Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, 47875-47877 [2019-19535]

Download as PDF 47875 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 84, No. 176 Wednesday, September 11, 2019 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0057; Product Identifier 2017–SW–119–AD; Amendment 39–19729; AD 2019–18–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW169 helicopters. This AD requires replacing the seals, filler wedges, and handles of each emergency exit window. This AD was prompted by a report that a high level of pushing force was required to jettison some windows. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD is effective October 16, 2019. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 16, 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/-/bulletins. You may review a copy of 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.regualtions.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0057. jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Sep 10, 2019 Jkt 247001 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– 0057; 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 service information that is incorporated by reference, 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: 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On September 13, 2018, at 83 FR 46424, the Federal Register published the FAA’s notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Leonardo Model AW169 helicopters, serial numbers (S/ N) 69007, 69009, 69011 to 69019 inclusive, 69021 to 69024 inclusive, 69027, 69032, 69033, 69041, 69045, and 69051. The NPRM proposed to require, within 70 hours time-in-service (TIS), replacing the seals and filler wedges on various cockpit and passenger windows and replacing certain internal and external window straps. The NPRM also proposed to require replacing decals on certain internal and external passenger and cockpit windows. The proposed requirements were intended to ensure the jettisoning of helicopter emergency exit windows, possibly affecting the evacuation of occupants after an emergency landing. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2017–0155, dated August 23, 2017, issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo Model AW169 helicopters, S/N 69007, 69009, 69011 to 69019 inclusive, 69021 to 69024 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 inclusive, 69027, 69032, 69033, 69041, 69045, and 69051. EASA advises that during scheduled replacement of emergency exit window seals on inservice Model AW189 helicopters, an ‘‘excessively high’’ level of pushing force was required to jettison some windows. Further investigation determined that the affected windows were incorrectly installed during manufacturing. The installation did not conform to the approved drawings during the first installation in the production line. According to EASA, due to the similarity in the manufacturing process, incorrect window installation may have occurred on Model AW169 helicopters. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but 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 the FAA’s bilateral agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD because the FAA 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 and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Leonardo Service Bulletin No. 169–032, Revision A, dated September 8, 2017, which specifies replacing the seals, the non-metallic channels, handles, and decals on the cockpit doors and cabin emergency exit windows. 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. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires that the corrective actions occur within 70 hours TIS or 6 months. This AD requires that E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM 11SER1 47876 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 176 / Wednesday, September 11, 2019 / Rules and Regulations the corrective actions occur within 70 hours TIS. jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1 helicopter of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a workhour. Based on these estimates, the FAA expects that 24 work-hours are needed to replace the decal, seal, filler wedges, and handle of each emergency exit window installed in cockpit doors and the cabin. Parts cost $1,500 for a total cost of $3,540 for this helicopter. According to Leonardo’s service information some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage by Leonardo. Accordingly, the FAA has included all costs in this cost estimate. The FAA 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: (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 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 Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. § 39.13 Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD would 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 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. (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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Sep 10, 2019 Jkt 247001 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2019–18–02 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39–19729; Docket No. FAA–2018–0057; Product Identifier; 2017–SW–119–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW169 helicopters, serial numbers 69007, 69009, 69011 through 69019, 69021 through 69024, 69027, 69032, 69033, 69041, 69045, and 69051, certificated in any category, where the emergency exit windows have never been removed and reinstalled. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an emergency window to jettison, which could prevent occupants from evacuating the helicopter during an emergency. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective October 16, 2019. (e) Required Actions Within 70 hours time-in-service: (1) Replace the seals and filler wedges on the left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) cockpit door upper windows. Note 1 to paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this AD: Leonardo refers to filler wedges as ‘‘nonmetallic channels.’’ (2) Replace the seals and filler wedges on the forward LH and RH passenger door windows. For helicopters without passenger sliding window kit part number (P/N) 6F5630F00411, also replace the seals and filler wedges of the aft LH and RH passenger door windows. (3) For helicopters with a strap P/N A487A003A, replace each strap with PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 emergency exit window handle P/N 8G9500L00151 on the internal side of the window and P/N 8G9500L00251 on the external side of the window. (4) Remove any decal P/N A180A005E21 from the internal side of the passenger and cockpit windows and replace with decal P/ N A180A022E21, using as a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 of Leonardo Service Bulletin No. 169–032, Revision A, dated September 8, 2017 (SB No. 169–032). (5) Remove any decal P/N A487A003A from the external side of the passenger and cockpit windows and replace with decals P/ N AW003DE005E33B, using as a reference Figure 3 of SB No. 169–032. (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, the FAA suggests 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. 2017–0155, dated August 23, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2018–0057. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency Exits. (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 Service Bulletin No. 169–032, Revision A, dated September 8, 2017. (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 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 information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222– 5110. E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM 11SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 176 / Wednesday, September 11, 2019 / Rules and Regulations (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 4, 2019. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–19535 Filed 9–10–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Examining the AD Docket [Docket No. FAA–2019–0641; Product Identifier 2019–SW–020–AD; Amendment 39–19720; AD 2019–16–16] You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019– 0641; 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 regulatory evaluation, any comments received and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Pall Aerospace Corporation, 10540 Ridge Road, Suite 300, Newport Richey, FL 34654; telephone 727–514–6491; email cam_ dipronio@pall.com; website www.pall.com/aerospace. 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: Gary Wechsler, Aerospace Engineer, Atlanta ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA, 30337, telephone 404–474–5575, email Gary.Wechsler@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018–18– 12 for Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA helicopters with a certain part-numbered Pall Aerospace Corporation Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) element installed. AD 2018– 18–12 required revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS) for your helicopter to prohibit operating a helicopter with an IBF element in wet weather and drying or replacing the IBF element if wet. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2018–18–12 but no longer allows reinstallation of a filter after it has been removed. This AD also expands the applicability, provides an optional terminating action for the RFMS revision for your helicopter, and prohibits installing the affected IBFs on any helicopter. This AD was prompted by further review of the unsafe condition and the determination that additional part-numbered IBF elements are affected by the unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: jspears on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ADDRESSES: This AD is effective September 26, 2019. The FAA must receive any comments on this AD by October 28, 2019. DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Sep 10, 2019 Jkt 247001 Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and the FAA did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 47877 Docket No. FAA–2019–0641; Product Identifier 2019–SW–020–AD, at the beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments. The FAA will post all comments the FAA receives, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact the FAA receives about this final rule. Discussion The FAA issued AD 2018–18–12, Amendment 39–19391 (83 FR 45545, September 10, 2018), (‘‘AD 2018–18– 12’’), for Airbus Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350BA helicopters with a Pall Aerospace IBF element part number (P/ N) CE01301F2 or CE01301F2B installed. AD 2018–18–12 required, within 30 days, revising the RFMS for your helicopter by inserting Appendix A of the AD into the limitations section. AD 2018–18–12 resulted from a forced landing after an engine flameout. The FAA issued AD 2018–18–12 to prevent ingestion of an excessive amount of water by the engine. This condition could result in engine flame out and failure, leading to loss of helicopter control. Actions Since AD 2018–18–12 Was Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2018–18– 12, Pall Corporation revised its Service Information Letter (SIL) CE01301F2SINFOL Revision A, dated July 15, 2015 (SIL Revision A), to SIL CE01301F2SINFOL Revision B, dated October 12, 2018 (SIL Revision B) to notify affected owners of FAA AD requirements. Further, a public comment from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and additional in-service incidents and information from both Pall Aerospace and Transport Canada, have revealed that IBF elements P/N CE01303F2 and CE01303F2B are also affected by the unsafe condition. This AD now expands the applicability to include those part-numbered IBF elements. The FAA has also determined that reinstallation of a filter after it has been removed may lead to an unsafe condition; therefore reinstallation of a filter after it has been removed is now prohibited. Additionally, the FAA has determined that prohibiting the E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM 11SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 176 (Wednesday, September 11, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47875-47877]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-19535]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 176 / Wednesday, September 11, 2019 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 47875]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0057; Product Identifier 2017-SW-119-AD; Amendment 
39-19729; AD 2019-18-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW169 helicopters. This AD 
requires replacing the seals, filler wedges, and handles of each 
emergency exit window. This AD was prompted by a report that a high 
level of pushing force was required to jettison some windows. The 
actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 16, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 16, 
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/-/bulletins. You may review a copy of 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.regualtions.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0057.

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-
0057; 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 service 
information that is incorporated by reference, 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: 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 September 13, 2018, at 83 FR 46424, the Federal Register 
published the FAA's notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which 
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to 
Leonardo Model AW169 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 69007, 69009, 
69011 to 69019 inclusive, 69021 to 69024 inclusive, 69027, 69032, 
69033, 69041, 69045, and 69051. The NPRM proposed to require, within 70 
hours time-in-service (TIS), replacing the seals and filler wedges on 
various cockpit and passenger windows and replacing certain internal 
and external window straps. The NPRM also proposed to require replacing 
decals on certain internal and external passenger and cockpit windows. 
The proposed requirements were intended to ensure the jettisoning of 
helicopter emergency exit windows, possibly affecting the evacuation of 
occupants after an emergency landing.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2017-0155, dated August 23, 2017, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo Model 
AW169 helicopters, S/N 69007, 69009, 69011 to 69019 inclusive, 69021 to 
69024 inclusive, 69027, 69032, 69033, 69041, 69045, and 69051. EASA 
advises that during scheduled replacement of emergency exit window 
seals on in-service Model AW189 helicopters, an ``excessively high'' 
level of pushing force was required to jettison some windows. Further 
investigation determined that the affected windows were incorrectly 
installed during manufacturing. The installation did not conform to the 
approved drawings during the first installation in the production line. 
According to EASA, due to the similarity in the manufacturing process, 
incorrect window installation may have occurred on Model AW169 
helicopters.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD, but 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 the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA of the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD 
because the FAA 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 and that air 
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as 
proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Leonardo Service Bulletin No. 169-032, Revision A, 
dated September 8, 2017, which specifies replacing the seals, the non-
metallic channels, handles, and decals on the cockpit doors and cabin 
emergency exit windows. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires that the corrective actions occur within 70 
hours TIS or 6 months. This AD requires that

[[Page 47876]]

the corrective actions occur within 70 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1 helicopter of U.S. 
Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these 
estimates, the FAA expects that 24 work-hours are needed to replace the 
decal, seal, filler wedges, and handle of each emergency exit window 
installed in cockpit doors and the cabin. Parts cost $1,500 for a total 
cost of $3,540 for this helicopter.
    According to Leonardo's service information some of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage by 
Leonardo. Accordingly, the FAA has included all costs in this 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.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD would 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 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.
    The FAA 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):

2019-18-02 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-19729; Docket No. FAA-2018-
0057; Product Identifier; 2017-SW-119-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW169 
helicopters, serial numbers 69007, 69009, 69011 through 69019, 69021 
through 69024, 69027, 69032, 69033, 69041, 69045, and 69051, 
certificated in any category, where the emergency exit windows have 
never been removed and reinstalled.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an emergency 
window to jettison, which could prevent occupants from evacuating 
the helicopter during an emergency.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 16, 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

    Within 70 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Replace the seals and filler wedges on the left hand (LH) 
and right hand (RH) cockpit door upper windows.

    Note  1 to paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this AD: Leonardo refers 
to filler wedges as ``non-metallic channels.''

    (2) Replace the seals and filler wedges on the forward LH and RH 
passenger door windows. For helicopters without passenger sliding 
window kit part number (P/N) 6F5630F00411, also replace the seals 
and filler wedges of the aft LH and RH passenger door windows.
    (3) For helicopters with a strap P/N A487A003A, replace each 
strap with emergency exit window handle P/N 8G9500L00151 on the 
internal side of the window and P/N 8G9500L00251 on the external 
side of the window.
    (4) Remove any decal P/N A180A005E21 from the internal side of 
the passenger and cockpit windows and replace with decal P/N 
A180A022E21, using as a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 of Leonardo 
Service Bulletin No. 169-032, Revision A, dated September 8, 2017 
(SB No. 169-032).
    (5) Remove any decal P/N A487A003A from the external side of the 
passenger and cockpit windows and replace with decals P/N 
AW003DE005E33B, using as a reference Figure 3 of SB No. 169-032.

 (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, the FAA suggests 
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. 2017-0155, dated August 23, 2017. You may view 
the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0057.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5220, Emergency 
Exits.

 (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 Service Bulletin No. 169-032, Revision A, dated 
September 8, 2017.
    (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 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 information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-
5110.

[[Page 47877]]

    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 4, 2019.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-19535 Filed 9-10-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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