Rule2021-25690
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 26, 2021
Effective
January 3, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of abnormal play on the collective torque tube on two Model AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD requires repetitive inspections of affected torque tube assemblies for any deficiency and corrective action if necessary; and the replacement of any affected part with a serviceable part, which is terminating action for the repetitive inspections, 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 225 (Friday, November 26, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 225 (Friday, November 26, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67301-67303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25690]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 225 / Friday, November 26, 2021 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 67301]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0572; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00391-R;
Amendment 39-21778; AD 2021-22-05]
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 all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was
prompted by reports of abnormal play on the collective torque tube on
two Model AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD requires repetitive
inspections of affected torque tube assemblies for any deficiency and
corrective action if necessary; and the replacement of any affected
part with a serviceable part, which is terminating action for the
repetitive inspections, 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 January 3, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 3,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA 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#1f5e5b6c5f7a7e6c7e317a6a6d706f7e317a6a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0445407744616577652a6171766b74652a6171">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR 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 the EASA 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-2021-0572.
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-2021-0572; 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
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 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., Mail Stop: Room 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#65040b011700044b0f0c08000b001f250304044b020a13"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1f7e717b6d7a7e317576727a717a655f797e7e31787069">[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 2021-0096, dated March 31, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0096), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A.
Helicopters, formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A.,
Agusta S.p.A.; and AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation, formerly
Agusta Aerospace Corporation, Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters,
all serial numbers.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Leonardo S.p.a.
Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on July 20, 2021 (86 FR 38242). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of abnormal play on the collective torque tube on two Model
AW119 MKII helicopters. Investigations revealed that these events were
due to an erroneous manufacturing process, affecting certain collective
torque tube assemblies. The affected batch numbers were identified.
Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 helicopters are similar in design and may be
subject to the same unsafe condition revealed on the Model AW119 MKII
helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of
affected torque tube assemblies for any deficiency and corrective
action if necessary; and the replacement of any affected part with a
serviceable part, which is terminating action for the repetitive
inspections, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0096.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address abnormal play on the
collective torque tube, which could result in reduced control of the
helicopter, resulting in a forced landing and consequent damage to the
helicopter and injury to occupants. See EASA AD 2021-0096 for
additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from Air Methods Corporation (Air
Methods). The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to that comment.
Request To Apply Inspection and Replacement Criteria to Additional
Torque Tube Batch Numbers
Air Methods requested that paragraph (h)(6) in the ``Exceptions to
EASA AD 2021-0096'' paragraph of the proposed AD be revised to allow
additional appropriate actions for torque tubes that have batch numbers
that are ``doubted.'' The commenter stated that applying the Group 1
inspection and replacement criteria to any torque tube, regardless of
batch number, is the most conservative action possible within the scope
of the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0096.
The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request. The intent of
this AD is match the intent of EASA AD 2021-0096, which does not
include torque tube batch numbers that are unknown or ``in doubt''
within the Group 1 helicopters. Also, if a ``doubted'' torque tube
batch number is ultimately determined not to be within the number
ranges designated as Group 1 or Group 2 in EASA AD 2021-0096, then it
would be unnecessary to subject
[[Page 67302]]
that torque tube to the inspection and replacement requirements for
Group 1 helicopters. In addition, once this AD is published, any person
may request an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) by using the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. The FAA has not
changed this AD regarding this issue.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, 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 2021-0096 requires repetitive inspections of the affected
torque tube assemblies for any deficiency (i.e., any play) by marking
the torque tube assembly and the collar and applying specific loads to
determine if there is any play; and replacement of any affected part
that has any play with a serviceable part. EASA AD 2021-0096 also
requires the eventual replacement of any affected part with a
serviceable part, and specifies that replacement of an affected part on
a helicopter constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspections for that 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 the EASA AD
EASA AD 2021-0096 supersedes EASA AD 2019-0057, dated March 20,
2019 (EASA AD 2019-0057). The Group 1 helicopters identified in both
EASA AD 2021-0096 and EASA AD 2019-0057 are helicopters with collective
stick torque tube assemblies having part number (P/N) 109-0011-03-105
and batch number 823207 or earlier. Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0096
addresses Group 1 helicopters that have incorporated the actions
required by paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-0057. The FAA did not issue
an AD that corresponds to EASA AD 2019-0057, therefore, this AD
requires, for Group 1 helicopters, an initial inspection of the torque
tube assembly within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of the FAA AD and repetitive inspections thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 100 hours TIS.
In addition, where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0096 specifies,
for Group 1 helicopters, replacement of an affected part with a
serviceable part ``within 36 months after April 3, 2019 [the effective
date of EASA AD 2019-0057]'', for this AD, the compliance time is
within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 136 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection....................... 2 work-hours x $85 $0 $170 per inspection $23,120 per
per hour = $170 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
Replacement...................... 16 work-hours x $85 $9,928 $11,288............ $1,535,168.
per hour = $1,360.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some 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:
2021-22-05 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21778; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0572; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00391-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 3, 2022.
[[Page 67303]]
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII
helicopters, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft
Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of abnormal play on the
collective torque tube on two Model AW119 MKII helicopters. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address abnormal play on the collective torque
tube, which could result in reduced control of the helicopter,
resulting in a forced landing and consequent damage to the
helicopter and injury to 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0096, dated March 31, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0096).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0096
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0096 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0096 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021-0096 specify
the compliance times for Group 1 helicopters to inspect the affected
part, this AD requires an initial inspection within 50 hours TIS
after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not
to exceed 100 hours TIS.
(4) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0096 specifies, for
Group 1 helicopters, replacement of an affected part with a
serviceable part ``within 36 months after April 3, 2019 [the
effective date of EASA AD 2019-0057],'' for this AD, that
replacement must be done within 24 months after the effective date
of this AD.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0096 specifies to return a torque tube assembly to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0096 specifies to contact the manufacturer ``in case of doubt''
regarding the batch number on a torque tube assembly, determining
the batch number is required by this AD but contacting the
manufacturer is not required.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0096.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0096
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#794054382f2a5438302b544e4a49543834363a391f1818571e160f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dbe2f69a8d88f69a9289f6ece8ebf69a9694989bbdbabaf5bcb4ad">[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., Mail Stop: Room 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
(516) 228-7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a0c1cec4d2c5c18ecac9cdc5cec5dae0c6c1c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="74151a100611155a1e1d19111a110e341215155a131b02">[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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0096,
dated March 31, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0096, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5011142310353123317e3525223f20317e3525"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2465605764414557450a4151564b54450a4151">[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
the EASA 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#bfd9cd91d6d1cccfdadccbd6d0d1ffd1decdde91d8d0c9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7315015d1a1d00031610071a1c1d331d1201125d141c05">[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 13, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-25690 Filed 11-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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