Rule2021-19248
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
September 8, 2021
Effective
September 23, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of the failure of both inverters in-flight, leading to an autopilot disconnection. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the clearance between a certain protective grommet installed in the emergency bus interlock compartment and the cable assemblies passing through it, and depending on the finding, applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. 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 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50239-50242]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19248]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0607; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01249-R;
Amendment 39-21666; AD 2021-16-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of the failure of both inverters in-flight,
leading to an autopilot disconnection. This AD requires a one-time
inspection of the clearance between a certain protective grommet
installed in the emergency bus interlock compartment and the cable
assemblies passing through it, and depending on the finding, applicable
corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 23, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
23, 2021.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 25, 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 incorporated by reference (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#3d7c794e7d585c4e5c1358484f524d5c135848"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a2b2e192a0f0b190b440f1f18051a0b440f1f">[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 FAA-2021-0607.
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-2021-0607; 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 AD, the EASA AD,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacob Fitch, Aerospace Engineer, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-4130; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f49e95979b96da929d80979cb4929595da939b82"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="375d5654585519515e43545f7751565619505841">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0192, dated September 4, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0192) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for Leonardo S.p.a. (formerly AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A., and
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Giovanni Agusta) Model AB412 and AB412 EP
helicopters, all serial numbers.
This AD was prompted by a report of the failure of both inverters
in-flight, leading to an autopilot disconnection. Subsequent inspection
identified
[[Page 50240]]
chafing of a wire in the alternating current (AC) power system cable
assembly, due to a protective grommet incorrectly installed in the
emergency bus interlock compartment. Insufficient clearance between a
protective grommet and the cable assemblies that pass through it could
result in chafing of the cable assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address incorrect installation of a protective grommet in the
emergency bus interlock compartment and chafed wiring in the AC power
system cable assembly. Chafed wiring in the AC power system cable
assembly, if not addressed, could lead to a short in the AC power
system, resulting in autopilot failure, possibly the loss of other
avionics systems, increased pilot workload, and reduced control of the
helicopter.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0192 specifies procedures for a one-time inspection of
the clearance between a protective grommet installed in the emergency
bus interlock compartment and the cable assemblies passing through it,
and corrective actions. The corrective actions include replacing the
existing grommet with a new grommet, inspecting the cable assemblies
for damage (including chafing) and replacing affected cable assemblies,
and reworking the bulkhead in the emergency bus interlock compartment.
The rework of the bulkhead includes removing paint and primer,
reworking the lightening hole, deburring the hole, applying chemical
film protection, and priming all bare metal surfaces.
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 the aviation authority of
another country, and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design
Authority, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all pertinent information and determining that the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of
these same type designs.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2020-0192, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2020-0192
is incorporated by reference in this FAA final rule. This AD therefore,
requires compliance with EASA AD 2020-0192 in its entirety, through
that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD 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 the
EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA AD 2020-0192 that is
required for compliance with EASA AD 2020-0192 is available on the
internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0607.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
There are currently no domestic operators of these products.
Therefore, the FAA finds that notice and opportunity for prior public
comment are unnecessary pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition,
for the foregoing reason, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0607; Project Identifier MCAI-
2020-01249-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the AD, 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
AD 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 AD.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Jacob
Fitch, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4130; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#660c0705090448000f12050e2600070748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d2b8b3b1bdb0fcb4bba6b1ba92b4b3b3fcb5bda4">[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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it
[[Page 50241]]
has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA
analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no
helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
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 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 this regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2021-16-04 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21666; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0607; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01249-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September
23, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2400, Electrical
Power System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of the failure of both
inverters in-flight, leading to an autopilot disconnection.
Subsequent inspection identified chafing of a wire in the
alternating current (AC) power system cable assembly, due to a
protective grommet incorrectly installed in the emergency bus
interlock compartment. Insufficient clearance between a protective
grommet and the cable assemblies that pass through it could result
in damage (including chafing) to the cable assemblies. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address incorrect installation of a protective
grommet in the emergency bus interlock compartment and chafed wiring
in the AC power system cable assembly. Chafed wiring in the AC power
system cable assembly, if not addressed, could lead to a short in
the AC power system, resulting in autopilot failure, possibly the
loss of other avionics systems, increased pilot workload, and
reduced control of the helicopter.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0192, dated September 4, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0192).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0192
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0192 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0192 specifies to discard a certain part, this AD requires removing
that part from service.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-
0192 specifies to replace a certain part, this AD requires removing
that part from service.
(4) Where EASA AD 2020-0192 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0192 does not apply
to this AD.
(6) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0192 refers to ``any
discrepancy'' for this AD, discrepancies include inadequate
clearance between the protective grommet and AC power system cable
assembly and damaged (chafed) AC power system cable assemblies.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0192
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are prohibited.
(k) 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 (l) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8cb5a1cddadfa1cdc5dea1bbbfbca1cdc1c3cfcceaededa2ebe3fa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="142d3955424739555d46392327243955595b57547275753a737b62">[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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Jacob Fitch,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4130;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f49e95979b96da929d80979cb4929595da939b82"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87ede6e4e8e5a9e1eef3e4efc7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0192,
dated September 4, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0192, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e8a9ac9ba88d899b89c68d9d9a879889c68d9d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89c8cdfac9ece8fae8a7ecfcfbe6f9e8a7ecfc">[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>.
(4) 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. This material may be
found in the AD docket on
[[Page 50242]]
the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA 2021-0607.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#98fefdfceafdffb6f4fdfff9f4d8f6f9eaf9b6fff7ee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b3d5d6d7c1d6d49ddfd6d4d2dff3ddd2c1d29dd4dcc5">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on July 21, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19248 Filed 9-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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