Comments Invited \n\n\n\tThis AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, 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 them 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 rulemaking duringthe comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments. \n\nDiscussion \n\n\n\tEASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015-0097, dated June 1, 2015, to correct an unsafe condition for Agusta Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. EASA advises that during a scheduled 100-flight-hour inspection on a Model A109A II helicopter, unusual play was detected on a part number (P/N) 109-0130-11-7 slider. Further investigation revealed excessive wear of the slider broaching at the point of contact with the tail rotor shaft. However, the cause of the excessive play and wear has not been determined. \n\tThis condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to reduced control of the helicopter, EASA advises. EASA consequently requires repetitive inspections of slider P/N 109-0130-11-7 more frequently than those performed at the 100-flight-hour inspection and corrective actions depending on the findings. EASA advises that its AD is an interim measure and further AD action may follow. \n\n((Page 76382)) \n\nFAA's Determination \n\n\n\tThese 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 the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. \n\nRelated Service Information \n\n\n\tWe reviewed AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-149, dated May 29, 2015, for Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. The bulletin states that during a 100-flight-hour inspection of a Model A109A II helicopter, ''anomalous'' play was found on a P/N 109-0130-11-7 slider. After the slider was removed and inspected, extended, unusual wear of the broaching in the point of contact with the tail rotor shaft was found. Agusta states that the investigation is ongoing, but as a precautionary measure it is reducing the slider inspection intervals from 100 flight hours to 25 flight hours. \n\nAD Requirements \n\n\n\tThis AD requires, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, inspecting the slider for play. If there is any play that exceeds 2.3 millimeters (0.09 inch), this AD requires replacing the slider with an airworthy slider before further flight. \n\nInterim Action \n\n\n\tWe consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval holder has not determined the cause of the unsafe condition identified in this AD. If a cause is determined and actions developed to address the cause, we might consider additional rulemaking. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tWe estimate that this AD will affect 36 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costsaverage $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, we expect the following costs: \n\tInspecting the slider for play requires 1 work-hour for a labor cost of $85 per helicopter and $3060 for the U.S. fleet. \n\tReplacing the slider requires 10 work-hours and $4068 in parts for a total cost of $4918 per helicopter. \n\tAccording to Agusta's service information, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Agusta. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. \n\nFAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date \n\n\n\tProviding an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the unsafe condition can adversely affect control of the helicopter and the required corrective actions must be accomplished within 25 hours TIS. These helicopters have a variety of uses, including search-and-rescue and medical flights, and are expected to accumulate 25 hours TIS within a few weeks. \n\tSince an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and contrary to the public interest and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tWe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tWe 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD: \n\t1. Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; \n\t2. Is not a ''significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); \n\t3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and \n\t4. 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. \n\tWe prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.