Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.) Helicopters, 13232-13234 [2021-04232]

Download as PDF 13232 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 43 / Monday, March 8, 2021 / Proposed Rules jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards 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): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 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. (4) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory as required by this AD. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524. (j) Related Information (1) For information about EASA AD 2020– 0222, 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. 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–2021–0128. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:28 Mar 05, 2021 Jkt 253001 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. Issued on February 26, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–04441 Filed 3–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0127; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00829–R] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2015–25–04 for Agusta S.p.A (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. AD 2015–25–04 requires inspecting the slider assembly pitch control (slider) for play and replacing the slider if the play exceeds certain limits. Since the FAA issued AD 2015–25–04, further investigation determined the play was caused by a manufacturing issue. This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2015–25–04, require replacing certain part-numbered sliders as a terminating action for the inspections, and prohibit installing the affected part on any helicopter. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 22, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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–2021– 0127; 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Fuller, AD Program Manager, Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, telephone 817–222–5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov. 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–2021–0127; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00829–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 E:\FR\FM\08MRP1.SGM 08MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 43 / Monday, March 8, 2021 / Proposed Rules 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 Matthew Fuller, AD Program Manager, Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, telephone 817–222–5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Discussion The FAA issued AD 2015–25–04, Amendment 39–18342 (80 FR 76381, December 9, 2015) (AD 2015–25–04) for Agusta S.p.A (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. AD 2015–25–04 requires repetitively inspecting the slider for play and replacing the slider if the play exceeds certain limits. AD 2015–25–04 was prompted by EASA AD No. 2015–0097, dated June 1, 2015 (EASA AD 2015–0097), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA advises that during a scheduled 100-flight-hour inspection on a Model A109A II helicopter, unusual play was detected on a certain partnumbered slider. EASA advises further investigation revealed excessive wear of the slider broaching at the point of contact with the tail rotor shaft. EASA stated the cause of the excessive play has not been determined. Actions Since AD 2015–25–04 Was Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2015–25– 04, EASA issued EASA AD No. 2020– 0142 (EASA AD 2020–0142), dated June 25, 2020, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109A and A109A II helicopters with a certain partnumbered slider. EASA advises that further investigation results identified the reason for the excessive play was a manufacturing issue. Accordingly, EASA AD 2020–0142 retains the repetitive inspections for a certain partnumbered slider, requires replacing a certain part-numbered slider with a modified slider, and provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:28 Mar 05, 2021 Jkt 253001 FAA’s bilateral agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type designs. Related Service Information The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 109–149, Revision A, dated May 18, 2020, which describes procedures for repetitively inspecting the slider for play. This service information also references procedures for replacing the affected slider with a modified slider. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would retain the initial and repetitive 25 hours time-inservice (TIS) inspections required by AD 2015–25–04 and depending on the inspection results, would continue to require replacing the slider with an airworthy slider. Additionally, this NPRM would require, within 800 hours TIS, removing slider part number (P/N) 109–0130–11–7 from service and replacing it with a modified slider P/N 109–0130–11–7 marked with an ‘‘R’’ after the serial number, which would provide a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Finally, this NPRM would prohibit installing certain sliders on any helicopter. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires replacing the affected part-numbered slider within 60 months, while this proposed AD would require replacing the affected slider within 800 hours TIS. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 147 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Inspecting the slider for play would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $12,495 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing a slider would take about 10 work-hours and parts would cost about $4,068 for an estimated cost of $4,918 per helicopter and $722,946 for the U.S. fleet. According to Leonardo Helicopters service information some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected persons. The FAA PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 13233 does not control warranty coverage by Leonardo. Accordingly, the FAA has included all 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 The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, 2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. E:\FR\FM\08MRP1.SGM 08MRP1 13234 § 39.13 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 43 / Monday, March 8, 2021 / Proposed Rules [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–25–04, Amendment 39– 18342 (80 FR 76381, December 9, 2015); and ■ b. Adding the following new AD: ■ ■ Leonardo S.p.a (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.): Docket No. FAA–2021–0127; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00829–R. (a) Applicability This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate previously held by Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters, certificated in any category, with a slider assembly pitch control (slider) part number (P/N) 109–0130– 11–7 installed, except those sliders marked with an ‘‘R’’ after the serial number. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as play on a slider. This condition could result in loss of tail rotor pitch control and consequently loss of helicopter control. (c) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2015–25–04, Amendment 39–18342 (80 FR 76381, December 9, 2015). (d) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by April 22, 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. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (f) Required Actions (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, inspect the slider for play. If there is play greater than 2.3 millimeters (0.09 inch), before further flight, replace the slider with a slider P/N 109–0130–11–7 with suffix ‘‘R’’ marked after the serial number. (2) Within 800 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, if not previously required per paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, replace slider P/ N 109–0130–11–7 with slider P/N 109–0130– 11–7 with suffix ‘‘R’’ marked after the serial number. (3) Installing slider P/N 109–0130–11–7 with suffix ‘‘R’’ marked after the serial number is a terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. (4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install slider P/N 109–0130–11–7 on any helicopter unless the slider is marked with suffix ‘‘R’’ after the serial number. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matthew Fuller, AD Program Manager, Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation & VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:28 Mar 05, 2021 Jkt 253001 Rotorcraft Unit, 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, 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. (h) Additional Information (1) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 109–149, Revision A, dated May 18, 2020 which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2020–0142, dated June 25, 2020. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor Control System. Issued on February 24, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–04232 Filed 3–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0104; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00477–R] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB–BK117 D–2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that collective lever switch units having certain part numbers did not have retaining rings installed in the cable cut switch guard. This proposed AD would require SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 inspecting certain collective lever switch units for discrepancies (missing retaining rings, incorrectly installed retaining rings, and a missing axis in the cable cut switch guard), doing all applicable corrective actions, and marking affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 22, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material 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. It is also available in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0104. 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–2021– 0104; 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 NPRM, 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 470 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone E:\FR\FM\08MRP1.SGM 08MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 43 (Monday, March 8, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13232-13234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04232]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0127; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00829-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Agusta 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) 
2015-25-04 for Agusta S.p.A (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model A109A and A109A 
II helicopters. AD 2015-25-04 requires inspecting the slider assembly 
pitch control (slider) for play and replacing the slider if the play 
exceeds certain limits. Since the FAA issued AD 2015-25-04, further 
investigation determined the play was caused by a manufacturing issue. 
This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2015-25-04, 
require replacing certain part-numbered sliders as a terminating action 
for the inspections, and prohibit installing the affected part on any 
helicopter. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 22, 
2021.

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

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0127; 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General 
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, 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-2021-0127; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-00829-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

[[Page 13233]]

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 Matthew Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General 
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, telephone 817-222-5110; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2015-25-04, Amendment 39-18342 (80 FR 76381, 
December 9, 2015) (AD 2015-25-04) for Agusta S.p.A (now Leonardo 
S.p.a.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. AD 2015-25-04 requires 
repetitively inspecting the slider for play and replacing the slider if 
the play exceeds certain limits.
    AD 2015-25-04 was prompted by EASA AD No. 2015-0097, dated June 1, 
2015 (EASA AD 2015-0097), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Union. EASA advises that during a 
scheduled 100-flight-hour inspection on a Model A109A II helicopter, 
unusual play was detected on a certain part-numbered slider. EASA 
advises further investigation revealed excessive wear of the slider 
broaching at the point of contact with the tail rotor shaft. EASA 
stated the cause of the excessive play has not been determined.

Actions Since AD 2015-25-04 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2015-25-04, EASA issued EASA AD No. 2020-
0142 (EASA AD 2020-0142), dated June 25, 2020, to correct an unsafe 
condition for Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109A and A109A II helicopters with 
a certain part-numbered slider. EASA advises that further investigation 
results identified the reason for the excessive play was a 
manufacturing issue. Accordingly, EASA AD 2020-0142 retains the 
repetitive inspections for a certain part-numbered slider, requires 
replacing a certain part-numbered slider with a modified slider, and 
provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the 
same type designs.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
109-149, Revision A, dated May 18, 2020, which describes procedures for 
repetitively inspecting the slider for play. This service information 
also references procedures for replacing the affected slider with a 
modified slider.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain the initial and repetitive 25 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) inspections required by AD 2015-25-04 and 
depending on the inspection results, would continue to require 
replacing the slider with an airworthy slider. Additionally, this NPRM 
would require, within 800 hours TIS, removing slider part number (P/N) 
109-0130-11-7 from service and replacing it with a modified slider P/N 
109-0130-11-7 marked with an ``R'' after the serial number, which would 
provide a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Finally, 
this NPRM would prohibit installing certain sliders on any helicopter.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires replacing the affected part-numbered slider 
within 60 months, while this proposed AD would require replacing the 
affected slider within 800 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 147 
helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may 
incur the following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. 
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Inspecting the slider 
for play would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per 
helicopter and $12,495 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
    Replacing a slider would take about 10 work-hours and parts would 
cost about $4,068 for an estimated cost of $4,918 per helicopter and 
$722,946 for the U.S. fleet.
    According to Leonardo Helicopters service information some of the 
costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby 
reducing the cost impact on affected persons. The FAA does not control 
warranty coverage by Leonardo. Accordingly, the FAA has included all 
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

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

[[Page 13234]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-25-04, Amendment 39-18342 
(80 FR 76381, December 9, 2015); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Leonardo S.p.a (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.): 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0127; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00829-R.

(a) Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Leonardo S.p.a. 
(Type Certificate previously held by Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109A and 
A109A II helicopters, certificated in any category, with a slider 
assembly pitch control (slider) part number (P/N) 109-0130-11-7 
installed, except those sliders marked with an ``R'' after the 
serial number.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as play on a slider. This 
condition could result in loss of tail rotor pitch control and 
consequently loss of helicopter control.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-25-04, Amendment 39-18342 (80 FR 76381, 
December 9, 2015).

(d) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by April 22, 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 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours 
TIS, inspect the slider for play. If there is play greater than 2.3 
millimeters (0.09 inch), before further flight, replace the slider 
with a slider P/N 109-0130-11-7 with suffix ``R'' marked after the 
serial number.
    (2) Within 800 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, if 
not previously required per paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, replace 
slider P/N 109-0130-11-7 with slider P/N 109-0130-11-7 with suffix 
``R'' marked after the serial number.
    (3) Installing slider P/N 109-0130-11-7 with suffix ``R'' marked 
after the serial number is a terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
    (4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install slider 
P/N 109-0130-11-7 on any helicopter unless the slider is marked with 
suffix ``R'' after the serial number.

 (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matthew Fuller, AD 
Program Manager, Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products 
Section, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, 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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 109-149, 
Revision A, dated May 18, 2020 which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains additional information about the subject of this 
AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo 
S.p.a. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale 
G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-
0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2020-0142, dated June 25, 2020. 
You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor 
Control System.

    Issued on February 24, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-04232 Filed 3-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.