Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
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Issuing agencies
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 that a number of fairleads that support the engine combustion chamber D1 drain hose showed evidence of heat damage. This AD requires modifying the helicopter by installing a certain engine combustion chamber D1 drain assembly, 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 221 (Friday, November 19, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 221 (Friday, November 19, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64815-64817]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25213]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0687; Project Identifier 2019-SW-029-AD; Amendment
39-21782; AD 2021-22-09]
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 that a number of fairleads that support the engine
combustion chamber D1 drain hose showed evidence of heat damage. This
AD requires modifying the helicopter by installing a certain engine
combustion chamber D1 drain assembly, 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 is effective December 27, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 27,
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#4c0d083f0c292d3f2d6229393e233c2d622939"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d0c093e0d282c3e2c6328383f223d2c632838">[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-2021-0687.
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-
0687; 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: 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#f59f94969a97db939c81969db5939494db929a83"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="412b20222e236f2728352229012720206f262e37">[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 2019-0039, dated February 20, 2019
(EASA AD 2019-0039) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Leonardo S.p.A. 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
August 23, 2021 (86 FR 47033). The
[[Page 64816]]
NPRM was prompted by a report that a number of fairleads that support
the engine combustion chamber D1 drain hose showed evidence of heat
damage. The NPRM proposed to require modifying the helicopter by
installing a certain engine combustion chamber D1 drain assembly, as
specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address heat damage of the engine
combustion chamber D1 drain hose, which in a case where the right-hand
engine is operated in the one engine inoperative (OEI) rating, the D1
drain pipe could transfer so much heat to the nearby fuel system vent
pipe that its internal surface temperature could exceed the auto-
ignition temperature for fuel. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in undetected fire ignition in the fuel tank bay with
consequent loss of the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
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 2019-0039 requires modifying the helicopter by installing
the engine combustion chamber D1 drain assembly, part number
8G7170P00111.
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 4 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Modification.......................... 4 work-hours x $85 per $2,557 $2,897 $11,588
hour = $340.
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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.
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:
2021-22-09 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21782; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0687; Project Identifier 2019-SW-029-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 27,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0039, dated February 20, 2019
(EASA AD 2019-0039).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7170, Engine
Drains.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a number of fairleads that
support the engine combustion chamber D1 drain hose showed evidence
of heat damage. The FAA is issuing this AD to address such heat
damage, which in a case where the right-hand engine is operated in
the one engine inoperative (OEI) rating, the D1 drain pipe could
transfer so much heat to the nearby fuel system vent pipe that its
internal surface temperature could exceed the auto-ignition
temperature for fuel. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in undetected fire ignition in the fuel tank bay with
consequent loss of the helicopter.
[[Page 64817]]
(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 2019-0039.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0039
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0039 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2019-0039 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information required by EASA AD 2019-0039
specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts
from service.
(4) This AD does not require the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2019-0039.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0039
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the
helicopter can be modified, provided the OEI rating is prohibited on
the right-hand engine.
(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#4d74600c1b1e600c041f607a7e7d600c00020e0d2b2c2c632a223b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="043d2945525729454d56293337342945494b47446265652a636b72">[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#b4ded5d7dbd69ad2ddc0d7dcf4d2d5d59ad3dbc2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="543e35373b367a323d20373c143235357a333b22">[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 2019-0039,
dated February 20, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2019-0039, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2263665162474351430c4757504d52430c4757"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7f6f3c4f7d2d6c4d699d2c2c5d8c7d699d2c2">[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-
2021-0687.
(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#e7818283958280c98b8280868ba789869586c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90f6f5f4e2f5f7befcf5f7f1fcd0fef1e2f1bef7ffe6">[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 October 14, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-25213 Filed 11-18-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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