Proposed Rule2021-15021
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 15, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect connection of the inflation hoses to the tee manifolds of the inflation line on the emergency flotation system (EFS) assembly. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting the yellow sleeves and hoses installed on each EFS assembly and depending on the inspection results, accomplishing the corrective actions in the applicable service information as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37258-37260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15021]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0565; Project Identifier 2018-SW-111-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 certain Leonardo S.p.a Model AW189 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of an incorrect connection of the inflation
hoses to the tee manifolds of the inflation line on the emergency
flotation system (EFS) assembly. This proposed AD would require
visually inspecting the yellow sleeves and hoses installed on each EFS
assembly and depending on the inspection results, accomplishing the
corrective actions in the applicable service information as specified
in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by
reference (IBR). 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 30,
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 above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dd9c99ae9db8bcaebcf3b8a8afb2adbcf3b8a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d59491a695b0b4a6b4fbb0a0a7baa5b4fbb0a0">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this material on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
You may view this material 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. It is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0565.
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-2021-0565 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 EASA AD,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7135100303141f5f361002021405051e311710105f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f1b3e2d2d3a3171183e2c2c3a2b2b301f393e3e71383029">[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-2021-0565; Project Identifier
2018-SW-111-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 should be sent to
Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7323; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5317322121363d7d143220203627273c133532327d343c25"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bbffdac9c9ded595fcdac8c8decfcfd4fbdddada95dcd4cd">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0279, dated December 14, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0279), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a.
(formerly Finmeccanica Helicopter Division, AgustaWestland) Model AW189
helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a discrepancy found
during a maintenance inspection related to the connection of the
inflation hoses to the helicopter tee manifolds. EASA states the yellow
sleeve on the right-hand (RH) aft EFS assembly was installed on the
straight-to-straight hose instead of the straight-to-45 degree hose,
which caused the two hoses to be incorrectly connected to the tee
manifolds at the inflation line. The FAA is proposing this AD to
prevent partial inflation of the flotation bags which could prevent a
timely egress from the helicopter and consequent injury to helicopter
occupants. See EASA AD 2018-0279 for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018-0279 requires a visual inspection of each affected EFS
assembly for correct installation of the yellow sleeves and proper
connection of the inflation hoses to the float assembly and the bottle
assembly. Depending on these inspection results, if an incorrect
installation of the yellow sleeve or an incorrect connection of the
inflation hoses is detected, EASA AD 2018-0279 requires, before next
flight, removing incorrectly installed yellow sleeves, and incorrectly
installed hoses, restoring markings on re-installed yellow sleeves, and
re-connecting or re-installing hoses
[[Page 37259]]
in accordance with the applicable service information. EASA AD 2018-
0279 also prohibits installing any affected EFS assembly on any
helicopter.
This material 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.
FAA's Determination
These products 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 design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2018-0279, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the EASA AD.''
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use certain civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2018-0279 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2018-0279 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2018-0279 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2018-
0279. Service information specified in EASA AD 2018-0279 that is
required for compliance with it will be available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0565 after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2018-0279 applies to Model AW189 helicopters, all serial
numbers (S/Ns), whereas this proposed AD would only apply to Model
AW189 helicopters with EFS assemblies having certain part-numbered aft
assemblies with certain S/Ns installed.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 4 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.
Visually inspecting each EFS assembly would take about 0.75 work-
hours for an estimated cost of $64 per inspection and $260 for the U.S.
fleet.
Performing the corrective actions on each EFS assembly would take
about 1.25 work-hours for an estimated cost of $113 per EFS assembly.
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 above, 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-2021-0565; Project Identifier 2018-
SW-111-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by August 30, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with an affected emergency flotation
system (EFS) assembly as defined in European Aviation Safety Agency
(now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0279,
dated December 14, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0279).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes: 3212, Emergency
Flotation Section; 2560, Emergency Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect
connection of the inflation hoses to the tee manifolds of the
inflation line on the EFS assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to
detect incorrect installation of the inflation hoses on the EFS
assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
partial inflation of
[[Page 37260]]
the flotation bags in a ditching event, preventing a timely egress
from the helicopter and consequent injury to the helicopter
occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2018-0279.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0279
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 requires compliance from its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(3) Where the service information required by EASA AD 2018-0279
specifies recording compliance with the service bulletin in the
helicopter logbook, this AD does not include that requirement.
(4) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 identifies all Model AW189
helicopters, all serial numbers in the applicability, this AD is
only applicable to Model AW189 with an affected EFS assembly as
defined in the definitions paragraph of the EASA AD.
(5) This AD does not require the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2018-0279.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0279
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) 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 (k)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#94adb9d5c2c7b9d5ddc6b9a3a7a4b9d5d9dbd7d4f2f5f5baf3fbe2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ffc6d2bea9acd2beb6add2c8cccfd2beb2b0bcbf999e9ed1989089">[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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2018-0279, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#69282d1a290c081a08470c1c1b061908470c1c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84c5c0f7c4e1e5f7e5aae1f1f6ebf4e5aae1f1">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may
view this material 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. This material may be found in the AD
docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0565.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7323; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1256736060777c3c557361617766667d527473733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e2a0f1c1c0b0040290f1d1d0b1a1a012e080f0f40090118">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) 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://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home">https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home</a>. You may view this material 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.
Issued on July 9, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15021 Filed 7-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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