Rule2021-22465
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
October 18, 2021
Effective
November 22, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect connection of the inflation hoses to the tee manifolds of the inflation line on the emergency flotation system (EFS) assembly. This AD requires visually inspecting the yellow sleeves and hoses installed on each EFS assembly and depending on the inspection results, accomplishing the corrective actions in the applicable service information 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
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57579-57581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22465]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0565; Project Identifier 2018-SW-111-AD; Amendment
39-21743; AD 2021-20-05]
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
certain Leonardo S.p.a Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a report of an incorrect connection of the inflation hoses to the tee
manifolds of the inflation line on the emergency flotation system (EFS)
assembly. This AD requires visually inspecting the yellow sleeves and
hoses installed on each EFS assembly and depending on the inspection
results, accomplishing the corrective actions in the applicable service
information 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 22, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of November 22,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#84c5c0f7c4e1e5f7e5aae1f1f6ebf4e5aae1f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="16575265567377657738736364796677387363">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may view 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 on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0565.
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-2021-0565; 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: 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#a6e2c7d4d4c3c888e1c7d5d5c3d2d2c9e6c0c7c788c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8bc998a8a9d96d6bf998b8b9d8c8c97b89e9999d69f978e">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0279, dated December 14, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0279), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a.
(formerly Finmeccanica Helicopter Division, AgustaWestland) Model AW189
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 AW189 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
July 15, 2021 (86 FR 37258). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a
discrepancy found during a maintenance inspection related to the
connection of the inflation hoses to the helicopter tee manifolds. EASA
AD 2018-0279 states the yellow sleeve on the right-hand (RH) aft EFS
assembly was installed on the straight-to-straight hose instead of the
straight-to-45 degree hose, which caused the two hoses to be
incorrectly connected to the tee manifolds at the inflation line. The
[[Page 57580]]
NPRM proposed to require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2018-0279, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD and except as discussed under ``Differences Between
this Proposed AD and EASA AD 2018-0279.''
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent partial inflation of the
flotation bags which could prevent a timely egress from the helicopter
and consequent injury to helicopter occupants. See EASA AD 2018-0279
for additional background information.
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. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018-0279 requires a visual inspection of each affected EFS
assembly for correct installation of the yellow sleeves and proper
connection of the inflation hoses to the float assembly and the bottle
assembly. Depending on these inspection results, if an incorrect
installation of the yellow sleeve or an incorrect connection of the
inflation hoses is detected, EASA AD 2018-0279 requires, before next
flight, removing incorrectly installed yellow sleeves, and incorrectly
installed hoses, restoring markings on re-installed yellow sleeves, and
re-connecting or re-installing hoses in accordance with the applicable
service information. EASA AD 2018-0279 also prohibits installing any
affected EFS assembly on any helicopter.
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.
Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2018-0279
EASA AD 2018-0279 applies to Model AW189 helicopters, all serial
numbers (S/Ns), whereas this AD only applies to Model AW189 helicopters
with EFS assemblies having certain part-numbered aft assemblies with
certain S/Ns installed.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4 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 AD.
Visually inspecting each EFS assembly takes about 0.75 work-hours
for an estimated cost of $64 per inspection and $260 for the U.S.
fleet.
Performing the corrective actions on each EFS assembly takes about
1.25 work-hours for an estimated cost of $113 per EFS assembly.
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:
2021-20-05 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21743; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0565; Project Identifier 2018-SW-111-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with an affected emergency flotation
system (EFS) assembly as defined in European Aviation Safety Agency
(now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0279,
dated December 14, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0279).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency
Flotation Section; 2560, Emergency Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect connection of
the inflation hoses to the tee manifolds of the inflation line on
the EFS assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect incorrect
installation of the inflation hoses on the EFS assembly. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in partial inflation of
the flotation bags in a ditching event, preventing a timely egress
from the helicopter and consequent injury to the helicopter
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 2018-0279.
[[Page 57581]]
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0279
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 requires compliance from its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(3) Where the service information required by EASA AD 2018-0279
specifies recording compliance with the service bulletin in the
helicopter logbook, this AD does not include that requirement.
(4) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 identifies all Model AW189
helicopters, all serial numbers in the applicability, this AD is
only applicable to Model AW189 with an affected EFS assembly as
defined in the definitions paragraph of the EASA AD.
(5) This AD does not require the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2018-0279.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0279
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. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a0998de1f6f38de1e9f28d9793908de1edefe3e0c6c1c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b98094f8efea94f8f0eb948e8a8994f8f4f6faf9dfd8d897ded6cf">[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 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#662207141403084821071515031212092600070748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="672306151502094920061414021313082701060649000811">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0279, dated December 14, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018-0279, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c28386b182a7a3b1a3eca7b7b0adb2a3eca7b7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d39297a093b6b2a0b2fdb6a6a1bca3b2fdb6a6">[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>.
(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.
(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#670115490e0914170204130e0809270906150649000811"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ee889cc087809d9e8b8d9a878180ae808f9c8fc0898198">[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 September 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22465 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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