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AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY:

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain AgustaWestland S.p.A. (AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the seal and filler wedges of all emergency exit windows. The proposed actions are prompted by a report that some windows were improperly glued when installed. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2018.

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-2017-0111; 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 Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at http://www.leonardocompany.com/​-/​bulletins. 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.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email martin.r.crane@faa.gov.

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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. 2016-0216, dated October 28, 2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo Helicopters (previously Finmeccanica S.p.A., previously AgustaWestland) Model AW189 helicopters, serial numbers 49007 through 49021, 49023, 49029, 49033, 49035, 89001, 89003, 89004, 92001, 92003, and 92005. The EASA AD does not apply to windows that have been reinstalled at least once since helicopter delivery and windows that are part of bubble window kit part number (P/N) 8G5620F00111.

EASA advises that during a scheduled replacement of emergency exit window seals on helicopters in service, an excessively high level of pushing force was required to jettison some of the windows. According to EASA, further investigation determined the windows were installed with glue applied in locations that were not in accordance with the approved design.

This condition, if not corrected, could prevent the jettisoning of helicopter emergency exit windows, possibly affecting the evacuation of crew and passengers during an emergency situation, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires replacement of the seal and the filler wedges of the Start Printed Page 50848emergency exit windows installed in the cockpit doors and cabin.

The FAA is in the process of updating AgustaWestland’s name change to Leonardo Helicopters on its type certificate. Because this name change is not yet effective, this proposed AD specifies AgustaWestland.

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

We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-118, dated October 20, 2016. This service information specifies replacing the seal and filler wedges on all cockpit door and cabin emergency exit windows of Model AW189 helicopters, except on those windows that have been replaced or that are part of bubble window kit P/N 8G5620F00111.

Proposed AD Requirements

This proposed AD would require within 75 hours time-in-service, replacing the seal and filler wedges on all emergency exit windows installed in the cockpit doors and cabin.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 2 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect that removing and replacing the window seals and fillers would require 40 work-hours and parts would cost about $834, for a total cost of $4,234 per helicopter and $8,468 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.

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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

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The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

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PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

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Authority:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

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

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AgustaWestland S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2017-0111; Product Identifier 2016-SW-079-AD.

(a) Applicability

This AD applies to Model AW189 helicopters, serial number 49007 through 49021, 49023, 49029, 49033, 49035, 89001, 89003, 89004, 92001, 92003, and 92005, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

This AD defines the unsafe condition as improperly glued emergency exit windows. This condition could result in the window failing to jettison, preventing the occupants from exiting the helicopter during an emergency.

(c) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by January 2, 2018.

(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 75 hours time-in-service, replace the seal and filler wedges of each cabin and cockpit door emergency exit window, except bubble windows installed in accordance with bubble window kit part number 8G5620F00111.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-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

(1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-118, dated October 20, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at http://www.leonardocompany.com/​-/​bulletins. 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.

(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0216, dated October 28, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in AD Docket No. FAA-2017-0111.Start Printed Page 50849

(h) Subject

Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5600, Window/Windshield System.

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