[Federal Register: June 4, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 108)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 31519-31520]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04jn04-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-SW-32-AD; Amendment 39-13652; AD 2004-11-06]
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
the specified Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) model helicopters that requires
disabling certain windshield wipers and thereafter modifying the
electrical system of the windshield wipers by installing a new resistor
and condenser, eliminating incompatibility problems with the relays,
and replacing the timed relay for certain windshield wiper kits. This
amendment is prompted by testing that revealed overheating of the
electrical resistor on the electrical system of the windshield wipers
due to a system overload because of a partial incompatibility of new
timed relays with the configuration of the windshield wiper electrical
system. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the
incompatibility of certain relays with the windshield wiper electrical
system, overheating of the resistor due to system overload, and an
electrical fire.
DATES: Effective July 9, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 9, 2004.
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 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carroll Wright, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group,
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5120, fax (817) 222-
5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to
include an AD for the specified model helicopters was published in the
Federal Register on January 8, 2004 (69 FR 1274). That action proposed
to require disabling certain windshield wipers and thereafter modifying
the electrical system of the windshield wipers by installing a new
resistor and condenser, eliminating incompatibility problems with the
relays, and replacing the timed relay for certain windshield wiper
kits.
Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (ENAC), the airworthiness
authority for Italy, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may
exist on Agusta Model 109E helicopters. ENAC advises modifying the
electrical installation of some windshield wiper kits as stated in the
manufacturer's service information.
Agusta has issued Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-27, Revision
A, dated February 7, 2003 (ABT), which specifies modifying the
electrical installation of windshield wiper kit, part number (P/N) 109-
0741-65, by installing kit, P/N 109-0823-13, to replace the existing
resistor and condenser to eliminate functional malfunction when timed
relays, P/N TDH-8070-1001P or T412-2006, are installed. During a ground
functional test, overheating of the electrical resistor was found in
the windshield wiper electrical system due to a system overload. An
investigation revealed that the source of the overheating was a
functional malfunction caused by a partial incompatibility of new timed
relays with the actual configuration of the windshield wiper electrical
system. ENAC classified the ABT as mandatory and issued AD No. 2003-
032, dated February 10, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of
these helicopters in Italy.
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. With the
exception of changing the ABT No. from 109SP-27 as shown in the
``Discussion'' section of the notice to the correct No.
[[Page 31520]]
109EP-27 in the ``Supplementary'' section of the final rule, the FAA
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the
adoption of the rule as proposed.
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 18 helicopters of U.S.
registry. It will take approximately 3 work hours to disable the
windshield wipers and modify the electrical system of the windshield
wipers and 4 work hours per helicopter if the timed relays must be
replaced by modifying the electrical system of the windshield wipers.
The average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost
approximately $367 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate
the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is $14,796, assuming
the relays are replaced on the entire fleet. However, the manufacturer
states in its ABT that it will reimburse owners for 3 or 4 work hours
at a fixed rate of $40 per work hour and will provide the parts for
free. Assuming a warranty credit of 4 work hours ($2,880) and free
parts ($6,606), the estimated total cost impact of this AD is $5,310.
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
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:
2004-11-06 Agusta S.p.A: Amendment 39-13652. Docket No. 2003-SW-32-
AD.
Applicability: Model A109E helicopters, certificated in any
category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent the incompatibility of certain relays with the
windshield wiper electrical system, overheating of the resistor due
to system overload, and an electrical fire, accomplish the
following:
(a) For helicopters, serial number (S/N) 11502 through 11504,
and 11122 through 11130, except 11123, 11127, and 11129:
(1) Within 5 hours time-in-service, do the following:
(i) Disable the windshield wipers by following the Compliance
Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 2.1 through 2.5, of Agusta Alert
Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-27, Revision A, dated February 7, 2003
(ABT).
(ii) Install a placard stating that the windshield wipers are
inoperative by following the Compliance Instructions, Part I,
paragraph 2.6, of the ABT.
(2) Within 6 months, modify the electrical system of the
windshield wipers using the Compliance Instructions, Part II,
paragraphs 1. through 15., of the ABT, and remove the placard that
was installed as required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(b) For helicopters, S/Ns 11151, 11501, and 11001 through 11133,
except 11122, 11124 through 11128, and 11130, with timed relay, part
number (P/N) T412-DJ1001-C installed, on or before June 6, 2005, or
when you replace a timed relay, P/N T412-DJ1001-C, with either
relay, P/N TDH-8070-1001P or P/N T412-2006, whichever occurs first:
(1) If windshield wiper kit, P/N 109-0811-44-105 or -106 is
installed, modify the windshield wiper electrical system and replace
the timed relay, P/N T412-DJ1001-C, with a timed relay, P/N TDH-
8070-1001P or P/N T412-2006, by following the Compliance
Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 1. through 1.16, of the ABT.
(2) If windshield wiper kit, P/N 109-0811-44-101 or -102 is
installed, modify the windshield wiper electrical system and replace
the timed relay, P/N T412-DJ1001-C, with a timed relay, P/N TDH-
8070-1001P or P/N T412-2006, by following the Compliance
Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 2. through 2.19, of the ABT.
(c) 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 Safety Management Group, FAA, for information about
previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(d) Modifying the windshield wiper electrical system shall be
done following the Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-27,
Revision A, dated February 7, 2003. The Director of the Federal
Register approved this incorporation by reference 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 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on July 9, 2004.
Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in Ente Nazionale per
l'Aviazione Civile (Italy), AD No. 2003-032, dated February 10,
2003.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 21, 2004.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-12440 Filed 6-3-04; 8:45 am]
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