Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 73432-73436 [2020-25322]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 223 / Wednesday, November 18, 2020 / Proposed Rules
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2020–0981; Project Identifier AD–2020–
00919–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
January 4, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, –300ER, and
777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0118 RB,
dated June 23, 2020.
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(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that,
during investigation of a fuel leak, fatigue
cracking was found on the forward inboard
side of the fuel tank access door cutouts on
the left and right lower wing skin. The cause
of the cracking is attributed to corrosion
damage. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address such cracking, which could result in
the inability of a principal structural element
to sustain limit load, and consequent reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this
AD: At the applicable times specified in the
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0118 RB,
dated June 23, 2020, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0118 RB,
dated June 23, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777–57A0118, dated June 23, 2020,
which is referred to in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0118 RB,
dated June 23, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 777–57A0118 RB, dated June 23,
2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0118 RB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD’’, except where Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0118 RB,
dated June 23, 2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the
original issue date of Requirements Bulletin
777–57A0118 RB’’ in a note or flag note.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 777–57A0118 RB, dated June 23,
2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions or for alternative inspections:
This AD requires doing the repair, or doing
the alternative inspections and applicable oncondition actions using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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 responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
PO 00000
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98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3523; email:
eric.lin@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information 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.
Issued on October 29, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–25283 Filed 11–17–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1026; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00745–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2020–13–02, which applies to certain
Leonardo S.p.A. Model A119 and
AW119 MKII helicopters. AD 2020–13–
02 requires inspecting for movement
and the tightening torque of the tail
rotor (T/R) plug, the installation of the
outboard and inboard faces of the T/R
duplex bearing, and the condition of the
T/R duplex bearing, T/R plug threads,
and nut threads. Depending on the
inspection results, AD 2020–13–02
requires corrective actions and reporting
information. Since the FAA issued AD
2020–13–02, Leonardo S.p.a. issued
updated service information. This
proposed AD would retain the
requirements of AD 2020–13–02 except
the reporting requirement, update the
service information, and require
repeating the inspection. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this AD by January 4, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 223 / Wednesday, November 18, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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–
1026; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this proposed
AD, the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in
this proposed rule, contact Leonardo
S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano,
Head of Airworthiness, Viale G. Agusta
520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va)
Italy; telephone +39–0331–225074; fax
+39–0331–229046; or at https://
www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
You may view the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–1026; Product Identifier
MCAI–2020–00745–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
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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 post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposal.
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 NPRM
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 NPRM, 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
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety
Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5110; email
david.hatfield@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.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2020–13–02,
Amendment 39–21147 (85 FR 37551,
June 23, 2020) (AD 2020–13–02), for
Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model A119
and AW119 MKII helicopters with a T/
R duplex bearing part number (P/N)
129–0160–11–103 installed. AD 2020–
13–02 was prompted by EASA
Emergency AD No. 2019–0194–E, dated
August 9, 2019 (EASA AD 2019–0194–
E), which stated that preliminary
investigation of a Model AW119 MKII
helicopter accident identified a
disassembled connection between the
yaw control input lever and the rotating
input shaft, partial presence of spalling
on the T/R duplex bearing inner races,
and missing plug and related lockwire.
EASA advised that this condition, if not
corrected, could lead to functional
failure of the T/R pitch change
mechanism, resulting in loss of control
of the helicopter. EASA considered
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EASA AD 2019–0194–E an interim
action and stated further AD action may
follow.
AD 2020–13–02 requires inspecting
the T/R plug for movement and its
tightening torque measurement,
inspecting the installation of the
outboard and inboard faces of the T/R
duplex bearing, and inspecting the
condition of the T/R duplex bearing, T/
R plug threads, and nut threads.
Depending on inspection results, AD
2020–13–02 requires removing the
affected parts from service and reporting
the inspection findings to Leonardo. For
some of these actions, AD 2020–13–02
requires following the procedures in
Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 119–100,
dated August 7, 2019 (EASB 119–100).
AD 2020–13–02 also prohibits installing
a T/R duplex bearing unless it had been
inspected. The FAA issued AD 2020–
13–02 to prevent structural failure of the
T/R assembly, loss of T/R pitch change
control, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2020–13–02 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2020–13–
02, EASA has issued EASA AD No.
2020–0128, dated June 4, 2020 (EASA
AD 2020–0128), to supersede EASA AD
2019–0194–E. EASA advises that
Leonardo has determined that
additional serial-numbered helicopters
are affected by the unsafe condition.
EASA also advises that Leonardo
canceled EASB 119–100 and instead
included the repetitive inspections in
the maintenance manual (MM).
Accordingly, EASA AD 2020–0128
partially retains the requirements of
EASA AD 2019–0194–E and expands
the applicability.
In addition, Leonardo replaced EASB
119–100 with EASB No. 119–105,
currently at Revision A, dated June 3,
2020 (EASB 119–105 Rev A). EASB
119–105 Rev A expands the effectivity
by identifying additional serialnumbered helicopters and omits the
long-term and on-condition repetitive
inspections that have been incorporated
into the MM.
AD 2020–13–02 did not require
repeating the inspection of the T/R
duplex bearing installation every 200
hours time-in-service (TIS), as there was
sufficient time to allow for notice and
comment prior to this long-term action
going into effect. The FAA has
determined that repeating the
inspection is needed to address this
unsafe condition. Although Leonardo
has added this action to the MM, the
FAA must mandate it through an AD in
order to require it for all operators.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 223 / Wednesday, November 18, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Accordingly, the FAA has included this
long-term requirement in this proposed
AD.
Comments to AD 2020–13–02
After AD 2020–13–02 was published,
the FAA received comments from three
individual commenters. The following
presents the comments received and the
FAA’s response to each comment.
Requests
Request: Two commenters requested
the FAA update the references in AD
2020–13–02, as EASB 119–100 has been
canceled and EASA AD 2019–0194–E
has been superseded by EASA AD
2020–0128. The commenters proposed
referencing the new EASB 119–105.
FAA’s Response: The FAA agrees.
This NPRM reflects the changes
proposed by the commenters.
Request: One commenter requested
the AD allow credit for previous
compliance with either EASB 119–100
or EASB 119–105.
FAA’s Response: The FAA agrees. In
this NPRM, the FAA has proposed to
require using EASB 119–105 instead of
EASB 119–100. Paragraph (e) of the
proposed AD would require compliance
unless already done. Thus, the proposed
AD allows operators to take credit for
actions using EASB 119–105 if done
before the effective date of the AD. This
NPRM also proposes to allow credit for
previous actions accomplished using
the procedures specified in EASB 119–
100.
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FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA is
proposing this AD after determining that
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of these same type
designs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASB 119–105
Rev A, which specifies a one-time
inspection of the tightening torque of
T/R plug P/N 129–0160–45–103, and a
one-time inspection for correct
installation of the inboard and outboard
faces of T/R duplex bearing P/N 129–
0160–11–103, for damage to the threads
of the T/R plug and nut P/N MS17825–
7, and of the T/R duplex bearing for
roughness, ease of rotation, and
presence of brinelling, spalling,
chipping, and flaking or traces of
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overheating of bearing balls, and general
damage to races.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed EASB 119–100,
which specifies the same procedures as
EASB 119–105 Rev A, except EASB
119–100 also specifies repeating the
inspection for correct installation of the
inboard and outboard faces of T/R
duplex bearing P/N 129–0160–11–103,
for damage to the threads of the T/R
plug and nut P/N MS17825–7, and of
the T/R duplex bearing for roughness,
ease of rotation, and presence of
brinelling, spalling, chipping, and
flaking or traces of overheating of
bearing balls, and general damage to
races in conjunction every 200 hours
TIS or at any removal, installation, or
disassembly of the T/R duplex bearing.
The FAA also reviewed Leonardo
Helicopters EASB No. 119–105, dated
May 18, 2020, which contains the same
procedures as EASB 119–105 Rev A,
except EASB 119–105 Rev A applies to
additional serial-numbered helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all of
the inspection requirements and the
installation prohibition of AD 2020–13–
02. This proposed AD would also
require repeating the inspection for
presence of the P/N and S/N markings
of the outboard and inboard faces of T/
R duplex bearing every 200 hours TIS.
This proposed AD would not require
reporting any inspection results.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
The EASA AD is applicable to certain
serial-numbered Model A119 and
AW119MKII helicopters, whereas this
proposed AD would apply to Model
A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters with
a T/R duplex bearing P/N 129–0160–11–
103 installed instead. The EASA AD
requires inspecting the tightening torque
of the T/R plug in the range of 30.5–33.9
Nm, whereas this proposed AD would
require inspecting the tightening torque
of the T/R plug to a minimum of 30.5
Nm instead. This proposed AD would
require repeating the inspections for the
presence of the P/N and S/N markings,
for rough rotation, brinelling, spalling,
chipping, flaking, evidence of
overheated bearing balls, and damage to
the races, and for damaged threads of
the T/R plug and nut, at intervals not to
exceed 200 hours TIS, whereas the
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EASA AD does not require repeating
these inspections. The EASA AD
requires inspecting the threads of nut P/
N MS17825–7 for damage, but does not
state what to do if the threads have
damage. This proposed AD would
require inspecting for damage to the
threads of the nut indicated by uneven
threads, missing threads, or crossthreading, and if the nut has any
damaged threads, removing the nut from
service.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 89
helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates
are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Based on these numbers, the FAA
estimates that operators may incur the
following costs in order to comply with
this proposed AD.
Inspecting the tightening torque of the
T/R plug would take about 0.5 workhour for an estimated cost of $43 per
helicopter and $3,827 for the U.S. fleet.
Inspecting for correct installation of
the outboard and inboard faces of the T/
R duplex bearing and the condition of
the T/R duplex bearing, T/R plug
threads, and nut threads would take
about 2 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $170 per helicopter and $15,130
for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
Assembling and installing the T/R
duplex bearing assembly would take
about 2 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $170 per helicopter and $15,130
for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
If required, the parts for replacing the
T/R duplex bearing, internal spacer,
external spacer, bearing liner assembly,
and T/R control rod would cost about
$4,200, and parts for replacing the T/R
plug would cost about $171.
The FAA has included all known
costs in this cost estimate. According to
Leonardo, however, some of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under
warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 223 / Wednesday, November 18, 2020 / Proposed Rules
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify
that this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
2. Would not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
3. Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
2020–13–02, Amendment 39–21147 (85
FR 37551, June 23, 2020); and
■ b. Adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
■
■
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Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA–2020–
1026; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–
00745–R.
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies
to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119
MKII helicopters, certificated in any category,
with a tail rotor (T/R) duplex bearing part
number (P/N) 129–0160–11–103 (T/R duplex
bearing) installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
structural failure of the T/R assembly,
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possibly due to an incorrect installation. This
condition could result in loss of T/R pitch
change control and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
(c) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020–13–02,
Amendment 39–21147 (85 FR 37551, June
23, 2020) (AD 2020–13–02).
(d) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
January 4, 2021.
(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 10 hours time-in-service (TIS),
remove the lockwire that secures the T/R
plug P/N 129–0160–45–103 (T/R plug) to the
bearing liner assembly P/N 109–0135–16–101
(bearing liner assembly). Without loosening
the T/R plug first, inspect the tightening
torque of the T/R plug by increasing the
torque up to 30.5 Nm and inspect for any
movement the moment torque is applied.
(i) If there is no movement and the
tightening torque is at least 30.5 Nm, before
further flight, install lockwire by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, part I,
paragraph 4, of Leonardo Helicopters
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No.
119–105, Revision A, dated June 3, 2020
(EASB 119–105 Rev A).
(ii) If there is any movement or the
tightening torque is less than 30.5 Nm, before
further flight, comply with paragraph (f)(2) of
this AD.
(2) Within 50 hours TIS, unless required
before further flight by paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of
this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 200 hours TIS, inspect to determine
whether the P/N and serial number (S/N) are
visible on the outboard and inboard faces of
the T/R duplex bearing by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, part II,
paragraphs 4 through 13 (except paragraphs
9.1, 13.1, and 13.2), of EASB 119–105 Rev A.
Instead of the excluded steps, do the
following:
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(2): You are not
required to discard parts and you may use
equivalent tooling to that identified in EASB
119–105 Rev A.
(i) If the P/N and S/N markings are visible
on the outboard or inboard face of the T/R
duplex bearing, before further flight, remove
from service the T/R duplex bearing, internal
spacer P/N 129–0160–43–101 (internal
spacer), external spacer P/N 129–0160–44–
101 (external spacer), bearing liner assembly,
and T/R control rod P/N 109–0135–02–101
(T/R control rod).
(ii) If the P/N and S/N markings are not
visible on the inboard face of the T/R duplex
bearing, before further flight, inspect the T/
R duplex bearing, T/R plug, and nut by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
part II, paragraphs 14 and 15 (but not
paragraphs 15.1 through 15.2), of EASB 119–
105 Rev A. For purposes of this inspection,
damage to the races may be indicated by non-
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movement of the inner race, movement of the
outer race, deformation, roughness, or
incorrect installation; and damage to the
threads of the T/R plug and nut may be
indicated by uneven threads, missing
threads, or cross-threading.
(A) If the T/R duplex bearing has any rough
rotation, brinelling, spalling, chipping,
flaking, evidence of overheated bearing balls,
or damage to the races, before further flight,
remove from service the T/R duplex bearing,
the internal spacer, the external spacer, the
bearing liner assembly, and the T/R control
rod.
(B) If the T/R plug or nut has any damaged
threads, before further flight, remove from
service the affected part.
(C) Reassemble the T/R duplex bearing
assembly by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, part II, paragraphs 16 through
31, of EASB 119–105 Rev A.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install a T/R duplex bearing P/N 129–
0160–11–103 on any helicopter unless you
have complied with the requirements in
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
(g) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) Accomplishment of AD 2020–13–02
before the effective date of this AD is
considered acceptable for compliance with
paragraph (f)(1) and the initial inspection
required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
(2) Actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with
the procedures specified in Leonardo
Helicopters EASB No. 119–100, dated August
7, 2019, or Leonardo Helicopters EASB No.
119–105, dated May 18, 2020, are considered
acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in paragraph
(f)(1) and the initial inspection required by
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
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.
(j) Additional Information
(1) Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 119–
100, dated August 7, 2019, and Leonardo
Helicopters EASB No. 119–105, dated May
18, 2020, which are not incorporated by
reference, contain additional information
about the subject of this AD. For service
information identified in this AD, contact
Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness,
Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di
E:\FR\FM\18NOP1.SGM
18NOP1
73436
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 223 / Wednesday, November 18, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–
225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https://
www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You
may view 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD No. 2020–0128, dated June 4,
2020. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the
AD Docket.
(k) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6400, Tail Rotor System.
Issued on November 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–25322 Filed 11–17–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Authority for This Rulemaking
14 CFR Part 71
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
amend Class D airspace and Class E
extending upward from 700 feet above
the surface at Smyrna Airport, Smyrna,
TN, to support IFR operations in the
area.
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0889; Airspace
Docket No. 20–ASO–25]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment of Class D
Airspace, and Class E Airspace;
Smyrna, TN
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend Class D airspace, and Class E
airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface at Smyrna
Airport, Smyrna, TN. An evaluation of
airspace in the area determined this
airport to require an adjustment of Class
D and E airspace. Controlled airspace is
necessary for the safety and
management of instrument flight rules
(IFR) operations in the area.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before January 4, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to: the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001;
Telephone: (800) 647–5527, or (202)
366–9826. You must identify the Docket
No. FAA–2020–0889; Airspace Docket
No. 20–ASO–25, at the beginning of
your comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
SUMMARY:
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
on-line at https://www.faa.gov/air_
traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
Telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order
is also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11E at NARA, email
fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Fornito, Operations Support Group,
Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation
Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, GA 30337; Telephone
(404) 305–6364.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Nov 17, 2020
Jkt 253001
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to
comment on this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (Docket No. FAA–
2020–0889 and Airspace Docket No. 20–
ASO–25) and be submitted in triplicate
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
to DOT Docket Operations (see
ADDRESSES section for the address and
phone number). You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
Persons wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket No. FAA–2020–0889; Airspace
Docket No. 20–ASO–25.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
All communications received before
the specified closing date for comments
will be considered before taking action
on the proposed rule. The proposal
contained in this document may be
changed in light of the comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
comment closing date. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s web page at https://
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/
airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office (see the
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except federal holidays. An informal
docket may also be examined between
8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except federal holidays
at the office of the Eastern Service
Center, Federal Aviation
Administration, Room 350, 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA
30337.
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document proposes to amend
FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points,
dated July 21, 2020, and effective
September 15, 2020. FAA Order
7400.11E is publicly available as listed
in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. FAA Order 7400.11E lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
E:\FR\FM\18NOP1.SGM
18NOP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 223 (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73432-73436]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-25322]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1026; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00745-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2020-13-02, which applies to certain Leonardo S.p.A. Model A119 and
AW119 MKII helicopters. AD 2020-13-02 requires inspecting for movement
and the tightening torque of the tail rotor (T/R) plug, the
installation of the outboard and inboard faces of the T/R duplex
bearing, and the condition of the T/R duplex bearing, T/R plug threads,
and nut threads. Depending on the inspection results, AD 2020-13-02
requires corrective actions and reporting information. Since the FAA
issued AD 2020-13-02, Leonardo S.p.a. issued updated service
information. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2020-
13-02 except the reporting requirement, update the service information,
and require repeating the inspection. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 4, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
[[Page 73433]]
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-
1026; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this proposed AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness,
Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone
+39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-1026; Product Identifier
MCAI-2020-00745-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
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 post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposal.
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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to David
Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 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.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2020-13-02, Amendment 39-21147 (85 FR 37551, June
23, 2020) (AD 2020-13-02), for Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model A119
and AW119 MKII helicopters with a T/R duplex bearing part number (P/N)
129-0160-11-103 installed. AD 2020-13-02 was prompted by EASA Emergency
AD No. 2019-0194-E, dated August 9, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0194-E), which
stated that preliminary investigation of a Model AW119 MKII helicopter
accident identified a disassembled connection between the yaw control
input lever and the rotating input shaft, partial presence of spalling
on the T/R duplex bearing inner races, and missing plug and related
lockwire. EASA advised that this condition, if not corrected, could
lead to functional failure of the T/R pitch change mechanism, resulting
in loss of control of the helicopter. EASA considered EASA AD 2019-
0194-E an interim action and stated further AD action may follow.
AD 2020-13-02 requires inspecting the T/R plug for movement and its
tightening torque measurement, inspecting the installation of the
outboard and inboard faces of the T/R duplex bearing, and inspecting
the condition of the T/R duplex bearing, T/R plug threads, and nut
threads. Depending on inspection results, AD 2020-13-02 requires
removing the affected parts from service and reporting the inspection
findings to Leonardo. For some of these actions, AD 2020-13-02 requires
following the procedures in Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 119-100, dated August 7, 2019 (EASB 119-
100). AD 2020-13-02 also prohibits installing a T/R duplex bearing
unless it had been inspected. The FAA issued AD 2020-13-02 to prevent
structural failure of the T/R assembly, loss of T/R pitch change
control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2020-13-02 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2020-13-02, EASA has issued EASA AD No.
2020-0128, dated June 4, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0128), to supersede EASA AD
2019-0194-E. EASA advises that Leonardo has determined that additional
serial-numbered helicopters are affected by the unsafe condition. EASA
also advises that Leonardo canceled EASB 119-100 and instead included
the repetitive inspections in the maintenance manual (MM). Accordingly,
EASA AD 2020-0128 partially retains the requirements of EASA AD 2019-
0194-E and expands the applicability.
In addition, Leonardo replaced EASB 119-100 with EASB No. 119-105,
currently at Revision A, dated June 3, 2020 (EASB 119-105 Rev A). EASB
119-105 Rev A expands the effectivity by identifying additional serial-
numbered helicopters and omits the long-term and on-condition
repetitive inspections that have been incorporated into the MM.
AD 2020-13-02 did not require repeating the inspection of the T/R
duplex bearing installation every 200 hours time-in-service (TIS), as
there was sufficient time to allow for notice and comment prior to this
long-term action going into effect. The FAA has determined that
repeating the inspection is needed to address this unsafe condition.
Although Leonardo has added this action to the MM, the FAA must mandate
it through an AD in order to require it for all operators.
[[Page 73434]]
Accordingly, the FAA has included this long-term requirement in this
proposed AD.
Comments to AD 2020-13-02
After AD 2020-13-02 was published, the FAA received comments from
three individual commenters. The following presents the comments
received and the FAA's response to each comment.
Requests
Request: Two commenters requested the FAA update the references in
AD 2020-13-02, as EASB 119-100 has been canceled and EASA AD 2019-0194-
E has been superseded by EASA AD 2020-0128. The commenters proposed
referencing the new EASB 119-105.
FAA's Response: The FAA agrees. This NPRM reflects the changes
proposed by the commenters.
Request: One commenter requested the AD allow credit for previous
compliance with either EASB 119-100 or EASB 119-105.
FAA's Response: The FAA agrees. In this NPRM, the FAA has proposed
to require using EASB 119-105 instead of EASB 119-100. Paragraph (e) of
the proposed AD would require compliance unless already done. Thus, the
proposed AD allows operators to take credit for actions using EASB 119-
105 if done before the effective date of the AD. This NPRM also
proposes to allow credit for previous actions accomplished using the
procedures specified in EASB 119-100.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type
designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASB 119-105 Rev A, which specifies a one-time
inspection of the tightening torque of T/R plug P/N 129-0160-45-103,
and a one-time inspection for correct installation of the inboard and
outboard faces of T/R duplex bearing P/N 129-0160-11-103, for damage to
the threads of the T/R plug and nut P/N MS17825-7, and of the T/R
duplex bearing for roughness, ease of rotation, and presence of
brinelling, spalling, chipping, and flaking or traces of overheating of
bearing balls, and general damage to races.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed EASB 119-100, which specifies the same procedures
as EASB 119-105 Rev A, except EASB 119-100 also specifies repeating the
inspection for correct installation of the inboard and outboard faces
of T/R duplex bearing P/N 129-0160-11-103, for damage to the threads of
the T/R plug and nut P/N MS17825-7, and of the T/R duplex bearing for
roughness, ease of rotation, and presence of brinelling, spalling,
chipping, and flaking or traces of overheating of bearing balls, and
general damage to races in conjunction every 200 hours TIS or at any
removal, installation, or disassembly of the T/R duplex bearing.
The FAA also reviewed Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 119-105, dated
May 18, 2020, which contains the same procedures as EASB 119-105 Rev A,
except EASB 119-105 Rev A applies to additional serial-numbered
helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all of the inspection requirements
and the installation prohibition of AD 2020-13-02. This proposed AD
would also require repeating the inspection for presence of the P/N and
S/N markings of the outboard and inboard faces of T/R duplex bearing
every 200 hours TIS. This proposed AD would not require reporting any
inspection results.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD is applicable to certain serial-numbered Model A119 and
AW119MKII helicopters, whereas this proposed AD would apply to Model
A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters with a T/R duplex bearing P/N 129-0160-
11-103 installed instead. The EASA AD requires inspecting the
tightening torque of the T/R plug in the range of 30.5-33.9 Nm, whereas
this proposed AD would require inspecting the tightening torque of the
T/R plug to a minimum of 30.5 Nm instead. This proposed AD would
require repeating the inspections for the presence of the P/N and S/N
markings, for rough rotation, brinelling, spalling, chipping, flaking,
evidence of overheated bearing balls, and damage to the races, and for
damaged threads of the T/R plug and nut, at intervals not to exceed 200
hours TIS, whereas the EASA AD does not require repeating these
inspections. The EASA AD requires inspecting the threads of nut P/N
MS17825-7 for damage, but does not state what to do if the threads have
damage. This proposed AD would require inspecting for damage to the
threads of the nut indicated by uneven threads, missing threads, or
cross-threading, and if the nut has any damaged threads, removing the
nut from service.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 89 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates that
operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this
proposed AD.
Inspecting the tightening torque of the T/R plug would take about
0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,827
for the U.S. fleet.
Inspecting for correct installation of the outboard and inboard
faces of the T/R duplex bearing and the condition of the T/R duplex
bearing, T/R plug threads, and nut threads would take about 2 work-
hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $15,130 for the
U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
Assembling and installing the T/R duplex bearing assembly would
take about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter
and $15,130 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
If required, the parts for replacing the T/R duplex bearing,
internal spacer, external spacer, bearing liner assembly, and T/R
control rod would cost about $4,200, and parts for replacing the T/R
plug would cost about $171.
The FAA has included all known costs in this cost estimate.
According to Leonardo, however, some of the costs of this proposed AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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
[[Page 73435]]
procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air
commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because
it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify that this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866,
2. Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-13-02, Amendment 39-21147 (85
FR 37551, June 23, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2020-1026; Project Identifier MCAI-
2020-00745-R.
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Leonardo S.p.a.
Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category,
with a tail rotor (T/R) duplex bearing part number (P/N) 129-0160-
11-103 (T/R duplex bearing) installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as structural failure of
the T/R assembly, possibly due to an incorrect installation. This
condition could result in loss of T/R pitch change control and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2020-13-02, Amendment 39-21147 (85 FR 37551,
June 23, 2020) (AD 2020-13-02).
(d) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by January 4, 2021.
(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 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove the lockwire
that secures the T/R plug P/N 129-0160-45-103 (T/R plug) to the
bearing liner assembly P/N 109-0135-16-101 (bearing liner assembly).
Without loosening the T/R plug first, inspect the tightening torque
of the T/R plug by increasing the torque up to 30.5 Nm and inspect
for any movement the moment torque is applied.
(i) If there is no movement and the tightening torque is at
least 30.5 Nm, before further flight, install lockwire by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraph 4, of Leonardo
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 119-105,
Revision A, dated June 3, 2020 (EASB 119-105 Rev A).
(ii) If there is any movement or the tightening torque is less
than 30.5 Nm, before further flight, comply with paragraph (f)(2) of
this AD.
(2) Within 50 hours TIS, unless required before further flight
by paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not
to exceed 200 hours TIS, inspect to determine whether the P/N and
serial number (S/N) are visible on the outboard and inboard faces of
the T/R duplex bearing by following the Accomplishment Instructions,
part II, paragraphs 4 through 13 (except paragraphs 9.1, 13.1, and
13.2), of EASB 119-105 Rev A. Instead of the excluded steps, do the
following:
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(2): You are not required to discard
parts and you may use equivalent tooling to that identified in EASB
119-105 Rev A.
(i) If the P/N and S/N markings are visible on the outboard or
inboard face of the T/R duplex bearing, before further flight,
remove from service the T/R duplex bearing, internal spacer P/N 129-
0160-43-101 (internal spacer), external spacer P/N 129-0160-44-101
(external spacer), bearing liner assembly, and T/R control rod P/N
109-0135-02-101 (T/R control rod).
(ii) If the P/N and S/N markings are not visible on the inboard
face of the T/R duplex bearing, before further flight, inspect the
T/R duplex bearing, T/R plug, and nut by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraphs 14 and 15 (but not
paragraphs 15.1 through 15.2), of EASB 119-105 Rev A. For purposes
of this inspection, damage to the races may be indicated by non-
movement of the inner race, movement of the outer race, deformation,
roughness, or incorrect installation; and damage to the threads of
the T/R plug and nut may be indicated by uneven threads, missing
threads, or cross-threading.
(A) If the T/R duplex bearing has any rough rotation,
brinelling, spalling, chipping, flaking, evidence of overheated
bearing balls, or damage to the races, before further flight, remove
from service the T/R duplex bearing, the internal spacer, the
external spacer, the bearing liner assembly, and the T/R control
rod.
(B) If the T/R plug or nut has any damaged threads, before
further flight, remove from service the affected part.
(C) Reassemble the T/R duplex bearing assembly by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraphs 16 through 31, of
EASB 119-105 Rev A.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a T/R
duplex bearing P/N 129-0160-11-103 on any helicopter unless you have
complied with the requirements in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
(g) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) Accomplishment of AD 2020-13-02 before the effective date of
this AD is considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph
(f)(1) and the initial inspection required by paragraph (f)(2) of
this AD.
(2) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the procedures specified in Leonardo Helicopters
EASB No. 119-100, dated August 7, 2019, or Leonardo Helicopters EASB
No. 119-105, dated May 18, 2020, are considered acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph
(f)(1) and the initial inspection required by paragraph (f)(2) of
this AD.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
817-222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office
or certificate holding district office, before operating any
aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(j) Additional Information
(1) Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 119-100, dated August 7, 2019,
and Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 119-105, dated May 18, 2020, which
are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information
about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in
this AD, contact Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale
G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di
[[Page 73436]]
Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046;
or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view 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 Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2020-0128, dated June 4, 2020.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(k) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor
System.
Issued on November 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-25322 Filed 11-17-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
