Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 59404-59406 [2020-20750]

Download as PDF 59404 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations 23.2515: ASTM F3264–19, section 9.4 23.2520: ASTM F3264–19, section 9.5, combined with the changes in the following table: Replace: With: ASTM F3236–17 Table 2 entry. 400 to 700 Mhz frequency range field strength average value: ‘‘100 volts/ meter’’. ASTM F3236–17 Section 4.2.3.3. FAA Table 2 entry 400 to 700 Mhz frequency range field strength average value: ‘‘50 volts/meter’’ FAA Section 4.2.3.3 ‘‘From 40 to 400 MHz, use conducted susceptibility tests, starting at a minimum of 30 mA at 40 MHz, decreasing 20 dB per frequency decade to a minimum of 3 mA at 400 MHz.’’ 23.2525: ASTM F3264–19, section 9.6, except delete ASTM F3264–19, section 9.6.2.3 23.2530: ASTM F3264–19, section 9.7 23.2535: ASTM F3264–19, section 9.8, except delete ASTM F3264–19, section 9.8.1 23.2540: ASTM F3264–19, section 9.9 23.2545: ASTM F3264–19, section 9.10 23.2550: ASTM F3264–19, section 9.11 Subpart G—Flightcrew Interface and Other Information 23.2600: ASTM F3264–19, section 10.1, combined with the following changes: 1. Add an FAA-accepted means of compliance for the windshield luminous transmittance aspects of § 23.2600, such as the provisions of § 23.775(e), amendment 23–49. 2. Add an FAA-accepted means of compliance for the pilot compartment view with formation of fog or frost aspects of § 23.2600, such as the provisions of § 23.773(b), amendment 23–45. 23.2605: ASTM F3264–19, section 10.2 23.2610: ASTM F3264–19, section 10.3 23.2615: ASTM F3264–19, section 10.4, combined with the changes in the following table: Replace: With: ASTM F3064/F3064M–19, Section 6. An FAA-accepted means of compliance for the powerplant instruments aspects of § 23.2615, such as the provisions of § 23.1305, amendment 23–52. 23.2620: ASTM F3264–19, sections 5.15 AND 10.5 Editorial, reapproval, revision or withdrawal: The FAA expects a suitable consensus standard to be reviewed periodically. ASTM policy is that a consensus standard should be reviewed in its entirety by the responsible subcommittee and must be balloted for reapproval, revision, or withdrawal, within five years of its last approval date. ASTM reapproves a standard— denoted by the year of reapproval in parentheses (e.g., F2427–05a(2013))—to indicate completion of a review cycle with no technical changes made to the standard. ASTM issues editorial changes—denoted by a superscript epsilon in the standard designation (e.g., F3235–17e1)—to correct information that does not change the meaning or intent of a standard. Any means of compliance accepted by this notice that is based on a standard later reapproved or editorially changed is also considered accepted without the need for a NOA. ASTM revises a standard to make changes to its technical content. Revisions to consensus standards serving as the basis for means of compliance accepted by this notice will not be automatically accepted and will require further FAA acceptance in order VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Sep 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 for the revisions to be an accepted means of compliance. Availability ASTM Standard F3264–19, ‘‘Standard Specification for Normal Category Aeroplanes Certification,’’ is available for online reading at https:// www.astm.org/READINGLIBRARY/. ASTM International copyrights these consensus standards and charges the public a fee for service. Individual downloads or reprints of a standard (single or multiple copies, or special compilations and other related technical information) may be obtained through www.astm.org or contacting ASTM at (610) 832–9585 (phone), (610) 832–9555 (fax), or through service@astm.org (email). To inquire about consensus standard content and/or membership or about ASTM Offices abroad, contact Joe Koury, Staff Manager for Committee F44 on General Aviation Aircraft: (610) 832– 9804, jkoury@astm.org. The FAA maintains a list of accepted means of compliance on the FAA website at https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/ air_cert/design_approvals/small_ airplanes/small_airplanes_regs/. PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on August 12, 2020. Pat Mullen, Manager, Small Airplanes Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–17911 Filed 9–21–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0411; Product Identifier 2018–SW–061–AD; Amendment 39–21254; AD 2020–19–11] 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 A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD requires repetitive borescope inspections of the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) and depending on the inspection results, removing the TGB from service. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM 22SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective October 27, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 27, 2020. ADDRESSES: 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. It is also available on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0411. 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 AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any service information that is incorporated by reference, 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: 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: Discussion The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Leonardo Model A119 and AW119 MKII 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, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Sep 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 227, 230, 232, 233, AW268, K3, K16, M47, or L29, installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2020 (85 FR 22970). The NPRM proposed to 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. Depending on the inspection results, the NPRM proposed to require removing the TGB from service before further flight. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent corrosion on the internal surface of the 90-degree TGB output shaft, failure of the 90-degree TGB output shaft, and reduced control of the helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2018–0156, dated July 24, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–0156), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters (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 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, the EASA AD 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. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but the FAA did not receive any comments on the NPRM. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 59405 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 after evaluating all information provided by EASA and determining the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition and do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. 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. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates this AD affects 96 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Borescope inspecting the 90-degree TGB output shaft takes about 3 workhours for an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter and $24,480 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing a (overhauled) TGB takes about 18 work-hours and parts 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. E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM 22SER1 59406 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations 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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Sep 21, 2020 Jkt 250001 2020–19–11 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39–21254; Docket No. FAA–2020–0411; Product Identifier 2018–SW–061–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated 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) Effective Date This AD becomes effective October 27, 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, 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 9ASW-FTW-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 (now PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 European Union 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 Docket No. FAA–2020–0411. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 62 Tail Rotor Gearbox. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 119–090, dated July 23, 2018. (ii) [Reserved] (3) 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. (4) You may view this 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. (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 on September 9, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–20750 Filed 9–21–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0328; Product Identifier 2020–NM–030–AD; Amendment 39–21244; AD 2020–19–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319–111, –112, –113, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM 22SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 184 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59404-59406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20750]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0411; Product Identifier 2018-SW-061-AD; Amendment 
39-21254; AD 2020-19-11]
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 A119 and AW119 MKII 
helicopters. This AD requires repetitive borescope inspections of the 
tail rotor gearbox (TGB) and depending on the inspection results, 
removing the TGB from service.

[[Page 59405]]

This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the internal surface of 
the 90-degree TGB output shaft. The actions of this AD are intended to 
address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 27, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 27, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: 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. It is 
also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0411.

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 AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any service information that is 
incorporated by reference, 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: 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:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Leonardo Model A119 and 
AW119 MKII 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. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on April 24, 2020 (85 FR 22970). The NPRM proposed to 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. Depending on the 
inspection results, the NPRM proposed to require removing the TGB from 
service before further flight. The proposed requirements were intended 
to prevent corrosion on the internal surface of the 90-degree TGB 
output shaft, failure of the 90-degree TGB output shaft, and reduced 
control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2018-0156, dated July 24, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0156), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters (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 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, the EASA AD 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.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD, but the FAA 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 after 
evaluating all information provided by EASA and determining the unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters 
of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting the AD requirements as proposed except for minor 
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes are 
consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing 
the unsafe condition and do not add any additional burden upon the 
public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates this AD affects 96 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Borescope inspecting the 90-degree TGB output shaft takes 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 takes about 18 work-hours and parts 
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.

[[Page 59406]]

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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

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):

2020-19-11 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21254; Docket No. FAA-2020-
0411; Product Identifier 2018-SW-061-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII 
helicopters, certificated 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) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 27, 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, 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 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 (now European Union 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 Docket No. FAA-2020-0411.

(h) Subject

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

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 119-090, 
dated July 23, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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 on September 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20750 Filed 9-21-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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