[Federal Register: May 24, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 99)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 28751-28752]
[DOCID:fr24my10-1]

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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0487; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-032-AD;
Amendment 39-16295; AD 2010-10-16]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron (Bell) Model
205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412EP, and 412CF and Agusta S.p.A.
(Agusta) Model AB412, AB412EP Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
the Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI) Low Skid Landing Gear Forward
Crosstube (Crosstube) on certain Bell and Agusta model helicopters.
This action requires replacing certain AAI serial-numbered crosstubes
installed on these model helicopters. This amendment is prompted by the
discovery of a defect in the raw material used in manufacturing certain
crosstubes. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent
failure of a crosstube and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.

DATES: Effective June 8, 2010.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before July 23, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     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.
     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
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, Tennessee
37625-3689, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER> or 1-800-251-7094, fax (423) 538-
8469.
    Examining the Docket: You may examine the docket that contains the
AD, any comments, and other information 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 Docket Operations office (telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>) is
located in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building at the
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Martin R.
Crane, ASW-170, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Rotorcraft Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>, fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment adopts a new AD for the Bell
Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412EP, and 412CF and Agusta Model
AB412, AB412EP helicopters. This action requires replacing certain AAI
serial-numbered crosstubes installed on these model helicopters. This
amendment is prompted by AAI's discovery of a defect in a batch of raw
material used in the manufacture of these crosstubes. Preliminary tests
indicate that surface cracking on the inner wall of the tubing was
introduced during the manufacturing process. There have been no
failures reported in the field. The defect was discovered during the
forming operation at AAI. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in failure of a crosstube and subsequent collapse of the landing
gear.
    We have reviewed AAI Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-10012, dated
March 5, 2010 (ASB), which describes a possible defect in the material
used to manufacture the crosstube, part number (P/N) 212-320-103, which
is also included as part of AAI Low Skid Gear Assembly Kits, P/N 412-
320-500 and 412-320-502. The ASB specifies locating the serial number
(S/N) of each crosstube, and replacing, within 25 hours time-in-service
(TIS), each crosstube within the S/N range of AA-574 through AA-628, by
following the replacement procedures contained in the Instructions for
Continued Airworthiness AA-01136.
    This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of these same type designs with an affected crosstube.
Therefore, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of a crosstube
and subsequent collapse of the landing gear. This AD requires, within
25 hours TIS, replacing any affected crosstube with an airworthy
crosstube.
    The short compliance time involved is required because the
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the
structural integrity of the helicopter. Therefore, replacing any
affected crosstube with an airworthy crosstube is required within 25
hours TIS, and this AD must be issued immediately.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
    We estimate that this AD will affect 19 helicopters, and replacing
each affected crosstube will take about 5 work hours at an average
labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts will cost about $4,925
per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost
impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $101,650.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0487; Directorate
Identifier 2010-SW-032-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the

overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend the AD in light 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
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our
docket Web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment. You
may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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 11032, 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD. See the AD docket to examine the economic evaluation.

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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

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

2010-10-16 Bell Helicopter Textron and Agusta S.P.A.: Amendment 39-
16295. Docket No. FAA-2010-0487; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-032-
AD.

    Applicability: Bell Helicopter Textron Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B,
212, 412, 412EP, and 412CF and Agusta S.p.A. Model AB412, AB412EP
helicopters, certificated in any category, with Aeronautical
Accessories, Inc. (AAI) Low Skid Landing Gear Forward Crosstube
(Crosstube), part number (P/N) 212-320-103, with a serial number (S/
N) prefix of ``AA'' and an S/N of 574 through 628, installed.

    Note 1: Crosstube, P/N 212-320-103, is also included as part of
AAI Low Skid Gear Assembly Kits, P/N 412-320-500 and 412-320-502.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless done previously.
    To prevent failure of a crosstube and subsequent collapse of the
landing gear, do the following:
    (a) Within 25 hours time-in-service, replace any affected
crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.

    Note 2:  AAI Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-10012, dated March 5,
2010, references the AAI Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
AA-01136, which contains guidance on replacing the crosstubes.

    (b) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Contact the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office: ATTN: DOT/FAA
Southwest Region, Martin R. Crane, ASW-170, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-
5170, fax<PHONE_NUMBER>, for information about previously approved
alternative methods of compliance.
    (c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 3250:
Landing Gear System.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on June 8, 2010.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 3, 2010.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate.
[FR Doc. 2010-11424 Filed 5-21-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


Comment Info: =================

General Comment:FAA-2011-0719; Dir ID 2010-NM-087-AD

Service document


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

WASHINGTON, D.C.

ESTABLISHMENT OF SLOT EXEMPTION PROCEEDING

PURSUANT TO 49 U.S.C. § 41718(b)

Docket OST-2000-7182

NOTICE

On August 9, 2004, pursuant to the provisions of the Wendell H. Ford
Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21), the
Department issued Order 2004-8-3, which awarded two slot exemptions at
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for service inside the
1,250-mile perimeter to Spirit Airlines to serve the Myrtle Beach-DCA
market.

By letter dated October 7, 2005, Spirit informed the Department that,
due to unsustainable losses in the market caused primarily by high fuel
prices, it planned to discontinue nonstop service between Myrtle Beach
and DCA on November 10, 2005.

Proceeding

Given this development, the Department will now consider applications
from air carriers using Stage 3 aircraft for the two slot exemptions
granted to Spirit.  Applicants must propose to provide service to DCA
from airports that were designated as small hub or nonhub airports in
19971 within the 1,250-mile perimeter established for civil operations
at DCA under 49 U.S.C. § 49109.  Applications should be filed in Docket
OST 2000-7182.2

Section 41718(b) of Title 49 U.S.C. establishes certain requirements for
award of these exemptions.  As concerns the small hub or nonhub category
for within-perimeter exemptions, it directs the Secretary to distribute
them in a manner that promotes air transportation: (1) to communities
without existing nonstop air transportation to DCA; (2) to small
communities; (3) that will provide competitive nonstop air
transportation on a monopoly nonstop route to DCA; or (4) that will
produce the maximum competitive benefits, including low fares.3

Completed applications must be submitted by March 17, 2006, and comments
with respect to any timely filed request for slot exemptions must be
filed by March 27.

As a final matter, we note that Spirit’s currently allocated slot
times for its nonstop DCA-Myrtle Beach service are in the 1000 and 1700
hour periods.  Section 41718(c)(2) does not allow us to assign more
than three slot exemptions per one hour period.  Almost all time periods
were fully subscribed by the Department’s Notice dated May 3, 2004,
and, thus, we may not be able to accommodate carrier requests for
alternative slot exemption times.

We shall serve a copy of this notice on all certificated air carriers,
the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, and the Federal Aviation
Administration’s Slot Administration office.

By:

 Michael W. Reynolds

 				       Acting Assistant Secretary for

Aviation and International Affairs

Dated:  February 24, 2006

(SEAL)

An electronic version of this document will be available on the World
Wide Web at:

  HYPERLINK "http://dms.dot.gov/"  http://dms.dot.gov/

1 Definitions of nonhub, small hub, and medium hub airports are provided
under 49 U.S.C. § 41714 (h)(7), (8), and (9).

2 Title 49, U.S.C. § 41718(c)(3), incorporating amendments made by P.L.
108-176 (the Vision 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act,
“Vision 100”), authorizes the Department to award a total of 20
within-perimeter slot exemptions.  Of these, at least six must be for
air transportation to small hub and nonhub airports. (See section
41718(c)(3)(a)).  Two of these six were awarded to Spirit in Order
2004-8-3. The only available category within which Spirit’s Myrtle
Beach exemptions may be re-awarded is that for small hub or nonhub
service.

3 Prior to the amendments made by Vision 100, section 41718(b) had also
included as a criterion for all awards the promotion of air
transportation by new entrant air carriers and limited incumbent air
carriers.  Vision 100 struck that as a criterion for only the small hub
and nonhub service category.  Therefore, the Department will evaluate
applications for these two available slot exemptions without regard to
the new entrant/limited incumbent status of the applicants.