Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 13987-13989 [2021-05147]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 47 / Friday, March 12, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(5) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@
nara.gov, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on February 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
Examining the AD Docket
[FR Doc. 2021–05143 Filed 3–11–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1139; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–056–AD; Amendment
39–21447; AD 2021–05–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
serial-numbered Leonardo S.p.a.
(Leonardo) Model A109S and AW109SP
helicopters. This AD requires installing
a placard in the baggage compartment,
revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, and
inspecting the installation of the
terminal lugs. Depending on the
outcome of the inspection, this AD
requires restoring the installation of the
terminal lugs. This AD would also
require modifying the helicopter to shim
the baggage fairing assy (fwd up) away
from the circuit breaker panel and
incorporating protective coverings. This
AD was prompted by reports of several
occurrences of fire ignition and smoke
in the baggage compartment. The
actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective April 16,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of April 16, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele
Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.
Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate
(Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–225074;
DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:32 Mar 11, 2021
Jkt 253001
fax +39–0331–229046; or at https://
www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
1139.
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
1139; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA) AD, any service
information that is incorporated by
reference, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristin Bradley, Aerospace Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
Kristin.Bradley@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Leonardo Model A109S
helicopters, serial number (S/N) 22702,
22703, 22705, and 22706 and AW109SP
helicopters with S/N up to 22386
inclusive, except S/N 22375 and S/N
22376. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 21, 2020
(85 FR 82972). The NPRM proposed to
require, before further flight, for certain
serial-numbered helicopters, installing a
placard and revising the existing RFM
for your helicopter. The NPRM also
proposed to require within 5 hours
time-in-service (TIS), for certain model
helicopters, inspecting the installation
of the terminal lugs, shimming the
installation of the baggage fairing
assembly (fwd up), and installing a
silicon rubber protection over the blind
rivets of the hinge in accordance with
certain applicable service information.
The NPRM also proposed to require
within 10 hours TIS and thereafter at
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
13987
intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS
until protective coverings are installed,
removing the baggage fairing assembly
(fwd up), removing the rubber
protections, and inspecting the cable
assembly routing of both circuit breaker
panels for damage. Depending on the
outcome of these inspections, the NPRM
proposed to require repairing or
replacing certain parts. The NPRM also
proposed to require, within 200 hours
TIS, modifying the helicopter to
incorporate a certain protective
coverings, which would provide a
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. The proposed requirements
were intended to prevent fire in the
baggage department.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA
Emergency AD No. 2018–0120–E, dated
May 29, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–0120–E),
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Leonardo S.p.a. (formerly
Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland
S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109S and
AW109SP helicopters. EASA advises
that an occurrence was reported on an
AW109SP helicopter experiencing fire
ignition and smoke in the baggage
compartment. The investigation
determined the event was due to chafing
of electrical wiring and further analysis
indicated that due to similarity of
design, this event could also occur on
A109S helicopters. Accordingly, the
EASA AD requires modification of the
affected baggage fairing assembly (fwd
up) part number (P/N) 109–0344–31–
101 and temporarily amending the
existing RFM and installing a placard
prohibiting carrying any loads in the
baggage compartment.
After EASA AD 2018–0120–E was
issued, a second occurrence was
reported of fire ignition and smoke in
the baggage compartment, and as a
precautionary measure, Leonardo
Helicopters issued a series of emergency
alert service bulletins providing
instructions to prevent damage of
electrical assemblies in the baggage
compartment. Accordingly, EASA
issued EASA Emergency No. 2018–
0149–E, dated July 13, 2018 (EASA AD
2018–0149–E), which retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2018–0120–
E, and also requires repetitive
inspections of the baggage compartment
electrical assemblies and depending on
the inspection outcomes, repairing or
replacing certain parts. Also, EASA AD
2018–0149–E expands the applicability
to include three additional serialnumbered helicopters, and requires a
modification, which acts as a
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections.
E:\FR\FM\12MRR1.SGM
12MRR1
13988
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 47 / Friday, March 12, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule, but the agency did not
receive any comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA of the unsafe condition described
in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD
after evaluating all of the information
provided by EASA and determining the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
The EASA AD uses compliance times
in terms of calendar dates, whereas this
AD uses compliance times terms of in
hours TIS.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA has reviewed Leonardo
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin (EASB) No. 109S–079, and
Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109SP–
120, each Revision A, and each dated
June 4, 2018. This service information
specifies instructions for manufacturing
a placard for the baggage compartment
door and also specifies instructions for
modifying and inserting a specific
cutout into the existing RFM. This
service information also specifies
instructions for removing the baggage
fairing assembly (fwd up) and the
rubber protections, inspecting the cable
assemblies routing of both circuit
breaker panels, and inspecting the
installation of the terminal lugs.
The FAA also reviewed Leonardo
Helicopters EASB No. 109SP–122, and
Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109S–
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:32 Mar 11, 2021
Jkt 253001
081, each dated July 5, 2018, which
specify procedures for modifying the
helicopter by incorporating protective
coverings.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 15 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 AD.
Installing a placard and revising the
existing RFM for your helicopter takes
about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost
of $85 per helicopter and $1,275 for the
U.S. fleet.
Inspecting the installation of the
terminal lugs, shimming the baggage
fairing assembly (fwd up), and installing
a silicon rubber protection over the
blind rivets takes about 3 work-hours for
an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter.
Removing the baggage fairing
assembly (fwd up), removing the rubber
protections, and performing a repetitive
inspection of the cable assemblies of
both circuit breaker panels for damage
takes about 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter
per inspection cycle and $2,550 for the
U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
Repairing a cable assembly takes
about 4 work-hours and parts would
cost about $340 for an estimated cost of
$680 per repair.
Modifying the helicopter by installing
protective coverings takes about 4 workhours and parts would cost about $20
for an estimated cost of $360 per
helicopter and $5,400 for the U.S. fleet.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2021–05–04 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment
39–21447; Docket No. FAA–2020–1139;
Product Identifier 2018–SW–056–AD.
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies
to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109S helicopters,
serial number (S/N) 22702, 22703, 22705,
and 22706 and AW109SP helicopters with
S/N up to 22386 inclusive, except
S/N 22375 and S/N 22376, certificated in any
category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
chafing of electrical wiring. This condition
could result in fire ignition and smoke in the
baggage compartment and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective April 16, 2021.
E:\FR\FM\12MRR1.SGM
12MRR1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 47 / Friday, March 12, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) For all helicopters, except Model A109S
having S/N 22705 or S/N 22706 and Model
AW109SP having S/N 22384, before further
flight:
(i) Install a placard with the information in
Figure 5 of Leonardo Helicopters Emergency
Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 109S–079
(EASB 109S–079), or Leonardo Helicopters
EASB No. 109SP–120 (EASB 109SP–120),
each Revision A, and each dated June 4,
2018, as applicable to your helicopter model,
in the baggage compartment on the internal
side of the baggage door D8.
(ii) Revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by cutting
along the dashed line of Figure 6 of EASB
109S–079 or EASB 109SP–120, as applicable
to your model helicopter, and inserting the
cutout to replace page 1–28 or 1–3, as
applicable to your model helicopter, of the
existing RFM for your helicopter.
(2) For all helicopters, except Model A109S
having S/N 22705 or S/N 22706 and Model
AW109SP having S/N 22384, within 5 hours
time-in-service (TIS):
(i) Visually inspect the installation of the
terminal lugs to determine whether the
installation is consistent with Figure 2 of
EASB 109SP–120 or EASB 109S–079, as
applicable to your model helicopter. If the
installation is not consistent with Figure 2 of
EASB 109SP–120 or EASB 109S–079, as
applicable to your model helicopter, restore
the installation to be consistent with Figure
2 of EASB 109SP–120 or EASB 109S–079, as
applicable to your model helicopter.
(ii) Shim the installation of the baggage
fairing assembly (fwd up) part number (P/N)
109–0344–31–101 to move it away from the
circuit breaker panel, and install a silicon
rubber protection over the blind rivets of the
hinge in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, steps 3
through 8 of EASB 109S–079 or EASB
109SP–120, as applicable to your model
helicopter.
(3) Performing the steps as described in
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD allows the RFM
revision described in paragraph (e)(1) of this
AD to be removed from the existing RFM for
your helicopter and the placard described in
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD to be removed
from the helicopter.
(4) For all helicopters, within 10 hours TIS
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25
hours TIS, remove the baggage fairing
assembly (fwd up) P/N 109–0344–31–101,
remove the rubber protections P/N 109–
0746–52–105 and P/N 109–0746–52–107,
and inspect the cable assemblies routing of
both circuit breaker panels for damage. For
the purposes of this inspection, damage may
be indicated by chafing. If there is any
damage, repair or replace the cables in
accordance with FAA accepted procedures
and protect the cables by installing Nomex
sleeve P/N EN6049–006.
(5) For all helicopters, within 200 hours
TIS, modify the helicopter’s baggage
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:32 Mar 11, 2021
Jkt 253001
compartment by adding the protective
coverings in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, steps 3
through 14 of Leonardo Helicopters EASB
No. 109SP–122, dated July 5, 2018, or
Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109S–081,
dated July 5, 2018, as applicable to your
model helicopter. Completion of this
modification is a terminating action for the
25 hour TIS repetitive inspections of
paragraph (e)(4) of this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of: Kristin
Bradley, Aerospace Engineer, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
817–222–5110; email 9-AVS-AIR-730AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD No. 2018–0149–E, dated July 13,
2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2020–1139.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5397, Fuselage Wiring, Baggage
Fairings Modification.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert
Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 109S–079,
Revision A, dated June 4, 2018.
(ii) Leonardo Helicopters EASB 109SP–
120, Revision A, dated June 4, 2018.
(iii) Leonardo Helicopters EASB No.
109SP–122, dated July 5, 2018.
(iv) Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109S–
081, dated July 5, 2018.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters,
Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness,
Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di
Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–
225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https://
www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
13989
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on February 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–05147 Filed 3–11–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1132; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01386–R; Amendment
39–21452; AD 2021–05–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018–15–
02, which applied to certain Airbus
Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1,
AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS355E,
AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N,
and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2018–15–
02 required repetitively inspecting the
tail rotor (TR) pitch rod for a damaged
elastomeric ball joint, and corrective
action if necessary. This AD continues
to require the repetitive inspections and
allows the repetitive inspection interval
to be extended under certain conditions,
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. This
AD was prompted by a report of several
cases of damaged TR pitch rod ball
joints. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 16,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of April 16, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\12MRR1.SGM
12MRR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 47 (Friday, March 12, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13987-13989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05147]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1139; Product Identifier 2018-SW-056-AD; Amendment
39-21447; AD 2021-05-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain serial-numbered Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model A109S and
AW109SP helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard in the
baggage compartment, revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual
(RFM) for your helicopter, and inspecting the installation of the
terminal lugs. Depending on the outcome of the inspection, this AD
requires restoring the installation of the terminal lugs. This AD would
also require modifying the helicopter to shim the baggage fairing assy
(fwd up) away from the circuit breaker panel and incorporating
protective coverings. This AD was prompted by reports of several
occurrences of fire ignition and smoke in the baggage compartment. The
actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 16, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 16, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of
Airworthiness, Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va)
Italy; telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is
also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1139.
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-
1139; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any service information that is
incorporated by reference, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin Bradley, Aerospace Engineer,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Leonardo Model A109S
helicopters, serial number (S/N) 22702, 22703, 22705, and 22706 and
AW109SP helicopters with S/N up to 22386 inclusive, except S/N 22375
and S/N 22376. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December
21, 2020 (85 FR 82972). The NPRM proposed to require, before further
flight, for certain serial-numbered helicopters, installing a placard
and revising the existing RFM for your helicopter. The NPRM also
proposed to require within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), for certain
model helicopters, inspecting the installation of the terminal lugs,
shimming the installation of the baggage fairing assembly (fwd up), and
installing a silicon rubber protection over the blind rivets of the
hinge in accordance with certain applicable service information. The
NPRM also proposed to require within 10 hours TIS and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS until protective coverings are
installed, removing the baggage fairing assembly (fwd up), removing the
rubber protections, and inspecting the cable assembly routing of both
circuit breaker panels for damage. Depending on the outcome of these
inspections, the NPRM proposed to require repairing or replacing
certain parts. The NPRM also proposed to require, within 200 hours TIS,
modifying the helicopter to incorporate a certain protective coverings,
which would provide a terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent fire in
the baggage department.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA Emergency AD No. 2018-0120-E, dated
May 29, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0120-E), issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct
an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A.,
AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109S and AW109SP
helicopters. EASA advises that an occurrence was reported on an AW109SP
helicopter experiencing fire ignition and smoke in the baggage
compartment. The investigation determined the event was due to chafing
of electrical wiring and further analysis indicated that due to
similarity of design, this event could also occur on A109S helicopters.
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires modification of the affected baggage
fairing assembly (fwd up) part number (P/N) 109-0344-31-101 and
temporarily amending the existing RFM and installing a placard
prohibiting carrying any loads in the baggage compartment.
After EASA AD 2018-0120-E was issued, a second occurrence was
reported of fire ignition and smoke in the baggage compartment, and as
a precautionary measure, Leonardo Helicopters issued a series of
emergency alert service bulletins providing instructions to prevent
damage of electrical assemblies in the baggage compartment.
Accordingly, EASA issued EASA Emergency No. 2018-0149-E, dated July 13,
2018 (EASA AD 2018-0149-E), which retains the requirements of EASA AD
2018-0120-E, and also requires repetitive inspections of the baggage
compartment electrical assemblies and depending on the inspection
outcomes, repairing or replacing certain parts. Also, EASA AD 2018-
0149-E expands the applicability to include three additional serial-
numbered helicopters, and requires a modification, which acts as a
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
[[Page 13988]]
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule, but the agency did not receive any comments
on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA of the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all of the information provided by EASA and determining the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
The EASA AD uses compliance times in terms of calendar dates,
whereas this AD uses compliance times terms of in hours TIS.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA has reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin (EASB) No. 109S-079, and Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109SP-
120, each Revision A, and each dated June 4, 2018. This service
information specifies instructions for manufacturing a placard for the
baggage compartment door and also specifies instructions for modifying
and inserting a specific cutout into the existing RFM. This service
information also specifies instructions for removing the baggage
fairing assembly (fwd up) and the rubber protections, inspecting the
cable assemblies routing of both circuit breaker panels, and inspecting
the installation of the terminal lugs.
The FAA also reviewed Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109SP-122, and
Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109S-081, each dated July 5, 2018, which
specify procedures for modifying the helicopter by incorporating
protective coverings.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 15 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 AD.
Installing a placard and revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per
helicopter and $1,275 for the U.S. fleet.
Inspecting the installation of the terminal lugs, shimming the
baggage fairing assembly (fwd up), and installing a silicon rubber
protection over the blind rivets takes about 3 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $255 per helicopter.
Removing the baggage fairing assembly (fwd up), removing the rubber
protections, and performing a repetitive inspection of the cable
assemblies of both circuit breaker panels for damage takes about 2
work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter per inspection
cycle and $2,550 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
Repairing a cable assembly takes about 4 work-hours and parts would
cost about $340 for an estimated cost of $680 per repair.
Modifying the helicopter by installing protective coverings takes
about 4 work-hours and parts would cost about $20 for an estimated cost
of $360 per helicopter and $5,400 for the U.S. fleet.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-05-04 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21447; Docket No. FAA-2020-
1139; Product Identifier 2018-SW-056-AD.
(a) Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Leonardo S.p.a.
Model A109S helicopters, serial number (S/N) 22702, 22703, 22705,
and 22706 and AW109SP helicopters with S/N up to 22386 inclusive,
except S/N 22375 and S/N 22376, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as chafing of electrical
wiring. This condition could result in fire ignition and smoke in
the baggage compartment and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective April 16, 2021.
[[Page 13989]]
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) For all helicopters, except Model A109S having S/N 22705 or
S/N 22706 and Model AW109SP having S/N 22384, before further flight:
(i) Install a placard with the information in Figure 5 of
Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No.
109S-079 (EASB 109S-079), or Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109SP-120
(EASB 109SP-120), each Revision A, and each dated June 4, 2018, as
applicable to your helicopter model, in the baggage compartment on
the internal side of the baggage door D8.
(ii) Revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your
helicopter by cutting along the dashed line of Figure 6 of EASB
109S-079 or EASB 109SP-120, as applicable to your model helicopter,
and inserting the cutout to replace page 1-28 or 1-3, as applicable
to your model helicopter, of the existing RFM for your helicopter.
(2) For all helicopters, except Model A109S having S/N 22705 or
S/N 22706 and Model AW109SP having S/N 22384, within 5 hours time-
in-service (TIS):
(i) Visually inspect the installation of the terminal lugs to
determine whether the installation is consistent with Figure 2 of
EASB 109SP-120 or EASB 109S-079, as applicable to your model
helicopter. If the installation is not consistent with Figure 2 of
EASB 109SP-120 or EASB 109S-079, as applicable to your model
helicopter, restore the installation to be consistent with Figure 2
of EASB 109SP-120 or EASB 109S-079, as applicable to your model
helicopter.
(ii) Shim the installation of the baggage fairing assembly (fwd
up) part number (P/N) 109-0344-31-101 to move it away from the
circuit breaker panel, and install a silicon rubber protection over
the blind rivets of the hinge in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part II, steps 3 through 8 of EASB 109S-079 or EASB
109SP-120, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(3) Performing the steps as described in paragraph (e)(2) of
this AD allows the RFM revision described in paragraph (e)(1) of
this AD to be removed from the existing RFM for your helicopter and
the placard described in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD to be removed
from the helicopter.
(4) For all helicopters, within 10 hours TIS and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, remove the baggage fairing
assembly (fwd up) P/N 109-0344-31-101, remove the rubber protections
P/N 109-0746-52-105 and P/N 109-0746-52-107, and inspect the cable
assemblies routing of both circuit breaker panels for damage. For
the purposes of this inspection, damage may be indicated by chafing.
If there is any damage, repair or replace the cables in accordance
with FAA accepted procedures and protect the cables by installing
Nomex sleeve P/N EN6049-006.
(5) For all helicopters, within 200 hours TIS, modify the
helicopter's baggage compartment by adding the protective coverings
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, steps 3
through 14 of Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109SP-122, dated July 5,
2018, or Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109S-081, dated July 5, 2018,
as applicable to your model helicopter. Completion of this
modification is a terminating action for the 25 hour TIS repetitive
inspections of paragraph (e)(4) of this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of: Kristin Bradley, Aerospace Engineer, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110;
email [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD No.
2018-0149-E, dated July 13, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-1139.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5397, Fuselage
Wiring, Baggage Fairings Modification.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB)
No. 109S-079, Revision A, dated June 4, 2018.
(ii) Leonardo Helicopters EASB 109SP-120, Revision A, dated June
4, 2018.
(iii) Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109SP-122, dated July 5,
2018.
(iv) Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 109S-081, dated July 5, 2018.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness,
Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy;
telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on February 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05147 Filed 3-11-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
