Document ID: FAA-2014-0465-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Agusta S.p.A Helicopters (Type Certificate Currently Held by AgustaWestland S.p.A.) (Agusta)
Posted Date: 2014-07-16T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 136 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41464-41466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-16681]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0465; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-044-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters (Type 
Certificate Currently Held by AgustaWestland S.p.A.) (Agusta)

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 
Agusta AB139 and AW139 helicopters to require replacing certain single-
braided flexible hydraulic hoses with double-braided flexible hydraulic 
hoses. This proposed AD is prompted by occurrences of leaking flexible 
hydraulic hoses. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of 
hydraulic power and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 15, 
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 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 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 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: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email matt.wilbanks@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. 2013-0177, dated August 8, 2013, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters. EASA advises that leaking hydraulic system flexible hoses 
have been reported on in-service helicopters. An investigation 
indicated that single braided flexible hydraulic hoses, which are part 
of the

[[Page 41465]]

original design for Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, may not be 
strong enough to cope with the hydraulic system pressure over long 
periods. If not corrected, this condition could lead to other hydraulic 
system leaks, possibly resulting in loss of hydraulic power and reduced 
control of the helicopter, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires 
that the flexible single-braided hydraulic hoses be replaced with 
flexible double-braided hydraulic hoses.

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 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

    AgustaWestland Bolletino Tecnico No. 139-307, dated June 19, 2013 
(BT), calls for replacing certain single braided flexible hydraulic 
hoses with double braided flexible hydraulic hoses for Model AB139 and 
AW139 helicopters. The BT states that the replacement should be 
conducted within 300 flight hours or six months from receipt of the BT, 
whichever comes first, to prevent in-service leaks.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 300 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), replacing the flexible single-braided hydraulic hose with a 
flexible double-braided hydraulic hose. The AD would also prohibit 
installing the single-braided flexible hydraulic hose on any 
helicopter.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires replacing the flexible single-braided 
hydraulic hoses within 300 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs 
first. This proposed AD requires that the flexible single-braided 
hydraulic hoses be replaced within 300 hours TIS. TIS and flight hours 
are synonymous.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 115 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect that replacing the flexible single-braided 
hydraulic hoses with flexible double-braided hydraulic flexible hoses 
would require 6 work-hours for a labor cost of $510. Parts would cost 
$3,089 for a total cost of $3,599 per helicopter, and $413,885 for the 
U.S. fleet.

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

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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Agusta S.p.A. (Type certificate currently held by AgustaWestland 
S.p.A.) (Agusta) Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2014-0465; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-SW-044-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with 
a flexible hydraulic hose, part number (P/N) A494AE2E00E0670X, 
A494AE3E00E0424X, A494AE3E00E0530X, A494AE3E00E0570X, 
A494AE3E00E0580X, A494AE3E00E0620X, A494AE3E00E0930X, 
A494AE6E14E0348X, or A494AE6E21E0330X, installed, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a leak in a hydraulic 
system flexible hose. This condition could result in loss of 
hydraulic power and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 15, 2014.

(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 300 hours time-in-service, replace each flexible 
hydraulic hose with a double braided flexible hydraulic hose in the 
accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 5 
through 7; Part II, paragraphs 5 through 7; Part III, paragraphs 5 
through 6; Part IV, paragraphs 5 through 6; and Part V, paragraphs 5 
through 7; as applicable for your helicopter serial number and 
configuration, of AgustaWestland Bolletino Tecnico No. 139-307, 
dated June 19, 2013.
    (2) Do not install a flexible hydraulic hose, P/N 
A494AE2E00E0670X, A494AE3E00E0424X, A494AE3E00E0530X, 
A494AE3E00E0570X, A494AE3E00E0580X, A494AE3E00E0620X, 
A494AE3E00E0930X, A494AE6E14E0348X, or A494AE6E21E0330X, on any 
helicopter.

[[Page 41466]]

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email matt.wilbanks@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 the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-0177, dated August 8, 2013. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0465.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2910, Hydraulic 
System, Main.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 8, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2014-16681 Filed 7-15-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P