Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, 29797-29799 [2019-13247]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2019 / Rules and Regulations was published in the Federal Register at 81 FR 14948 on March 21, 2016, is adopted as a final rule without change. Dated: June 14, 2019. Kevin K. McAleenan, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 2019–13431 Filed 6–24–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0737; Product Identifier 2017–SW–096–AD; Amendment 39–19661; AD 2019–12–06] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Discussion We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.A. (type certificate previously held by Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW139 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting and altering the number 1 driveshaft (driveshaft). This AD was prompted by reports of scratches that were found on the driveshaft. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective July 30, 2019. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of July 30, 2019. 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/en/home. 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–2018– 0737. khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:28 Jun 24, 2019 Jkt 247001 and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0737; 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 street 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email david.hatfield@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 27, 2018, at 83 FR 43561, 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 Model AW139 helicopters, serial numbers 31499, 31504, 31507, 31509, 31512, 31518, 31519, 31524, 31529, 31533, 31535 through 31564, 31567, 31569, 31570, 31589, 41363, 41368 through 41370, 41372 through 41375, 41378, 41381, and 41384, with a tunnel assembly part number (P/N) 3G7130A13431 installed. The NPRM proposed to require repetitively inspecting the driveshaft tube P/N 3G6510A00832 for a scratch and indentation. If there is a scratch or indentation, the NPRM proposed to require, before further flight, repairing the driveshaft tube and performing a depth check of the repaired area. Depending on the repaired area depth, the NPRM proposed to require replacing the driveshaft tube and altering the rear exhaust module and tunnel assembly before further flight or performing an eddy current inspection of the tube for a crack. If there is a crack, the NPRM proposed to require replacing the driveshaft tube and altering the rear exhaust module and tunnel assembly before further flight. The NPRM also proposed to require altering the rear exhaust module and tunnel assembly, if not previously done as a result of the inspections, and re-identifying the tunnel assembly P/N after it is altered, which would be terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a crack in the driveshaft, failure of the PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 29797 tail rotor drive system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2017–0011, dated January 25, 2017, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for certain serial-numbered Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW139 helicopters. EASA advises of several helicopters found with scratches on the driveshaft P/N 3G6510A01132 and that an investigation determined only helicopters equipped with rear exhaust module assembly P/N 3G7810A00431 and tunnel assembly P/ N 3G7130A13431 are affected. According to EASA, the scratches resulted from insufficient clearance between the driveshaft and the rear exhaust module and tunnel assemblies. EASA further advises that if not corrected, these scratches could lead to a crack in the driveshaft, failure of the tail rotor drive system, and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the European Union, EASA, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in its 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 the same type designs. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–465, Revision A, dated January 25, 2017, which contains procedures for visual and eddy-current inspections of the driveshaft. This service information also contains procedures for modifying the exhaust module and tunnel assembly. 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 55 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. E:\FR\FM\25JNR1.SGM 25JNR1 29798 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2019 / Rules and Regulations Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Inspecting, repairing, and eddycurrent inspecting the driveshaft tube requires about 6 work-hours, and required parts cost is minimal, for a cost of $510 per helicopter and $28,050 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Altering the rear exhaust module and tunnel assembly requires about 20 workhours, and required parts cost $1,500, for a cost of $3,200 per helicopter and $176,000 for the U.S. fleet. According to Leonardo Helicopter’s 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. 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. Authority for This Rulemaking § 39.13 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 khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:28 Jun 24, 2019 Jkt 247001 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2019–12–06 Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A.): Amendment 39–19661; Docket No. FAA–2018–0737; Product Identifier 2017– SW–096–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model AW139 helicopters, serial numbers 31499, 31504, 31507, 31509, 31512, 31518, 31519, 31524, 31529, 31533, 31535 through 31564, 31567, 31569, 31570, 31589, 41363, 41368 through 41370, 41372 through 41375, 41378, 41381, and 41384, with a tunnel assembly part number (P/N) 3G7130A13431 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a tail rotor driveshaft. This condition could result in failure of the tail rotor drive system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective July 30, 2019. (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 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the number 1 driveshaft tube shaft, P/N 3G6510A00832, for a scratch and indentation in the area depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–465, Revision A, dated January 25, 2017 (BT 139–465). If there is a scratch or indentation, before further flight: (i) Repair the tube shaft in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 7.1 through 7.3, of BT 139–465. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (ii) Measure the depth of the repaired areas as depicted in Figure 2 of BT 139–465. (A) If the depth of the reworked area is 0.2 mm (0.079 inch) or less, eddy-current inspect the driveshaft for a crack as described in the Compliance Instructions, Annex A, of BT 139–465. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the driveshaft, alter the rear exhaust module, and alter and re-identify the tunnel assembly in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 7 through 12, of BT 139–465. (B) If the depth of the reworked area is more than 0.2 mm (0.079 inch), before further flight, replace the driveshaft, alter the rear exhaust module, and alter and re-identify the tunnel assembly in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 7 through 12, of BT 139–465. (2) Within 300 hours TIS, unless already accomplished as required by paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this AD, alter the rear exhaust module and alter and re-identify the tunnel assembly in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 7 through 12, of BT 139–465. (f) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (g) 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: David Hatfield, 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. (h) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017–0011, dated January 25, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2018–0737. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510 Tail Rotor Driveshaft. (j) 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. 139–465, Revision A, dated January 25, 2017. (ii) [Reserved] E:\FR\FM\25JNR1.SGM 25JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2019 / Rules and Regulations (3) For Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters 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/en/home. (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. Need for Correction Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 13, 2019. James A. Grigg, Acting Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. * * * * * (b)(4)(iii)(i) and (ii) ..... (b)(4)(iii)(A) and (B). Correction In FR Doc. 2019–10749 appearing on page 23716 in the Federal Register of Thursday, May 23, 2019, the following correction is made: [Corrected] Par. 1. On page 23717, in the second column, in Par. 2, instruction 4, § 1.956– 1, correct the third entry in the table to read as follows: ■ Old paragraphs * * New paragraphs * * * Martin V. Franks, Chief, Publications and Regulations Branch, Legal Processing Division, Associate Chief Counsel, (Procedure and Administration). [FR Doc. 2019–13247 Filed 6–24–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P [FR Doc. 2019–13489 Filed 6–24–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 26 CFR Part 1 Coast Guard [TD 9859] 33 CFR Part 100 RIN 1545–BO88 [Docket Number USCG–2019–0244] Amount Determined Under Section 956 for Corporate United States Shareholders; Correction Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Final rule; correction. AGENCY: This document contains corrections to final regulations (TD 9859) that were published in the Federal Register on Thursday, May 23, 2019. The final regulations reduce the amount determined under section 956 of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to certain domestic corporations. DATES: This correction is effective on July 22, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rose E. Jenkins at (202) 317–6934 (not a tollfree number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: khammond on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: Background The final regulations (TD 9859) that are the subject of this correction are issued under section 956 of the Internal Revenue Code. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:28 Jun 24, 2019 Jkt 247001 RIN 165–AA08 Special Local Regulations; Marine Events in the Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Captain of the Port Zone Coast Guard, DHS. Temporary final rule. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard is establishing two temporary special local regulations in Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound Captain of the Port Zone. This temporary final rule is necessary to protect event participants from vessel traffic hazards associated with these events. One regulation prohibits the entry of vessels or persons into a ‘‘no entry zone’’ and requires vessels transiting through the ‘‘no wake zone’’ to travel at no wake speed or 6 knots, whichever is slower. The second regulation requires vessels transiting through the regulated area travel at no wake speed or 6 knots, whichever is slower, and maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from the swimmers in the regulated area. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 This rule is effective without actual notice from June 25, 2019 through 10 a.m. July 14, 2019. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used from 8:30 p.m. June 22, 2019 through June 25, 2019. ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https:// www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2019– 0244 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, contact Chief Petty Officer Katherine Linnick, Prevention Department, Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, telephone (203) 468–4565, email Katherine.E.Linnick@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: As published May 23, 2019 (84 FR 23716) the final regulations (TD 9859) contain errors that need to be corrected. § 1.956–1 29799 Sfmt 4700 I. Table of Abbreviations COTP Captain of the Port DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register LIS Long Island Sound NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking NAD 83 North American Datum 1983 II. Background Information and Regulatory History The Dolan Family Fourth Fireworks is a recurring marine event that takes place in Oyster Bay Harbor, NY. A permanent special local regulation is established and cited in 33 CFR 100.100 in Table at 7.2. This rule established a special local regulation on the navigable waters of the Oyster Bay, NY for vessel management in the vicinity of the fireworks display, including a ‘‘No Entry Area’’ within a 1000 foot radius of the fireworks launch platform in Oyster Bay, NY and a separate ‘‘Slow/No Wake Area.’’ This temporary final rule is necessary due to a new event date. The Mystic Sharkfest Swim is a recurring marine event that occurred most recently in 2018. On July 6, 2018 the COTP Long Island Sound established a special local regulation when he issued a temporary rule entitled, ‘‘Special Local Regulation; Mystic Sharkfest Swim, Mystic River; Mystic, CT’’ which was published in a quarterly notice (3rd Quarter 2018) of expired temporary rules. This rule can be viewed by entering USCG–2018– 0620 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and clicking ‘‘SEARCH.’’ at https:// www.regulations.gov. This rule established a temporary special local regulation on the navigable waters of the Mystic River off Mystic, CT for vessel management in the vicinity of the Mystic Sharkfest Swim with the same locations and restrictions on access as E:\FR\FM\25JNR1.SGM 25JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 25, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29797-29799]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-13247]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0737; Product Identifier 2017-SW-096-AD; Amendment 
39-19661; AD 2019-12-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Leonardo S.p.A. (type certificate previously held by Finmeccanica 
S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW139 helicopters. This AD 
requires inspecting and altering the number 1 driveshaft (driveshaft). 
This AD was prompted by reports of scratches that were found on the 
driveshaft. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 30, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of July 30, 2019.

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/en/home. 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-2018-0737.

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-
0737; 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 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: David Hatfield, 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 August 27, 2018, at 83 FR 43561, 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 Model AW139 
helicopters, serial numbers 31499, 31504, 31507, 31509, 31512, 31518, 
31519, 31524, 31529, 31533, 31535 through 31564, 31567, 31569, 31570, 
31589, 41363, 41368 through 41370, 41372 through 41375, 41378, 41381, 
and 41384, with a tunnel assembly part number (P/N) 3G7130A13431 
installed. The NPRM proposed to require repetitively inspecting the 
driveshaft tube P/N 3G6510A00832 for a scratch and indentation. If 
there is a scratch or indentation, the NPRM proposed to require, before 
further flight, repairing the driveshaft tube and performing a depth 
check of the repaired area. Depending on the repaired area depth, the 
NPRM proposed to require replacing the driveshaft tube and altering the 
rear exhaust module and tunnel assembly before further flight or 
performing an eddy current inspection of the tube for a crack. If there 
is a crack, the NPRM proposed to require replacing the driveshaft tube 
and altering the rear exhaust module and tunnel assembly before further 
flight. The NPRM also proposed to require altering the rear exhaust 
module and tunnel assembly, if not previously done as a result of the 
inspections, and re-identifying the tunnel assembly P/N after it is 
altered, which would be terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a crack 
in the driveshaft, failure of the tail rotor drive system, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2017-0011, dated January 25, 2017, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for certain serial-
numbered Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland 
S.p.A.) Model AW139 helicopters. EASA advises of several helicopters 
found with scratches on the driveshaft P/N 3G6510A01132 and that an 
investigation determined only helicopters equipped with rear exhaust 
module assembly P/N 3G7810A00431 and tunnel assembly P/N 3G7130A13431 
are affected. According to EASA, the scratches resulted from 
insufficient clearance between the driveshaft and the rear exhaust 
module and tunnel assemblies. EASA further advises that if not 
corrected, these scratches could lead to a crack in the driveshaft, 
failure of the tail rotor drive system, and subsequent reduced control 
of the helicopter.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with the European Union, EASA, has notified us of the unsafe condition 
described in its 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 the same type 
designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-465, 
Revision A, dated January 25, 2017, which contains procedures for 
visual and eddy-current inspections of the driveshaft. This service 
information also contains procedures for modifying the exhaust module 
and tunnel assembly.
    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 55 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD.

[[Page 29798]]

Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Inspecting, repairing, and eddy-current inspecting the driveshaft 
tube requires about 6 work-hours, and required parts cost is minimal, 
for a cost of $510 per helicopter and $28,050 for the U.S. fleet per 
inspection cycle. Altering the rear exhaust module and tunnel assembly 
requires about 20 work-hours, and required parts cost $1,500, for a 
cost of $3,200 per helicopter and $176,000 for the U.S. fleet.
    According to Leonardo Helicopter's 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) 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.
    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):

2019-12-06 Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A.): Amendment 39-19661; 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0737; Product Identifier 2017-SW-096-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model AW139 helicopters, serial numbers 
31499, 31504, 31507, 31509, 31512, 31518, 31519, 31524, 31529, 
31533, 31535 through 31564, 31567, 31569, 31570, 31589, 41363, 41368 
through 41370, 41372 through 41375, 41378, 41381, and 41384, with a 
tunnel assembly part number (P/N) 3G7130A13431 installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a tail rotor 
driveshaft. This condition could result in failure of the tail rotor 
drive system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 30, 2019.

(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 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the number 1 
driveshaft tube shaft, P/N 3G6510A00832, for a scratch and 
indentation in the area depicted in Figure 1 of Leonardo Helicopters 
Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-465, Revision A, dated January 25, 2017 
(BT 139-465). If there is a scratch or indentation, before further 
flight:
    (i) Repair the tube shaft in accordance with the Compliance 
Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 7.1 through 7.3, of BT 139-465.
    (ii) Measure the depth of the repaired areas as depicted in 
Figure 2 of BT 139-465.
    (A) If the depth of the reworked area is 0.2 mm (0.079 inch) or 
less, eddy-current inspect the driveshaft for a crack as described 
in the Compliance Instructions, Annex A, of BT 139-465. If there is 
a crack, before further flight, replace the driveshaft, alter the 
rear exhaust module, and alter and re-identify the tunnel assembly 
in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 
7 through 12, of BT 139-465.
    (B) If the depth of the reworked area is more than 0.2 mm (0.079 
inch), before further flight, replace the driveshaft, alter the rear 
exhaust module, and alter and re-identify the tunnel assembly in 
accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 7 
through 12, of BT 139-465.
    (2) Within 300 hours TIS, unless already accomplished as 
required by paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this AD, alter the rear exhaust 
module and alter and re-identify the tunnel assembly in accordance 
with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 7 through 12, 
of BT 139-465.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) 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: 
David Hatfield, 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.

(h) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2017-0011, dated January 25, 2017. You may view 
the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0737.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510 Tail Rotor 
Driveshaft.

(j) 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. 139-465, 
Revision A, dated January 25, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]

[[Page 29799]]

    (3) For Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters 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/en/home.
    (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 June 13, 2019.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-13247 Filed 6-24-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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