Rule2023-21065
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
September 27, 2023
Effective
November 1, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of an electrical failure of a starter-generator caused by a ruptured drive shaft. This AD requires 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 AD requires replacing the starter-generator, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). 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 186 (Wednesday, September 27, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 27, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66269-66271]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21065]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 186 / Wednesday, September 27, 2023 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 66269]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1207; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00925-R;
Amendment 39-22533; AD 2023-17-07]
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 A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of an electrical failure of a starter-generator
caused by a ruptured drive shaft. This AD requires 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 AD requires replacing the
starter-generator, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 1, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 1,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information, 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 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#5b1a1f281b3e3a283a753e2e29342b3a753e2e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86c7c2f5c6e3e7f5e7a8e3f3f4e9f6e7a8e3f3">[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 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. 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 final rule, 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#ef878e83c1858a819c8a81af898e8ec1888099"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="046c65682a6e616a77616a446265652a636b72">[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 2022-0148, dated July 14, 2022 (EASA
AD 2022-0148), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. Model
A119 and AW119MKII helicopters.
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 A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 9, 2023 (88 FR 37810). The NPRM 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 partial loss of battery power. The NPRM proposed to
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,
the NPRM proposed to require replacing the starter-generator, as
specified in EASA AD 2022-0148. The FAA is issuing 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.
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 of 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 2022-0148 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 ADDRESSES.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
[[Page 66270]]
119-121, dated June 21, 2022. This service information specifies
procedures for performing visual and dye penetrant inspections and for
replacing a starter-generator.
Differences Between This 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 AD
requires 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 AD does not require those actions.
EASA AD 2022-0148 specifies reporting inspection results to
Leonardo, whereas this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 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 AD.
Visually inspecting a starter-generator drive shaft will 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 will take about 3 work-hours for an estimated cost of $255 per
helicopter.
If required, replacing a starter-generator will take about 2 work-
hours and parts will 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
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:
AD 2023-17-07 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-22533; Docket No. FAA-
2023-1207; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00925-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 1, 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.
[[Page 66271]]
(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 toyour 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#0a33274b5c59274b4358273d393a274b4745494a6c6b6b246d657c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="caf3e78b9c99e78b8398e7fdf9fae78b8785898aacababe4ada5bc">[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#157d74793b7f707b66707b557374743b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="deb6bfb2f0b4bbb0adbbb09eb8bfbff0b9b1a8">[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 the 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#5f1e1b2c1f3a3e2c3e713a2a2d302f3e713a2a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4405003704212537256a2131362b34256a2131">[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 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#ff998dd196918c8f9a9c8b969091bf919e8d9ed1989089"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95f3e7bbfcfbe6e5f0f6e1fcfafbd5fbf4e7f4bbf2fae3">[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 August 22, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-21065 Filed 9-26-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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