Proposed Rule2022-01168
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
January 21, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW109SP helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion inside the hoist support assembly (boom assembly) (affected part) that affects both the huck bolt heads (blind bolt fasteners) and the support surface. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the external and internal surfaces of each affected part for cracking and corrosion and, depending on the findings, accomplishment of corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). This proposed AD would also allow the installation of an affected part, provided certain instructions are followed. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 14 (Friday, January 21, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3241-3244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01168]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0008; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00882-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW109SP helicopters. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of corrosion inside the hoist support assembly
(boom assembly) (affected part) that affects both the huck bolt heads
(blind bolt fasteners) and the support surface. This proposed AD would
require repetitive inspections of the external and internal surfaces of
each affected part for cracking and corrosion and, depending on the
findings, accomplishment of corrective actions, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference (IBR). This proposed AD would also allow the
installation of an affected part, provided certain instructions are
followed. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 7,
2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For EASA material that is proposed for 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#94d5d0e7d4f1f5e7f5baf1e1e6fbe4f5baf1e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bafbfec9fadfdbc9db94dfcfc8d5cadb94dfcf">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You
may find the EASA 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. This EASA material is also
available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2022-0008.
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-2022-0008; 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 NPRM, the EASA AD,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
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#3e5f505a4c5b5f105457535b505b447e585f5f10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91f0fff5e3f4f0bffbf8fcf4fff4ebd1f7f0f0bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 3242]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0008; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00882-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
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#11707f756374703f7b787c747f746b517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="06676862746367286c6f6b6368637c4660676728616970">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0179, dated July 27, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0179) to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A.
Helicopters, formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A., and
Agusta S.p.A., Model AW109SP helicopters, all serial numbers.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion inside the
hoist support assembly affecting both the huck bolt heads and the
support surface. Investigation of the root cause for the corrosion is
ongoing. The FAA is proposing this AD to address corrosion on the hoist
support assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could affect the
structural integrity of the hoist support assembly, leading to in-
flight detachment of the hoist support and consequent damage to the
helicopter, and injury to hoisted persons. See EASA AD 2021-0179 for
additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0179 requires repetitive inspections of the external
and internal surfaces of each affected part for cracking and corrosion
and, depending on the findings, accomplishment of corrective actions.
If there is no evidence of corrosion on the interior surface of the
boom torque tube or on the huck bolt heads, the corrective actions
include spraying the interior surface with corrosion preventative
compound around the hulk bolt heads from the forward and aft ends of
the boom torque tube, and installing new tube plugs on both ends of the
boom torque tube. If there is superficial corrosion on the interior
surface of the boom torque tube or on the hulk bolt heads, the
corrective actions include cleaning the corrosion, spraying the
interior surface with corrosion preventative compound, and installing
new tube plugs on both ends of the boom torque tube. If corrosion is
found that is not superficial corrosion, the corrective action is
repair or replacement of the boom torque tube.
If cracking is observed on the external surface of the hoist
support assembly the corrective action is replacement of the hoist
support assembly. If only corrosion is found on the external surface of
the hoist support assembly the corrective actions include cleaning the
hoist support assembly.
EASA AD 2021-0179 also allows installing an affected part, provided
certain instructions are followed.
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.
FAA's Determination
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 is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2021-0179, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2021-0179 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2021-0179 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2021-0179 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2021-
0179. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0179 for
compliance will be available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0008 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD would be an interim action. If
final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further
rulemaking.
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Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 40 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspecting....................... 0.50 work-hour x $0 $42.50 per $1,700 per
$85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
$42.50 per
inspection cycle.
Installing new boom torque tube 0.25 work-hour x 5,044 $5,065.25.......... $202,610.
plugs. $85 per hour =
$21.25.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Cleaning boom torque tube interior or exterior 0.25 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $21.25
$21.25.
Replacing boom torque tube.................... 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = 39,500 40,010
$510.
Replacing hoist support assembly.............. 6.50 work-hours x $85 per hour = 44,864 45,416.50
$552.50.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the repairs specified in this proposed AD.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed 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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2022-0008; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-00882-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 7, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW109SP
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2560, Emergency
Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion inside the hoist
support assembly (boom assembly) (affected part) that affects both
the huck bolt heads (blind bolt fasteners) and the support surface.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion on the hoist support
assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could affect the
structural integrity of the hoist support assembly, leading to in-
flight detachment of the hoist support and consequent damage to the
helicopter, and injury to hoisted persons.
(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
[[Page 3244]]
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0179, dated July 27, 2021 (EASA AD
2021-0179).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0179
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0179 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0179 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-
0179 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies returning a part to the manufacturer, this AD
requires removing that part from service.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies submitting photographs to the manufacturer, this AD
does not require that action.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies attaching a label to the hoist support assembly, this
AD does not require that action.
(7) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0179 specifies
contacting Leonardo S.p.a. for corrective action instructions, this
AD requires replacing or repairing before further flight using a
method approved by the Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo
S.p.a.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(8) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0179.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0179
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are
no passengers on board.
(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)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bc8591fdeaef91fdf5ee918b8f8c91fdf1f3fffcdadddd92dbd3ca"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2a13076b7c79076b6378071d191a076b6765696a4c4b4b044d455c">[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
(1) For EASA AD 2021-0179, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a7e6e3d4e7c2c6d4c689c2d2d5c8d7c689c2d2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8dccc9fecde8ecfeeca3e8f8ffe2fdeca3e8f8">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu. 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 at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2022-0008.
(2) 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#f6979892849397d89c9f9b9398938cb6909797d8919980"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dbbab5bfa9bebaf5b1b2b6beb5bea19bbdbabaf5bcb4ad">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 14, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01168 Filed 1-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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