Rule2024-14890
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
July 9, 2024
Effective
August 13, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of abnormal oscillatory behavior during automated glide slope approaches, due to sealant on the glide slope (G/S) antenna coaxial connectors. This AD requires visually inspecting certain G/S antennas and G/S antenna coaxial connectors for the presence of any sealant; cleaning parts and removing any sealant; performing an external G/S acceptance test procedure (ATP); and taking corrective actions if necessary. This AD would also prohibit installing certain G/S antennas and G/S antenna coaxial connecters. These requirements are 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
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 131 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56191-56193]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-14890]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0236; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00066-R;
Amendment 39-22754; AD 2024-10-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
report of abnormal oscillatory behavior during automated glide slope
approaches, due to sealant on the glide slope (G/S) antenna coaxial
connectors. This AD requires visually inspecting certain G/S antennas
and G/S antenna coaxial connectors for the presence of any sealant;
cleaning parts and removing any sealant; performing an external G/S
acceptance test procedure (ATP); and taking corrective actions if
necessary. This AD would also prohibit installing certain G/S antennas
and G/S antenna coaxial connecters. These requirements are 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 August 13, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 13,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0236; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For EASA material, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#90d1d4e3d0f5f1e3f1bef5e5e2ffe0f1bef5e5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e1a0a592a184809280cf8494938e9180cf8494">[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 Parkway, 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-2024-0236.
Other Related Service Information: For Leonardo Helicopters 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; phone (+39) 0331-225074;
fax (+39) 0331-229046; or at <a href="http://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/">customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781)
238-7241; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5f0c2a31383230711b711c37301f393e3e71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4f1c3a21282220610b610c27200f292e2e61282039">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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 AW189 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
February 27, 2024 (89 FR 14417). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-
0010, dated January 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0010), issued by EASA, which
is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union.
EASA AD 2022-0010 states an in-flight abnormal oscillatory action of an
Model AW189 helicopter was reported during automated G/S approaches.
EASA AD 2022-0010 states subsequent investigation identified sealant on
the G/S antenna coaxial connectors.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of
certain G/S antennas and G/S antenna coaxial connectors for the
presence of any sealant; cleaning parts and removing any sealant;
performing an external G/S ATP; and taking corrective actions if
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address sealant on
or around the G/S antenna. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could lead to erratic signals from the G/S antenna, which could result
in reduced capability of the helicopter to perform safe automated
approaches. See EASA AD 2022-0010 for additional background
information.
[[Page 56192]]
You may examine EASA AD 2022-0010 in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2024-0236.
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 2022-0010 requires visually inspecting G/S antenna part
number (P/N) 6208-88-62 and G/S antenna coaxial connectors P/N PE4958,
which are both parts of G/S antenna kit P/N 8G3430F00111, for any
sealant. If any sealant is found, EASA AD 2022-0010 requires removing
any sealant, and performing further inspections and corrective actions.
EASA AD 2022-0010 also requires performing an ATP and depending on
the results, replacing, and removing certain parts, and additional
tests. EASA AD 2022-0010 allows the affected G/S antenna and G/S
antenna coaxial connectors to be installed on a helicopter if certain
requirements are met.
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 also reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
No. 189-295, dated November 29, 2021. This service information
specifies procedures for visually inspecting the G/S antenna for the
presence of sealant; removing any sealant that is detected; removing
and replacing any affected parts; performing any corrective actions if
necessary, performing an ATP, which includes verifying flight display,
decibel milliwatts, and pass/fail information; and reporting certain
information to the manufacturer.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
If any discrepancy is found during the ATP, EASA AD 2022-0010
requires replacing each affected part with a serviceable part, whereas
this AD requires removing each affected part from service and replacing
it with a serviceable part.
Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0010 contains an
inspection report (ANNEX B), whereas this AD does not require
completing that information.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4 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 for sealant around the G/S antenna will take
approximately 5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $425 per helicopter
and up to $1,700 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, removing any sealant and cleaning any part will take
approximately 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per
helicopter.
Performing an ATP will take approximately 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and up to $340 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, removing and replacing a G/S antenna, to include
removing and replacing the connectors will take approximately 3 work-
hours and parts will cost $100,100 for an estimated cost of $100,355
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:
2024-10-08 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-22754; Docket No. FAA-2024-
0236; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00066-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 13, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 3432, Glide slope
system.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of abnormal oscillatory
behavior during automated glide slope approaches, due to sealant on
the glide slope (G/S) antenna coaxial connectors. The FAA is issuing
this AD to detect and address sealant on or
[[Page 56193]]
around the G/S antenna. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could lead to erratic signals from the G/S antenna, which could
result in reduced capability of the helicopter to perform safe
automated approaches.
(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
2022-0010, dated January 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0010).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0010
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``flight hours;'' for this
AD, replace that text with ``hours time-in-service.''
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0010 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``in
accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;'' for this
AD, replace that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 4 and 5 of the ASB.''
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``in
accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;'' for this
AD, replace that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 6.3 (including the two cautions
above paragraph 6.3) through 6.5 (but not paragraphs 6.5.1 and
6.5.2) of the ASB.''
(5) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 state
``discrepancy;'' for this AD, replace that text with ``discrepancy,
which is one or more ``fail'' results in the acceptance test
procedure.''
(6) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 state to
``replace the/those affected parts with serviceable parts;'' for
this AD, replace that text with ``remove the affected part, as
defined in EASA AD 2022-0010, from service and replace it with a
serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010. Thereafter, after
installing a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010,
before further flight, accomplish an acceptance test procedure (ATP)
in accordance with the instructions of Annex A of the ASB.''
(7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0010 specifies discarding existing hardware, this AD requires
removing the existing hardware from service.
(8) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``in
accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;'' for this
AD, replace that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 9 through 11 of the ASB.''
(9) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``in
accordance with the instructions of Part II of the ASB;'' for this
AD, replace that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 2 through 4 of the ASB.''
(10) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2022-0010.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0010
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided there are no passengers, and no flights
are performed under instrument flight rules (IFR).
(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#fac3d7bbaca9d7bbb3a8d7cdc9cad7bbb7b5b9ba9c9b9bd49d958c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="566f7b1700057b171f047b6165667b171b19151630373778313920">[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 Sungmo Cho, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (781) 238-7241; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a4f7d1cac3c9cb8ae08ae7cccbe4c2c5c58ac3cbd2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7023051e171d1f5e345e33181f301611115e171f06">[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 2022-0010,
dated January 20, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0010, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e9a8ad9aa98c889a88c78c9c9b869988c78c9c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bdfcf9cefdd8dccedc93d8c8cfd2cddc93d8c8">[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 at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#781e0a5611160b081d1b0c1117163816190a19561f170e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="086e7a2661667b786d6b7c6167664866697a69266f677e">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 14, 2024.
James D. Foltz,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-14890 Filed 7-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on July 9, 2024.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.