Rule2022-00759
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta 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 certain Leonardo S.p.a. (type certificate previously held by Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of internal corrosion on a main rotor (M/R) blade. This AD requires repetitively inspecting affected M/R blades and accomplishing film analysis and repair in accordance with certain approved methods. 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 2528-2530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00759]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0948; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00394-R;
Amendment 39-21883; AD 2021-26-24]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Agusta 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. (type certificate previously held by Agusta
S.p.A.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
report of internal corrosion on a main rotor (M/R) blade. This AD
requires repetitively inspecting affected M/R blades and accomplishing
film analysis and repair in accordance with certain approved methods.
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 Leonardo Helicopters service information identified in
this final rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano,
Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate
(Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at
<a href="https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/">https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/</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-
0948.
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-2021-0948; 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
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d6bda4bfa5a2bfb8f8b4a4b7b2bab3af96b0b7b7f8b1b9a0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92f9e0fbe1e6fbfcbcf0e0f3f6fef7ebd2f4f3f3bcf5fde4">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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. (type
certificate previously held by Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109A and A109A II
helicopters with an M/R blade part number (P/N) 109-0103-01-115
installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 29,
2021 (86 FR 59890). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
repetitively radiographic inspecting each affected M/R blade and
accomplishing film analysis and repair in accordance with certain
approved methods. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2020-0065, dated
March 20, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0065), issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct
an unsafe condition for all Leonardo S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A., Costruzioni
Aeronautiche Giovanni Agusta Model A109A and A109AII helicopters. EASA
advises of a report of internal corrosion on an M/R blade. Leonardo
Helicopters advises that the corrosion was on the spar near the inertia
weights between STA1250 and STA1630. Leonardo Helicopters further
advises that the issue is related to design and production processes of
the M/R blades. This condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2020-0065 requires inspecting M/R blades P/N
109-0103-01-115 and depending on the results, corrective action. EASA
AD 2020-0065 also prohibits installation of an affected M/R blade
unless it passed the required inspection within 24 months prior to
installation on a helicopter.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
109-155, dated March 13, 2020 (ASB 109-155), for Leonardo S.p.a. Model
A109A and A109AII helicopters. This service information specifies
procedures for X-ray inspecting M/R blades P/N 109-0103-01-115 and
sending the films to Leonardo Helicopters S.p.a. for analysis.
Depending on the outcome, ASB 109-155 specifies procedures for re-
identifying the M/R blades.
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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD an interim action. The design approval
holder is currently developing a modification that will address the
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is
developed, approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional
rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The compliance time in EASA AD 2020-0065 is time-in-service of the
airframe, whereas the compliance time in this AD is time-in-service of
the affected M/R blade as installed on the airframe. EASA AD 2020-0065
requires sending developed films to Leonardo Helicopters S.p.a. for
analysis and contacting Leonardo for approved corrective action(s)
instructions, whereas this AD requires film analysis and repair of an
affected blade in accordance with a method approved by
[[Page 2529]]
the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a Helicopters' EASA
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Inspecting the M/R blades takes about 10 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $850 per helicopter and $23,800 for the U.S. fleet,
per inspection cycle. Sending the film for analysis, which is
considered a reporting requirement in this AD, takes about 1 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $2,380 for the U.S.
fleet, per inspection cycle.
The FAA has no way of determining the costs pertaining to the film
analysis or any necessary repairs.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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:
2021-26-24 Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by
Agusta S.p.A.): Amendment 39-21883; Docket No. FAA-2021-0948;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00394-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 22,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. (type certificate previously
held by Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters,
certificated in any category, with a main rotor (M/R) blade part
number 109-0103-01-115 installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor
Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of internal corrosion of the
spar of an M/R blade. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure
of an M/R blade due to corrosion on the internal surface of the
spar. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss
of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
For each M/R blade identified in paragraph (c) of this AD:
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service or 3 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless already
done within the last 24 months for the M/R blade, and thereafter, at
intervals not to exceed 24 months for the M/R blade, inspect the M/R
blade by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1.
through 5., of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 109-
155, dated March 13, 2020.
(2) Before further flight, send the film for analysis and
accomplish repair in accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Leonardo S.p.a Helicopters' EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(h) 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 (i)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#88b1a5c9dedba5c9c1daa5bfbbb8a5c9c5c7cbc8eee9e9a6efe7fe"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="073e2a4651542a464e552a3034372a464a48444761666629606871">[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.
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(i) Related Information
(1) 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) 222-5110; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#59322b302a2d3037773b2b383d353c20193f3838773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4229302b31362b2c6c203023262e273b022423236c252d34">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in EASA AD 2020-0065,
dated March 20, 2020. You may view the EASA AD at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> in Docket No. FAA-2021-0948.
(j) 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) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 109-155,
dated March 13, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Leonardo Helicopters service information identified in
this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head
of Airworthiness, Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate
(Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at
<a href="https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/">https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/</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.
(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#3f594d1156514c4f5a5c4b5650517f515e4d5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2f495d0146415c5f4a4c5b4640416f414e5d4e01484059">[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 16, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00759 Filed 1-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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