Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held By Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A), 38014-38016 [2018-16496]

Download as PDF 38014 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 150 / Friday, August 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations (10) The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) required by § 23.1529 must contain maintenance requirements to ensure that the battery has been sufficiently charged at appropriate intervals specified by the battery manufacturer and the equipment manufacturer that contain the rechargeable lithium battery or rechargeable lithium battery system. The lithium rechargeable batteries and lithium rechargeable battery systems must not degrade below specified ampere-hour levels sufficient to power the aircraft system. The ICA must also contain procedures for the maintenance of replacement batteries to prevent the installation of batteries that have degraded charge retention ability or other damage due to prolonged storage at a low state of charge. Replacement batteries must be of the same manufacturer and part number as approved by the FAA. Note 2 to paragraph (10): Maintenance requirements include procedures that check battery capacity, charge degradation at manufacturers recommended inspection intervals, and replace batteries at manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule/time to prevent age-related degradation. Note 3 to paragraph (10): The term ‘‘sufficiently charged’’ means that the battery must retain enough charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to ensure that the battery cells will not be damaged. A battery cell may be damaged by low charge (i.e., below a certain level), resulting in a reduction in the ability to charge and retain a full charge. This reduction would be greater than the reduction that may result from normal operational degradation. Note 4 to paragraph (10): Replacement battery in spares storage may be subject to prolonged storage at a low state of charge. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 25, 2018. Pat Mullen, Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–16609 Filed 8–2–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0720; Product Identifier 2017–SW–012–AD; Amendment 39–19348; AD 2018–16–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held By Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters with an oil cooler fan assembly (fan assembly) installed. This AD requires inspecting each oil cooler system pulley assembly (pulley assembly) bearing and replacing each fan assembly. This AD is prompted by reports of degraded pulley assembly bearings. The actions of this AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective August 20, 2018. We must receive comments on this AD by October 2, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUMMARY: amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0720; 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 AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:08 Aug 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800- 647– 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39– 0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222 5110; email eric.haight@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments. Discussion EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2017–0046–E, dated March 10, 2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo (previously Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model A109E, A109LUH, A109S, and E:\FR\FM\03AUR1.SGM 03AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 150 / Friday, August 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations AW109SP helicopters. EASA advises that during inspections of two AW109SP helicopters, degraded bearings, part number (P/N) 109G6320L01–101, were discovered on the engine and transmission oil cooling system pulley assembly, P/N 109G6320A26–101. EASA further states that because of this condition, both fan assemblies could cease to function, resulting in engine power loss, transmission failure, and loss of control of the helicopter. To correct this unsafe condition, the EASA AD requires a onetime inspection of each pulley assembly bearing and replacing each fan assembly. fan assembly with fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01–101 before further flight. If there is no play, no rotation resistance, and no binding, this AD requires replacing each fan assembly with fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01– 101 within 20 hours TIS. Finally, this AD prohibits installing fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01–103 on any helicopter. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 127 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, inspecting the bearings will require 1 hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85. Replacing both fan assemblies will require 8 hours and $44,800 for parts. Based on these figures, we estimate a total cost of $45,565 per helicopter and $5,786,755 for the U.S. fleet to comply with this AD. According to the Leonardo service information, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Leonardo. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Related Service Information We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 109–EP–153 for Model A109E helicopters, EASB No. 109S–075 for Model A109S helicopters, and EASB No. 109SP–112 for Model AW109SP helicopters, all dated March 8, 2017. This service information contains procedures for inspecting each pulley assembly bearing P/N 109G6320L01– 101 for grease shield damage or leaking grease and axial and radial play, and freedom of rotation of the bearing. This service information also provides procedures for replacing each fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01–103 with a fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01–101. AD Requirements This AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting with a borescope each bearing P/N 109G6320L01–101 grease shield for a crack, position of the grease shield, and leaking grease. If there is a crack or leaking grease or if the grease shield is out of position, this AD requires replacing each fan assembly with fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01–101 before further flight. This AD also requires inspecting each bearing for axial and radial play and freedom of rotation. If there is any axial or radial play, rotation resistance, or binding, this AD requires replacing each VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:08 Aug 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD applies to Model A109LUH helicopters; this AD does not as this model is a military model and does not have an FAA type certificate. FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the previously described unsafe condition can adversely affect the controllability of the helicopter and the initial required corrective action must be accomplished within 5 hours TIS. Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition, for the reason stated above, we find that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. 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: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 38015 Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are 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 We determined that 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, I certify that this AD: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. 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. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ E:\FR\FM\03AUR1.SGM 03AUR1 38016 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 150 / Friday, August 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 2018–16–08 Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held By Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A): Amendment 39–19348; Docket No. FAA–2018–0720; Product Identifier 2017–SW–012–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate previously held by Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A) Model A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters with an oil cooler fan assembly (fan assembly) part number (P/N) 109–0455–01–103 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an oil cooler system pulley assembly (pulley assembly) bearing. This condition could lead to failure of a fan assembly, resulting in engine power loss, transmission failure, and loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective August 20, 2018. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (e) Required Actions (1) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove the fan belt from each pulley assembly and, using a borescope inspect the grease shield of each bearing P/N 109G6320L01–101 for a crack, leaking grease, and position of the grease shield. (i) If there is a crack, any leaking grease, or if the grease shield is out of position, before further flight, replace each fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01–103 on both sides of the helicopter with a fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01–101. (ii) If there are no cracks, no leaking grease, and the grease shield is correctly positioned, inspect each bearing P/N 109G6320L01–101 for axial and radial play and freedom of rotation. (A) If there is any axial or radial play, rotation resistance, or binding, before further flight, replace each fan assembly P/N 109– 0455–01–103 on both sides of the helicopter with a fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01–101. (B) If there is no play, no rotation resistance, and no binding, within 20 hours TIS, replace each fan assembly P/N 109– 0455–01–103 on both sides of the helicopter with a fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01–101. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a fan assembly P/N 109–0455–01– 103 on any helicopter. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222 5110; email 9-ASWFTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 23:08 Aug 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information (1) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 109EP–153, EASB No. 109S–075, and EASB No 109SP– 112, all dated March 8, 2017, and which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2017–0046–E, dated March 10, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2018–0720. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6322 Rotorcraft Cooling Fan System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 26, 2018. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–16496 Filed 8–2–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2016–9377; Airspace Docket No. 16–AEA–8] RIN–2120–AA66 Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace for the Following Pennsylvania Towns; Lancaster, PA; Reading, PA; and Williamsport, PA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends Class E airspace designated as an extension to Class D airspace by removing the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) part-time status at Lancaster Airport, Lancaster, PA; SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Reading Regional Airport/Carl A. Spaatz Field, Reading, PA; and Williamsport Regional Airport, Williamsport, PA. This action also updates the geographic coordinates of these airports and the Picture Rocks navigation aid listed in the associated Class D and E airspace. This action enhances the safety and airspace management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport. Also, this action replaces the outdated term Airport/Facility Directory with the term Chart Supplement in the associated Class D and E legal descriptions. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, November 8, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/ air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404) 305–6364. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the E:\FR\FM\03AUR1.SGM 03AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 150 (Friday, August 3, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38014-38016]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16496]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0720; Product Identifier 2017-SW-012-AD; Amendment 
39-19348; AD 2018-16-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters (Type 
Certificate Previously Held By Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland 
S.p.A)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters 
with an oil cooler fan assembly (fan assembly) installed. This AD 
requires inspecting each oil cooler system pulley assembly (pulley 
assembly) bearing and replacing each fan assembly. This AD is prompted 
by reports of degraded pulley assembly bearings. The actions of this AD 
are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 20, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 2, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0720; 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 AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for Docket Operations (telephone 800- 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, 
Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone 
+39-0331-711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222 5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we 
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written 
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the 
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written 
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should 
submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that 
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public 
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the 
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may 
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2017-0046-E, dated 
March 10, 2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo (previously 
Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model A109E, A109LUH, A109S, 
and

[[Page 38015]]

AW109SP helicopters. EASA advises that during inspections of two 
AW109SP helicopters, degraded bearings, part number (P/N) 109G6320L01-
101, were discovered on the engine and transmission oil cooling system 
pulley assembly, P/N 109G6320A26-101. EASA further states that because 
of this condition, both fan assemblies could cease to function, 
resulting in engine power loss, transmission failure, and loss of 
control of the helicopter. To correct this unsafe condition, the EASA 
AD requires a one-time inspection of each pulley assembly bearing and 
replacing each fan assembly.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, 
has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We 
are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by 
EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist 
or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
(EASB) No. 109-EP-153 for Model A109E helicopters, EASB No. 109S-075 
for Model A109S helicopters, and EASB No. 109SP-112 for Model AW109SP 
helicopters, all dated March 8, 2017. This service information contains 
procedures for inspecting each pulley assembly bearing P/N 109G6320L01-
101 for grease shield damage or leaking grease and axial and radial 
play, and freedom of rotation of the bearing. This service information 
also provides procedures for replacing each fan assembly P/N 109-0455-
01-103 with a fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-101.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting 
with a borescope each bearing P/N 109G6320L01-101 grease shield for a 
crack, position of the grease shield, and leaking grease. If there is a 
crack or leaking grease or if the grease shield is out of position, 
this AD requires replacing each fan assembly with fan assembly P/N 109-
0455-01-101 before further flight.
    This AD also requires inspecting each bearing for axial and radial 
play and freedom of rotation. If there is any axial or radial play, 
rotation resistance, or binding, this AD requires replacing each fan 
assembly with fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-101 before further flight. 
If there is no play, no rotation resistance, and no binding, this AD 
requires replacing each fan assembly with fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-
101 within 20 hours TIS.
    Finally, this AD prohibits installing fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-
103 on any helicopter.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model A109LUH helicopters; this AD does not 
as this model is a military model and does not have an FAA type 
certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 127 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD.
    At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, inspecting the 
bearings will require 1 hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85. 
Replacing both fan assemblies will require 8 hours and $44,800 for 
parts. Based on these figures, we estimate a total cost of $45,565 per 
helicopter and $5,786,755 for the U.S. fleet to comply with this AD.
    According to the Leonardo service information, some of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by 
Leonardo. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the previously described unsafe condition can adversely affect 
the controllability of the helicopter and the initial required 
corrective action must be accomplished within 5 hours TIS. Therefore, 
we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are impracticable.
    In addition, for the reason stated above, we find that good cause 
exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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.
    We are 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

    We determined that 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, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of 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):


[[Page 38016]]


2018-16-08 Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held By 
Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A): Amendment 39-19348; 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0720; Product Identifier 2017-SW-012-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate previously 
held by Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A) Model A109E, 
A109S, and AW109SP helicopters with an oil cooler fan assembly (fan 
assembly) part number (P/N) 109-0455-01-103 installed, certificated 
in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an oil cooler 
system pulley assembly (pulley assembly) bearing. This condition 
could lead to failure of a fan assembly, resulting in engine power 
loss, transmission failure, and loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 20, 2018.

 (d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove the fan belt 
from each pulley assembly and, using a borescope inspect the grease 
shield of each bearing P/N 109G6320L01-101 for a crack, leaking 
grease, and position of the grease shield.
    (i) If there is a crack, any leaking grease, or if the grease 
shield is out of position, before further flight, replace each fan 
assembly P/N 109-0455-01-103 on both sides of the helicopter with a 
fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-101.
    (ii) If there are no cracks, no leaking grease, and the grease 
shield is correctly positioned, inspect each bearing P/N 
109G6320L01-101 for axial and radial play and freedom of rotation.
    (A) If there is any axial or radial play, rotation resistance, 
or binding, before further flight, replace each fan assembly P/N 
109-0455-01-103 on both sides of the helicopter with a fan assembly 
P/N 109-0455-01-101.
    (B) If there is no play, no rotation resistance, and no binding, 
within 20 hours TIS, replace each fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-103 
on both sides of the helicopter with a fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-
101.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a fan 
assembly P/N 109-0455-01-103 on any helicopter.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222 5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) 
No. 109EP-153, EASB No. 109S-075, and EASB No 109SP-112, all dated 
March 8, 2017, and which are not incorporated by reference, contain 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. 
Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 
520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-
711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You may review a copy of the service information at the 
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2017-0046-E, dated March 10, 
2017. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0720.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6322 Rotorcraft 
Cooling Fan System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 26, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16496 Filed 8-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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