Rule2021-17605
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
August 18, 2021
Effective
September 22, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters with a certain part-numbered vertical fin vibration absorber installation installed. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the vertical fin vibration absorber installation and the surrounding structure and depending on the inspection results, removing certain parts from service. This AD also prohibits installing certain part-numbered vertical fin vibration absorber installations on any helicopter. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks and damage detected on the vertical fin absorber installation and surrounding structure during scheduled inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 157 (Wednesday, August 18, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46113-46115]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17605]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0364; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00274-R;
Amendment 39-21675; AD 2021-16-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters with a
certain part-numbered vertical fin vibration absorber installation
installed. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the vertical fin
vibration absorber installation and the surrounding structure and
depending on the inspection results, removing certain parts from
service. This AD also prohibits installing certain part-numbered
vertical fin vibration absorber installations on any helicopter. This
AD was prompted by a report of cracks and damage detected on the
vertical fin absorber installation and surrounding structure during
scheduled inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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 the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
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-2021-0364; 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 final rule, the
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received,
and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin Bradley, Aerospace Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5110; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#89e2fbe0fafde0e7a7ebfbe8ede5ecf0c9efe8e8a7eee6ff"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8be0f9e2f8ffe2e5a5e9f9eaefe7eef2cbedeaeaa5ece4fd">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Leonardo Model A109S
and AW109SP helicopters with a vertical fin vibration absorber
installation part number (P/N) 109-B810-79-101 installed. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2021 (86 FR 26198). In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed, within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS), and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, removing the
vertical fin vibration absorber installation and, using a mirror and
light source, inspecting the rib assembly and depending on the
inspection results, removing certain parts from service. The NPRM also
proposed to require inspecting the vertical fin vibration absorber
installation for hole elongation; for fretting between the plate and
the masses, and in between the masses; for fretting on the doubler; and
the bolts for scratches and corrosion. Depending on the inspection
results, the NPRM proposed removing the vertical fin vibration absorber
installation from service. The NPRM also proposed to require, within 12
months TIS, removing the vertical fin vibration absorber installation
from service. Finally, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing an
affected part on any helicopter, and provided a terminating action for
the 100-hour TIS repetitive inspections.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2014-0150, dated June 18, 2014
(EASA AD 2014-0150), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for certain AgustaWestland S.p.A. (now Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters)
(formerly Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters with an
absorber P/N 109-B810-79-101installed. EASA advises that during a
scheduled inspection on Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters, cracks and
damage were detected on the vertical fin vibration absorber
installation and the surrounding structure. EASA stated that
investigation results determined the
[[Page 46114]]
cracks and damage were likely related to the design of the vertical fin
vibration absorber installation and incorrect installation.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2014-0150 required repetitive inspections and
removal of the affected part.
After EASA AD 2014-0150 was issued, EASA determined certain
helicopters were not included in the applicability and may also be
subject to the unsafe condition. Accordingly, EASA issued EASA AD 2019-
0294, dated December 4, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0294), which supersedes EASA
AD 2014-0150. EASA AD 2019-0294 retains the requirements of EASA AD
2014-0150 and expands the applicability, prohibits vertical fin
vibration absorber installation P/N 109-B810-79-101 from being
installed on any helicopter, and considers removal of the affected part
to constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. EASA
states that the unsafe condition, if not detected and corrected, could
affect the structural integrity of the helicopter.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
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 reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed except for a correction to the compliance time for removing
the vertical fin vibration absorber installation from service. The NPRM
stated that removing this part from service would be required ``within
12 months TIS''; the term ``TIS'' was included in error and has been
removed. This change does not increase the economic burden on any
operator. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed AgustaWestland S.p.A. Bollettino Technico No.
109S-58 for Model A109S helicopters, and AgustaWestland S.p.A
Bollettino Technico No. 109SP-074 for Model AW109SP helicopters, each
dated May 7, 2014. This service information specifies instructions for
removing the vertical fin vibration absorber installation, inspecting
the rib assembly and vertical fin vibration absorber installation and
depending on the inspection results, removing certain parts from
service.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2019-0294 applies to certain serial-numbered Model A109S
and AW109SP helicopters, whereas this AD applies to all serial-numbered
Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters with a certain part-numbered
vertical fin vibration absorber installation installed.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 96 helicopters of U.S.
Registry and that operators may incur the following costs in order to
comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Removing and inspecting the vertical fin vibration absorber
installation and surrounding structure takes about 8 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $680 per helicopter per inspection cycle and $65,280
for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
Replacing the rib assembly, shim, doubler, and bracket will take
about 16 work-hours and parts will cost about $10,000 for an estimated
cost of $11,360 per helicopter.
According to Leonardo some of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage by Leonardo.
Accordingly, all costs are included in this cost estimate.
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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2021-16-13 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21675; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0364; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00274-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 22,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109S helicopters and
AW109SP helicopters, certificated in any category, with vertical fin
vibration absorber installation part number (P/N) 109-B810-79-101
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2740, Stabilizer
Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as cracks or damage on the
vertical fin vibration absorber installation and surrounding
structure. This condition could affect the
[[Page 46115]]
structural integrity of the helicopter and lead to 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 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
TIS:
(i) Remove the vertical fin vibration absorber installation P/N
109-B810-79-101, and using a mirror and light source, visually
inspect the rib assembly P/N 109-0372-53-201 for hole elongation,
fretting, and cracks. If there is any hole elongation, fretting, or
cracks, before further flight, remove rib assembly P/N 109-0372-53-
201, shim P/N 109-0372-53-211, doubler P/N 109-0372-53-213, and
bracket P/N 109-0373-02-113 from service and replace with airworthy
parts.
(ii) Inspect the vertical fin vibration absorber installation P/
N 109-B810-79-101 for hole elongation; for fretting between the
plate and the masses and in-between the masses; for fretting on
doubler P/N 109-0372-53-213; and the bolts for scratches and
corrosion. If there is any hole elongation; fretting between the
plate and the masses or in-between the masses; fretting on doubler
P/N 109-0372-53-213; or bolts with scratches or corrosion, before
further flight, remove the vertical fin vibration absorber
installation P/N 109-B810-79-101 from service.
(2) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD unless
already accomplished per paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, remove the
vertical fin vibration absorber installation P/N 109-B810-79-101
from service.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install vertical
fin vibration absorber installation P/N 109-B810-79-101 on any
helicopter.
(4) Removing the vertical fin vibration absorber installation P/
N 109-B810-79-101 from service, as described in paragraphs
(g)(1)(ii) or (2) of this AD provides a terminating action for the
100 hour TIS repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD.
(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#093024485f5a2448405b243e3a39244844464a496f6868276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ccf5e18d9a9fe18d859ee1fbfffce18d81838f8caaadade2aba3ba">[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 Kristin Bradley,
Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e48f968d97908d8aca8696858088819da4828585ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="157e677c66617c7b3b7767747179706c557374743b727a63">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0294, dated December 4, 2019.
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-2021-0364.
Issued on July 29, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17605 Filed 8-17-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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