Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A) Helicopters, 47815-47817 [2018-20107]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or
Dassault Aviation’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2018–0027, dated January 30, 2018, for
related information. This MCAI may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0359.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
231–3226.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) 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) Chapter 5–40, Airworthiness
Limitations, Revision 23, dated September
2017, of the Dassault Aviation Falcon 900
Maintenance Manual.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Dassault Falcon Jet
Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box
2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606;
telephone 201–440–6700; internet https://
www.dassaultfalcon.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
(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, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
August 30, 2018.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–19936 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
16:15 Sep 20, 2018
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0619; Product
Identifier 2016–SW–093–AD; Amendment
39–19408; AD 2018–19–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
(k) Related Information
VerDate Sep<11>2014
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Jkt 244001
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously
Held by Finmeccanica S.p.A.,
AgustaWestland S.p.A) Helicopters
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model
AW189 helicopters. This AD requires
inspecting the tail gearbox (TGB) fitting
for a crack. This AD was prompted by
a report of a crack on a TGB fitting that
was found during a scheduled
inspection. The actions of this AD are
intended to prevent an unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 26,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of October 26, 2018.
ADDRESSES: 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. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0619.
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–2017–
0619; 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, any incorporated-byreference service information, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Matt
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Discussion
SUMMARY:
Frm 00015
street address for Docket Operations
(phone: 800–647–5527) 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
47815
On February 21, 2018, at 83 FR 7423,
the Federal Register published our
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM),
which proposed to amend 14 CFR part
39 by adding an AD that would apply
to AgustaWestland S.p.A (now
Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters
with tail assembly part number (P/N)
8G5350A00131 installed. The NPRM
proposed to require inspecting the TGB
fitting for a crack. The proposed
requirements were intended to detect a
crack on a TGB fitting, which could
reduce the tail assembly’s ability to
sustain loads from the TGB and the tail
rotor and result in loss of helicopter
control.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2016–0177, dated September 8, 2016,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Leonardo (formerly
Finmeccanica S.p.A. and
AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW189
helicopters with a tail assembly P/N
8G5350A00131. EASA advises that a
crack was detected on the TGB fitting P/
N 4F5350A04152 during a scheduled
inspection of an AW189 helicopter.
EASA advises that this condition, if not
detected and corrected, could lead to
crack propagation up to a critical length.
This condition could reduce the
assembly’s ability to sustain loads from
the TGB and tail rotor, possibly
resulting to reduced helicopter control.
The EASA AD consequently requires
repetitive inspections of the fitting and
replacing the fitting, depending on the
inspections’ outcome. EASA considers
these actions to be interim and that
further AD action may follow.
After the NPRM was published, the
FAA updated AgustaWestland S.p.A’s
(AgustaWestland) name to
Finmeccanica S.p.A. and then to
Leonardo on its FAA type certificate.
This name change is reflected in this
AD.
E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM
21SER1
47816
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comment
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response.
One commenter requested that the AD
also require an inspection of the tail
rotor, tail boom, and rotor mast. The
commenter does not provide any
technical support for this request.
We disagree. The actions requested by
the commenter are not necessary to
correct the unsafe condition. We have
made no changes to the rule portion of
this AD.
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 and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Interim Action
We consider this AD to be an interim
action. The design approval holder is
expected to develop a modification that
will address the unsafe condition
identified in this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved,
and available, we might consider
additional rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD requires you to provide
a compliance record and return parts to
Leonardo Helicopters if a crack is found
on the fitting, and this AD does not.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Leonardo has issued Bollettino
Tecnico No. 189–114, dated September
6, 2016 (BT), which specifies inspecting
the TGB fitting within 30 flight hours or
1 month from the receipt of the BT,
whichever comes first, and then at
intervals not to exceed 150 flight hours.
If a crack is found, the BT requires
replacing the TGB fitting.
This service information 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:15 Sep 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 4
helicopters of U.S. Registry and that
labor costs average $85 per work-hour.
Based on these estimates, we expect the
following costs:
• Inspecting the TGB fitting requires
4 work-hours and no parts for a cost per
helicopter of $340 and $1,360 for the
U.S. fleet each inspection cycle.
• Replacing the TGB fitting requires
48 work-hours and parts cost $30,000
for a cost of $34,080 per helicopter.
According to Leonardo Helicopters’
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
Helicopters. Accordingly, we have
included all costs in our cost estimate.
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.
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
helicopters 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) 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,
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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):
■
2018–19–08 Leonardo S.p.A. (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland
S.p.A.) Helicopters: Amendment 39–
19408; Docket No. FAA–2017–0619;
Product Identifier 2016–SW–093–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
AW189 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with tail assembly part number
8G5350A00131 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack on a tail gearbox fitting. This condition
could reduce the tail assembly’s ability to
sustain loads from the tail rotor gearbox
(TGB) and the tail rotor and result in loss of
helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 26,
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
Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours
TIS, clean and inspect the TGB fitting for a
crack in the areas depicted in Figure 1 of
Leonardo Bollettino Tecnico No. 189–114,
dated September 6, 2016. If there is a crack,
replace the TGB fitting before further flight.
E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM
21SER1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASWFTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(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.
Federal Aviation Administration
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
No. 2016–0177, dated September 8, 2016.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–
0619.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
(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) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico
No. 189–114, dated September 6, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September
6, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–20107 Filed 9–20–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:15 Sep 20, 2018
Jkt 244001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0688; Product
Identifier 2017–NE–23–AD; Amendment 39–
19353; AD 2018–16–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Zodiac Seats
France, Cabin Attendant Seats
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Zodiac Seats France, 537-Series Cabin
Attendant Seats. This AD was prompted
by operator reports that safety belt wear
was found at the attachment to the cabin
attendant seat. This AD requires
inspecting the safety belt webbing, and
modifying and re-marking each affected
cabin attendant seat. We are issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 26,
2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of October 26, 2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Zodiac Seats France, Rue Robert
Marechal Senior B.P. 69, 36100
Issoudun, France; phone: +33 (0) 9 70
83 08 30; fax: +33 (0) 2 54 03 39 00;
email: zs.tac@zodiacaerospace.com;
internet: https://www.services.zodiac
aerospace.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Engine
& Propeller Standards Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 781–238–
7759. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2017–0688.
SUMMARY:
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–2017–
0688; 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 (MCAI), the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for
Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–
Frm 00017
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
5527) 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7693; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: dorie.resnik@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
47817
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Zodiac Seats France,
537-Series Cabin Attendant Seats. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on December 11, 2017 (82 FR
58137). The NPRM was prompted by
operator reports that safety belt wear
was found at the attachment to the cabin
attendant seat. The NPRM proposed to
require inspecting the safety belt
webbing, and modifying and re-marking
each affected cabin attendant seat. We
are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA AD 2016–
0163, dated August 10, 2016 (referred to
after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address the
unsafe condition on these products. The
MCAI states:
Cases were reported by operators of finding
safety belt worn out at the attachment to the
cabin attendant seat. This kind of belt
damage is due to chafing between the belt
and the surrounding metal lap belt fitting of
the cabin attendant seat. This condition, if
not detected and corrected, could lead to
failure of the attendant seat to perform its
intended function, possibly resulting in
injury to the seat occupant. Prompted by
these occurrences, Zodiac Seats France
issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 537–25–003,
providing instructions to modify the affected
seats. For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires a modification of the
seat pan shaft by installing new seat pan
spacers, and subsequent re-identification
with a new P/N.
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0688.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this final rule.
We received no comments on the NPRM
or on the determination of the cost to
the public.
E:\FR\FM\21SER1.SGM
21SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47815-47817]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20107]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0619; Product Identifier 2016-SW-093-AD; Amendment
39-19408; AD 2018-19-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A)
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters. This AD requires
inspecting the tail gearbox (TGB) fitting for a crack. This AD was
prompted by a report of a crack on a TGB fitting that was found during
a scheduled inspection. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent
an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 26, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 26,
2018.
ADDRESSES: 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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0619.
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-2017-
0619; 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, any
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On February 21, 2018, at 83 FR 7423, the Federal Register published
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to AgustaWestland S.p.A
(now Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters with tail assembly part number
(P/N) 8G5350A00131 installed. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting
the TGB fitting for a crack. The proposed requirements were intended to
detect a crack on a TGB fitting, which could reduce the tail assembly's
ability to sustain loads from the TGB and the tail rotor and result in
loss of helicopter control.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016-0177, dated September 8, 2016,
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo
(formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A. and AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW189
helicopters with a tail assembly P/N 8G5350A00131. EASA advises that a
crack was detected on the TGB fitting P/N 4F5350A04152 during a
scheduled inspection of an AW189 helicopter. EASA advises that this
condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to crack
propagation up to a critical length. This condition could reduce the
assembly's ability to sustain loads from the TGB and tail rotor,
possibly resulting to reduced helicopter control. The EASA AD
consequently requires repetitive inspections of the fitting and
replacing the fitting, depending on the inspections' outcome. EASA
considers these actions to be interim and that further AD action may
follow.
After the NPRM was published, the FAA updated AgustaWestland
S.p.A's (AgustaWestland) name to Finmeccanica S.p.A. and then to
Leonardo on its FAA type certificate. This name change is reflected in
this AD.
[[Page 47816]]
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response.
One commenter requested that the AD also require an inspection of
the tail rotor, tail boom, and rotor mast. The commenter does not
provide any technical support for this request.
We disagree. The actions requested by the commenter are not
necessary to correct the unsafe condition. We have made no changes to
the rule portion of this AD.
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 and that air
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Interim Action
We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval
holder is expected to develop a modification that will address the
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is
developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional
rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires you to provide a compliance record and return
parts to Leonardo Helicopters if a crack is found on the fitting, and
this AD does not.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Leonardo has issued Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-114, dated September
6, 2016 (BT), which specifies inspecting the TGB fitting within 30
flight hours or 1 month from the receipt of the BT, whichever comes
first, and then at intervals not to exceed 150 flight hours. If a crack
is found, the BT requires replacing the TGB fitting.
This service information 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 4 helicopters of U.S. Registry and
that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates,
we expect the following costs:
Inspecting the TGB fitting requires 4 work-hours and no
parts for a cost per helicopter of $340 and $1,360 for the U.S. fleet
each inspection cycle.
Replacing the TGB fitting requires 48 work-hours and parts
cost $30,000 for a cost of $34,080 per helicopter.
According to Leonardo Helicopters' 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 Helicopters. Accordingly, we have included all
costs in our cost estimate.
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 helicopters 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) 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):
2018-19-08 Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by
Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Helicopters: Amendment
39-19408; Docket No. FAA-2017-0619; Product Identifier 2016-SW-093-
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 AW189
helicopters, certificated in any category, with tail assembly part
number 8G5350A00131 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack on a tail
gearbox fitting. This condition could reduce the tail assembly's
ability to sustain loads from the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) and the
tail rotor and result in loss of helicopter control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 26, 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
Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, clean and inspect the TGB
fitting for a crack in the areas depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo
Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-114, dated September 6, 2016. If there is
a crack, replace the TGB fitting before further flight.
[[Page 47817]]
(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:
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
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
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016-0177, dated September 8, 2016. You may
view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0619.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor
Gearbox.
(i) 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) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 189-114, dated
September 6, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 6, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20107 Filed 9-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
