Airworthiness Directives; PZL Swidnik S. A. Model W-3A Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 159 (Friday, August 15, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47822-47824]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-18805]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0844; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-23-AD; 
Amendment 39-15635; AD 2008-16-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PZL Swidnik S. A. Model W-3A 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the PZL 
Swidnik S. A. (PZL) Model W-3A helicopters. This AD results from 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI states: ``In 
PZL W-3A helicopter S/N 37.07.05, and previously also in the PZL W-3AS 
model helicopters, leakage was found in the pipe 37.59.006.00.00 
installed in the pressure line of hydraulic system 2, in the part 
between the hydraulic block and the ground hydraulic unit panel. The 
hydraulic system in the part between hydraulic blocks and the ground 
hydraulic unit panel is used only during periodical inspections, for 
the performance of which it is required to use the hydraulic power 
unit. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fire 
hazard.'' The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent this 
unsafe condition.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on September 2, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of ``PZL-[Sacute]widnik'' S.A. Mandatory Bulletin No. BO-37-
07-192, dated January 12, 2007, and ``PZL-[Sacute]widnik'' Technical 
Bulletin No. BT-37-07-196, dated April 24, 2007, as of September 2, 
2008.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 14, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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.
    You may get the service information identified in this AD from WSK 
``PZL-[Sacute]widnik'' S.A., Al. Lotnik[oacute]w Polskich 1, 21-045 
[Sacute]widnik, Poland, telephone (+48 81) 468 09 01, 751 20 71, or fax 
(+48 81) 468 09 19, 751 21 73, e-mail: [email protected].
    Examining the 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 AD, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is stated in the ADDRESSES section of this 
AD. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Uday Garadi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Emergency 
AD No. 2007-0072R1, dated July 6, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the PZL Model W-3A 
helicopters. The MCAI states: ``In PZL W-3A helicopter S/N 37.07.05, 
and previously also in the PZL W-3AS model helicopters, leakage was 
found in the

[[Page 47823]]

pipe 37.59.006.00.00 installed in the pressure line of hydraulic system 
2, in the part between the hydraulic block and the ground hydraulic 
unit panel. The hydraulic system in the part between hydraulic blocks 
and the ground hydraulic unit panel is used only during periodical 
inspections, for the performance of which it is required to use the 
hydraulic power unit. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
a fire hazard.'' You may obtain further information by examining the 
MCAI and any related service information in the AD docket.

Related Service Information

    PZL has issued Mandatory Bulletin No. BO-37-07-192, dated January 
12, 2007, and Technical Bulletin No. BT-37-07-196, dated April 24, 
2007. The actions described in the MCAI are intended to correct the 
same unsafe condition as that identified in the service information.

FAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination

    This helicopter model has been approved by the aviation authority 
of Poland, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Poland, they have notified us of the 
unsafe condition described in the MCAI. We are issuing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type 
design.
    There are no products of this type currently registered in the 
United States. However, this rule is necessary to ensure that the 
described unsafe condition is addressed if any of these products are 
placed on the U.S. Registry in the future.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. This AD differs from the MCAI in 
that it:
    <bullet> Only applies to Model W-3A helicopters because the Model 
W-3AS helicopters do not have a U.S. type certificate; and
    <bullet> Does not allow compliance to be completed in accordance 
with ``later approved revisions'' of the service information.
    These differences are highlighted in the ``Differences Between this 
AD and the MCAI'' section in the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are no costs of compliance since there are no helicopters of 
this type design on the U.S. Registry.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since there are currently no affected U.S. registered helicopters, 
we have determined that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
before issuing this AD are unnecessary and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send us any written data, views, or 
arguments concerning this AD. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section of this AD. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-
0844; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-23-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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, I certify this AD:
    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); 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-16-17 PZL [Sacute]widnik S. A.: Amendment 39-15635. Docket No. 
FAA-2008-0844; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-23-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on 
September 2, 2008.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model W-3A helicopters, all serial 
numbers, certificated in any category.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states: ``In PZL W-3A helicopter S/N 37.07.05, and previously also 
in the PZL W-3AS model helicopters, leakage was found in the pipe 
37.59.006.00.00 installed in the pressure line of hydraulic system 
2, in the part between the hydraulic block and the ground hydraulic 
unit panel. The hydraulic system in the part between hydraulic 
blocks and the ground hydraulic unit panel is used only during

[[Page 47824]]

periodical inspections, for the performance of which it is required 
to use the hydraulic power unit. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in a fire hazard.'' The actions specified in this AD 
are intended to prevent this unsafe condition.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, 
whichever occurs first, modify hydraulic systems 1 and 2 between the 
hydraulic blocks and the hydraulic ground unit panel by 
disconnecting the pipes, part number (P/N) 37.59.233.00.00 and P/N 
37.59.234.00.00, from the hydraulic blocks, plugging the blocks and 
disconnected pipes, and securing the pipes, as specified in section 
II, page 3, of PZL-[Sacute]widnik S. A. (PZL) Mandatory Bulletin No. 
BO-37-07-192, dated January 12, 2007.
    (f) When the use of the hydraulic ground unit panel is necessary 
for maintenance, for the duration of the maintenance activity, you 
may temporarily remove the security tape and clips, unplug the pipes 
and blocks, and reconnect the pipes that were disconnected in 
accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD.
    (g) At your discretion, modify both hydraulic systems by 
replacing pipes, P/N 37.59.233.00.00 and P/N 37.59.234.00.00, with 
pipes, P/N 37.59.333.00.00 and P/N 37.59.334.00.00, respectively, 
and install a check valve, P/N 37.59.336.00.00, in each hydraulic 
system in accordance with Section II, page 2, of PZL Technical 
Bulletin No. BT-37-07-196, dated April 24, 2007 (PZL TB).

    Note: The PZL TB inconsistently refers to various P/Ns as either 
``pipes'' or ``hoses.'' For consistency in the terminology in this 
AD, we refer to all these P/Ned ``hoses'' as ``pipes.''

    (h) Modifying both hydraulic systems by replacing the pipes and 
installing check valves as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD 
constitute terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    (i) This AD differs from the MCAI in that it:
    (1) Only applies to Model W-3A helicopters because the Model W-
3AS helicopters do not have a U.S. type certificate; and
    (2) Does not allow compliance to be completed in accordance with 
``later approved revisions'' of the service information.

Other Information

    (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Uday Garadi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Group, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5123, fax (817) 222-
5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (k) MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness 
Directive No. 2007-0072R1, dated July 6, 2007 contains related 
information.

Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code

    (l) ATA Code: 2910, Hydraulic System, Main.
    (m) You must use the specified portions of PZL-[Sacute]widnik S. 
A. Mandatory Bulletin No. BO-37-07-192, dated January 12, 2007, and 
PZL-[Sacute]widnik S. A. Technical Bulletin No. BT-37-07-196, dated 
April 24, 2007 to do the actions required.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact WSK 
``PZL-[Sacute]widnik'' S.A., Al. Lotnik[oacute]w Polskich 1, 21-045 
[Sacute]widnik, Poland, telephone (+48 81) 468 09 01, 751 20 71, or 
fax (+48 81) 468 09 19, 751 21 73, e-mail: [email protected].
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 7, 2008.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-18805 Filed 8-14-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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