Rule2022-07263
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
April 6, 2022
Effective
May 11, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW109SP helicopters. 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. This AD 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, 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 66 (Wednesday, April 6, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 6, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19793-19795]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-07263]
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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;
Amendment 39-21985; AD 2022-06-19]
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 AW109SP helicopters. 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. This AD 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, 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 May 11, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 11,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#38797c4b785d594b59165d4d4a574859165d4d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2362675063464250420d4656514c53420d4656">[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. 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-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 final rule, the
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: 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#2c4d42485e494d02464541494249566c4a4d4d024b435a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c4d42485e494d02464541494249566c4a4d4d024b435a">[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 2021-0179, 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.
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 AW109SP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on January 21, 2022 (87 FR 3241). The NPRM 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 NPRM proposed to 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 EASA AD 2021-
0179.
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. See EASA AD 2021-0179 for
additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
[[Page 19794]]
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
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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 40 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Inspecting............................ 0.50 work-hour x $85 per $0 $42.50 per inspection cycle........ $1,700 per inspection cycle.
hour = $42.50 per
inspection cycle.
Installing new boom torque tube plugs. 0.25 work-hour x $85 per 5,044 $5,065.25.......................... $202,610.
hour = $21.25.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that are required based on the results of the 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 AD.
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.
[[Page 19795]]
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:
2022-06-19 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21985; Docket No. FAA-2022-
0008; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00882-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 11, 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 Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0179, dated July 27, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0179).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-1079
(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) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#695044283f3a4428203b445e5a59442824262a290f0808470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="241d0965727709656d76091317140965696b67644245450a434b52">[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 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#61000f051304004f0b080c040f041b210700004f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d9b8b7bdabbcb8f7b3b0b4bcb7bca399bfb8b8f7beb6af">[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 2021-0179,
dated July 27, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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#0a4b4e794a6f6b796b246f7f78657a6b246f7f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b6f7f2c5f6d3d7c5d798d3c3c4d9c6d798d3c3">[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>.
(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-2022-0008.
(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#99ffebb7f0f7eae9fcfaedf0f6f7d9f7f8ebf8b7fef6ef"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="492f3b6720273a392c2a3d2026270927283b28672e263f">[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 March 10, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-07263 Filed 4-5-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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