Proposed Rule2023-12335
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
June 9, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an electrical failure of a starter-generator caused by a ruptured drive shaft. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting the drive shaft of an affected starter-generator and depending on the results, performing a dye penetrant inspection. Depending on the results of the dye penetrant inspection, this proposed AD would require replacing the starter- generator, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 111 (Friday, June 9, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 111 (Friday, June 9, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37810-37812]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12335]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1207; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00925-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 A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of an electrical failure of a
starter-generator caused by a ruptured drive shaft. This proposed AD
would require visually inspecting the drive shaft of an affected
starter-generator and depending on the results, performing a dye
penetrant inspection. Depending on the results of the dye penetrant
inspection, this proposed AD would require replacing the starter-
generator, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 July 24,
2023.
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="http://regulations.gov">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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1207; 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, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material that is proposed for IBR in this NPRM,
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a9e8eddae9ccc8dac887ccdcdbc6d9c887ccdc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e8a9ac9ba88d899b89c68d9d9a879889c68d9d">[email protected]</span></a>; internet easa.europa.eu.
You may find the EASA 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. The EASA material is also
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1207.
Other Related Service Information: For Leonardo Helicopters service
information identified in this NPRM, contact Leonardo S.p.A., 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: Hal Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
(303) 342-1080; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#caa2aba6e4a0afa4b9afa48aacababe4ada5bc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2840494406424d465b4d46684e4949064f475e">[email protected]</span></a>.
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-2023-1207; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00925-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="http://regulations.gov">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 Hal
Jensen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (303) 342-1080; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f29a939edc98979c81979cb2949393dc959d84"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="620a030e4c08070c11070c220403034c050d14">[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 2022-0148, dated July 14, 2022 (EASA
AD 2022-0148), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A.
Helicopters Model A119 and AW119MKII helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an electrical failure
of a starter-generator, caused by a ruptured drive shaft, which was not
detected by the generator control unit and caused
[[Page 37811]]
partial loss of battery power. The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent
electrical failure of the starter-generator, which could result in
complete loss of electrical power and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter. See EASA AD 2022-0148 for additional background
information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2022-0148 requires a one-time inspection of the drive shaft
of the affected starter-generator and, depending on findings, replacing
the affected part with a serviceable part as defined therein. EASA AD
2022-0148 also requires reporting the inspection results (including no
findings) to Leonardo and implementing improved removal and
reinstallation procedures for the starter-generator.
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 Alert Service Bulletin
No. 119-121, dated June 21, 2022. This service information specifies
procedures for performing visual and dye penetrant inspections, and
replacing a starter-generator.
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 these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2022-0148, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the EASA 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 2022-0148 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2022-0148 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 2022-0148 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the
proposed AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance
times,'' compliance with this proposed AD requirement would not be
limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2022-0148. Service information referenced in EASA
AD 2022-0148 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1207 after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0148 does not
specify a compliance time to proceed with subsequent procedures if
there is misalignment or if the alignment is not clear, whereas this
proposed AD would require proceeding with those subsequent procedures
before further flight.
Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0148 specifies
contacting LH [Leonardo Helicopters] spare management to send a
starter-generator directly to an authorized repair station for repair,
and sending a starter-generator directly to an authorized repair
station for repair, whereas this proposed AD would not require those
actions.
EASA AD 2022-0148 specifies reporting inspection results to
Leonardo, whereas this proposed AD would not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 136 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 proposed AD.
Visually inspecting a starter-generator drive shaft would take
about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and
$11,560 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, dye-penetrant inspecting a starter-generator drive
shaft would take about 3 work-hours for an estimated cost of $255 per
helicopter.
If required, replacing a starter-generator would take about 2 work-
hours and parts would cost about $11,500 for an estimated cost of
$11,670 per helicopter.
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,
[[Page 37812]]
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-2023-1207; Project Identifier MCAI-
2022-00925-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by July 24, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2435, Starter-
Generator.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an electrical failure of a
starter-generator that was caused by a ruptured drive shaft. The
failure was not detected by the generator control unit and caused
partial loss of battery power. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
electrical failure of the starter-generator, possibly due to
incorrect installation or removal. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in complete loss of electrical power and
subsequent 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 AD 2022-
0148, dated July 14, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0148).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0148
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0148 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0148 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0148 states to,
``inspect the drive shaft;'' for this AD, replace that text with,''
inspect the drive shaft for misalignment and a crack.''
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0148 specifies to proceed with subsequent procedures if there is
misalignment or if the alignment is not clear; for this AD, proceed
with those subsequent procedures before further flight.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0148 states, ``with reference to Annex A, perform a liquid penetrant
inspection of the drive-shaft, in order to detect the presence of
eventual cracks;'' for this AD, replace that text with ``With
reference to Annex A, perform a dye penetrant inspection of the
drive-shaft in order to detect any cracks.''
(6) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2022-0148 specifies contacting LH [Leonardo Helicopters]
spare management to send a starter-generator directly to an
authorized repair station for repair and sending the starter-
generator to an authorized repair station for repair, this AD does
not require those actions.
(7) Where paragraphs (2) and (4) of EASA AD 2022-0148 state,
``Part II of the ASB;'' for this AD, replace that text with, ``AMP
Data Modules 19-A-24-30-04-00A-520A-A, Starter Generator--Remove
Procedure and 19-A-24-30-04-00A-720A-A, Starter Generator--Install
Procedure, each Issue 001 and dated May 24, 2021. Except where AMP
Data Module 19-A-24-30-04-00A-520A-A Starter Generator--Remove
Procedure specifies discarding parts; for this AD, remove those
parts from service.''
(8) This AD does not require paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0148.
(9) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0148.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0148
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided they are restricted to visual flight
rules (VFR) with night operations prohibited and no passengers are
onboard.
(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#477e6a0611146a060e156a7074776a060a08040721262669202831"><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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (303) 342-1080; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b8d0d9d496d2ddd6cbddd6f8ded9d996dfd7ce"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a222b2664202f24392f240a2c2b2b642d253c">[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 2022-0148,
dated July 14, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0148, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d2c291e2d080c1e0c4308181f021d0c430818"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3170754271545042501f5444435e41501f5444">[email protected]</span></a>; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at ad.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.
(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#3254401c5b5c41425751465b5d5c725c5340531c555d44"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2f495d0146415c5f4a4c5b4640416f414e5d4e01484059">[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 June 2, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-12335 Filed 6-8-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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