Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.) Helicopters, 26365-26367 [2021-10191]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 92 / Friday, May 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations limitations, terms, or other requirements from other funding sources. Denial letters from other lenders are not required. (e) Fair credit requirements. To ensure fairness, microlenders must publicize their rates and terms on a regular basis. Microlenders are also subject to Fair Credit lending practices and Federal nondiscrimination requirements as stated in § 4280.305. (f) Eligible microloan purposes. Agency loan funds may be used to make microloans as defined in § 4280.302 for any legal business purpose not identified in § 4280.323 as an ineligible purpose. Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to: (1) Working capital; (2) The purchase of furniture, fixtures, supplies, inventory or equipment; (3) Debt refinancing; (4) Business acquisitions; and (5) The purchase or lease of real estate that is already improved and will be used for the location of the subject business only, provided no demolition or construction will be accomplished with program funds. Neither interior decorating, nor the affixing of chattel to walls, floors, or ceilings are considered to be demolition or construction. (g) Military personnel. Military personnel who are or seek to be a microentrepreneur and are on active duty with six months or less remaining in their active duty status may receive a microloan and/or TA and training if they are otherwise qualified to participate in the program. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES § 4280.323 and uses. Ineligible microloan purposes Agency loan funds will not be used for the payment of microlender administrative costs or expenses and microlenders may not make microloans under the program for any of the purposes and uses identified as ineligible in paragraphs (a) through (n) of this section. (a) Construction costs including property demolition, renovation, elimination of walls, or property additions. (b) The financing of timeshares, apartments, duplexes, or other residential housing. (c) Assistance that will cause a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest including but not limited to: (1) Financial assistance to principals, directors, officers, or employees of the microlender, or their close relatives, as defined; or (2) Financial assistance to any entity which would appear to benefit the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:17 May 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 microlender or its principals, directors, or employees, or their close relatives, as defined, in any way other than the normal repayment of debt. (d) Distribution or payment to a microborrower when such will use any portion of the microloan for other than business purposes. (e) Microloans to a charitable institution not gaining sufficient revenue from business sales or services to support the operation and repay the microloan. (f) Microloans to a fraternal organization. (g) Any microloan to an applicant that has an RMAP-funded microloan application pending with another microlender or that has an RMAPfunded microloan outstanding with another microlender that would cause the applicant to owe a combined amount of more than $50,000 to one or more microlenders under the program. (h) Assistance to USDA Rural Development employees, or their close relatives, as defined. (i) Microloans for any illegal activity. (j) Any project that is in violation of either a Federal, State, or local environmental protection law, regulation, or enforceable land use restriction unless the microloan will result in curing or removing the violation. (k) Loans supporting explicitly religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction or proselytization. (l) Golf courses, race tracks, or gambling facilities. (m) Funding of any political or lobbying activities. (n) Lines of credit. § § 4280.324–4280.399 § 4280.400 [Reserved] OMB control number. The information collection requirements contained in this subpart have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 0570–0062. A person is not required to respond to this collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Mark Brodziski, Acting Administrator, Rural BusinessCooperative Service. [FR Doc. 2021–10146 Filed 5–13–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 26365 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0127; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00829–R; Amendment 39–21557; AD 2021–10–24] 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) 2015–25– 04 for Agusta S.p.A (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. AD 2015–25–04 required inspecting the slider assembly pitch control (slider) for play and replacing the slider if the play exceeds certain limits. This AD was prompted by further investigation that led to the determination that the play was caused by a manufacturing issue. This AD retains certain requirements of AD 2015–25–04, requires replacing certain part-numbered sliders as a terminating action for the inspections, and prohibits installing the affected part on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective June 18, 2021. SUMMARY: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39– 0331–225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/ en/home. You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket 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 final rule, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket E:\FR\FM\14MYR1.SGM 14MYR1 26366 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 92 / Friday, May 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 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: 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: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2015–25–04, Amendment 39–18342 (80 FR 76381, December 9, 2015), (AD 2015–25–04). AD 2015–25–04 applied to Agusta S.p.A (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 8, 2021 (86 FR 13232). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain the initial and repetitive 25 hours time-inservice (TIS) inspections required by AD 2015–25–04 and depending on the inspection results, continue to require replacing the slider with an airworthy slider. Additionally, the NPRM proposed to 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, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing certain sliders on any helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2020–0142, dated June 25, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0142), 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 A109A and A109A II helicopters with a certain part-numbered slider. EASA AD 2020–0142 supersedes EASA AD 2015–0097, dated June 1, 2015 (EASA AD 2015–0097). EASA AD 2015– 0097 was issued after unusual play was detected on a certain part-numbered slider. EASA advised in EASA AD 2015–0097 that investigation revealed excessive wear of the slider broaching at the point of contact with the tail rotor shaft but that the cause of the excessive play had not been determined. EASA AD 2015–25–04 prompted the FAA to issue AD 2015–25–04. EASA now 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:17 May 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 certain part-numbered slider, requires replacing a certain part-numbered slider with a modified slider, and provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. Comments The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs. Conclusion 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 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 helicopters as proposed in the NPRM; however, the paragraphs have been restructured to meet current formatting requirements, and the responsible office for approving Alternative Methods of Compliance has been revised. These changes will neither increase the scope of the AD nor increase the economic burden on any operator. Related Service Information The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 109–149, Revision A, dated May 18, 2020, which specifies procedures for repetitively inspecting the slider for play. This service information also references procedures for replacing the affected slider with a modified slider. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD The EASA AD requires replacing the affected part-numbered slider within 60 months, while this AD requires replacing the affected slider within 800 hours TIS. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 147 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Inspecting the slider for play takes 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 takes about 10 workhours and parts 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 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected persons. The FAA does not control warranty coverage by Leonardo Helicopters. 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 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. 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: ■ E:\FR\FM\14MYR1.SGM 14MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 92 / Friday, May 14, 2021 / Rules and Regulations Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [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: ■ 2021–10–24 Leonardo S.p.a (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.): Amendment 39–21557; Docket No. FAA–2021–0127; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00829–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 18, 2021. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2015–25–04, Amendment 39–18342 (80 FR 76381, December 9, 2015). This 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. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor Control System. (e) 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. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES (g) 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 (g)(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 (g)(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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:17 May 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (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 the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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. Federal Aviation Administration (i) Related Information (c) Applicability 26367 (1) For more information about this AD, 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. (2) 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. 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. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0142, dated June 25, 2020. You may view the EASA AD at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2021–0127. Issued on May 6, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–10191 Filed 5–13–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0342; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01547–T; Amendment 39–21530; AD 2021–09–16] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD–100–1A10 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a number of low altitude engine surge incidents during takeoff. This AD requires revising the existing airplane flight manual and applicable corresponding operational procedures to provide the flightcrew with procedures to require the engine bleeds to be ‘‘ON’’ during takeoff. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective June 1, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 1, 2021. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by June 28, 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 service information identified in this final rule, contact Bombardier, Inc., 200 Coˆte Vertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 2A3, Canada; North America toll-free telephone 1–866–538– 1247 or direct-dial telephone 1–514– 855–2999; email ac.yul@ aero.bombardier.com; internet https:// www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14MYR1.SGM 14MYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 92 (Friday, May 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26365-26367]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10191]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0127; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00829-R; 
Amendment 39-21557; AD 2021-10-24]
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) 2015-25-04 
for Agusta S.p.A (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model A109A and A109A II 
helicopters. AD 2015-25-04 required inspecting the slider assembly 
pitch control (slider) for play and replacing the slider if the play 
exceeds certain limits. This AD was prompted by further investigation 
that led to the determination that the play was caused by a 
manufacturing issue. This AD retains certain requirements of AD 2015-
25-04, requires replacing certain part-numbered sliders as a 
terminating action for the inspections, and prohibits installing the 
affected part on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 18, 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 service information 
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket 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 final rule, the 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, 
and other information. The address for Docket

[[Page 26366]]

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: Matthew Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General 
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2015-25-04, Amendment 39-18342 (80 FR 
76381, December 9, 2015), (AD 2015-25-04). AD 2015-25-04 applied to 
Agusta S.p.A (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model A109A and A109A II 
helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 8, 
2021 (86 FR 13232). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain the initial 
and repetitive 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) inspections required by 
AD 2015-25-04 and depending on the inspection results, continue to 
require replacing the slider with an airworthy slider. Additionally, 
the NPRM proposed to 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, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing certain 
sliders on any helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2020-0142, 
dated June 25, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0142), 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 A109A and A109A II 
helicopters with a certain part-numbered slider. EASA AD 2020-0142 
supersedes EASA AD 2015-0097, dated June 1, 2015 (EASA AD 2015-0097). 
EASA AD 2015-0097 was issued after unusual play was detected on a 
certain part-numbered slider. EASA advised in EASA AD 2015-0097 that 
investigation revealed excessive wear of the slider broaching at the 
point of contact with the tail rotor shaft but that the cause of the 
excessive play had not been determined. EASA AD 2015-25-04 prompted the 
FAA to issue AD 2015-25-04. EASA now 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.

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    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 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 helicopters as proposed in the NPRM; however, the 
paragraphs have been restructured to meet current formatting 
requirements, and the responsible office for approving Alternative 
Methods of Compliance has been revised. These changes will neither 
increase the scope of the AD nor increase the economic burden on any 
operator.

Related Service Information

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

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 147 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 
per work-hour.
    Inspecting the slider for play takes 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 takes about 10 work-hours and 
parts 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 AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected persons. The FAA does not control warranty 
coverage by Leonardo Helicopters. 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

    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.

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:


[[Page 26367]]


    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) 2015-25-04, Amendment 39-18342 
(80 FR 76381, December 9, 2015); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2021-10-24 Leonardo S.p.a (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Agusta S.p.A.): Amendment 39-21557; Docket No. FAA-2021-0127; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00829-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 18, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

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

(c) Applicability

    This 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.

(d) Subject

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

(e) 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.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) 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 (g)(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 (g)(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.

(h) 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 the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Matthew Fuller, 
AD Program Manager, Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness 
Products Section, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, telephone 
(817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) 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. 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. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0142, dated June 25, 2020. You 
may view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0127.

    Issued on May 6, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-10191 Filed 5-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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