Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 28040-28042 [2021-10908]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 99 / Tuesday, May 25, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada
Limited Model 505 helicopters, certificated
in any category, with serial numbers 65011
through 65023 inclusive, 65025 through
65028 inclusive, 65030 through 65032
inclusive, 65034, and 65036 with relay panel
assembly part number (P/N) SLS–075–002–
107 installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with
serial numbers (S/Ns) 65011 through 65023
inclusive, 65025 through 65028 inclusive,
65030 through 65032 inclusive, 65034, and
65036 are known to have had relay panel
assembly P/N SLS–075–002–107 installed
during production.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3110, Instrument Panel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by three
occurrences of metallic debris in the engine
oil lubrication system causing a short to
ground within the engine chip detector. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the 12 volts direct current (VDC) reference
voltage, loss of display of important flight
information to the pilot including the main
rotor rotations per minute (Nr), fuel quantity,
and transmission oil pressure and
temperature, and the generator voltage and
ammeter parameters as marked invalid with
a red ‘‘X’’ on the primary flight display (PFD)
and the multi-function display (MFD). The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in simultaneous loss of caution,
advisory, and system performance indicators
for multiple systems.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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[FR Doc. 2021–10909 Filed 5–24–21; 8:45 am]
Examining the AD Docket
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0375; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
NPRM, the European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ronnea Derby, Aerospace Engineer,
Denver ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 26805 E
68th Ave., Mail Stop: Room 214;
Denver, CO 80249; telephone (303) 342–
1093; email Ronnea.L.Derby@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L’Enfant
Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024;
telephone (202) 267–9167; email hal.jensen@
faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bell Textron Canada
Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J1R4, Canada; telephone (450) 437–
2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272;
or at https://www.bellcustomer.com. 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
Transport Canada AD CF–2017–36, dated
December 15, 2017. You may view the
Transport Canada AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2021–0377;.
Federal Aviation Administration
(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: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
17:12 May 24, 2021
Issued on May 19, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
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 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, 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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service after
the effective date of this AD, replace relay
panel assembly part number P/N SLS–075–
002–107 with relay panel assembly P/N SLS–
075–002–109 by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
1.a. through 3, of Bell Helicopter Alert
Service Bulletin 505–17–04, dated December
6, 2017.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install relay panel assembly P/N SLS–
075–002–107 on any helicopter.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0375; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01245–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139
and AW139 helicopters. This proposed
AD was prompted by two events of
uncommanded emergency flotation
system (EFS) deployment during flight.
This proposed AD would require
replacing certain part-numbered EFS
control panels and prohibit installing
them. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by July 9, 2021.
SUMMARY:
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ADDRESSES:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0375; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01245–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 99 / Tuesday, May 25, 2021 / Proposed Rules
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Ronnea Derby,
Aerospace Engineer, Denver ACO
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 26805 E 68th Ave., Mail
Stop: Room 214; Denver, CO 80249;
telephone (303) 342–1093; email
Ronnea.L.Derby@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2015–0172,
dated August 21, 2015 (EASA AD 2015–
0172), to correct an unsafe condition for
AgustaWestland S.p.A (formerly Agusta
S.p.A.), AgustaWestland Philadelphia
Corporation (formerly Agusta Aerospace
Corporation) (now Leonardo S.p.a.)
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters
with an EFS installed. EASA advises of
two events of uncommanded EFS
deployment during flight. Subsequent
investigation revealed that these
conditions had been caused by
improper design of the EFS control
panel part numbers (P/Ns)
3G9560V00556 (for use with night
vision goggle) and 3G9560V00557
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:12 May 24, 2021
Jkt 253001
(standard). This condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced
control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2015–0172
requires replacing EFS control panel P/
Ns 3G9560V00556 and 3G9560V00557
with EFS control panel P/Ns
3G9560V00559 and 3G9560V00558,
respectively. EASA AD 2015–0172 also
prohibits installing EFS control panel P/
Ns 3G9560V00556 and 3G9560V00557
on any helicopter.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of these
same type designs.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed AgustaWestland
Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–374, dated
July 6, 2015. This service information
specifies procedures for replacing EFS
control panel P/Ns 3G9560V00556 and
3G9560V00557 with EFS control panel
P/Ns 3G9560V00559 and
3G9560V00558, respectively. This
service information also notes that EFS
control panel P/Ns 3G9560V00556 and
3G9560V00557 can be upgraded by
following Sirio Panel Service Bulletin
6WS–MI100135 Ed.01 and 6WS–
MI100134 Ed.01.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
replacing EFS control panel P/Ns
3G9560V00556 and 3G9560V00557 with
EFS control panel P/Ns 3G9560V00559
and 3G9560V00558, respectively. This
proposed AD would also prohibit
installing EFS control panel P/Ns
3G9560V00556 and 3G9560V00557 on
any helicopter.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2015–0172 applies to
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters
with an EFS installed, whereas this
proposed AD would apply to those
model helicopters with EFS control
panel P/N 3G9560V00556 (for use with
night vision goggle) or 3G9560V00557
(standard) installed instead. EASA AD
2015–0172 specifies replacing an
affected EFS control panel within a
compliance time of flight hours or
PO 00000
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28041
months, whichever occurs first, based
on helicopter configuration, whereas
this proposed AD would require that
replacement within a shorter
compliance time in hours time-inservice but the same number of months,
based on helicopter configuration
instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect up to
133 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor
rates are estimated at $85 per workhour. Based on these numbers, the FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD.
Replacing an EFS control panel would
take about 1 work-hour and parts would
cost about $12,342 for an estimated cost
of $12,427 per helicopter and up to
$1,652,791 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 products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify
this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
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28042
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 99 / Tuesday, May 25, 2021 / Proposed Rules
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
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:
■
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA–2021–
0375; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–
01245–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by July 9, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated
in any category, with an emergency flotation
system (EFS) control panel part number
(P/N) 3G9560V00556 (for use with night
vision goggle) or 3G9560V00557 (standard)
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3212, Emergency Flotation Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by two events of
uncommanded EFS deployment during
flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
improper design of certain EFS control
panels. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced control of
the helicopter.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) At the following compliance time,
replace EFS control panel P/N
3G9560V00556 or 3G9560V00557 with EFS
control panel P/N 3G9560V00559 or
3G9560V00558, respectively:
(i) For helicopters with EFS P/N
3G9560F00111 or 3G9560F00113, with
Aerosekur floats with ‘‘pyrotechnical’’
inflation system P/N 3G9560V01051
installed, within 94 hours time-in-service
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:12 May 24, 2021
Jkt 253001
(TIS) or 3 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first.
(ii) For helicopters with EFS P/N
3G9560F00111 or 3G9560F00113, with
Aerosekur floats with ‘‘SMA’’ inflation
system P/N 3G9560V01052 installed, within
377 hours TIS or 12 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(iii) For helicopters with EFS P/N
3G9560F00212 with Aerosekur floats with
‘‘fuse disk’’ inflation system P/N
3G9560V02051 installed, within 565 hours
TIS or 18 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install EFS control panel P/N
3G9560V00556 or 3G9560V00557 on any
helicopter.
(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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Ronnea Derby, Aerospace Engineer,
Denver ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 26805 E 68th
Ave., Mail Stop: Room 214; Denver, CO
80249; telephone (303) 342–1093; email
Ronnea.L.Derby@faa.gov.
(2) 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2015–0172, dated August 21,
2015. You may view the EASA AD at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2021–0375.
Issued on May 18, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–10908 Filed 5–24–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
32 CFR Part 159
[Docket ID: DoD–2020–OS–0016]
RIN 0790–AK87
Private Security Contractors (PSCs)
Operating in Contingency Operations,
Humanitarian or Peace Operations, or
Other Military Operations or Exercises
Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment, Department of Defense
(DoD).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
The DoD is proposing updates
to this part to incorporate changes from
the National Defense Authorization Act
(NDAA) that were not available when
the rule was last published on August
11, 2011. These proposed changes
include administrative updates and
clarifications to PSCs performing duties
while under contract to DoD in support
of a contingency operations,
humanitarian or peace operations, or
other military operations or exercises.
DATES: Comments must be received by
July 26, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by docket number and/or
Regulatory Information Number (RIN)
number and title, by any of the
following methods:
• Federal Rulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: DoD cannot receive written
comments at this time due to the
COVID–19 pandemic. Comments should
be sent electronically to the docket
listed above.
Instructions: All submissions received
must include the agency name and
docket number or RIN for this Federal
Register document. The general policy
for comments and other submissions
from members of the public is to make
these submissions available for public
viewing on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov as they are
received without change, including any
personal identifiers or contact
information.
SUMMARY:
Ms.
Donna M. Livingston, 703–692–3032,
donna.m.livingston.civ@mail.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
I. Executive Summary
A. Purpose of the Existing Rule
The DoD may contract for private
security functions to fulfill non-combat
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 25, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28040-28042]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10908]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0375; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01245-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by two events of uncommanded emergency
flotation system (EFS) deployment during flight. This proposed AD would
require replacing certain part-numbered EFS control panels and prohibit
installing them. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 9,
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 between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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-2021-0375; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the European
Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronnea Derby, Aerospace Engineer,
Denver ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 26805 E
68th Ave., Mail Stop: Room 214; Denver, CO 80249; telephone (303) 342-
1093; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0375; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01245-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include
[[Page 28041]]
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Ronnea Derby, Aerospace Engineer, Denver ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 26805 E 68th Ave., Mail Stop: Room 214;
Denver, CO 80249; telephone (303) 342-1093; email
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2015-0172, dated August 21, 2015
(EASA AD 2015-0172), to correct an unsafe condition for AgustaWestland
S.p.A (formerly Agusta S.p.A.), AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation
(formerly Agusta Aerospace Corporation) (now Leonardo S.p.a.) Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters with an EFS installed. EASA advises of two
events of uncommanded EFS deployment during flight. Subsequent
investigation revealed that these conditions had been caused by
improper design of the EFS control panel part numbers (P/Ns)
3G9560V00556 (for use with night vision goggle) and 3G9560V00557
(standard). This condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced
control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2015-0172 requires replacing EFS control panel
P/Ns 3G9560V00556 and 3G9560V00557 with EFS control panel P/Ns
3G9560V00559 and 3G9560V00558, respectively. EASA AD 2015-0172 also
prohibits installing EFS control panel P/Ns 3G9560V00556 and
3G9560V00557 on any helicopter.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of these same type designs.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed AgustaWestland Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-374,
dated July 6, 2015. This service information specifies procedures for
replacing EFS control panel P/Ns 3G9560V00556 and 3G9560V00557 with EFS
control panel P/Ns 3G9560V00559 and 3G9560V00558, respectively. This
service information also notes that EFS control panel P/Ns 3G9560V00556
and 3G9560V00557 can be upgraded by following Sirio Panel Service
Bulletin 6WS-MI100135 Ed.01 and 6WS-MI100134 Ed.01.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require replacing EFS control panel P/Ns
3G9560V00556 and 3G9560V00557 with EFS control panel P/Ns 3G9560V00559
and 3G9560V00558, respectively. This proposed AD would also prohibit
installing EFS control panel P/Ns 3G9560V00556 and 3G9560V00557 on any
helicopter.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2015-0172 applies to Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with
an EFS installed, whereas this proposed AD would apply to those model
helicopters with EFS control panel P/N 3G9560V00556 (for use with night
vision goggle) or 3G9560V00557 (standard) installed instead. EASA AD
2015-0172 specifies replacing an affected EFS control panel within a
compliance time of flight hours or months, whichever occurs first,
based on helicopter configuration, whereas this proposed AD would
require that replacement within a shorter compliance time in hours
time-in-service but the same number of months, based on helicopter
configuration instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect up to 133 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are
estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA
estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Replacing an EFS control panel would take about 1 work-hour and
parts would cost about $12,342 for an estimated cost of $12,427 per
helicopter and up to $1,652,791 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 products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities
[[Page 28042]]
under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2021-0375; Project Identifier MCAI-
2020-01245-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by July 9, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category, with an emergency
flotation system (EFS) control panel part number (P/N) 3G9560V00556
(for use with night vision goggle) or 3G9560V00557 (standard)
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency
Flotation Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by two events of uncommanded EFS deployment
during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address improper design
of certain EFS control panels. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in reduced control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) At the following compliance time, replace EFS control panel
P/N 3G9560V00556 or 3G9560V00557 with EFS control panel P/N
3G9560V00559 or 3G9560V00558, respectively:
(i) For helicopters with EFS P/N 3G9560F00111 or 3G9560F00113,
with Aerosekur floats with ``pyrotechnical'' inflation system P/N
3G9560V01051 installed, within 94 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 3
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(ii) For helicopters with EFS P/N 3G9560F00111 or 3G9560F00113,
with Aerosekur floats with ``SMA'' inflation system P/N 3G9560V01052
installed, within 377 hours TIS or 12 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(iii) For helicopters with EFS P/N 3G9560F00212 with Aerosekur
floats with ``fuse disk'' inflation system P/N 3G9560V02051
installed, within 565 hours TIS or 18 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install EFS
control panel P/N 3G9560V00556 or 3G9560V00557 on any helicopter.
(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 Ronnea Derby,
Aerospace Engineer, Denver ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 26805 E 68th Ave., Mail Stop: Room 214; Denver, CO
80249; telephone (303) 342-1093; email [email protected].
(2) 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 Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD
2015-0172, dated August 21, 2015. You may view the EASA AD at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0375.
Issued on May 18, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-10908 Filed 5-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
