Rule2023-03270
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
February 16, 2023
Effective
March 23, 2023
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 damaged tail rotor duplex bearing (TRDB). This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain TRDBs and depending on the results, replacing the TRDB or tail rotor actuator (TRA), or as an option, replacing the sliding control assembly. This AD also requires replacing an affected TRDB with a serviceable TRDB at a specified threshold and prohibits the installation of certain TRDBs or sliding control assemblies on any helicopter, 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 88 Issue 32 (Thursday, February 16, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 32 (Thursday, February 16, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10015-10017]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03270]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1419; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01002-R;
Amendment 39-22328; AD 2023-03-03]
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 damaged tail rotor duplex bearing (TRDB). This AD
requires repetitively inspecting certain TRDBs and depending on the
results, replacing the TRDB or tail rotor actuator (TRA), or as an
option, replacing the sliding control assembly. This AD also requires
replacing an affected TRDB with a serviceable TRDB at a specified
threshold and prohibits the installation of certain TRDBs or sliding
control assemblies on any helicopter, 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 March 23, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 23,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1419; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket
[[Page 10016]]
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material that is incorporated by reference 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#d9989daa99bcb8aab8f7bcacabb6a9b8f7bcac"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fcbdb88fbc999d8f9dd299898e938c9dd29989">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> 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 at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-1419.
Other Related Service Information: For Leonardo 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="http://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/">customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/</a>. You may
also view this service information at the FAA contact information under
Material Incorporated by Reference above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan McCully, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1701 Columbia Ave., Mail Stop: ACO,
College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404) 474-5548; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5a2bcb9b9bcb4b8fbb8b6b6a0b9b9ac95b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85f2ece9e9ece4e8abe8e6e6f0e9e9fcc5e3e4e4abe2eaf3">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued a series of ADs, with the most recent being
EASA Emergency AD 2022-0182-E, dated August 30, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-
0182-E), to correct an unsafe condition for all serial-numbered
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. EASA AD
2022-0182-E defines the ``affected part'' as TRDB part number (P/N)
3G6430V00151, P/N 3G6430V00152, and P/N 3G6430V00153, the ``affected
TRA'' as TRA P/N 3G6730V00731 and P/N 3G6730V00732, and the ``affected
assembly'' as sliding control assembly P/N 3G6430A02531.
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
AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on November 10, 2022 (87 FR 67840). The NPRM was prompted by a report
of a damaged TRDB. According to EASA, after an investigation, it was
determined that the TRDB had been removed from a sliding control
assembly and reinstalled on another sliding control assembly, even
though Aircraft Maintenance Programme procedures do not allow
reinstallation of a removed TRDB. The NPRM proposed to require
accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2022-0182-E.
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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0182-E requires repetitively inspecting certain
affected parts, and depending on the results, replacing the affected
part with a serviceable part, and for certain conditions, replacing the
affected TRA or sliding control assembly, as defined therein. EASA AD
2022-0182-E also requires replacing affected parts with serviceable
parts at specified thresholds. Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0182-E prohibits
the installation of certain TRDBs or sliding control assemblies on any
helicopter.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 139-725, Revision A, dated August 9, 2022 (EASB 139-725
Rev A). EASB 139-725 Rev A specifies procedures for inspecting for
rotation between the trunnion and pitch control rod, and applying
slippage marks; inspecting the visible areas of the TRDB (including
seals) for wear, damages, corrosion, particles, grease leakage, grease
leakage particles (including magnetic/metallic particles), and
roughness in its movement; and accomplishing a TRDB operational test.
Finally, EASB 139-725 Rev A specifies procedures for replacing a TRDB
and TRA, discarding the removed TRDB, and sending certain photos and
information to Leonardo S.p.A.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 80 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 TRDB takes up to about 12 work-hours and parts cost
about $100 for an estimated cost of up to $1,120 per helicopter and
$89,600 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. If required,
replacing a TRDB takes about 3 additional work-hours and parts cost
about $2,100, for an estimated cost of $2,355 per helicopter. Replacing
a TRA takes about 2 additional work-hours and parts cost about $42,802,
for an estimated cost of $42,972 per helicopter. Alternatively,
replacing the sliding control assembly takes about 6 work-hours and
parts cost about $11,500, for an estimated cost of $12,010 per
helicopter.
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
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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:
2023-03-03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-22328; Docket No. FAA-2022-
1419; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01002-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 23, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a damaged tail rotor duplex
bearing (TRDB) that was improperly installed on a sliding control
assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to ensure the proper
installation of a TRDB and prevent a TRDB from remaining in service
beyond its life limit. The unsafe condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to structural failure of the TRDB, possibly
resulting in 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Emergency AD 2022-0182-E, dated August 30, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0182-
E).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0182-E
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0182-E requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0182-E refers to July 28, 2022 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2022-0152-E, dated July 26, 2022) and its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0182-E specifies discarding certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0182-E specifies returning a part to the manufacturer, this AD does
not require that action.
(5) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0182-E does not
apply to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0182-E specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) 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 (k) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c6ffeb879095eb878f94ebf1f5f6eb878b898586a0a7a7e8a1a9b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9fa6b2dec9ccb2ded6cdb2a8acafb2ded2d0dcdff9fefeb1f8f0e9">[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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dan McCully, Program
Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1701 Columbia Ave., Mail
Stop: ACO, College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404) 474-5548; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dfa8b6b3b3b6beb2f1b2bcbcaab3b3a69fb9bebef1b8b0a9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e5928c89898c8488cb8886869089899ca5838484cb828a93">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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) Emergency AD
2022-0182-E, dated August 30, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0182-E, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b4a4f784b6e6a786a256e7e79647b6a256e7e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e6f6a5d6e4b4f5d4f004b5b5c415e4f004b5b">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the EASA website
at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information at 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 service information 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#7b1d09551215080b1e180f1214153b151a091a551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5d3b2f7334332e2d383e293432331d333c2f3c733a322b">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on January 31, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-03270 Filed 2-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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