Rule2021-20825
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
September 27, 2021
Effective
November 1, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of spurious in-flight disconnections of the automatic flight control system (AFCS). This AD requires updating certain "Primus Epic" system software, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 184 (Monday, September 27, 2021)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 184 (Monday, September 27, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53195-53197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20825]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0505; Project Identifier 2018-SW-004-AD; Amendment
39-21721; AD 2021-19-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by reports of spurious in-flight disconnections of the
automatic flight control system (AFCS). This AD requires updating
certain ``Primus Epic'' system software, as specified in a European
Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 is effective November 1, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 1,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For 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#e8a9ac9ba88d899b89c68d9d9a879889c68d9d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0243467142676371632c6777706d72632c6777">[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
in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0505.
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-2021-0505; 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
EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The 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: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone 202-267-9167;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#751d14195b1f101b06101b351314145b121a03"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ae2ebe6a4e0efe4f9efe4caecebeba4ede5fc">[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 2018-0002, dated January 4, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0002) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Leonardo S.p.a.
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 7, 2021 (86 FR 35690). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of spurious in-flight disconnections of the AFCS. The NPRM
proposed to require updating certain ``Primus Epic'' system software,
as specified in EASA AD 2018-0002.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address spurious degradation or
unavailability of the full AFCS. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in temporary impairment of the automated flight
aid for control of the helicopter and increase the flightcrew's
workload. See EASA AD 2018-0002 for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Accordingly,
the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
[[Page 53196]]
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018-0002 requires installation of certain ``Primus Epic''
system software, depending on the helicopter configuration. EASA AD
2018-0002 allows installation of ``Primus Epic'' system software on a
helicopter after that helicopter has had the software upgrade
installed.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 128 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Software upgrade...................... 24 work-hours x $85 per $0 $2,040 $261,120
hour = $2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected operators.
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
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:
2021-19-03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21721; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0505; Project Identifier 2018-SW-004-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 1, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (2) of this AD, equipped with ``Primus Epic'' system
software release 7.4 (Phase 7 V1), 7.7 (Phase 7 V3) or 7.10 (Phase 7
V4).
(1) Model AB139 and AW19 helicopters having serial number (S/N)
31005, 31006, and S/Ns 31008 through 31157 inclusive; and S/Ns 41001
through 41023 inclusive.
(2) Model AW139 helicopters having S/N 31201 and subsequent, and
S/N 41201 and subsequent.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2200, Auto Flight
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of spurious in-flight
disconnections of the automatic flight control system (AFCS). The
FAA is issuing this AD to address spurious degradation or
unavailability of the full AFCS. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in temporary impairment of the automated
flight aid for control of the helicopter and increase the
flightcrew's workload.
(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 Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0002, dated January 4, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0002).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0002
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0002 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0002 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0002 does not apply
to this AD.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-
0002 specifies to download an option file from a certain website,
that method of installation is not required by this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0002
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) of
this AD.
[[Page 53197]]
Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f9c0d4b8afaad4b8b0abd4cecac9d4b8b4b6bab99f9898d79e968f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="241d0965727709656d76091317140965696b67644245450a434b52">[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
For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC
20024; telephone 202-267-9167; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2cac3ce8cc8c7ccd1c7cce2c4c3c38cc5cdd4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="523a333e7c38373c21373c123433337c353d24">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0002, dated
January 4, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018-0002, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3170754271545042501f5444435e41501f5444"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e3a2a790a386829082cd8696918c9382cd8696">[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 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 on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0505.
(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#ed8b9fc384839e9d888e99848283ad838c9f8cc38a829b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="274155094e4954574244534e4849674946554609404851">[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 August 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-20825 Filed 9-24-21; 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 September 27, 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.