Rule2021-24151
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
November 5, 2021
Effective
December 10, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of damage to a rigid connecting link (rod), and loosening of the nut on the upper rod end. This AD requires a visual inspection of the affected rods for damage, cracks, or abnormal play, and corrective actions if necessary, 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 212 (Friday, November 5, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 212 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61060-61062]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24151]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0659; Project Identifier 2018-SW-112-AD; Amendment
39-21763; AD 2021-21-03]
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 A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2,
A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted
by a report of damage to a rigid connecting link (rod), and loosening
of the nut on the upper rod end. This AD requires a visual inspection
of the affected rods for damage, cracks, or abnormal play, and
corrective actions if necessary, 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 December 10, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 10,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3574714675505446541b5040475a45541b5040"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="17565364577276647639726265786776397262">[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 on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0659.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine 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-
0659; 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, 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; phone: (516) 228-7323; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1175706363747f3f767062627465657e517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fe9a9f8c8c9b90d0999f8d8d9b8a8a91be989f9fd0999188">[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 2018-0280, dated December 17, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0280) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for Leonardo S.p.a. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland
S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.; and AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation,
formerly Agusta Aerospace Corporation) Model A109A, A109A II, A109C,
A109E, A109K2, A109S, A109LUH, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII
helicopters. Model A109LUH helicopters are not certificated by the FAA
and are not included on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; this AD
therefore does not include those helicopters in the applicability.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR
[[Page 61061]]
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Leonardo S.p.a.
Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and
AW119 MKII helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
August 13, 2021 (86 FR 44657). The NPRM was prompted by a report of
damage to a rod, and loosening of the nut on the upper rod end. The
NPRM proposed to require a visual inspection of the affected rods for
damage, cracks, or abnormal play, and corrective actions if necessary,
as specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage to the rod, and
loosening of the nut on the upper rod end, which could result in
failure of the rod, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
helicopter. See the MCAI 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
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018-0280 requires a visual inspection of the affected rods
for damage, cracks, or evidence of abnormal play, and, depending on
findings, any applicable corrective actions (which include replacing
damaged or cracked connecting links and actions to address abnormal
play).
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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. The inspection reports
that are required by this AD will enable the manufacturer to obtain
better insight into the nature, cause, and extent of the cracking, and
eventually to develop final action to address the unsafe condition.
Once final action has been identified, the FAA might consider further
rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 291 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs *
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Visual Inspection..................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $24,735
hour = $85.
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* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per product
to comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be
$24,735, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacements that would be required based on the results of
the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement.................... 3 work-hour x $85 Up to $2,351................. Up to $2,606.
per hour = $255.
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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.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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
[[Page 61062]]
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:
2021-21-03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21763; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0659; Project Identifier 2018-SW-112-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 10,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C,
A109E, A109K2, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters,
certificated in any category, with an affected part as identified in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0280, dated December 17, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-
0280).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes: 6700, Rotorcraft
Flight Control; 6730, Rotorcraft Servo System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of damage to a rigid connecting
link (rod), and loosening of the nut on the upper rod end. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address damage to the rod, and loosening of
the nut on the upper rod end. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of the rod, possibly resulting in
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, EASA AD 2018-0280.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0280
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 requires compliance from its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 specifies action if ``any
discrepancy'' is found, for this AD, discrepancies include damage,
cracks, and evidence of abnormal play.
(4) Where the service information specified in EASA AD 2018-0280
specifies to ``replace the damaged connecting link'', for this AD,
if any damage or cracks are found, remove the rod from service.
(5) Where the service information specified in EASA AD 2018-0280
specifies to ``contact Leonardo Helicopters'' if abnormal play is
detected, for this AD if any abnormal play is detected, corrective
action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a.'s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(6) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 requires reporting inspection
results to Leonardo S.p.a. within 14 days after the effective date
of EASA AD 2018-0280, this AD requires reporting inspection results
at the applicable time in paragraph (h)(6)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 14 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 14 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(7) This AD does not require the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2018-0280.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(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#b0899df1e6e39df1f9e29d8783809df1fdfff3f0d6d1d19ed7dfc6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bc8591fdeaef91fdf5ee918b8f8c91fdf1f3fffcdadddd92dbd3ca">[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; phone: (516) 228-7323;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fc989d8e8e9992d29b9d8f8f99888893bc9a9d9dd29b938a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6d090c1f1f0803430a0c1e1e081919022d0b0c0c430a021b">[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 2018-0280, dated
December 17, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018-0280, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a0e1e4d3e0c5c1d3c18ec5d5d2cfd0c18ec5d5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c48580b784a1a5b7a5eaa1b1b6abb4a5eaa1b1">[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 the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0659.
(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#7c1a0e5215120f0c191f081513123c121d0e1d521b130a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0167732f686f7271646275686e6f416f6073602f666e77">[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 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24151 Filed 11-4-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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