Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 53195-53197 [2021-20825]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 184 / Monday, September 27, 2021 / Rules and Regulations of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Fred Guerin, Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 S 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone (202) 267–7457; email fred.guerin@faa.gov. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2019–0191–E, dated July 31, 2019. You may view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2021–0721. 14 CFR Part 39 (j) Material Incorporated by Reference SUMMARY: (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. ´ RNIA SPRZE˛TU (i) WYTWO KOMUNIKACYJNEGO ‘‘PZL–S´widnik’’ Spo´5ka Akcyjna Mandatory Bulletin No. BO– 37–19–296, dated July 30, 2019. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact WSK ‘‘PZL-S´widnik’’ S.A., Al. Lotniko´w Polskich 1, 21–045 S´widnik, Poland; telephone (+48) 81722 5716; fax (+48) 81722 5625; email: PLCustomerSupport.AW@ leonardocompany.com; or at https:// www.pzlswidnik.pl/en/home. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. Issued on August 26, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–20828 Filed 9–24–21; 8:45 am] lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Sep 24, 2021 Jkt 253001 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0505; Project Identifier 2018–SW–004–AD; Amendment 39–21721; AD 2021–19–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: 53195 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: 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of spurious inflight disconnections of the automatic flight control system (AFCS). This AD requires updating certain ‘‘Primus Epic’’ system software, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective November 1, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 1, 2021. ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-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 this material 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 in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0505. The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018–0002, dated January 4, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–0002) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 7, 2021 (86 FR 35690). The NPRM was prompted by reports of spurious in-flight disconnections of the AFCS. The NPRM proposed to require updating certain ‘‘Primus Epic’’ system software, as specified in EASA AD 2018–0002. The FAA is issuing this AD to address spurious degradation or unavailability of the full AFCS. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in temporary impairment of the automated flight aid for control of the helicopter and increase the flightcrew’s workload. See EASA AD 2018–0002 for additional background information. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Examining the AD Docket Conclusion You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0505; 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 EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\27SER1.SGM 27SER1 53196 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 184 / Monday, September 27, 2021 / Rules and Regulations ‘‘Primus Epic’’ system software on a helicopter after that helicopter has had the software upgrade installed. This material 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. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2018–0002 requires installation of certain ‘‘Primus Epic’’ system software, depending on the helicopter configuration. EASA AD 2018–0002 allows installation of Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 128 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Action Labor cost Software upgrade ............................................ 24 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,040 ........ The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Sep 24, 2021 Jkt 253001 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: ■ 2021–19–03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39–21721; Docket No. FAA–2021–0505; Project Identifier 2018–SW–004–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 1, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, equipped with ‘‘Primus Epic’’ system software release 7.4 (Phase 7 V1), 7.7 (Phase 7 V3) or 7.10 (Phase 7 V4). (1) Model AB139 and AW19 helicopters having serial number (S/N) 31005, 31006, and S/Ns 31008 through 31157 inclusive; and S/Ns 41001 through 41023 inclusive. (2) Model AW139 helicopters having S/N 31201 and subsequent, and S/N 41201 and subsequent. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2200, Auto Flight System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of spurious in-flight disconnections of the PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Cost per product Parts cost $0 $2,040 Cost on U.S. operators $261,120 automatic flight control system (AFCS). The FAA is issuing this AD to address spurious degradation or unavailability of the full AFCS. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in temporary impairment of the automated flight aid for control of the helicopter and increase the flightcrew’s workload. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018–0002, dated January 4, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–0002). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018–0002 (1) Where EASA AD 2018–0002 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2018–0002 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2018–0002 does not apply to this AD. (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018–0002 specifies to download an option file from a certain website, that method of installation is not required by this AD. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018–0002 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) 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 (k) of this AD. E:\FR\FM\27SER1.SGM 27SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 184 / Monday, September 27, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 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. (k) Related Information 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. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018–0002, dated January 4, 2018. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2018–0002, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N– 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. This material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0505. (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on August 30, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–20825 Filed 9–24–21; 8:45 am] lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Sep 24, 2021 Jkt 253001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0785; Project Identifier AD–2021–00989–R; Amendment 39–21734; AD 2021–19–16] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021–16– 02, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. AD 2021–16–02 required inspecting the locking safety mechanism of the left-hand (LH) side stairway door handle and depending on the results, corrective action. AD 2021– 16–02 also required modifying that locking safety mechanism. This AD retains the requirements in AD 2021– 16–02, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference, and clarifies a certain exception. This AD was prompted by the need to clarify that exception. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective October 12, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 24, 2021 (86 FR 46771). The FAA must receive comments on this AD by November 12, 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 material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 53197 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 this material 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 in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0785. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0785; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267–9167; email hal.jensen@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA issued AD 2021–16–02, Amendment 39–21663 (86 FR 46771, August 20, 2021) (AD 2021–16–02), for certain Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. AD 2021–16–02 required inspecting the locking safety mechanism of the LH side stairway door handle and depending on the results, corrective action. AD 2021– 16–02 also required modifying that locking safety mechanism. AD 2021–16–02 was prompted by EASA AD 2020–0087, dated April 15, 2020 (EASA AD 2020–0087), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters (AH), formerly Eurocopter, Eurocopter France, Aerospatiale, Sud Aviation, Model SA330J, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters, if equipped with an LH side stairway door, except helicopters modified in accordance with AH modification (MOD) 07 28281 (AS 332, EC 225) or MOD 07 27338 (SA 330). EASA issued EASA AD 2020–0087 to supersede EASA Emergency AD 2014–0241–E, dated November 4, 2014 (EASA AD 2014–0241–E). E:\FR\FM\27SER1.SGM 27SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 184 (Monday, September 27, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53195-53197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20825]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0505; Project Identifier 2018-SW-004-AD; Amendment 
39-21721; AD 2021-19-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was 
prompted by reports of spurious in-flight disconnections of the 
automatic flight control system (AFCS). This AD requires updating 
certain ``Primus Epic'' system software, as specified in a European 
Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) 
(EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 1, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 1, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone 
+49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material 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 
in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0505.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0505; 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 
EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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 [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0002, dated January 4, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0002) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Leonardo S.p.a. 
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on July 7, 2021 (86 FR 35690). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of spurious in-flight disconnections of the AFCS. The NPRM 
proposed to require updating certain ``Primus Epic'' system software, 
as specified in EASA AD 2018-0002.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address spurious degradation or 
unavailability of the full AFCS. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in temporary impairment of the automated flight 
aid for control of the helicopter and increase the flightcrew's 
workload. See EASA AD 2018-0002 for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Except for minor editorial 
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the 
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Accordingly, 
the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

[[Page 53196]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2018-0002 requires installation of certain ``Primus Epic'' 
system software, depending on the helicopter configuration. EASA AD 
2018-0002 allows installation of ``Primus Epic'' system software on a 
helicopter after that helicopter has had the software upgrade 
installed.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 128 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Software upgrade......................  24 work-hours x $85 per               $0          $2,040        $261,120
                                         hour = $2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all 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 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:

    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:

2021-19-03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21721; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0505; Project Identifier 2018-SW-004-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 1, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (2) of this AD, equipped with ``Primus Epic'' system 
software release 7.4 (Phase 7 V1), 7.7 (Phase 7 V3) or 7.10 (Phase 7 
V4).
    (1) Model AB139 and AW19 helicopters having serial number (S/N) 
31005, 31006, and S/Ns 31008 through 31157 inclusive; and S/Ns 41001 
through 41023 inclusive.
    (2) Model AW139 helicopters having S/N 31201 and subsequent, and 
S/N 41201 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2200, Auto Flight 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of spurious in-flight 
disconnections of the automatic flight control system (AFCS). The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address spurious degradation or 
unavailability of the full AFCS. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in temporary impairment of the automated 
flight aid for control of the helicopter and increase the 
flightcrew's workload.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0002, dated January 4, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0002).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0002

    (1) Where EASA AD 2018-0002 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2018-0002 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0002 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-
0002 specifies to download an option file from a certain website, 
that method of installation is not required by this AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0002 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) 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 (k) of 
this AD.

[[Page 53197]]

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.

(k) Related Information

    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 [email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0002, dated 
January 4, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2018-0002, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. This material may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0505.
    (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-20825 Filed 9-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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