Proposed Rule2021-15555
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
July 23, 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 AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-flight pilot collective stick oscillation. This proposed AD would require a one-time measurement of the friction of the pilot collective stick assembly to verify that it is within the allowable range and, depending on findings, making an adjustment to restore the acceptable level of friction, 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 139 (Friday, July 23, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 139 (Friday, July 23, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38950-38952]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15555]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0578; Project Identifier 2018-SW-084-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 AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by reports of in-flight pilot collective stick
oscillation. This proposed AD would require a one-time measurement of
the friction of the pilot collective stick assembly to verify that it
is within the allowable range and, depending on findings, making an
adjustment to restore the acceptable level of friction, 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 September
7, 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 EASA 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#09484d7a496c687a68276c7c7b667968276c7c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95d4d1e6d5f0f4e6f4bbf0e0e7fae5f4bbf0e0">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You
may find this IBR material on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may view the EASA 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 the
EASA material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. The EASA material is
also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0578.
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-2021-0578; 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#5f1b3e2d2d3a3171183e2c2c3a2b2b301f393e3e71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d490b5a6a6b1bafa93b5a7a7b1a0a0bb94b2b5b5fab3bba2">[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-2021-0578; Project Identifier
2018-SW-084-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#f8bc998a8a9d96d6bf998b8b9d8c8c97b89e9999d69f978e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="460227343423286801273535233232290620272768212930">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will
[[Page 38951]]
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 2018-0203, dated September 12, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0203), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo
S.p.A., formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A. and AgustaWestland S.p.A., Model
AW169 helicopters, all serial numbers equipped with pilot collective
stick assemblies having part number (P/N) 6F6711A07832 or P/N
6F6711A07831.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-flight pilot
collective stick oscillation. Based on the investigation results, it
was determined that this was likely due to an incorrect adjustment on
the collective stick fixed friction during helicopter assembly, or
during a maintenance action. Incorrect adjustment of the collective
friction of the flight control system could lead to a reduction in the
safety margins of controllability of an affected helicopter. To address
this issue, EASA issued AD 2017-0137, dated August 1, 2017, to require
a one-time measurement of the collective stick fixed friction value.
After that EASA AD was issued an additional event was reported
involving a helicopter that was not affected by EASA AD 2017-0137. EASA
AD 2018-0203 supersedes EASA AD 2017-0137. The FAA is proposing this AD
to address incorrect adjustment of the pilot collective stick fixed
friction. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced controllability of the helicopter, and subsequent damage to the
helicopter and injury to occupants. See EASA AD 2018-0203 for
additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018-0203 requires a one-time measurement of the friction
of the pilot collective stick assembly to verify that it is within the
allowable range specified in the service information (collective up and
collective down directions 9.00/18.00N (Newton) or 2.02/4.05 lbf (pound
force)) and, depending on the findings, accomplishment of the
corrective action. The corrective action is making an adjustment to the
pilot collective stick assembly to restore the acceptable level of
friction. EASA AD 2018-0203 also specifies that after installation of
an affected part, or following maintenance of an affected part that
involves removal from the helicopter and re-installation, before the
next flight after the part installation, the collective fixed friction
must be measured and, depending on the findings, the corrective action
must be accomplished.
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 and Requirements of This Proposed AD
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 design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2018-0203, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed 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,
EASA AD 2018-0203 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final
rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA
AD 2018-0203 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 2018-0203 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-
0203. Service information specified in EASA AD 2018-0203 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-
0578 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 6 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Functional check--friction measurement 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $1,020
hour = $170.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
adjustment that would be required based on the results of the proposed
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need this adjustment:
[[Page 38952]]
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Adjustment................................. 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170. $0 $170
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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-2021-0578; Project Identifier 2018-
SW-084-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 7, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with an affected part as identified in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0203, dated September 12, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-
0203) installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes: 6700, Rotorcraft
Flight Control; 6710, Main Rotor Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight pilot collective
stick oscillation. The FAA is issuing this AD address incorrect
adjustment of the pilot collective stick fixed friction. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability
of the helicopter, and subsequent damage to the helicopter and
injury to 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 2018-0203.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0203
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0203 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0203 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0203 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0203
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#754c5834232658343c27584246455834383a36351314145b121a03"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f66721e090c721e160d72686c6f721e12101c1f393e3e71383029">[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 2018-0203, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d69792a596b3b7a5b7f8b3a3a4b9a6b7f8b3a3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2d6c695e6d484c5e4c0348585f425d4c034858">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. 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-2021-0578.
(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#85c1e4f7f7e0ebabc2e4f6f6e0f1f1eac5e3e4e4abe2eaf3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5511342727303b7b123426263021213a153334347b323a23">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on July 16, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15555 Filed 7-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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