Proposed Rule2021-12515
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
June 16, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with certain main rotor blades MRB installed. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight loss of a main rotor blade (MRB) tip cap. This proposed AD would require inspecting the MRB tip cap for disbonding. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 114 (Wednesday, June 16, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 16, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31992-31994]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12515]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0463; Project Identifier 2018-SW-050-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with
certain main rotor blades MRB installed. This proposed AD was prompted
by a report of an in-flight loss of a main rotor blade (MRB) tip cap.
This proposed AD would require inspecting the MRB tip cap for
disbonding. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 2,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<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: Deliver to Mail address between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Leonardo
S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale
G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-
225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at <a href="https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/">https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/</a>. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817)
222-5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0463 or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the European
Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bang Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-4973; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6301020d044d0d04161a060d230502024d040c15"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e785868980c98980929e8289a7818686c9808891">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0463; Project Identifier
2018-SW-050-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
[[Page 31993]]
should be sent to Bang Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Certification
Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
4973; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d4b6b5bab3fabab3a1adb1ba94b2b5b5fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f290939c95dc9c95878b979cb2949393dc959d84">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
On January 22, 2018, the FAA issued AD 2018-03-01, Amendment 39-
19174 (83 FR 4136, January 30, 2018) (AD 2018-03-01) for Agusta S.p.A.
(now Leonardo) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with MRB part number
(P/N) 3G6210A00131 with a serial number (S/N) 3615, 3634, 3667, or 3729
installed. AD 2018-03-01 requires inspecting the MRB tip cap for
disbonding and was prompted by EASA AD 2017-0175-E, dated September 13,
2017 (EASA AD 2017-0175-E), issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA advised of an
in-flight loss of an MRB tip cap on an AW139 helicopter where the pilot
was able to safely land the helicopter. EASA further advised that an
investigation determined the cause as incorrect bonding procedures used
during production on MRB P/N 3G6210A00131, S/N 3615, 3634, 3667, and
3729. According to EASA, this condition could result in loss of an MRB
tip cap, increased pilot workload, and reduced control of the
helicopter. To address this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2017-0175-E
requires a one-time inspection of the affected MRB tip caps within 5
hours and replacing the affected MRBs within 10 hours if not replaced
as a result of the inspection. EASA AD 2017-0175-E also prohibits
installing the affected MRBs on a helicopter. AD 2018-03-01 requires
the same corrective actions.
Actions Since AD 2018-03-01 Was Issued
After the FAA issued AD 2018-03-01, EASA issued EASA AD 2018-0130,
dated June 18, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0130), to correct the same unsafe
condition for Leonardo AB139 and AW139 helicopters with additional
serial-numbered MRBs installed. EASA advises that further
investigations after EASA AD 2017-0175-E was issued determined that
another batch of P/N 3G6210A00131 MRBs may have been subject to the
incorrect bonding procedure, but to a less critical extent. EASA AD
2018-0130, which neither revises nor supersedes EASA AD 2017-0175-E,
applies to the following serial-numbered MRBs with less than 1,200
flight hours: 2709, 3558, 3624, 3707, 3790, 3486, 3561, 3625, 3717,
3795, 3488, 3569, 3626, 3720, 3798, 3495, 3570, 3627, 3725, 3803, 3500,
3574, 3628, 3726, 3807, 3501, 3575, 3633, 3734, 3812, 3502, 3582, 3636,
3735, 3822, 3503, 3583, 3638, 3738, 3824, 3508, 3586, 3642, 3739, 3825,
3510, 3590, 3648, 3741, 3827, 3513, 3592, 3649, 3743, 3831, 3520, 3595,
3650, 3744, 3832, 3527, 3597, 3651, 3745, 3838, 3528, 3599, 3657, 3753,
3841, 3529, 3602, 3665, 3754, 3842, 3531, 3603, 3672, 3761, 3847, 3536,
3605, 3682, 3766, 3850, 3539, 3609, 3684, 3770, 3851, 3544, 3612, 3686,
3771, 3852, 3549, 3613, 3690, 3777, 3853, 3551, 3616, 3691, 3783, 3854,
3556, 3620, 3695, 3788, 3855, 3557, 3622, 3696, and 3789.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2018-0130 requires within 50 flight hours (FH)
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 FH, tap inspecting the MRB
for disbonding. If there is disbonding within permitted limits, EASA AD
2018-0130 requires tap inspecting the disbonded area within 10 FH and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 FH. If disbonding that exceeds
the permitted limits is found during any inspection, EASA AD 2018-0130
requires replacing the part. EASA AD 2018-0130 also prohibits
installing the affected part unless it is a serviceable part and
includes a terminating action for the repetitive inspections, which is
accumulation of 1,200 FH by an affected part without findings of
disbonded area, or findings of disbonded area within the limits
specified in Annex A of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
139-520, dated April 26, 2018 (ASB 139-520).
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of the same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed ASB 139-520. This service information specifies
procedures for repetitively inspecting the tip cap on a certain batch
of MRBs for disbonding using a tap test and replacing the MRB if
disbonding is not within permitted limits.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require, for helicopters with affected MRBs
with less than 1,200 total hours time-in-service (TIS) installed,
within 50 hours TIS, tap inspecting each MRB tip cap for disbonding
using a tap hammer or equivalent. If there is no disbonding, tap
inspecting the MRB tip cap at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS
would be required. If there is any disbonding that does not exceed the
specified limits in ASB 139-520, tap inspecting the MRB would be
required at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS. If there is any
disbonding that exceeds the specified limits in ASB 139-520, removing
the MRB from service would be required before further flight. The
accumulation of 1,200 total hours TIS on the affected part without
findings of any disbonded area or with findings of any disbonded area
that is within the permitted limits in Annex A of ASB 139-520 would
constitute terminating action for the proposed repetitive inspections.
This proposed AD would also prohibit installing any MRB that is
identified in the applicability section on any helicopter.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2018-0130 allows replacing an affected part with a
serviceable part, which is marked with the letter ``R'' (repaired tip
cap) as the last digit of the serial number, as a terminating action
for the repetitive inspections specified in that AD, whereas this
proposed AD would not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 114 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Tap inspecting an MRB tip cap would require 1 work-hour, for a cost
per helicopter of $85 per inspection cycle for a total U.S. fleet cost
of $9,690. Replacing 1 MRB, if required, would take 4 work-hours, and
required parts would cost $141,725, for a total cost of $142,065 per
MRB.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to
[[Page 31994]]
the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
operators.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 airworthiness
directive:
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2021-0463; Project Identifier 2018-
SW-050-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by August 2, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor blade
(MRB) that has less than 1,200 total hours time-in-service (TIS) and
has part number 3G6210A00131 with any serial number listed in Table
1 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 139-520, dated
April 26, 2018 (ASB 139-520), installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor
Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of disbonding of an MRB tip
cap, which if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of
the MRB tip cap, severe vibrations, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
using a tap hammer or equivalent, tap inspect each MRB tip cap for
disbonding in the area depicted in Figure 1 of ASB 139-520.
(i) If there is no disbonding, tap inspect each MRB tip cap as
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD at intervals not to exceed
50 hours TIS.
(ii) If there is any disbonding that does not exceed the limits
specified in Annex A, paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 of ASB 139-520, tap
inspect the MRB tip cap as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD
at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS.
(iii) If there is any disbonding that exceeds the limits
specified in Annex A, paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 of ASB 139-520, remove
the MRB from service before further flight.
(2) Accumulation of 1,200 total hours TIS on the affected part
without findings of any disbonded area or with findings of any
disbonded area that is within the permitted limits specified in
Annex A, paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 of ASB 139-520, constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(3) As of effective date of this AD, do not install any MRB that
is identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f06127e696c127e766d12080c0f127e72707c7f595e5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a79e8ae6f1f48ae6eef58a9094978ae6eae8e4e7c1c6c689c0c8d1">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Bang Nguyen,
Aerospace Engineer, Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4973; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#284a49464f06464f5d514d46684e4949064f475e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0d6f6c636a23636a787468634d6b6c6c236a627b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness,
Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone
+39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at <a href="https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/">https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/</a>. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort
Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2018-0130, dated June 18, 2018. You may view the EASA AD at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> in Docket No. FAA-2021-0463.
Issued on June 9, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-12515 Filed 6-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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