Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 55171-55174 [2020-19533]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 173 / Friday, September 4, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2016–18–09, Amendment 39–18639 (81
FR 61993, September 8, 2016), and
adding the following new AD:
■
2020–18–07 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
21228; Docket No. FAA–2020–0327;
Product Identifier 2020–NM–033–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 9, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2016–18–09,
Amendment 39–18639 (81 FR 61993,
September 8, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–18–09’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (3) of this AD, certificated in any
category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–
0030, dated February 18, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD
2020–0030’’).
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122
airplanes.
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
–115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes.
(3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216,
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
additional chafing of the forward fuselage
underneath the fairing structure.
Investigation revealed the cause as contact
between the belly fairing nut plate and the
fuselage. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address damage to the fuselage skin, which
could lead to crack initiation and
propagation, possibly resulting in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2020–0030.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0030
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0030 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0030 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020–0030 refers to
the effective date of EASA AD 2014–0259,
this AD requires using October 13, 2016 (the
effective date of AD 2016–18–09).
(4) Where EASA AD 2020–0030 refers to
doing actions ‘‘in accordance with the
instructions of’’ the service information, for
this AD, only use paragraph 3.C.,
‘‘Procedure,’’ of the service information.
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(5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020–
0030 requires accomplishing a detailed
inspection of the affected area (external
fuselage skin panels), for this AD, that
inspection also includes inspecting
previously repaired areas.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with
14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD
2016–18–09 are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of EASA AD 2020–
0030 that are required by paragraph (g) of this
AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA;
or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2020–0030 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2)
of this AD, RC procedures and tests must be
done to comply with this AD; any procedures
or tests that are not identified as RC are
recommended. Those procedures and tests
that are not identified as RC may be deviated
from using accepted methods in accordance
with the operator’s maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the
procedures and tests identified as RC can be
done and the airplane can be put back in an
airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206–231–3223; email sanjay.ralhan@
faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
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55171
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on October 9, 2020.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0030, dated February 18,
2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0030, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(5) You may view this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195. This material may be found
in the AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0327.
(6) You may view this material 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/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on August 21, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–19581 Filed 9–3–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0784; Product
Identifier 2016–SW–087–AD; Amendment
39–21240; AD 2020–18–19]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014–12–
07 for Agusta S.p.A (Agusta) Model
AB412 and AB412EP helicopters. AD
2014–12–07 requires inspecting the
rotor brake pinion (pinion) for a crack
and replacing it if there is a crack. This
AD retains the requirements of AD
2014–12–07 and also requires removing
SUMMARY:
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certain serial-numbered pinions from
service. This AD was prompted by a
report of an additional cracked pinion.
The actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these
products.
This AD becomes effective
September 21, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by October 19, 2020.
DATES:
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.
ADDRESSES:
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–
0784; or in person at the Docket
Operations Office 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 (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
For service information identified in
this final 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.
Matt
Fuller, AD Program Manager, Continued
Operational Safety Branch,
Airworthiness Products Section,
General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
Matthew.Fuller@faa.gov.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Comments Invited
Discussion
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 prior to it becoming
effective. However, the FAA invites you
to participate in this rulemaking by
submitting written comments, data, or
views. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the AD,
explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. Except for
Confidential Business Information (CBI)
as described in the following paragraph,
and other information as described in 14
CFR 11.35, 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 rulemaking during the
comment period. The FAA will consider
all the comments received and may
conduct additional rulemaking based on
those comments.
The FAA issued AD 2014–12–07 (79
FR 35035, June 19, 2014) (‘‘2014–12–
07’’), for Agusta Model AB412 and
AB412EP helicopters with a pinion part
number (P/N) 412–040–301–101
installed. AD 2014–12–07 requires
within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS),
magnetic particle inspecting each
pinion for a crack and replacing the
pinion if there is a crack. AD 2014–12–
07 was prompted by EASA AD No.
2013–0187, dated August 16, 2013
(EASA AD 2013–0187), issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European
Union. EASA advised of a report of a
cracked pinion installed in the rotor
brake quill that was discovered during
a magnetic particle inspection (MPI).
EASA further stated the crack was
caused by residual stress generated
during the manufacturing process.
According to EASA, if not corrected,
this condition could result in failure of
the pinion with detachment of parts
inside the transmission that could cause
its malfunction or jamming, ultimately
resulting in loss of control of the
helicopter. To correct this unsafe
condition, EASA AD 2013–0187
required an MPI of the pinion, and if
there is a crack, replacing the pinion.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information
(CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this final rule
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this final rule, it is
important that you clearly designate the
submitted comments as CBI. Please
mark each page of your submission
containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA
will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they
will not be placed in the public docket
of this final rule. Submissions
containing CBI should be sent to Matt
Fuller, AD Program Manager, Continued
Operational Safety Branch,
Airworthiness Products Section,
General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
Matthew.Fuller@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
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Actions Since AD 2014–12–07 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2014–12–
07, EASA issued AD No. 2016–0244,
dated December 14, 2016 (EASA AD
2016–0244), which supersedes EASA
AD 2013–0187. EASA advises of
another cracked pinion due to a defect
generated during the manufacturing
process. Accordingly, EASA AD 2016–
0244 retains the MPI requirements of
EASA AD 2013–0187 and requires
inspecting the helicopter within three
months to determine if certain serialnumbered pinions from the defective
manufacturing batch are installed and
removing any affected pinions before
further flight.
Also, since the FAA issued AD 2014–
12–07, Agusta changed its name to
Leonardo S.p.a. This AD reflects that
change and updates the contact
information to obtain service
documentation.
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 issuing
this AD after evaluating all known
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relevant information and determining
that an unsafe condition is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
the same type design.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Leonardo
Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No.
412–147, dated September 12, 2016,
which specifies identifying the serial
numbers of the pinion, P/N 412–040–
301–101, and removing certain pinions
from service.
The FAA also reviewed
AgustaWestland BT No. 412–135,
Revision A, dated July 29, 2013, which
describes procedures for a one-time MPI
of pinion P/N 412–040–301–101.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, within 75 hours
TIS, removing from service pinion P/N
412–040–301–101 having serial number
(S/N) C17987, C17990, or C17991. This
AD also requires, within 100 hours TIS,
performing an MPI for a crack on each
pinion P/N 412–040–301–101 if the
rotor brake quill has never been
overhauled. If there is a crack, this AD
requires, before further flight, removing
the pinion from service. Finally, this AD
prohibits installing pinion P/N 412–
040–301–101 having S/N C17987,
C17990, or C17991 on any helicopter.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD requires removing from
service certain pinions within 3 months;
this AD requires removing these pinions
within 75 hours TIS. The EASA AD also
requires the MPI to be performed within
100 flight hours or 5 months, whichever
occurs first; this AD requires
compliance within 100 hours TIS. The
EASA AD only prohibits installing
pinion P/N 412–040–301–101 having
serial number S/N C17987 or C17991,
whereas this AD prohibits installing
pinion P/N 412–040–301–101 having S/
N C17987, C17990, or C17991.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
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The requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when
an agency finds good cause pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without
prior notice and comment. Because the
FAA has determined that it has good
cause to adopt this rule without notice
and comment, RFA analysis is not
required.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with
this AD because there are no helicopters
with this type certificate on the U.S.
Registry.
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FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.)
authorizes agencies to dispense with
notice and comment procedures for
rules when the agency, for ‘‘good
cause,’’ finds that those procedures are
‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest.’’ Under this
section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without
seeking comment prior to the
rulemaking.
There are no helicopters with this
type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
Therefore, the FAA finds good cause
that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment are unnecessary
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In
addition, for the reasons stated above,
the FAA finds that good cause exists
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making
this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
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 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,
and
2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska.
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55173
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2014–12–07, Amendment 39–
17868 (79 FR 35035, June 19, 2014); and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
■
■
2020–18–19 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment
39–21240; Docket No. FAA–2020–0784;
Product Identifier 2016–SW–087–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AB412 and AB412EP helicopters, certificated
in any category, with a rotor brake pinion
(pinion) part number (P/N) 412–040–301–101
installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in a pinion. This condition could result
in failure of a pinion, detachment of parts
inside the transmission causing a
malfunction or jamming, and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
(c) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2014–12–07,
Amendment 39–17868 (79 FR 35035, June
19, 2014).
(d) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 21,
2020.
(e) 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.
(f) Required Actions
(1) Within 75 hours time-in-service (TIS),
remove from service:
(i) Pinion P/N 412–040–301–101 with
serial number C17987;
(ii) Pinion P/N 412–040–301–101 with
serial number C17990; and
(iii) Pinion P/N 412–040–301–101 with
serial number C17991.
(2) Within 100 hours TIS, if the rotor brake
quill has never been overhauled, perform a
magnetic particle inspection on each pinion
for a crack. If there is a crack, before further
flight, remove the pinion from service.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install pinion P/N 412–040–301–101
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with serial number C17987, C17990, or
C17991 on any helicopter.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
(g) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
14 CFR Part 71
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0352; Airspace
Docket No. 18–AAL–4]
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, AD
Program Manager, Continued Operational
Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products
Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft
Unit, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
Matthew.Fuller@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.
RIN 2120–AA66
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; correction.
AGENCY:
(1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino
Tecnico (BT) No. 412–147, dated September
12, 2016, and AgustaWestland BT No. 412–
135, Revision A, dated July 29, 2013, which
are not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of
this AD. For service information identified in
this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters,
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 review a copy of the service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) No. AD 2016–0244, dated December
14, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA–2020–0784.
The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) is correcting a
final rule that appeared in the Federal
Register on July 31, 2020. The rule
modified Class E airspace designated as
a surface area, and Class E airspace
extending upward from 700 feet above
the surface at Sitka Rocky Gutierrez
Airport. The final rule also established
a Class E airspace area, designated as an
extension to a Class D or Class E surface
area. The legal definition for the Class
E airspace, designated as an extension to
a Class D or Class E surface area, did not
accurately establish this area outside of
the Class E airspace designated as a
surface area. This action corrects the
legal definition for the Class E airspace
area, designated as an extension to a
Class D or Class E surface area.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, November 5,
2020. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under Title 1 Code of
Federal Regulations part 51, subject to
the annual revision of FAA Order
7400.11 and publication of conforming
amendments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Matthew Van Der Wal, Federal Aviation
Administration, Western Service Center,
Operations Support Group, 2200 S.
216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone (206) 231–3695.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(j) Subject
History
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6321, Main Rotor Brake.
The FAA published a final rule in the
Federal Register (85 FR 45997; July 31,
2020) for Docket FAA–2020–0352
amending Class E airspace designated as
a surface area and Class E airspace
extending upward from 700 feet above
the surface. The rule also established
Class E airspace designated as an
extension to a Class D or Class E surface
area. Subsequent to publication, the
FAA identified an error in how the
Class E airspace, designated as an
extension to a Class D or Class E surface
area, is described. This action corrects
that error.
(i) Additional Information
Issued on August 31, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–19533 Filed 9–3–20; 8:45 am]
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Amendment of Class E Airspace; Sitka,
AK; Correction
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SUMMARY:
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Class E4 airspace designations are
published in paragraph 6004 of FAA
Order 7400.11D, dated August 8, 2019,
and effective September 15, 2019, which
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
71.1. The Class E airspace designation
listed in this document will be
published subsequently in the Order.
Correction to Final Rule
Accordingly, pursuant to the
authority delegated to me, Amendment
of the Class E Airspace; Sitka, AK,
published in the Federal Register of
July 31, 2020 (85 FR 45997), FR Doc.
2020–16314, is corrected as follows:
§ 71.1
[Corrected]
1. On page 45997, in the third column,
in The Rule, the description of the Class
E airspace designated as an extension to
a Class D or Class E surface area is
corrected to read as follows: That
airspace extending upward from the
surface from the 4.1-mile radius of the
airport within 4 miles north and 8 miles
south of the 315° bearing from the
airport, extending from 0.9 miles
northwest of the airport and extending
to 28.3 miles northwest of Sitka Rocky
Gutierrez Airport.
■
§ 71.1
[Corrected]
2. On page 45998, in the first and
second column, in AAL AK E4 Sitka,
AK [New] the airspace legal description
is corrected to read as follows: That
airspace extending upward from the
surface from the 4.1-mile radius of the
airport within 4 miles north and 8 miles
south of the 315° bearing from the
airport, extending from 0.9 miles
northwest of the airport and extending
to 28.3 miles northwest of Sitka Rocky
Gutierrez Airport.
■
Issued in Seattle, Washington, on August
28, 2020.
B.G. Chew,
Acting Group Manager, Western Service
Center, Operations Support Group.
[FR Doc. 2020–19460 Filed 9–3–20; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 95
[Docket No. 31327; Amdt. No. 554]
IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous
Amendments
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transportation
(DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\04SER1.SGM
04SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 173 (Friday, September 4, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55171-55174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19533]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0784; Product Identifier 2016-SW-087-AD; Amendment
39-21240; AD 2020-18-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-12-07
for Agusta S.p.A (Agusta) Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters. AD 2014-
12-07 requires inspecting the rotor brake pinion (pinion) for a crack
and replacing it if there is a crack. This AD retains the requirements
of AD 2014-12-07 and also requires removing
[[Page 55172]]
certain serial-numbered pinions from service. This AD was prompted by a
report of an additional cracked pinion. The actions of this AD are
intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 21, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 19, 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-
0784; or in person at the Docket Operations Office 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 (now European
Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed
above.
For service information identified in this final 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: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager,
Continued Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section,
General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth,
TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and the FAA did not provide you with notice and an opportunity
to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, the
FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended
change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not
contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of
written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters
should submit them only one time. Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, 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
rulemaking during the comment period. The FAA will consider all the
comments received and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those
comments.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552),
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to
this final rule contain commercial or financial information that is
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and
that is relevant or responsive to this final rule, it is important that
you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will
treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they
will not be placed in the public docket of this final rule. Submissions
containing CBI should be sent to Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager,
Continued Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section,
General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth,
TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected]. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2014-12-07 (79 FR 35035, June 19, 2014) (``2014-
12-07''), for Agusta Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters with a pinion
part number (P/N) 412-040-301-101 installed. AD 2014-12-07 requires
within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), magnetic particle inspecting
each pinion for a crack and replacing the pinion if there is a crack.
AD 2014-12-07 was prompted by EASA AD No. 2013-0187, dated August 16,
2013 (EASA AD 2013-0187), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union. EASA advised of a report
of a cracked pinion installed in the rotor brake quill that was
discovered during a magnetic particle inspection (MPI). EASA further
stated the crack was caused by residual stress generated during the
manufacturing process. According to EASA, if not corrected, this
condition could result in failure of the pinion with detachment of
parts inside the transmission that could cause its malfunction or
jamming, ultimately resulting in loss of control of the helicopter. To
correct this unsafe condition, EASA AD 2013-0187 required an MPI of the
pinion, and if there is a crack, replacing the pinion.
Actions Since AD 2014-12-07 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2014-12-07, EASA issued AD No. 2016-0244,
dated December 14, 2016 (EASA AD 2016-0244), which supersedes EASA AD
2013-0187. EASA advises of another cracked pinion due to a defect
generated during the manufacturing process. Accordingly, EASA AD 2016-
0244 retains the MPI requirements of EASA AD 2013-0187 and requires
inspecting the helicopter within three months to determine if certain
serial-numbered pinions from the defective manufacturing batch are
installed and removing any affected pinions before further flight.
Also, since the FAA issued AD 2014-12-07, Agusta changed its name
to Leonardo S.p.a. This AD reflects that change and updates the contact
information to obtain service documentation.
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 issuing this AD after
evaluating all known
[[Page 55173]]
relevant information and determining that an unsafe condition is likely
to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No.
412-147, dated September 12, 2016, which specifies identifying the
serial numbers of the pinion, P/N 412-040-301-101, and removing certain
pinions from service.
The FAA also reviewed AgustaWestland BT No. 412-135, Revision A,
dated July 29, 2013, which describes procedures for a one-time MPI of
pinion P/N 412-040-301-101.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, within 75 hours TIS, removing from service pinion
P/N 412-040-301-101 having serial number (S/N) C17987, C17990, or
C17991. This AD also requires, within 100 hours TIS, performing an MPI
for a crack on each pinion P/N 412-040-301-101 if the rotor brake quill
has never been overhauled. If there is a crack, this AD requires,
before further flight, removing the pinion from service. Finally, this
AD prohibits installing pinion P/N 412-040-301-101 having S/N C17987,
C17990, or C17991 on any helicopter.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD requires removing from service certain pinions within 3
months; this AD requires removing these pinions within 75 hours TIS.
The EASA AD also requires the MPI to be performed within 100 flight
hours or 5 months, whichever occurs first; this AD requires compliance
within 100 hours TIS. The EASA AD only prohibits installing pinion P/N
412-040-301-101 having serial number S/N C17987 or C17991, whereas this
AD prohibits installing pinion P/N 412-040-301-101 having S/N C17987,
C17990, or C17991.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no
helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.)
authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for
rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that those procedures
are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.''
Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a
final rule without seeking comment prior to the rulemaking.
There are no helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S.
Registry. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA
finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
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 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, and
2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-12-07, Amendment 39-17868
(79 FR 35035, June 19, 2014); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2020-18-19 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21240; Docket No. FAA-2020-
0784; Product Identifier 2016-SW-087-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412EP
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a rotor brake pinion
(pinion) part number (P/N) 412-040-301-101 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a pinion.
This condition could result in failure of a pinion, detachment of
parts inside the transmission causing a malfunction or jamming, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2014-12-07, Amendment 39-17868 (79 FR
35035, June 19, 2014).
(d) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 21, 2020.
(e) 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.
(f) Required Actions
(1) Within 75 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove from service:
(i) Pinion P/N 412-040-301-101 with serial number C17987;
(ii) Pinion P/N 412-040-301-101 with serial number C17990; and
(iii) Pinion P/N 412-040-301-101 with serial number C17991.
(2) Within 100 hours TIS, if the rotor brake quill has never
been overhauled, perform a magnetic particle inspection on each
pinion for a crack. If there is a crack, before further flight,
remove the pinion from service.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install pinion
P/N 412-040-301-101
[[Page 55174]]
with serial number C17987, C17990, or C17991 on any helicopter.
(g) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, AD Program
Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products
Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 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.
(i) Additional Information
(1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 412-147,
dated September 12, 2016, and AgustaWestland BT No. 412-135,
Revision A, dated July 29, 2013, which are not incorporated by
reference, contain additional information about the subject of this
AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo
S.p.A. Helicopters, 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 review a copy of the
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) No.
AD 2016-0244, dated December 14, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating it in Docket No. FAA-2020-0784.
(j) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6321, Main Rotor
Brake.
Issued on August 31, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-19533 Filed 9-3-20; 8:45 am]
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