Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, 59409-59411 [2020-20764]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(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, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2020–0019 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.
Issued on September 1, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
(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.
SUMMARY:
(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
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.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0019, dated February 5,
2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0019, 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.
(4) 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–2020–0328.
(5) 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:32 Sep 21, 2020
Jkt 250001
[FR Doc. 2020–20826 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–2020–0460; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–078–AD; Amendment
39–21252; AD 2020–19–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.A. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169
helicopters and certain Leonardo S.p.A
Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of a broken
extrusion rubber window seal. This AD
requires installation of a reinforcement
around the rubber filler wedge where
the extrusion rubber window seal meets
the door’s emergency exit handle. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
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 certain publications 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 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.
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–
0460; or in person at Docket Operations
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
59409
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer,
International Validation Branch,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–
5110; email kristin.bradley@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 all Leonardo S.p.A. Model
AW169 helicopters and certain
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189
helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 3, 2020 (85 FR
34139). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of a broken extrusion rubber
window seal, part number (P/N)
A417AF001WB. The NPRM proposed to
require installation of a reinforcement
around the rubber filler wedge where
the extrusion rubber window seal meets
the door’s emergency exit handle. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address
broken extrusion rubber window seals,
which could result in an excessive load
required to release the emergency exit
window, possibly resulting in delayed
evacuation of helicopter occupants
during an emergency.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(now European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, issued EASA AD
2018–0197, dated September 5, 2018
(referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model
AW169 helicopters and certain
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189
helicopters. EASA advises of a broken
extrusion rubber window seal, P/N
A417AF001WB. According to EASA, an
investigation determined that the
damage to the rubber filler wedge of the
rubber window seal could have been
caused by the excessive tension of the
string applied during the installation of
an affected emergency exit handle.
EASA advises that this condition, if not
corrected, could result in an excessive
load to release the emergency exit
window, possibly resulting in delayed
evacuation of helicopter occupants
during an emergency. EASA states that,
due to design similarities, the same
unsafe condition could exist or develop
E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM
22SER1
59410
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
on certain Model AW189 helicopters.
To correct this condition, EASA AD
2018–0197 requires installation of a
reinforcement around the rubber filler
wedge where the extrusion rubber
window seal meets the door’s
emergency exit handle. You may
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0460.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule 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
Leonardo Helicopters has issued Alert
Service Bulletin 169–094, Revision A,
dated August 13, 2018; and Alert
Service Bulletin 189–170, dated July 25,
2018. This service information describes
procedures for installation of a
reinforcement around the rubber filler
wedge where the extrusion rubber
window seal meets the door’s
emergency exit handle. These
documents are distinct since they apply
to different aircraft models. 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 that this AD
affects 10 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Up to 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $510 ...................
According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has
included all known costs in this cost
estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:32 Sep 21, 2020
Jkt 250001
Cost per product
$0
Cost on U.S. operators
Up to $510 ..............................
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.
Up to $5,100.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 27, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
This AD applies to the Leonardo S.p.A.
helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
and (2) of this AD, certificated in any
category, equipped with an affected part
defined as internal emergency exit handle,
part number (P/N) 8G9500L00151, and
external emergency exit handle, P/N
8G9500L00251.
(1) Model AW169 helicopters, all serial
numbers.
(2) Model AW189 helicopters, all serial
numbers, except those helicopters with
emergency exit windows equipped with strap
P/N A487A003A, or helicopters with bubble
windows P/N 8G5620F00112.
Adoption of the Amendment
(d) Subject
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code 5600, Window/windshield system.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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):
■
2020–19–09 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment
39–21252; Docket No. FAA–2020–0460;
Product Identifier 2018–SW–078–AD.
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a
broken extrusion rubber window seal; an
investigation found the likely cause was
excessive tension of the string applied during
the installation of an affected emergency exit
handle. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address this condition, which, if not
addressed, could result in an excessive load
required to release the emergency exit
window, possibly resulting in delayed
evacuation of helicopter occupants during an
emergency.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM
22SER1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(g) Modification
(1) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169
helicopters equipped with a passenger
sliding door configuration, cabin main
assembly P/N 6F5330A00131 or P/N
6F5330A00132: Within 750 hours time-inservice (TIS) or 24 months, whichever occurs
first after the effective date of this AD, install
the retro-modification P/N 6F5600P00111 on
the rubber filler wedge of all affected
emergency exit handles, in accordance with
Part I, Steps 1 through 8 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Leonardo
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 169–094,
Revision A, dated August 13, 2018, except
you are required to replace the affected
emergency exit handles and are not required
to discard the filler wedges.
(2) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169
helicopters equipped with a passenger
hinged door configuration, cabin main
assembly VIP P/N 6F5330A00831: Within
750 hours TIS or 24 months, whichever
occurs first after the effective date of this AD,
install the retro-modification P/N
6F5600P00111 on the rubber filler wedge of
all affected emergency exit handles, in
accordance with Part II, Steps 1 through 6 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of
Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
169–094, Revision A, dated August 13, 2018,
except you are required to replace the
affected emergency exit handles and are not
required to discard the filler wedges.
(3) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189
helicopters: Within 750 hours TIS or 24
months, whichever occurs first after the
effective date of this AD, install the retromodification P/N 8G5600P00211 on the
rubber filler wedge of all affected emergency
exit handles, in accordance with Steps 1
through 11 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin 189–170, dated July 25,
2018, except you are required to replace the
affected emergency exit handles and are not
required to discard the filler wedges.
2018. This EASA AD may be found in the AD
docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0460.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety
Engineer, International Validation Branch,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley,
Aviation Safety Engineer, International
Validation Branch, General Aviation &
Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–
5110; email 9-ASW-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, 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.
Issued on September 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
(i) Related Information
(1) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2018–0197, dated September 5,
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:32 Sep 21, 2020
Jkt 250001
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin 169–094, Revision A, dated August
13, 2018.
(ii) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin 189–170, dated July 25, 2018.
(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.
[FR Doc. 2020–20764 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–2020–0258; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–002–AD; Amendment
39–21250; AD 2020–19–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
ACTION:
59411
Final rule.
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169
helicopters. This AD requires modifying
the weight on wheels (WoW) support
installation on the main landing gear
(MLG). This AD was prompted by a
report that an inappropriately tightened
WoW support could result in a rotation
of the support and improper WoW
switch performance. 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–
0258.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2020–0258; 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
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Fuller, 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.
E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM
22SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 184 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59409-59411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20764]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0460; Product Identifier 2018-SW-078-AD; Amendment
39-21252; AD 2020-19-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters and certain Leonardo S.p.A
Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a broken
extrusion rubber window seal. This AD requires installation of a
reinforcement around the rubber filler wedge where the extrusion rubber
window seal meets the door's emergency exit handle. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the 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 certain publications 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 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.
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-
0460; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety
Engineer, International Validation Branch, General Aviation &
Rotorcraft Unit, 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 all Leonardo S.p.A.
Model AW169 helicopters and certain Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189
helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 3, 2020
(85 FR 34139). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a broken extrusion
rubber window seal, part number (P/N) A417AF001WB. The NPRM proposed to
require installation of a reinforcement around the rubber filler wedge
where the extrusion rubber window seal meets the door's emergency exit
handle. The FAA is issuing this AD to address broken extrusion rubber
window seals, which could result in an excessive load required to
release the emergency exit window, possibly resulting in delayed
evacuation of helicopter occupants during an emergency.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union, issued EASA AD 2018-0197, dated September
5, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters and certain
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopters. EASA advises of a broken
extrusion rubber window seal, P/N A417AF001WB. According to EASA, an
investigation determined that the damage to the rubber filler wedge of
the rubber window seal could have been caused by the excessive tension
of the string applied during the installation of an affected emergency
exit handle. EASA advises that this condition, if not corrected, could
result in an excessive load to release the emergency exit window,
possibly resulting in delayed evacuation of helicopter occupants during
an emergency. EASA states that, due to design similarities, the same
unsafe condition could exist or develop
[[Page 59410]]
on certain Model AW189 helicopters. To correct this condition, EASA AD
2018-0197 requires installation of a reinforcement around the rubber
filler wedge where the extrusion rubber window seal meets the door's
emergency exit handle. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2020-0460.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule 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
Leonardo Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin 169-094,
Revision A, dated August 13, 2018; and Alert Service Bulletin 189-170,
dated July 25, 2018. This service information describes procedures for
installation of a reinforcement around the rubber filler wedge where
the extrusion rubber window seal meets the door's emergency exit
handle. These documents are distinct since they apply to different
aircraft models. 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 that this AD affects 10 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up $0 Up to $510................ Up to $5,100.
to $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in this cost estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD 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):
2020-19-09 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-21252; Docket No. FAA-2020-
0460; Product Identifier 2018-SW-078-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 27, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Leonardo S.p.A. helicopters identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category,
equipped with an affected part defined as internal emergency exit
handle, part number (P/N) 8G9500L00151, and external emergency exit
handle, P/N 8G9500L00251.
(1) Model AW169 helicopters, all serial numbers.
(2) Model AW189 helicopters, all serial numbers, except those
helicopters with emergency exit windows equipped with strap P/N
A487A003A, or helicopters with bubble windows P/N 8G5620F00112.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 5600, Window/
windshield system.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a broken extrusion rubber
window seal; an investigation found the likely cause was excessive
tension of the string applied during the installation of an affected
emergency exit handle. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this
condition, which, if not addressed, could result in an excessive
load required to release the emergency exit window, possibly
resulting in delayed evacuation of helicopter occupants during an
emergency.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
[[Page 59411]]
(g) Modification
(1) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters equipped with a
passenger sliding door configuration, cabin main assembly P/N
6F5330A00131 or P/N 6F5330A00132: Within 750 hours time-in-service
(TIS) or 24 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date
of this AD, install the retro-modification P/N 6F5600P00111 on the
rubber filler wedge of all affected emergency exit handles, in
accordance with Part I, Steps 1 through 8 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 169-094,
Revision A, dated August 13, 2018, except you are required to
replace the affected emergency exit handles and are not required to
discard the filler wedges.
(2) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters equipped with a
passenger hinged door configuration, cabin main assembly VIP P/N
6F5330A00831: Within 750 hours TIS or 24 months, whichever occurs
first after the effective date of this AD, install the retro-
modification P/N 6F5600P00111 on the rubber filler wedge of all
affected emergency exit handles, in accordance with Part II, Steps 1
through 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin 169-094, Revision A, dated August 13, 2018,
except you are required to replace the affected emergency exit
handles and are not required to discard the filler wedges.
(3) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopters: Within 750
hours TIS or 24 months, whichever occurs first after the effective
date of this AD, install the retro-modification P/N 8G5600P00211 on
the rubber filler wedge of all affected emergency exit handles, in
accordance with Steps 1 through 11 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 189-170,
dated July 25, 2018, except you are required to replace the affected
emergency exit handles and are not required to discard the filler
wedges.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley,
Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, 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, 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) Related Information
(1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD
2018-0197, dated September 5, 2018. This EASA AD may be found in the
AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0460.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley,
Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth,
TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 169-094,
Revision A, dated August 13, 2018.
(ii) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 189-170, dated
July 25, 2018.
(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. 2020-20764 Filed 9-21-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
