Rule2021-25215
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 19, 2021
Effective
December 27, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports that certain tail rotor gearbox assemblies were installed on Model A109E helicopters and those parts are not approved for installation on that helicopter model. Because those assemblies are not part of the type design for Model A109E helicopters, there are no overhaul or life limits included in the applicable maintenance manuals. This AD requires replacement of each affected tail rotor gearbox assembly with a serviceable part, 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 64813-64815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25215]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0695; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00096-R;
Amendment 39-21783; AD 2021-22-10]
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 A109E helicopters. This AD was prompted
by reports that certain tail rotor gearbox assemblies were installed on
Model A109E helicopters and those parts are not approved for
installation on that helicopter model. Because those assemblies are not
part of the type design for Model A109E helicopters, there are no
overhaul or life limits included in the applicable maintenance manuals.
This AD requires replacement of each affected tail rotor gearbox
assembly with a serviceable part, 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 EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8dccc9fecde8ecfeeca3e8f8ffe2fdeca3e8f8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="27666354674246544609425255485746094252">[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-2021-0695.
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-2021-0695; 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: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e7868983958286c98d8e8a8289829da7818686c9808891"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="96f7f8f2e4f3f7b8fcfffbf3f8f3ecd6f0f7f7b8f1f9e0">[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 2021-0031, dated January 22, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0031) (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., and Agusta S.p.A., Model A109E helicopters, all serial numbers
up to 11160 inclusive.
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 A109E helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
August 25, 2021 (86 FR 47427). The NPRM was prompted by reports that
certain tail rotor gearbox assemblies were installed on Model A109E
helicopters and those parts are not approved for installation on that
[[Page 64814]]
helicopter model. During revisions to the Model A109E technical
publications it was noted that the 90-degree tail rotor gearbox
assembly, part number (P/N) 109-0440-01-115, is included in the
illustrated parts catalog (IPC) for helicopters with serial numbers (S/
N) up to and including S/N 11160. The IPC incorrectly identifies this
part number as a replacement part for P/N 109-0440-01-119 or P/N 109-
0440-01-121. The NPRM proposed to require replacement of each affected
tail rotor gearbox assembly with a serviceable part, as specified in
EASA AD 2021-0031.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address installation of tail rotor
gearbox assembly P/N 109-0440-01-115 that is not approved for
installation on Model A109E helicopters. Because P/N 109-0440-01-115 is
not part of the type design for Model A109E helicopters, there are no
overhaul or life limits included in the applicable maintenance manuals.
If a tail rotor gearbox is not properly maintained it could fail,
resulting in reduced control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0031
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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0031 requires replacement of a tail rotor gearbox
assembly P/N 109-0440-01-115 with a serviceable part. EASA AD 2021-0031
also prohibits installation of tail rotor gearbox assembly P/N 109-
0440-01-115 on any Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 70 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
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Replacement........................... 12 work-hours x $85 per $82,500 $83,520 $5,846,400
hour = $1,020.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs 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:
2021-22-10 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21783; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0695; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00096-R.
(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 A109E helicopters,
certificated in any category, with an affected part as identified in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0031, dated
January 22, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0031) installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor
Gearbox.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that certain tail rotor gearbox
assemblies were installed on Model A109E helicopters and those parts
are not approved for installation on that helicopter model. Because
tail rotor gearbox assembly part number (P/N) 109-0440-01-115 is not
part of the type design for Model A109E helicopters, there are no
overhaul or life limits included in the applicable maintenance
manuals. The FAA is issuing this AD to address installation of tail
[[Page 64815]]
rotor gearbox assembly P/N 109-0440-01-115 on Model A109E
helicopters that do not have overhaul or life limits for that part.
If a tail rotor gearbox is not properly maintained it could fail,
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 2021-0031.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0031
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0031 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0031 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0031.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0031
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#e9d0c4a8bfbac4a8a0bbc4dedad9c4a8a4a6aaa98f8888c78e869f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="261f0b6770750b676f740b1115160b676b69656640474708414950">[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 Andrea Jimenez,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#45242b213720246b2f2c28202b203f052324246b222a33"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cdaca3a9bfa8ace3a7a4a0a8a3a8b78dabacace3aaa2bb">[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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0031,
dated January 22, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0031, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#81c0c5f2c1e4e0f2e0afe4f4f3eef1e0afe4f4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="08494c7b486d697b69266d7d7a677869266d7d">[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-
2021-0695.
(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#0a6c78246364797a6f697e6365644a646b786b246d657c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9cfaeeb2f5f2efecf9ffe8f5f3f2dcf2fdeefdb2fbf3ea">[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. 2021-25215 Filed 11-18-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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