Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 50219-50222 [2021-19243]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 8, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
PART 123—DISASTER LOAN
PROGRAM
3. The authority citation for 13 CFR
part 123 is revised to read as follows:
■
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632, 634(b)(6), 636(b),
636(d), and 657n; Section 1110, Pub. L. 116–
136, 134 Stat. 281; and Section 331, Pub. L.
116–260, 134 Stat. 1182.
4. Amend § 123.13 by revising the first
sentence of paragraph (e) and paragraph
(f) to read as follows:
■
§ 123.13 What happens if my loan
application is denied?
*
*
*
*
(e) If SBA declines your application a
second time, you have the right to
appeal in writing to the Director,
Disaster Assistance Processing and
Disbursement Center (DAPDC) or the
Director’s designee(s). * * *
(f) The decision of the Director,
DAPDC or the Director’s designee(s), is
final unless:
(1) The Director, DAPDC or the
Director’s designee(s), does not have the
authority to approve the requested loan;
(2) The Director, DAPDC or the
Director’s designee(s), refers the matter
to the SBA Associate Administrator for
Disaster Assistance (AA/DA);
(3) The AA/DA, upon a showing of
special circumstances, requests that the
Director, DAPDC or the Director’s
designee(s), forward the matter to him
or her for final consideration; or
(4) The SBA Administrator, solely
within the Administrator’s discretion,
chooses to review the matter and make
the final decision. Such discretionary
authority of the Administrator does not
create additional rights of appeal on the
part of an applicant not otherwise
specified in SBA regulations.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 5. Amend § 123.300 by adding
paragraph (e) to read as follows:
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*
agency or entity that currently has an
effective ruling letter from the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) granting tax
exemption under sections 501(c), (d), or
(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1954, or satisfactory evidence from the
State that the non-revenue-producing
organization or entity is a non-profit one
organized or doing business under State
law, or a faith-based organization;
(4) Are a business, cooperative,
agricultural enterprise, Employee Stock
Ownership Plan (as defined in 15 U.S.C.
632), or tribal small business concern
(as described in 15 U.S.C. 657a(b)(2)(C)),
with not more than 500 employees; or
(5) Are a business that is assigned a
North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) code beginning with
61, 71, 72, 213, 3121, 315, 448, 451, 481,
485, 487, 511, 512, 515, 532, or 812,
employs not more than 500 employees
per physical location, and together with
affiliates has no more than 20 locations.
6. Amend § 123.303 by adding a
sentence to the end of paragraph (a) and
revising paragraph (b)(2) to read as
follows:
■
§ 123.303 How can my business spend my
economic injury disaster loan?
§ 123.300 Is my business eligible to apply
for an economic injury disaster loan?
(a) * * * COVID EIDL loan proceeds
also may be used to make debt
payments including monthly payments,
payment of deferred interest, and prepayments on any business debts, except
pre-payments are not permitted on any
loans owned by a Federal agency
(including SBA) or a Small Business
Investment Company licensed under the
Small Business Investment Act.
(b) * * *
(2) Except for COVID EIDL loan
proceeds, make payments on loans
owned by a Federal agency (including
SBA) or a Small Business Investment
Company licensed under the Small
Business Investment Act;
*
*
*
*
*
*
■
*
*
*
*
(e) COVID–19 Economic Injury
Disaster (COVID EIDL) loans are
available if, as of the date of application,
you:
(1) Are a business, including an
agricultural cooperative, aquaculture
enterprise, nursery, or producer
cooperative (but excluding all other
agricultural enterprises), that is small
under SBA Size Standards (as defined
in part 121 of this chapter);
(2) Are an individual who operates
under a sole proprietorship, with or
without employees, or as an
independent contractor;
(3) Are a private non-profit
organization that is a non-governmental
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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7. Add § 123.304 to read as follows:
§ 123.304 Is there a limit on the maximum
loan amount to a single corporate group for
COVID EIDL Loans?
Entities that are part of a single
corporate group shall in no event
receive more than $10,000,000 of
COVID EIDL loans in the aggregate. For
purposes of this limit, entities are part
of a single corporate group if they are
majority owned, directly or indirectly,
by a common parent.
Isabella Casillas Guzman,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2021–19232 Filed 9–7–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8026–03–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0463; Project
Identifier 2018–SW–050–AD; Amendment
39–21698; AD 2021–17–15]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and
AW139 helicopters with certain main
rotor blades installed. This AD was
prompted by a report of an in-flight loss
of a main rotor blade (MRB) tip cap.
This AD requires inspecting the MRB
tip cap for disbonding. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 13,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of October 13, 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://
customerportal.leonardocompany.com/
en-US/. 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. 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–2021–
0463.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0463; 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 Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 8, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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:
Bang Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817)
222–4973; email bang.nguyen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139
and AW139 helicopters with an MRB
that has less than 1,200 total hours timein-service (TIS) and has part number (P/
N) 3G6210A00131 with any serial
number (S/N) listed in Table 1 of
Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. 139–520, dated April 26,
2018 (ASB 139–520), installed. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 16, 2021 (86 FR 31992).
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require, within 50 hours TIS, tap
inspecting each MRB tip cap for
disbonding using a tap hammer or
equivalent. If there is no disbonding, the
NPRM proposed to require tap
inspecting the MRB tip cap at intervals
not to exceed 50 hours TIS. If there is
any disbonding that does not exceed the
specified limits in ASB 139–520, the
NPRM proposed to require tap
inspecting the MRB at intervals not to
exceed 10 hours TIS. If there is any
disbonding that exceeds the specified
limits in ASB 139–520, the NPRM
proposed to require removing the MRB
from service before further flight. The
NPRM also specified that the
accumulation of 1,200 total hours TIS
on the affected part without findings of
any disbonded area or with findings of
any disbonded area that is within the
permitted limits in Annex A of ASB
139–520 would constitute terminating
action for the proposed repetitive
inspections. Finally, the NPRM
proposed to prohibit installing any MRB
that is identified in the applicability
section of this AD on any helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by reports
of incorrect bonding procedures on
certain MRBs, which if not detected and
corrected, could result in loss of the
MRB tip cap, severe vibrations, and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
The FAA issued AD 2018–03–01,
Amendment 39–19174 (83 FR 4136,
January 30, 2018) (AD 2018–03–01) for
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Agusta S.p.A. (now Leonardo S.p.a.)
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters
with MRB P/N 3G6210A00131 with an
S/N 3615, 3634, 3667, or 3729 installed.
AD 2018–03–01 requires inspecting the
MRB tip cap for disbonding and was
prompted by EASA AD 2017–0175–E,
dated September 13, 2017 (EASA AD
2017–0175–E), issued by EASA, which
is the Technical Agent for the Member
States of the European Union. EASA
advised of an in-flight loss of an MRB
tip cap on an AW139 helicopter where
the pilot was able to safely land the
helicopter. EASA further advised that
an investigation determined the cause as
incorrect bonding procedures used
during production on MRB P/N
3G6210A00131, S/N 3615, 3634, 3667,
and 3729. According to EASA, this
condition could result in loss of an MRB
tip cap, increased pilot workload, and
reduced control of the helicopter. To
address this unsafe condition, EASA AD
2017–0175–E requires a one-time
inspection of the affected MRB tip caps
within 5 flight hours (FH) and replacing
the affected MRBs within 10 FH if not
replaced as a result of the inspection.
EASA AD 2017–0175–E also prohibits
installing the affected MRBs on a
helicopter. AD 2018–03–01 requires the
same corrective actions.
After the FAA issued AD 2018–03–01,
EASA issued EASA AD 2018–0130,
dated June 18, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–
0130), to correct the same unsafe
condition for Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters with
additional serial-numbered MRBs
installed. EASA advises that further
investigations after EASA AD 2017–
0175–E was issued determined that
another batch of P/N 3G6210A00131
MRBs may have been subject to the
incorrect bonding procedure, but to a
less critical extent. EASA AD 2018–
0130, which neither revises nor
supersedes EASA AD 2017–0175–E,
applies to the following serial-numbered
MRBs with less than 1,200 FH: 2709,
3558, 3624, 3707, 3790, 3486, 3561,
3625, 3717, 3795, 3488, 3569, 3626,
3720, 3798, 3495, 3570, 3627, 3725,
3803, 3500, 3574, 3628, 3726, 3807,
3501, 3575, 3633, 3734, 3812, 3502,
3582, 3636, 3735, 3822, 3503, 3583,
3638, 3738, 3824, 3508, 3586, 3642,
3739, 3825, 3510, 3590, 3648, 3741,
3827, 3513, 3592, 3649, 3743, 3831,
3520, 3595, 3650, 3744, 3832, 3527,
3597, 3651, 3745, 3838, 3528, 3599,
3657, 3753, 3841, 3529, 3602, 3665,
3754, 3842, 3531, 3603, 3672, 3761,
3847, 3536, 3605, 3682, 3766, 3850,
3539, 3609, 3684, 3770, 3851, 3544,
3612, 3686, 3771, 3852, 3549, 3613,
3690, 3777, 3853, 3551, 3616, 3691,
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3783, 3854, 3556, 3620, 3695, 3788,
3855, 3557, 3622, 3696, and 3789.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2018–0130
requires within 50 FH and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 50 FH, tap
inspecting the MRB for disbonding. If
there is disbonding within permitted
limits, EASA AD 2018–0130 requires
tap inspecting the disbonded area
within 10 FH and thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 10 FH. If disbonding that
exceeds the permitted limits is found
during any inspection, EASA AD 2018–
0130 requires replacing the part. EASA
AD 2018–0130 also prohibits installing
the affected part unless it is a
serviceable part and includes a
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections, which is accumulation of
1,200 FH by an affected part without
findings of disbonded area, or findings
of disbonded area within the limits
specified in Annex A of ASB 139–520.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
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.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed ASB 139–520.
This service information specifies
procedures for repetitively inspecting
the tip cap on a certain batch of MRBs
for disbonding using a tap test and
replacing the MRB if disbonding is not
within permitted limits.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
EASA AD 2018–0130 allows replacing
an affected part with a serviceable part,
which is marked with the letter ‘‘R’’
(repaired tip cap) as the last digit of the
S/N, as a terminating action for the
repetitive inspections specified in that
AD, whereas this AD does not.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 8, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 114 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 AD.
Tap inspecting an MRB tip cap takes
1 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of
$85 per inspection cycle for a total U.S.
fleet cost of $9,690 per inspection cycle.
Replacing 1 MRB, if required, takes 4
work-hours, and required parts cost
$141,725, for a total cost of $142,065 per
MRB.
The FAA has included all known
costs in its cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some of the
costs of this AD may be covered under
warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
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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.
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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:
■
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:
■
2021–17–15 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment
39–21698; Docket No. FAA–2021–0463;
Project Identifier 2018–SW–050–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective October 13, 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 a main rotor blade
(MRB) that has less than 1,200 total hours
time-in-service (TIS) and has part number
3G6210A00131 with any serial number listed
in Table 1 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin No. 139–520, dated April 26,
2018 (ASB 139–520), installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6210, Main Rotor Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
disbonding of an MRB tip cap, which if not
detected and corrected, could result in loss
of the MRB tip cap, severe vibrations, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours TIS after the effective
date of this AD, using a tap hammer or
equivalent, tap inspect each MRB tip cap for
disbonding in the area depicted in Figure 1
of ASB 139–520.
(i) If there is no disbonding, tap inspect
each MRB tip cap as required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 50
hours TIS.
(ii) If there is any disbonding that does not
exceed the limits specified in Annex A,
paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 of ASB 139–520, tap
inspect the MRB tip cap as required by
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paragraph (g)(1) of this AD at intervals not to
exceed 10 hours TIS.
(iii) If there is any disbonding that exceeds
the limits specified in Annex A, paragraphs
2.3 and 2.4 of ASB 139–520, remove the MRB
from service before further flight.
(2) Accumulation of 1,200 total hours TIS
on the affected part without findings of any
disbonded area or with findings of any
disbonded area that is within the permitted
limits specified in Annex A, paragraphs 2.3
and 2.4 of ASB 139–520, constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i)
and (ii) of this AD.
(3) As of effective date of this AD, do not
install any MRB that is identified in
paragraph (c) of this AD 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: 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 Bang Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–4973;
email bang.nguyen@faa.gov.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2018–0130, dated June 18, 2018.
You may view the EASA AD at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2021–0463.
(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.
(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 Service
Bulletin No. 139–520, dated April 26, 2018.
(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://
customerportal.leonardocompany.com/enUS/.
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(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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on August 13, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–19243 Filed 9–7–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0450; Project
Identifier 2017–SW–100–AD; Amendment
39–21680; AD 2021–16–17]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by the discovery
that certain parts that are approved for
installation on multiple helicopter
models are life limited parts when
installed on Model MBB–BK 117 D–2
helicopters and some helicopter
delivery documents excluded the life
limit information. This AD requires
determining the total hours time-inservice (TIS) of a certain part-numbered
rotor mast nut and re-identifying a
certain part-numbered rotor mast nut.
This AD also requires establishing a life
limit for a certain part-numbered rotor
mast nut and helical gear support, and
removing each part from service before
reaching its life limit. Additionally, this
AD requires replacing a certain partnumbered main gearbox (MGB) with a
not affected MGB as specified in a
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference (IBR). The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
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SUMMARY:
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DATES:
This AD is effective October 13,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of October 13, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000;
email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view the
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. It is also available
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0450.
BK 117 D–2 helicopters, with an
affected MGB or affected rotor mast nut
as identified in Note 1 of EASA AD
2017–0037. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 7, 2021 (86 FR
30218). The NPRM was prompted by the
discovery that certain parts that are
approved for installation on multiple
helicopter models are life limited parts
when installed on Model MBB–BK 117
D–2 helicopters and some helicopter
delivery documents excluded the life
limit information, The NPRM proposed
to require accomplishing the actions
specified in EASA AD 2017–0037,
described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD and except as
discussed under ‘‘Differences Between
this AD and EASA AD 2017–0037.’’ The
FAA is issuing this AD to address an
unsafe condition on these products. See
EASA AD 2017–0037 for additional
background information.
Examining the AD Docket
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0450; 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 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: Rao
Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer,
Dynamic Systems Section, Technical
Innovation Policy Branch, Policy &
Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
rao.edupuganti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA AD 2017–0037, dated February
22, 2017 (EASA AD 2017–0037), issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
GmbH (formerly Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH), Airbus Helicopters
Inc. (formerly American Eurocopter
LLC) Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 and
MBB–BK117 D–2m helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB–
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters 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
products.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2017–0037 requires
establishing a life limit for rotor mast
nut part number (P/N) D632K1133–201
and helical gear support P/N
D632K1113–201, and replacing these
parts before exceeding their life limit.
EASA AD 2017–0037 also requires
replacing each rotor mast nut P/N
D632K1133–201 for which the hours
TIS are unknown and replacing certain
part-numbered rotor mast nuts before
accumulating 3,708 hours TIS since first
installation on a helicopter. EASA AD
2017–0037 requires re-identifying each
rotor mast nut P/N 117–12133–01 to P/
N D632K1133–201 by following the
specified service information. EASA AD
2017–0037 requires replacing any MGB
P/N D632K1001–051 with serial number
E:\FR\FM\08SER1.SGM
08SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50219-50222]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19243]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0463; Project Identifier 2018-SW-050-AD; Amendment
39-21698; AD 2021-17-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with certain main
rotor blades installed. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-
flight loss of a main rotor blade (MRB) tip cap. This AD requires
inspecting the MRB tip cap for disbonding. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 13,
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://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/. 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. 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-2021-
0463.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0463; 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety
Agency) (EASA) AD, any comments received, and other information. The
street address for
[[Page 50220]]
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: Bang Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-4973; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters with an MRB that has less than 1,200 total
hours time-in-service (TIS) and has part number (P/N) 3G6210A00131 with
any serial number (S/N) listed in Table 1 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert
Service Bulletin No. 139-520, dated April 26, 2018 (ASB 139-520),
installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2021
(86 FR 31992). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require, within 50
hours TIS, tap inspecting each MRB tip cap for disbonding using a tap
hammer or equivalent. If there is no disbonding, the NPRM proposed to
require tap inspecting the MRB tip cap at intervals not to exceed 50
hours TIS. If there is any disbonding that does not exceed the
specified limits in ASB 139-520, the NPRM proposed to require tap
inspecting the MRB at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS. If there is
any disbonding that exceeds the specified limits in ASB 139-520, the
NPRM proposed to require removing the MRB from service before further
flight. The NPRM also specified that the accumulation of 1,200 total
hours TIS on the affected part without findings of any disbonded area
or with findings of any disbonded area that is within the permitted
limits in Annex A of ASB 139-520 would constitute terminating action
for the proposed repetitive inspections. Finally, the NPRM proposed to
prohibit installing any MRB that is identified in the applicability
section of this AD on any helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by reports of incorrect bonding procedures on
certain MRBs, which if not detected and corrected, could result in loss
of the MRB tip cap, severe vibrations, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
The FAA issued AD 2018-03-01, Amendment 39-19174 (83 FR 4136,
January 30, 2018) (AD 2018-03-01) for Agusta S.p.A. (now Leonardo
S.p.a.) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with MRB P/N 3G6210A00131
with an S/N 3615, 3634, 3667, or 3729 installed. AD 2018-03-01 requires
inspecting the MRB tip cap for disbonding and was prompted by EASA AD
2017-0175-E, dated September 13, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0175-E), issued by
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union. EASA advised of an in-flight loss of an MRB tip cap on
an AW139 helicopter where the pilot was able to safely land the
helicopter. EASA further advised that an investigation determined the
cause as incorrect bonding procedures used during production on MRB P/N
3G6210A00131, S/N 3615, 3634, 3667, and 3729. According to EASA, this
condition could result in loss of an MRB tip cap, increased pilot
workload, and reduced control of the helicopter. To address this unsafe
condition, EASA AD 2017-0175-E requires a one-time inspection of the
affected MRB tip caps within 5 flight hours (FH) and replacing the
affected MRBs within 10 FH if not replaced as a result of the
inspection. EASA AD 2017-0175-E also prohibits installing the affected
MRBs on a helicopter. AD 2018-03-01 requires the same corrective
actions.
After the FAA issued AD 2018-03-01, EASA issued EASA AD 2018-0130,
dated June 18, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0130), to correct the same unsafe
condition for Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with
additional serial-numbered MRBs installed. EASA advises that further
investigations after EASA AD 2017-0175-E was issued determined that
another batch of P/N 3G6210A00131 MRBs may have been subject to the
incorrect bonding procedure, but to a less critical extent. EASA AD
2018-0130, which neither revises nor supersedes EASA AD 2017-0175-E,
applies to the following serial-numbered MRBs with less than 1,200 FH:
2709, 3558, 3624, 3707, 3790, 3486, 3561, 3625, 3717, 3795, 3488, 3569,
3626, 3720, 3798, 3495, 3570, 3627, 3725, 3803, 3500, 3574, 3628, 3726,
3807, 3501, 3575, 3633, 3734, 3812, 3502, 3582, 3636, 3735, 3822, 3503,
3583, 3638, 3738, 3824, 3508, 3586, 3642, 3739, 3825, 3510, 3590, 3648,
3741, 3827, 3513, 3592, 3649, 3743, 3831, 3520, 3595, 3650, 3744, 3832,
3527, 3597, 3651, 3745, 3838, 3528, 3599, 3657, 3753, 3841, 3529, 3602,
3665, 3754, 3842, 3531, 3603, 3672, 3761, 3847, 3536, 3605, 3682, 3766,
3850, 3539, 3609, 3684, 3770, 3851, 3544, 3612, 3686, 3771, 3852, 3549,
3613, 3690, 3777, 3853, 3551, 3616, 3691, 3783, 3854, 3556, 3620, 3695,
3788, 3855, 3557, 3622, 3696, and 3789.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2018-0130 requires within 50 FH and thereafter
at intervals not to exceed 50 FH, tap inspecting the MRB for
disbonding. If there is disbonding within permitted limits, EASA AD
2018-0130 requires tap inspecting the disbonded area within 10 FH and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 FH. If disbonding that exceeds
the permitted limits is found during any inspection, EASA AD 2018-0130
requires replacing the part. EASA AD 2018-0130 also prohibits
installing the affected part unless it is a serviceable part and
includes a terminating action for the repetitive inspections, which is
accumulation of 1,200 FH by an affected part without findings of
disbonded area, or findings of disbonded area within the limits
specified in Annex A of ASB 139-520.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed ASB 139-520. This service information specifies
procedures for repetitively inspecting the tip cap on a certain batch
of MRBs for disbonding using a tap test and replacing the MRB if
disbonding is not within permitted limits.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2018-0130 allows replacing an affected part with a
serviceable part, which is marked with the letter ``R'' (repaired tip
cap) as the last digit of the S/N, as a terminating action for the
repetitive inspections specified in that AD, whereas this AD does not.
[[Page 50221]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 114 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 AD.
Tap inspecting an MRB tip cap takes 1 work-hour, for a cost per
helicopter of $85 per inspection cycle for a total U.S. fleet cost of
$9,690 per inspection cycle. Replacing 1 MRB, if required, takes 4
work-hours, and required parts cost $141,725, for a total cost of
$142,065 per MRB.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on helicopters identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-17-15 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21698; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0463; Project Identifier 2018-SW-050-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 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 a main rotor blade
(MRB) that has less than 1,200 total hours time-in-service (TIS) and
has part number 3G6210A00131 with any serial number listed in Table
1 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 139-520, dated
April 26, 2018 (ASB 139-520), installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor
Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of disbonding of an MRB tip
cap, which if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of
the MRB tip cap, severe vibrations, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
using a tap hammer or equivalent, tap inspect each MRB tip cap for
disbonding in the area depicted in Figure 1 of ASB 139-520.
(i) If there is no disbonding, tap inspect each MRB tip cap as
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD at intervals not to exceed
50 hours TIS.
(ii) If there is any disbonding that does not exceed the limits
specified in Annex A, paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 of ASB 139-520, tap
inspect the MRB tip cap as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD
at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS.
(iii) If there is any disbonding that exceeds the limits
specified in Annex A, paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 of ASB 139-520, remove
the MRB from service before further flight.
(2) Accumulation of 1,200 total hours TIS on the affected part
without findings of any disbonded area or with findings of any
disbonded area that is within the permitted limits specified in
Annex A, paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 of ASB 139-520, constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(3) As of effective date of this AD, do not install any MRB that
is identified in paragraph (c) of this AD 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 Bang Nguyen,
Aerospace Engineer, Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4973; email
[email protected].
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD
2018-0130, dated June 18, 2018. You may view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0463.
(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.
(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 Service Bulletin No. 139-520,
dated April 26, 2018.
(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://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/.
[[Page 50222]]
(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 August 13, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19243 Filed 9-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
