Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.) Helicopters, 17280-17283 [2021-06773]

Download as PDF 17280 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 62 / Friday, April 2, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 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: ■ 2021–04–21 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–21443; Docket No. FAA–2020–1114; Project Identifier 2019–SW–058–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 7, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in any category, having an affected part as defined in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0139, dated June 12, 2019 (EASA AD 2019–0139). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6200, Main Rotor System. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report of broken and bent attachment bolts of the main rotor (MR) hub scissors assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address broken and bent attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly, which could lead to detachment of a MR hub scissors attachment bolt, possibly resulting in complete loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2019–0139. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0139 (1) Where EASA AD 2019–0139 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2019–0139 refers to September 5, 2018 (the effective date of EASA AD 2018–0186, dated August 29, 2018), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2019–0139 does not apply to this AD. (4) Where EASA AD 2019–0139 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (5) Paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2019–0139 refer to ‘‘discrepancies.’’ For this AD, discrepancies include corrosion, fretting, wear, cracking, bolt play, and bolt tightening torque. VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:14 Apr 02, 2021 Jkt 253001 (6) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019–0139 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD does not include that requirement. (7) Where EASA AD 2019–0139 specifies to contact the manufacturer for repair instructions, repair using a method approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, as required by this paragraph, the Manager’s approval letter must specifically refer to this AD. (8) Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2019–0139 specifies to report inspection results to Airbus Helicopters within a certain compliance time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(8)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, send it to: Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110. Information may be emailed to: 9-ASW-FTW-AMOCRequests@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. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 470 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: 202–267–9167; email: hal.jensen@ faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0139, dated June 12, 2019. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2019–0139, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; Internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 EASA AD on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu. (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. This material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–1114. (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 11, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–06772 Filed 4–1–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0797; Product Identifier 2018–SW–081–AD; Amendment 39–21464; AD 2021–05–21] 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: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–23– 08 for Agusta S.p.A. (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. AD 2017–23–08 required repetitively inspecting the main rotor (M/R) rotating scissors, removing certain lower half scissor spherical bearings (bearings) from service, replacing the removed bearings with a new bearing, and installing a special nut. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2017–23–08 and requires replacing each affected bearing with a certain partnumbered bearing. This AD was prompted by investigation results determining that a quality control issue may have affected the production of the affected bearings. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective May 7, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\02APR1.SGM 02APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 62 / Friday, April 2, 2021 / Rules and Regulations of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 7, 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 the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0797. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2020–0797; 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: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email Matthew.Fuller@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES Discussion The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2017–23–08, Amendment 39–19102 (82 FR 55752, November 24, 2017) (AD–2017–23–08). AD 2017–23–08 applied to Agusta S.p.A. (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with M/ R rotating scissors with a bearing part number (P/N) 3G6230V00654 installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 15, 2020 (85 FR 57165). The NPRM proposed to retain the repetitive inspection requirements of AD 2017–23–08, and continue to require replacing the bearing with an improved bearing, replacing the rotating scissor attachment flange with a certain VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:14 Apr 02, 2021 Jkt 253001 part-numbered rotating scissor attachment flange, and replacing the nut with a certain part-numbered special nut. The NPRM also proposed to require removing each bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 from service and replacing it with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 within 100 hours timeinservice (TIS). The NPRM was prompted by EASA Emergency AD (EAD) No. 2017–0028–E, dated February 15, 2017 (EASA EAD 2017–0028–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. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. EASA advises that investigation results by the supplier of the bearings determined that a quality control issue may have affected the production of bearing P/N 3G6230V00654. Accordingly, this AD retains the requirements of AD 2017–23–08 and requires replacing bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 with P/N 3G6230V00655. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. Support for the NPRM An individual commenter supported the NPRM. Request for the FAA To Provide More Information Request: One commenter requested more information about the purpose of this new AD. The commenter stated that the AD from 2017 (AD 2017–23–08) already removes all P/N 3G6230V00654 bearings from service. FAA Response: The FAA disagrees that this AD is unnecessary. AD 2017– 23–08 only required the replacement of the bearing if it failed an inspection, whereas this AD requires this partnumbered bearing to be removed from service within a certain compliance time. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 17281 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 specifies some compliance times using calendar time, whereas this AD does not. The EASA AD requires reporting information to Leonardo S.p.a. Product Support Engineering, whereas this AD does not. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–392, Revision A, dated February 14, 2017. This service information specifies repetitively inspecting the M/R rotating scissors to monitor the bearings and replacing the bearing with a new partnumbered bearing. This service information also specifies installing a special nut in case of lower scissor bearing dislodging. 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 Leonardo Helicopters AW139 IETP Document Code AMP–39–A–62–31–00–00A– 31AC–A, Rotating control installation— Fixed swashplate and rotating scissors— Detailed inspection, Issue 29, dated July 31, 2017, which describes procedures for a detailed inspection of the fixed swashplate and rotating scissors. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 102 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. Inspecting for bearing liner wear, seat movement, and play takes about 1 workhour for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $8,670 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing a bearing takes about 2 work-hours and parts cost about $950 for a cost of $1,120 per bearing. Replacing a rotating scissor attachment flange takes about 0.25 work-hours and parts cost about $25,629 for a cost of $25,650 per flange. Installing two special nuts takes about 1 work-hour and parts cost about $755 for a cost of $840 per helicopter and $85,680 for the U.S. fleet. E:\FR\FM\02APR1.SGM 02APR1 17282 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 62 / Friday, April 2, 2021 / Rules and Regulations Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings The FAA has determined that 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: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–23–08, Amendment 39– ■ ■ VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:14 Apr 02, 2021 Jkt 253001 19102 (82 FR 55752, November 24, 2017); and ■ b. Adding the following new AD: 2021–05–21 Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.): Amendment 39–21464; Docket No. FAA–2020–0797; Product Identifier 2018–SW–081–AD. (a) Applicability This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certified in any category, with main rotor (M/R) rotating scissors with a lower half scissor spherical bearing (bearing) P/N 3G6230V00654 installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessive play of the bearing in the M/R rotating scissors. This condition could result in failure of the M/R rotating scissor bearing and loss of helicopter control. (c) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2017–23–08, Amendment 39–19102; (82 FR 55752, November 24, 2017) (AD 2017–23–08). (d) Effective Date This AD becomes effective May 7, 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 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 11, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017–23–08), and thereafter before the first flight of each day or at intervals not exceeding 24-clock hours, whichever occurs later: (i) Using a magnifying glass and a flashlight, visually inspect each bearing for wear of the bearing liner. Some examples of wear are shown in Figures 4 through 8 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–392, Revision A, dated February 14, 2017 (BT 139–392). If there is any wear of the liner, before further flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and install special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action for the remaining actions of this AD for the bearing. (ii) Inspect each bearing for movement. Refer to Figure 9 of BT 139–392. If the bearing moves freely out of its seat, before further flight, replace the rotating scissor attachment flange with flange P/N 3G6220A00633, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and install special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action for the remaining actions of this AD for the bearing. (iii) Inspect the M/R rotating scissors for play and wear of each bearing, paying particular attention to the bearing staking condition, by manually moving the lower half scissor along the axis of the spherical bearing. Refer to Figure 1 of BT 139–392. If PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 there is any play or wear beyond allowable limits, before further flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and install special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action for the remaining actions of this AD for the bearing. (2) Within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, replace and torque each lower half scissor nut with special nut P/N 3G6230A06851 to the M/R rotating scissor in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, steps 5.1 through 5.9 of BT 139–392, except you are not required to discard parts. (3) Within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove each bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 from service and replace with bearing P/N 3G230V00655. (4) After December 11, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017–23–08), do not install on any helicopter any M/R rotating scissors with a bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 installed. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, send it to the attention of: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@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. (h) Additional Information (1) 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD No. 2017–0028–E, dated February 15, 2017. 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: 6200, Main Rotor System. (j) 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. E:\FR\FM\02APR1.SGM 02APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 62 / Friday, April 2, 2021 / Rules and Regulations (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–392, Revision A, dated February 14, 2017. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331– 225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on February 26, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–06773 Filed 4–1–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0920; Project Identifier AD–2020–00662–R; Amendment 39–21462; AD 2021–05–19] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Model S–61L, S–61N, S–61NM, and S–61R helicopters and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S– 61A, S–61D, S–61E, and S–61V restricted category helicopters. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer determining that there may be arm assemblies in service that have accumulated 15,000 or more hours timein-service (TIS), which exceeds the service life limit for this component. This AD requires reviewing the mixer unit component log card or equivalent record and, depending on the number of jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 00:14 Apr 02, 2021 Jkt 253001 17283 hours TIS, calculating the remaining life of the arm assembly or removing the arm assembly from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective May 7, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 7, 2021. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact your local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky’s Service Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Mailstop K100, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800–946–4337 (1– 800-Winged-S); email wcs_cust_service_ eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. Operators may also log on to the Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. 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. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0920. FAA learned from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation that Sikorsky S–61 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 61B General-1, Revision No. Z, dated November 13, 2018, which is applicable to Sikorsky Model S–61L, S–61N, S– 61NM, and S–61R helicopters, failed to include the life limit of the redesigned arm assembly. As a result, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation determined that there may be arm assemblies in service with 15,000 or more hours TIS, which exceeds the service life limit for this component. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require reviewing the mixer unit component log card or equivalent record and, depending on the hours TIS of the arm assembly, calculating the remaining life of the arm assembly or removing the arm assembly from service. The proposed actions are intended to prevent an arm assembly from remaining in service beyond its life limit. This condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced or loss of tail rotor control and reduced control of the helicopter. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0920; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The 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: Isabel L. Saltzman, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7649; email: Isabel.l.saltzman@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs. Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Sikorsky Aircraft Model S–61L, S–61N, S–61NM, and S–61R helicopters and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S–61A, S–61D, S–61E, and S– 61V restricted category helicopters, with an arm assembly part number S6140– 62614–009, installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2020 (85 FR 67692). The PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for the minor editorial changes of updating the contact information to obtain service information identified in this final rule and updating the contact information for the FAA, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Sikorsky S–61 Helicopter ASB 61B40–11, Basic Issue, dated March 2, 2020. This service information describes procedures for a one-time inspection of the mixer unit component log card to verify the arm assembly life limit and, if the life limit has been exceeded, to replace the arm assembly for Sikorsky Model S–61L, S– 61N, and S–61NM helicopters. 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 ADDRESSES. E:\FR\FM\02APR1.SGM 02APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 62 (Friday, April 2, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17280-17283]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06773]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0797; Product Identifier 2018-SW-081-AD; Amendment 
39-21464; AD 2021-05-21]
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: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-23-08 
for Agusta S.p.A. (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters. AD 2017-23-08 required repetitively inspecting the main 
rotor (M/R) rotating scissors, removing certain lower half scissor 
spherical bearings (bearings) from service, replacing the removed 
bearings with a new bearing, and installing a special nut. This new AD 
retains the requirements of AD 2017-23-08 and requires replacing each 
affected bearing with a certain part-numbered bearing. This AD was 
prompted by investigation results determining that a quality control 
issue may have affected the production of the affected bearings. The 
actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 7, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference

[[Page 17281]]

of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 7, 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 the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is 
also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0797.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-0797; 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: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General 
Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 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 to supersede AD 2017-23-08, Amendment 39-19102 (82 FR 
55752, November 24, 2017) (AD-2017-23-08). AD 2017-23-08 applied to 
Agusta S.p.A. (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters 
with M/R rotating scissors with a bearing part number (P/N) 
3G6230V00654 installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
September 15, 2020 (85 FR 57165). The NPRM proposed to retain the 
repetitive inspection requirements of AD 2017-23-08, and continue to 
require replacing the bearing with an improved bearing, replacing the 
rotating scissor attachment flange with a certain part-numbered 
rotating scissor attachment flange, and replacing the nut with a 
certain part-numbered special nut. The NPRM also proposed to require 
removing each bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 from service and replacing it 
with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 within 100 hours time-inservice (TIS).
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA Emergency AD (EAD) No. 2017-0028-E, 
dated February 15, 2017 (EASA EAD 2017-0028-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. Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters. EASA advises that investigation results by the supplier of 
the bearings determined that a quality control issue may have affected 
the production of bearing P/N 3G6230V00654. Accordingly, this AD 
retains the requirements of AD 2017-23-08 and requires replacing 
bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 with P/N 3G6230V00655.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    An individual commenter supported the NPRM.

Request for the FAA To Provide More Information

    Request: One commenter requested more information about the purpose 
of this new AD. The commenter stated that the AD from 2017 (AD 2017-23-
08) already removes all P/N 3G6230V00654 bearings from service.
    FAA Response: The FAA disagrees that this AD is unnecessary. AD 
2017-23-08 only required the replacement of the bearing if it failed an 
inspection, whereas this AD requires this part-numbered bearing to be 
removed from service within a certain compliance time.

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 specifies some compliance times using calendar time, 
whereas this AD does not. The EASA AD requires reporting information to 
Leonardo S.p.a. Product Support Engineering, whereas this AD does not.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 
139-392, Revision A, dated February 14, 2017. This service information 
specifies repetitively inspecting the M/R rotating scissors to monitor 
the bearings and replacing the bearing with a new part-numbered 
bearing. This service information also specifies installing a special 
nut in case of lower scissor bearing dislodging.
    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 Leonardo Helicopters AW139 IETP Document Code AMP-
39-A-62-31-00-00A-31AC-A, Rotating control installation--Fixed 
swashplate and rotating scissors--Detailed inspection, Issue 29, dated 
July 31, 2017, which describes procedures for a detailed inspection of 
the fixed swashplate and rotating scissors.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 102 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.
    Inspecting for bearing liner wear, seat movement, and play takes 
about 1 work-hour for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $8,670 for the 
U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
    Replacing a bearing takes about 2 work-hours and parts cost about 
$950 for a cost of $1,120 per bearing.
    Replacing a rotating scissor attachment flange takes about 0.25 
work-hours and parts cost about $25,629 for a cost of $25,650 per 
flange.
    Installing two special nuts takes about 1 work-hour and parts cost 
about $755 for a cost of $840 per helicopter and $85,680 for the U.S. 
fleet.

[[Page 17282]]

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 has determined that 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-23-08, Amendment 39-19102 
(82 FR 55752, November 24, 2017); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2021-05-21 Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Agusta S.p.A.): Amendment 39-21464; Docket No. FAA-2020-0797; 
Product Identifier 2018-SW-081-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Leonardo S.p.a. 
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certified in any category, with 
main rotor (M/R) rotating scissors with a lower half scissor 
spherical bearing (bearing) P/N 3G6230V00654 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as excessive play of the 
bearing in the M/R rotating scissors. This condition could result in 
failure of the M/R rotating scissor bearing and loss of helicopter 
control.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-23-08, Amendment 39-19102; (82 FR 
55752, November 24, 2017) (AD 2017-23-08).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 7, 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 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 11, 2017 
(the effective date of AD 2017-23-08), and thereafter before the 
first flight of each day or at intervals not exceeding 24-clock 
hours, whichever occurs later:
    (i) Using a magnifying glass and a flashlight, visually inspect 
each bearing for wear of the bearing liner. Some examples of wear 
are shown in Figures 4 through 8 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert 
Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-392, Revision A, dated February 14, 2017 
(BT 139-392). If there is any wear of the liner, before further 
flight, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and 
install special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with 
bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action for the 
remaining actions of this AD for the bearing.
    (ii) Inspect each bearing for movement. Refer to Figure 9 of BT 
139-392. If the bearing moves freely out of its seat, before further 
flight, replace the rotating scissor attachment flange with flange 
P/N 3G6220A00633, replace the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 
and install special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with 
bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action for the 
remaining actions of this AD for the bearing.
    (iii) Inspect the M/R rotating scissors for play and wear of 
each bearing, paying particular attention to the bearing staking 
condition, by manually moving the lower half scissor along the axis 
of the spherical bearing. Refer to Figure 1 of BT 139-392. If there 
is any play or wear beyond allowable limits, before further flight, 
replace the bearing with bearing P/N 3G6230V00655 and install 
special nut P/N 3G6230A06851. Replacing the bearing with bearing P/N 
3G6230V00655 constitutes terminating action for the remaining 
actions of this AD for the bearing.
    (2) Within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
replace and torque each lower half scissor nut with special nut P/N 
3G6230A06851 to the M/R rotating scissor in accordance with the 
Compliance Instructions, Part II, steps 5.1 through 5.9 of BT 139-
392, except you are not required to discard parts.
    (3) Within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
remove each bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 from service and replace with 
bearing P/N 3G230V00655.
    (4) After December 11, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-23-
08), do not install on any helicopter any M/R rotating scissors with 
a bearing P/N 3G6230V00654 installed.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 
send it to the attention of: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General 
Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) 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 Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
No. 2017-0028-E, dated February 15, 2017. 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: 6200, Main Rotor 
System.

(j) 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.

[[Page 17283]]

    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-392, 
Revision A, dated February 14, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, 
Viale G. Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; 
telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on February 26, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-06773 Filed 4-1-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.