Rule2022-00757
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
January 18, 2022
Effective
February 22, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a broken adjustable device that is part of the pilot and co- pilot yaw pedal assemblies. This AD requires modification of certain pilot and co-pilot yaw pedal assemblies with an improved design and re- identification of affected parts, 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 87 Issue 11 (Tuesday, January 18, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 18, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2530-2532]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00757]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0570; Project Identifier 2019-SW-091-AD; Amendment
39-21888; AD 2021-26-29]
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 AW169 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
report of a broken adjustable device that is part of the pilot and co-
pilot yaw pedal assemblies. This AD requires modification of certain
pilot and co-pilot yaw pedal assemblies with an improved design and re-
identification of affected parts, 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 February 22, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 22,
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="bcfdf8cffcd9ddcfdd92d9c9ced3ccdd92d9c9">[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-2021-0570.
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-2021-0570; 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: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5485; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6cdd4cfd5d2cfc888c4d4c7c2cac3dfe6c0c7c788c1c9d0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="59322b302a2d3037773b2b383d353c20193f3838773e362f">[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 2021-0199, dated August 27, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0199), (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A and
AgustaWestland S.p.A) Model AW169 helicopters, all serial numbers. EASA
AD 2021-0199 supersedes EASA AD 2019-0252, dated October 10, 2019 (EASA
AD 2019-0252), which was issued to correct an unsafe condition for
Leonardo S.p.a. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A and AgustaWestland S.p.A)
Model AW169 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 Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AW169 helicopters with an affected part installed as identified in EASA
AD 2019-0252. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 28,
2021 (86 FR 40371). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
modification of the pilot and co-pilot yaw pedal assemblies. The NPRM
was prompted by EASA AD 2019-0252, which advised that there was a
report of a broken adjustable device that is part of the pilot and co-
pilot yaw pedal assemblies. This condition, if not addressed, could
result in failure of a yaw pedal adjuster, which could result in
reduced yaw control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2019-0252 required modification (rework) of
the affected pilot and co-pilot assemblies and re-identification of
each affected part after it has been modified. The modification
included the installation of additional end stroke stops on the pilot
and co-pilot pedal assemblies. EASA considered EASA AD 2019-0252 an
interim action and stated that further EASA AD action may follow.
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. The SNPRM published in the
Federal Register on October 29, 2021 (86 FR 59900). The SNPRM proposed
to require modification of certain pilot and copilot yaw pedal
assemblies with an improved design and re-identification of the
affected parts, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0199.
EASA advises that since EASA AD 2019-0252 was issued three
additional events have been reported where the universal joint of the
adjusting mechanism on the yaw pedals failed. Prompted by these
findings, Leonardo
[[Page 2531]]
S.p.a. developed a new modification that introduces upgraded pilot and
co-pilot pedal assemblies with an improved design, which removes the
failure modes.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0199 requires modification (rework) of
the affected pilot and co-pilot assemblies and re-identification of
each affected part after it has been modified. The modification
includes replacing the pedal main support assembly, adjuster screw
assembly, knob assembly, and spring pin, and removing the additional
end stroke stops that were installed on the pilot and co-pilot pedal
assemblies using the modification specified in EASA AD 2019-0252. EASA
AD 2021-0199 also provides an option to replace an affected part with a
non-affected part instead of doing the modification.
In addition, the FAA revised the applicability of the SNPRM from
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters with an affected part installed
(as specified in the NPRM), to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169
helicopters. This revised applicability matches EASA AD 2021-0199.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of a yaw pedal
adjuster, which could result in reduced yaw control of the helicopter.
See the MCAI for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the SNPRM 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 SNPRM. 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 2021-0199 requires modification of the affected pilot and
co-pilot assemblies and re-identification of each affected part after
it has been modified. EASA AD 2021-0199 also provides an option to
replace an affected part with a non-affected part instead of doing the
modification. EASA AD 2021-0199 also prohibits the installation of
affected parts.
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 10 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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Modify and re-identify affected parts. 25 work-hours x $85 per $0 $2,125 $21,250
hour = $2,125.
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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:
2021-26-29 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21888; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0570; Project Identifier 2019-SW-091-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 22,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft
Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a broken adjustable device
that is part of the pilot and co-pilot yaw pedal assemblies. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address failure of
[[Page 2532]]
a yaw pedal adjuster, which could result in reduced yaw 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
2021-0199, dated August 27, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0199).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0199
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0199 refers to flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0199 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0199 specifies discarding certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(4) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0199.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0199
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are prohibited.
(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#645d4925323749252d36495357544925292b27240205054a030b12"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a29b8fe3f4f18fe3ebf08f9591928fe3efede1e2c4c3c38cc5cdd4">[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 Kristi Bradley,
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
(817) 222-5485; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a312833292e33347438283b3e363f231a3c3b3b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="167d647f65627f7838746477727a736f5670777738717960">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 2021-0199,
dated August 27, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0199, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1a5b5e695a7f7b697b347f6f68756a7b347f6f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cc8d88bf8ca9adbfade2a9b9bea3bcade2a9b9">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu.
(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 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0570.
(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#385e4a1651564b485d5b4c5157567856594a59165f574e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2244500c4b4c51524741564b4d4c624c4350430c454d54">[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 December 17, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00757 Filed 1-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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