Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 22970-22972 [2020-08644]

Download as PDF 22970 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 80 / Friday, April 24, 2020 / Proposed Rules for developing energy conservation standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of the public during the comment period in each stage of the rulemaking process. Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices and information about this process should contact Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287–1445 or via email at ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ ee.doe.gov. Signed in Washington, DC, on February 21, 2020. Alexander N. Fitzsimmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2020–08318 Filed 4–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0411; Product Identifier 2018–SW–061–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model A119 and AW119MKII helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive borescope inspections of the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) and depending on the inspection results, removing the TGB from service. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 23, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Apr 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0411; 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 proposed AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (previously European Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, 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 proposed rule, contact Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view 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: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email rao.edupuganti@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 The FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the comments received. Discussion EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2018– 0156, dated July 24, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–0156) to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.; and AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation, formerly Agusta Aerospace Corporation) Model A119 and AW119MKII helicopters with 90-degree TGB part number (P/N) 109–0440–06– 101 or P/N 109–0440–06–105 having serial number 167, 169 through 172 inclusive, 215 through 225 inclusive, 227, 230, 232, 233, AW268, K3, K16, M47, or L29, installed. EASA advises of two reported occurrences of corrosion on the internal surface of the 90-degree TGB shaft installed on Model A119 helicopters. Further analysis identified a specific batch of parts that may be susceptible to similar conditions. Due to design similarity, Model AW119MKII helicopters are also affected. EASA states that this condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the tail rotor, possibly resulting in reduced control of the helicopter. Accordingly, EASA AD 2018–0156 requires performing repetitive endoscope inspections on the internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft for corrosion and depending on the findings, replacing the TGB. EASA further states EASA AD 2018–0156 is considered an interim action and further AD action may follow. 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 about the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an unsafe condition is E:\FR\FM\24APP1.SGM 24APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 80 / Friday, April 24, 2020 / Proposed Rules likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type designs. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 119–090, dated July 23, 2018, for Model A119 and AW119MKII helicopters, which contains procedures for conducting an endoscope inspection of the internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft for corrosion. This service information also specifies replacing the TGB if corrosion is found. 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. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require compliance with certain procedures described in the manufacturer’s service bulletin. For helicopters with an affected 90-degree TGB output shaft installed, this proposed AD would require within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever comes first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first, borescope inspecting the internal surface of the 90degree TGB output shaft for corrosion. If there is corrosion, this proposed AD would require removing the TGB from service before further flight. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Interim Action The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. An investigation is ongoing and if final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 96 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA also estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Borescope inspecting the 90-degree TGB output shaft would take about 3 work-hours for an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter and $24,480 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing a (overhauled) TGB would take about 18 work-hours and parts would cost about $49,000 (overhauled) for an estimated cost of $50,530 per helicopter. According to Leonardo’s service information, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. The VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Apr 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 FAA does not control warranty coverage by Leonardo. Accordingly, the FAA has included all costs in the 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 The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed 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, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 § 39.13 22971 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA–2020– 0411; Product Identifier 2018–SW–061– AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119MKII helicopters, certified in any category, with 90-degree tail rotor gearbox (TGB) part number (P/N) 109–0440– 06–101 or 109–0440–06–105 having serial number 167, 169 through 172 inclusive, 215 through 225 inclusive, 227, 230, 232, 233, AW268, K3, K16, M47, or L29, installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion on the internal surface of the 90degree TGB output shaft. This condition could result in failure of the 90-degree TGB output shaft and reduced control of the helicopter. (c) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by June 23, 2020. (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 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first, borescope inspect the entire internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft for corrosion. Refer to Figure 3 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 119– 090, dated July 23, 2018, for a depiction of the entry point for the borescope. If there is corrosion, before further flight, remove from service the TGB. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any helicopter any 90-degree TGB P/N 109–0440–06–101 or 109–0440–06– 105 that has serial number 167, 169 through 172 inclusive, 215 through 225 inclusive, 227, 230, 232, 233, AW268, K3, K16, M47, or L29, unless the actions required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD have been done. (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: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9-ASW-FTWAMOC-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 E:\FR\FM\24APP1.SGM 24APP1 22972 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 80 / Friday, April 24, 2020 / Proposed Rules operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (previously European Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD No. 2018–0156, dated July 24, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 62, Tail Rotor Gearbox. Issued on April 20, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–08644 Filed 4–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 34 CFR Chapter III [Docket ID ED–2019–OSERS–0156] Proposed Priority and Definitions— State Personnel Development Grants Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.323A. AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education. ACTION: Proposed priority and definitions. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) proposes a funding priority and definitions under the State Personnel Development Grants (SPDG) program, which assists States in reforming and improving their systems for personnel preparation and personnel development in order to improve results for children with disabilities. We take this action to focus attention on the need to improve results for children with disabilities by empowering personnel to select professional development activities to improve their ability to serve children with disabilities. The Department may use the proposed priority and definitions for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2020 and later years. DATES: We must receive your comments on or before May 26, 2020. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or via postal mail, commercial delivery, or hand delivery. We will not accept comments submitted by fax or by email or those submitted after the comment period. To ensure that we do not receive duplicate copies, please submit your khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:06 Apr 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 comments only once. In addition, please include the Docket ID at the top of your comments. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov to submit your comments electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing agency documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket, is available on the site under ‘‘How to use Regulations.gov’’ in the Help section. • Postal Mail, Commercial Delivery, or Hand Delivery: If you mail or deliver your comments about the proposed priority and definitions, address them to Jennifer Coffey, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5161, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–5076. Privacy Note: The Department’s policy is to make all comments received from members of the public available for public viewing in their entirety on the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Therefore, commenters should be careful to include in their comments only information that they wish to make publicly available. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Coffey, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 5161, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–5076. Telephone: (202) 245–6673. Email: Jennifer.Coffey@ed.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– 8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Invitation to Comment: We invite you to submit comments regarding the proposed priority and definitions. To ensure that your comments have maximum effect in developing the notice of final priority and definitions, we urge you to identify clearly the specific section of the proposed priority or definition that each comment addresses. We are particularly interested in comments about whether the proposed priority would be challenging for new grantees to meet and, if so, how the proposed priority could be revised to address potential challenges for new grantees and reduce burden. Directed Question 1: The Department seeks information on the extent to which State educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) under Part B of IDEA, and, if appropriate, lead agencies (LAs) or local agencies under Part C of IDEA provide special education teachers and other PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 personnel autonomy in selecting their professional development options. Directed Question 2: The Department seeks information on State and local professional development policies and requirements for special education teachers and other personnel, such as the number of hours of professional development personnel must fulfill or the competencies personnel must acquire to obtain or maintain applicable certifications. In responding to these questions, the Secretary specifically invites comments on how this proposed priority would change existing professional development requirements, policies, and practices and if it could increase the effectiveness of professional development for teachers and other personnel. When responding, commenters should keep in mind that the professional development provided must be consistent with the State personnel development plan (hereinafter referred to as a ‘‘State plan’’) under section 653 of IDEA and the use of SPDG funds to implement authorized professional development activities under section 654 of IDEA. We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific requirements of Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771 and their overall requirement of reducing regulatory burden that might result from the proposed priority and definitions. Please let us know of any further ways we could reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program. During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public comments about the proposed priority and definitions by accessing Regulations.gov. You may also inspect the comments in person in Room 5161, 550 12th Street SW, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays. Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking Record: On request, we will provide an appropriate accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability who needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record for the proposed priority and definitions. If you want to schedule an appointment for this type of accommodation or auxiliary aid, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Purpose of Program: The purpose of this program is to assist SEAs in E:\FR\FM\24APP1.SGM 24APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 80 (Friday, April 24, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22970-22972]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08644]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0411; Product Identifier 2018-SW-061-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model A119 and AW119MKII 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive borescope 
inspections of the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) and depending on the 
inspection results, removing the TGB from service. This proposed AD was 
prompted by reports of corrosion on the internal surface of the 90-
degree TGB output shaft. The actions of this proposed AD are intended 
to address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 23, 
2020.

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

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0411; 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 proposed AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (previously 
European Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, 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 proposed rule, contact 
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, 
Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone 
+39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view 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: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites comments 
relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts 
that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The 
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, 
commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if 
comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one 
time.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, 
the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the closing 
date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the 
comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring 
expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the 
comments received.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2018-0156, dated July 24, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0156) to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo 
(formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.; 
and AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation, formerly Agusta Aerospace 
Corporation) Model A119 and AW119MKII helicopters with 90-degree TGB 
part number (P/N) 109-0440-06-101 or P/N 109-0440-06-105 having serial 
number 167, 169 through 172 inclusive, 215 through 225 inclusive, 227, 
230, 232, 233, AW268, K3, K16, M47, or L29, installed. EASA advises of 
two reported occurrences of corrosion on the internal surface of the 
90-degree TGB shaft installed on Model A119 helicopters. Further 
analysis identified a specific batch of parts that may be susceptible 
to similar conditions. Due to design similarity, Model AW119MKII 
helicopters are also affected.
    EASA states that this condition, if not detected and corrected, 
could lead to failure of the tail rotor, possibly resulting in reduced 
control of the helicopter. Accordingly, EASA AD 2018-0156 requires 
performing repetitive endoscope inspections on the internal surface of 
the 90-degree TGB output shaft for corrosion and depending on the 
findings, replacing the TGB. EASA further states EASA AD 2018-0156 is 
considered an interim action and further AD action may follow.

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 about the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is

[[Page 22971]]

likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type 
designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
119-090, dated July 23, 2018, for Model A119 and AW119MKII helicopters, 
which contains procedures for conducting an endoscope inspection of the 
internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft for corrosion. This 
service information also specifies replacing the TGB if corrosion is 
found.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require compliance with certain procedures 
described in the manufacturer's service bulletin. For helicopters with 
an affected 90-degree TGB output shaft installed, this proposed AD 
would require within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, 
whichever comes first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 
hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first, borescope inspecting the 
internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft for corrosion. If 
there is corrosion, this proposed AD would require removing the TGB 
from service before further flight.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. An 
investigation is ongoing and if final action is later identified, the 
FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 96 helicopters 
of U.S. Registry. The FAA also estimates that operators may incur the 
following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs 
are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Borescope inspecting the 90-degree TGB output shaft would take 
about 3 work-hours for an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter and 
$24,480 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
    Replacing a (overhauled) TGB would take about 18 work-hours and 
parts would cost about $49,000 (overhauled) for an estimated cost of 
$50,530 per helicopter.
    According to Leonardo's service information, some of the costs of 
this proposed 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 
the 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

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2020-0411; Product Identifier 2018-
SW-061-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119MKII 
helicopters, certified in any category, with 90-degree tail rotor 
gearbox (TGB) part number (P/N) 109-0440-06-101 or 109-0440-06-105 
having serial number 167, 169 through 172 inclusive, 215 through 225 
inclusive, 227, 230, 232, 233, AW268, K3, K16, M47, or L29, 
installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion on the 
internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft. This condition 
could result in failure of the 90-degree TGB output shaft and 
reduced control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by June 23, 2020.

(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 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3 months, whichever 
occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours 
TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first, borescope inspect the 
entire internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft for 
corrosion. Refer to Figure 3 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service 
Bulletin No. 119-090, dated July 23, 2018, for a depiction of the 
entry point for the borescope. If there is corrosion, before further 
flight, remove from service the TGB.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
helicopter any 90-degree TGB P/N 109-0440-06-101 or 109-0440-06-105 
that has serial number 167, 169 through 172 inclusive, 215 through 
225 inclusive, 227, 230, 232, 233, AW268, K3, K16, M47, or L29, 
unless the actions required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD have been 
done.

(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: 
Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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

[[Page 22972]]

operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (previously European Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
No. 2018-0156, dated July 24, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 62, Tail Rotor 
Gearbox.

    Issued on April 20, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-08644 Filed 4-23-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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