Proposed Rule2021-15722
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 26, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of several occurrences of a cracked main gearbox (MGB) spherical bearing lock nut (lock nut). This proposed AD would require removing from service a certain part-numbered MGB lock nut that is installed on certain part- numbered MGBs and replacing it with newly designed MGB lock nut. This proposed AD would also would prohibit installing any MGB with the affected MGB lock nut and would prohibit installing any affected MGB lock nut on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 140 (Monday, July 26, 2021)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 140 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39984-39986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15722]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0579; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00267-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of several
occurrences of a cracked main gearbox (MGB) spherical bearing lock nut
(lock nut). This proposed AD would require removing from service a
certain part-numbered MGB lock nut that is installed on certain part-
numbered MGBs and replacing it with newly designed MGB lock nut. This
proposed AD would also would prohibit installing any MGB with the
affected MGB lock nut and would prohibit installing any affected MGB
lock nut on any helicopter. 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
9, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
<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 20590-0001.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to the 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-2021-0579; 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
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: Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer,
Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy &
Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222-5110; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4133202e6f242534313426202f3528012720206f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="addfccc283c8c9d8ddd8caccc3d9c4edcbcccc83cac2db">[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-2021-0579; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-00267-R'' 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="http://www.regulations.gov">http://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
[[Page 39985]]
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 Rao
Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical
Innovation Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#86f4e7e9a8e3e2f3f6f3e1e7e8f2efc6e0e7e7a8e1e9f0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="186a7977367d7c6d686d7f79766c71587e7979367f776e">[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
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, issued EASA AD 2019-0036, dated February 15, 2019 (EASA
AD 2019-0036), to correct an unsafe condition for all serial-numbered
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A,
AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.; and AgustaWestland Philadelphia
Corporation, formerly Agusta Aerospace Corporation) Model AB139 and
AW139 helicopters. EASA advises that an occurrence was reported of a
cracked MGB lock nut part number (P/N) 3G6310A09151, which is used to
keep the planetary gears in position. EASA AD 2019-0036 required
replacing each MGB lock nut with an airworthy MGB lock nut. EASA
advised this condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
failure of the MGB planetary gears, resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter.
After EASA issued EASA AD 2019-0036, an additional occurrence was
reported of a cracked MGB lock nut P/N 3G6320A09151. Accordingly, EASA
superseded EASA AD 2019-0036 with EASA AD 2019-0174, dated July 18,
2019 (EASA AD 2019-0174), which retained the requirements of EASA AD
2019-0036 but reduced the compliance times. After EASA issued EASA AD
2019-0174, Leonardo Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
139-609, dated December 18, 2019 to provide instructions for replacing
the affected MGB lock nut with MGB lock nut P/N 3G6320A09152, which has
a redesigned flange reducing the stress at the bearing nut locations
where cracks were detected.
Accordingly, EASA then issued EASA AD 2020-0011, dated January 29,
2020, and corrected January 30, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0011), which
superseded EASA AD 2019-0174, and partially retained the requirements
of EASA AD 2019-0174. EASA AD 2020-0011 revised the compliance times in
EASA AD 2019-0174; required replacing each affected MGB lock nut with a
newly designed MGB lock nut and prohibited installing an affected MGB
on any helicopter. After EASA issued EASA AD 2020-0011, EASA identified
that certain MGB part numbers were inadvertently categorized
incorrectly and therefore listed in the wrong group of helicopters.
Accordingly, EASA issued EASA AD 2020-0011R1, dated November 20, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-011R1), revising EASA AD 2020-0011. EASA AD 2020-0011R1
retains the requirements of EASA AD 2020-0011 and corrects Appendix 1
of EASA AD 2020-0011.
After EASA issued EASA AD 2020-0011R1, Leonardo Helicopters issued
ASB No. 139-609, Revision A, dated April 13, 2021 (ASB 139-609 Rev A),
which identifies an additional part-numbered MGB, which is also
affected by the unsafe condition. Accordingly, EASA superseded EASA AD
2020-0011R1 with EASA AD 2021-0121, dated May 4, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-
0121). EASA AD 2021-0121 adds an additional part-numbered MGB with a
certain S/N to the list of affected parts. EASA AD 2021-0121 retains
the requirements of EASA AD 2020-0011R1, and corrects Table 1 and
Appendix 1 of EASA AD 2020-0011R1.
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 an
unsafe condition 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 139-609 Rev A, which specifies procedures for
replacing an affected MGB lock nut with the new MGB lock nut, within
certain compliance times for certain part-numbered MGBs, with certain
serial numbers.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 139-567,
Revision B, dated October 18, 2019, which provides additional
information for replacing the MGB lock nut.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require within 100 hours time in service
(TIS) or during the next scheduled MGB overhaul, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD, removing a certain part-numbered
MGB lock nut from service and replacing it with a new part-numbered MGB
lock nut. This proposed AD would prohibit installing an MGB having an
affected MGB lock nut and also prohibit installing an affected MGB lock
nut on any helicopter as of the effective date of the proposed AD.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2021-0121 requires a compliance time based on number of
landings, whereas this proposed AD would require a compliance time
based on hours TIS. The service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0121 requires submitting certain information and parts to Leonardo,
whereas this proposed AD would not. EASA AD 2021-0121 applies to all
serial-numbered Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, whereas this
proposed AD would only apply to Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters
without certain part-numbered MGB lock nuts installed and with certain
part-numbered MGBs installed.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 130 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.
Replacing each affected MGB lock nut with a newly designed MGB lock
nut would take about 190 work-hours (during next MGB overhaul) and
parts would cost about $7,600 for an estimated cost of $23,750 per
replacement.
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
[[Page 39986]]
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-2021-0579; Project Identifier MCAI-
2020-00267-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 9, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category, without main gearbox
(MGB) spherical bearing lock nut (lock nut) part number (P/N)
3G6320A09152 installed and with:
(1) MGB P/N 3G6320A00131, 3G6320A00132, 3G6320A00133,
3G6320A00134, 3G6320A00135, 3G6320A00136, 3G6320A22031,
4G6320A00132, or 4G6320A00133 installed, or
(2) MGB P/N 3G320A00133 with serial number (S/N) M23, or MGB P/N
3G6320A00134, with S/N M6, N76, N92, P124, P129, P131, P162, P184,
Q230, Q243, Q249, R272, V21, V39, V96, V163, V211, V241, V272, V281,
V384, V386, or V622 installed, or
(3) MGB P/N 3G6320A00136 with S/N AW1, AW2, AW3, AW5, or AW10
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main Rotor
Gearbox.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a cracked MGB lock nut. The FAA is
issuing this AD to replace an affected MGB lock nut with a new MGB
lock nut. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of the MGB planetary gears, resulting in 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 100 hours time-in-service, or during the next
scheduled MGB overhaul, whichever occurs first after the effective
date of this AD, remove each MGB lock nut P/N 3G6320A09151 from
service and replace with MGB lock nut P/N 3G6320A09152 in accordance
with Annex A, steps 1 through 17, of Leonardo Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin No. 139-609, Revision A, dated April 13, 2021 (ASB
139-609, Rev A), except you are not required to send parts to
Leonardo Helicopters.
Note to paragraph (g)(1): Leonardo Helicopters service
information refers to an MGB lock nut as a ring nut.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any MGB
having MGB lock nut P/N 3G630A09151 on any helicopter, and do not
install any MGB lock nut P/N 3G630A09151 on any helicopter.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(i) 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 (j)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#172e3a5641443a565e453a2024273a565a58545771767639707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f3cadeb2a5a0deb2baa1dec4c0c3deb2bebcb0b3959292dd949c85">[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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Rao Edupuganti,
Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation
Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0e7c6f61206b6a7b7e7b696f607a674e686f6f20696178"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85f7e4eaabe0e1f0f5f0e2e4ebf1ecc5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[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 Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0121, dated May 4, 2021. You
may view the EASA AD on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>
in Docket No. FAA-2021-0579.
Issued on July 20, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15722 Filed 7-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on July 26, 2021.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.