Rule2021-25691
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 AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a short circuit caused by chafing of the electrical wiring in the overhead panel. This AD requires an initial detailed inspection inside the overhead panel for certain helicopters, repetitive detailed inspections inside the overhead panel for all helicopters, and corrective actions if necessary, 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 67309-67312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25691]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0461; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00156-R;
Amendment 39-21775; AD 2021-22-02]
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 AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted
by a report of a short circuit caused by chafing of the electrical
wiring in the overhead panel. This AD requires an initial detailed
inspection inside the overhead panel for certain helicopters,
repetitive detailed inspections inside the overhead panel for all
helicopters, and corrective actions if necessary, 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 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#e2a3a691a287839183cc8797908d9283cc8797"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f6b7b285b693978597d8938384998697d89383">[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-2021-0461.
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-
0461; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday
[[Page 67310]]
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; phone: (817) 222-4130; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#137972707c713d757a67707b537572723d747c65"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1872797b777a367e716c7b70587e7979367f776e">[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 2021-0044, dated February 5, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0044) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.
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 AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 14, 2021 (86 FR 31451). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of a short circuit caused by chafing of the electrical wiring in
the overhead panel. The NPRM proposed to require an initial detailed
inspection inside the overhead panel for certain helicopters,
repetitive detailed inspections inside the overhead panel for all
helicopters, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in EASA
AD 2021-0044.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a short circuit caused by
chafing of the electrical wiring in the overhead panel, which could
cause damaged electrical wiring, possible fire in the overhead panel,
and loss of control 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 following presents the comment received
on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Include Credit for Later Service Information
An anonymous commenter requested that the FAA revise the NPRM to
include a paragraph that allows credit for the use of a later revision
of the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0044.
The FAA disagrees with the request because, in this case, credit is
unnecessary. The FAA is incorporating by reference EASA AD 2021-0044 as
the method for accomplishing the actions required by this AD. EASA AD
2021-0044 includes the Ref. Publications section, which allows the use
of later approved revisions of the service information referenced in
EASA AD 2021-0044. Therefore, no change has been made to this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, 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 2021-0044 requires an initial detailed inspection (for
certain helicopters) inside the overhead panel for chafing of the cable
harnesses and for correct clearance between the anchor nuts/screws and
the cable harnesses, of the screws for correct length, and of the
supports for sound bonding, and corrective actions if necessary;
repetitive detailed inspections (for all helicopters) inside the
overhead panel for the condition of the white protective tape on the
anchor nuts, and for chafing of the cable harnesses and for correct
clearance between the anchor nuts/screws and the cable harnesses, and
corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions include applying a
white protective tape on the anchor nuts, replacement of incorrect
length screws, replacement of damaged cables and fuses, rerouting of
cable harnesses, replacement of supports, and removal and replacement
of the white protective tape.
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 MCAI
Although EASA AD 2021-0044 and the service information referenced
in EASA AD 2021-0044 specify to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 128 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection for chafing, clearance, 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $10,880.
screw length, and bonding. hour = $85.
Repetitive inspections for 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 per $85 per $10,880 per
chafing, clearance, and tape hour = $85 per inspection inspection inspection cycle.
condition. inspection cycle. cycle cycle
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:
[[Page 67311]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace screws, cables, fuses, supports, and 5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $600 $1.025
protective tape; reroute harnesses. $425.
Apply protective tape......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 50 135
Replace cables, fuses and protective tape..... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 600 685
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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:
2021-22-02 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21775; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0461; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00156-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 3, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2400, Electrical
Power System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a short circuit caused by
chafing of the electrical wiring in the overhead panel. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address a short circuit caused by chafing of the
electrical wiring in the overhead panel, which could cause damaged
electrical wiring, possible fire in the overhead panel, and loss of
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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0044, dated February 5, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0044).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0044
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0044 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0044 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0044 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraphs (3) and (5) of EASA AD 2021-0044 refer to
``any discrepancy,'' for this AD, discrepancies include chafing of
the cable harnesses or incorrect clearance between the anchor nuts/
screws and the cable harnesses, incorrect length of the screws,
inadequately bonded supports, and poor condition of the white
protective tape.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although EASA AD 2021-0044 and the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021-0044 specify 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 helicopter to a location where the
helicopter can be modified (if the operator elects to do so),
provided the flight is straight, level, and avoids areas of known
turbulence.
(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#320b1f7364611f737b601f0501021f737f7d71725453531c555d44"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e9d0c4a8bfbac4a8a0bbc4dedad9c4a8a4a6aaa98f8888c78e869f">[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; phone: (817) 222-4130; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#167c7775797438707f62757e5670777738717960"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0d676c6e626f236b64796e654d6b6c6c236a627b">[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.
[[Page 67312]]
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0044,
dated February 5, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0044, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#37767344775256445619524245584756195242"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5514112615303426347b3020273a25347b3020">[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-
2021-0461.
(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#f89e8ad691968b889d9b8c919796b896998a99d69f978e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8debffa3e4e3fefde8eef9e4e2e3cde3ecffeca3eae2fb">[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.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-25691 Filed 11-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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