

for corrosion. If there is any corrosion, 

this proposed AD would require 

removing the corrosion, measuring the 

corrosion depth, and performing a 

jettisoning test. If the measured 

corrosion depth is less than 0.5 mm and 

the door passes the test, this proposed 

AD would require applying corrosion 

protectant. If the measured corrosion 

depth is 0.5 mm or more and the door 

passes the test, this proposed AD would 

require applying corrosion protectant, 

retesting at intervals not to exceed two 

months, and then replacing the 

jettisoning system within 6 months. If 

the door does not pass the test, this 

proposed AD would require replacing 

the jettisoning system before further 

flight. 

This proposed AD would also require 

measuring the clearance between the 

bracket and stainless steel pipe. If the 

clearance is less than 3 mm, this 

proposed AD would require removing 

the lockwire from the union, loosening 

the unions of the air vent pipe, 

positioning the support and the air vent 

pipe to ensure a minimum clearance of 

3 mm. This proposed AD would then 

require tightening the support and 

unions of the pipe and safety the union 

using lockwire. 

For Model EC225LP helicopters and 

Model AS332-series helicopters with 

modification AL25612, this proposed 

AD would require inspecting for drain 

obstruction and, if the drain is 

obstructed, removing the sealing 

compound and adhesive from the gutter 

in the bracket area and unclogging the 

drain and gutter. This proposed AD 

would then require cleaning the gutter, 

applying adhesive to the gutter, and 

applying sealing compound. 

Differences Between This Proposed AD 

and the EASA AD 

The EASA AD requires compliance 

within various times, depending on the 

helicopter model and modifications. 

This proposed AD would require 

compliance within 30 days. 

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this proposed AD 

would affect 24 helicopters of U.S. 

Registry and that labor costs average $85 

per work-hour. Based on these 

estimates, we expect that visually 

inspecting for corrosion would require 1 

work-hour and no parts for a total cost 

of $85 per helicopter, and $2,040 for the 

U.S. fleet. Replacing corroded parts 

would require 8 work-hours and parts 

would cost $500 for a total cost of 

$1,180 per helicopter. Replacing the 

door jettisoning system would require 

16 work-hours and parts would cost 

$4,500 for a total cost of $5,860 per 

helicopter. 

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 

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12426 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 41 / Friday, March 3, 2017 / Proposed Rules 

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. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new airworthiness 

directive (AD): 

Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2016– 

5019; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW– 

079–AD. 

(a) Applicability 

This AD applies to the following Airbus 

Helicopters, certificated in any category: 

(1) Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, 

AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with a 

date of manufacture on or before July 14, 

2014, and with a sliding cabin plug door 

(sliding door) with Airbus Helicopters 

modification AL25612 or 0725870 installed; 

and 

(2) Model EC225LP helicopters with a date 

of manufacture on or before July 14, 2014. 

(b) Unsafe Condition 

This AD defines the unsafe condition as 

corrosion of a jettisoning mechanism which, 

if not detected and corrected, could result in 

failure of a sliding door to jettison, 

preventing occupants from exiting the 

helicopter during an emergency. 

(c) Comments Due Date 

We must receive comments by May 2, 

2017. 

(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 days: 

(1) Visually inspect the left-hand and righthand sliding doors for sealing compound as 

shown in Figure 1 of Airbus Helicopters 

Alert Service Bulletin No. AS332–53.01.86, 

Revision 1, dated June 29, 2015 (ASB AS332– 

53.01.86), or Airbus Helicopters Alert Service 

Bulletin No. EC225–53A048, Revision 0, 

dated August 18, 2014 (ASB EC225–53A048), 

as applicable for your model helicopter. 

Remove any sealing compound. 

(2) Inspect all visible bracket surfaces for 

corrosion. If there is any corrosion, remove 

the corrosion and measure the corrosion 

depth. 

(i) If the measured corrosion depth is less 

than 0.5 mm, perform a jettisoning test. If the 

door passes the test, apply corrosion 

protectant. If the door does not pass the test, 

replace the jettisoning system before further 

flight. 

(ii) If the measured corrosion depth is 0.5 

mm or more, perform a jettisoning test. If the 

door passes the test, apply corrosion 

protectant, perform a jettisoning test at 

intervals not to exceed two months for not 

more than six months, and replace the 

jettisoning system within six months. If the 

door does not pass the test, replace the 

jettisoning system before further flight. 

(3) Measure the clearance between the 

bracket and stainless steel pipe. If the 

clearance is less than 3 mm, remove the 

lockwire from the union and loosen the 

unions of the air vent pipe. Position the 

support and the air vent pipe to ensure a 

minimum clearance of 3 mm. Tighten the 

support and unions of the pipe and safety the 

union using lockwire. 

(4) For Model EC225LP helicopters and 

Model AS332-series helicopters with 

modification AL25612, inspect for drain 

obstruction by compressing the middle rail 

roller well piston and injecting distilled 

water through the roller well to determine if 

the water drains. If the drain is obstructed, 

remove the sealing compound and adhesive 

from the gutter in the bracket area. Remove 

the drain from the gutter and unclog the 

drain and gutter using a spatula or brush. 

Clean the gutter on the bracket side and the 

drain. Apply adhesive to the gutter and then 

slide in the drain. Allow the adhesive to dry 

and then apply sealing compound. 

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs) 

(1) The Manager, Safety Management 

Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this 

AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, 

Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management 

Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 

Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 

telephone (817) 222–5116; email 9-ASWFTW-AMOC-Requests@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. 

(g) Additional Information 

The subject of this AD is addressed in 

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 

No. 2015–0156, dated July 29, 2015, and 

corrected July 30, 2015. You may view the 

EASA AD on the Internet at http://

www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. 

(h) Subject 

Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) 

Code: 5220, Emergency Exits. 

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 

23, 2017. 

Lance T. Gant, 

Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 

Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2017–04116 Filed 3–2–17; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

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