Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 3, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50306-50307]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-24623]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-SW-09-AD; Amendment 39-12450; AD 2001-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E helicopters that requires modifying 
the passenger compartment sliding doors by installing certain locking 
mechanism kits. This amendment is prompted by accidental opening of a 
passenger compartment sliding door (door) in flight due to a door 
locking mechanism that is too easy to accidentally open. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent accidental opening of a 
door in flight and subsequent loss of objects that could damage the 
rotor system.

DATES: Effective November 7, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 7, 2001.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via 
Giovanni Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-
222595. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort 
Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800

[[Page 50307]]

North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Monschke, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5116, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for Agusta Model A109E helicopters was published in the 
Federal Register on June 25, 2001 (66 FR 33651). That action proposed 
to require modifying the doors installed on Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E 
helicopters up to and including serial number 11099 by installing door-
locking mechanism kits, part number 109-0823-03-101 and -102, within 90 
days.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 11 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD and that it will take approximately 8 work hours 
per helicopter to modify the doors. The average labor rate is $60 per 
work hour. The manufacturer states in its alert service bulletin that 
it will reimburse 8 work hours at $40 per work hour and will supply the 
parts to modify the locking mechanism on the doors. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $1760.
    The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

2001-20-04  Agusta S.p.A.: Amendment 39-12450. Docket No. 2001 SW-09 
AD.

    Applicability: Model A109E helicopters, up to and including 
serial number 11099, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required within 90 days, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent accidental opening of a passenger compartment door 
(door) during flight, accomplish the following:
    (a) Modify each passenger compartment sliding door by installing 
locking mechanism kits, part number (P/N) 109-0823-03-101 and -102, 
in accordance with the Compliance Instructions of Agusta Bollettino 
Tecnico No. 109EP-16, dated December 21, 2000.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and 
then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Regulations Group.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with the 
Compliance Instructions of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-16, 
dated December 21, 2000. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from 
Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni 
Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-222595. 
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; 
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 7, 2001.
    The subject of this AD is addressed in Ente Nazionale per 
l'Aviazione Civile (Italy) AD 2001-019, dated January 5, 2001.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 24, 2001.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-24623 Filed 10-2-01; 8:45 am]
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