Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 53189-53192 [2021-20826]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 184 / Monday, September 27, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
sanding). The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in fatigue cracks and
fracture of the tail rotor slider assembly,
resulting in failure of the tail rotor controls
and consequent loss of yaw control of the
helicopter.
(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, EASA AD 2018–0292.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018–0292
(1) Where EASA AD 2018–0292 refers to
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using
hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018–0292 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2018–0292 refers to
‘‘Part I of the ASB,’’ this AD requires using
‘‘Part I of section 3., Accomplishment
Instructions of the ASB,’’ and where EASA
AD 2018–0292 refers to ‘‘Part II of the ASB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘Part II of section 3.,
Accomplishment Instructions of the ASB.’’.
(4) Where the service information referred
to in EASA AD 2018–0292 specifies to return
certain parts, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(5) Where the service information referred
to in EASA AD 2018–0292 specifies to
contact Leonardo S.p.a. ‘‘if in doubt’’
regarding if a tail rotor slider assembly needs
to be replaced based on evidence of corrosion
craters, replacement of an affected slider
assembly is required by this AD but
contacting Leonardo S.p.a. is not required by
this AD.
(6) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2018–0292 does not apply to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2018–0292 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
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(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
16:20 Sep 24, 2021
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(l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2018–0292, dated December 28,
2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018–0292, 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
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–2021–0507.
(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 26, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–20827 Filed 9–24–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k) 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228–7330; email
andrea.jimenez@faa.gov.
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0724; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00321–R; Amendment
39–21723; AD 2021–19–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
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The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and
AB412 EP helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of a cracked hoist
support assembly having a certain part
number. This AD requires a one-time
inspection of the hoist support assembly
and, depending on the findings,
replacement with a serviceable part, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD,
which is incorporated by reference. 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 October 12, 2021.
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 EASA 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 IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view the EASA 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 the EASA material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110. The EASA
material is also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0724.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
PO 00000
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You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0724; 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
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AD, the EASA AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
FAA, Operational Safety Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516)
228–7323; email Darren.Gassetto@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA
Emergency AD 2021–0072–E, dated
March 12, 2021 (EASA Emergency AD
2021–0072–E) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a.
(formerly AgustaWestland S.p.A.,
Agusta S.p.A., and Costruzioni
Aeronautiche Giovanni Agusta) Model
AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters, all
serial numbers.
This AD was prompted by a report of
a cracked hoist support assembly having
part number (P/N) 212–8800–02–1 on a
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 military
helicopter. The investigation is still ongoing. This same part is installed on
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 civil
helicopters. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address cracking in a hoist support
assembly which, if not addressed, could
affect the structural integrity of the hoist
support assembly, leading to in-flight
detachment of the hoist assembly, and
possibly resulting in damage to, and
reduced control of, the helicopter. See
the MCAI for additional background
information.
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Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA Emergency AD 2021–0072–E
specifies procedures for a one-time
inspection of any hoist support
assembly having P/N 212–8800–02–1
for cracking and, depending on the
findings, replacement with a serviceable
part. EASA Emergency AD 2021–0072–
E also specifies reporting the inspection
results to Leonardo S.p.a.
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.
FAA’s Determination
These products have been approved
by the aviation authority of another
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country, and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the State
of Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all pertinent information and
determining that the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop
on other products of these same type
designs.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the
actions specified in EASA Emergency
AD 2021–0072–E, described previously,
as incorporated by reference, except for
any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with
Airbus and EASA to develop a process
to use certain EASA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding
FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers
and civil aviation authorities to use this
process. As a result, EASA Emergency
AD 2021–0072–E is incorporated by
reference in this FAA final rule. This
AD, therefore, requires compliance with
EASA Emergency AD 2021–0072–E in
its entirety, through that incorporation,
except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this
AD. Using common terms that are the
same as the heading of a particular
section in the EASA AD does not mean
that operators need comply only with
that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service
information specified in EASA
Emergency AD 2021–0072–E that is
required for compliance with EASA
Emergency AD 2021–0072–E is
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0724.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim
action. If final action is later identified,
the FAA might consider further
rulemaking then.
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Justification for Immediate Adoption
and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies
to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency,
for ‘‘good cause’’ finds that those
procedures are ‘‘impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.’’ Under this section, an agency,
upon finding good cause, may issue a
final rule without providing notice and
seeking comment prior to issuance.
Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules
effective in less than thirty days, upon
a finding of good cause.
There are currently no domestic
operators of these products. Therefore,
the FAA finds that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment
are unnecessary pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the
foregoing reason, the FAA finds that
good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(d) for making this amendment
effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2021–0724; Project Identifier MCAI–
2021–00321–R’’ at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the AD,
explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this AD 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 AD.
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 AD contain
commercial or financial information
that is customarily treated as private,
that you actually treat as private, and
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that is relevant or responsive to this AD,
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 AD. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program
Management Section, FAA, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228–7323; email
Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that
is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
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 Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not
apply when an agency finds good cause
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule
without prior notice and comment.
Because the FAA has determined that it
has good cause to adopt this rule
without notice and comment, RFA
analysis is not required.
Regulatory Findings
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Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with
this AD because there are no helicopters
with this type certificate on the U.S.
Registry.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid
OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information
required by this AD is 2120–0056. The
paperwork cost associated with this AD
has been detailed in the Costs of
Compliance section of this document
and includes time for reviewing
instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177–
1524.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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The FAA determined that this AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This 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 above, I
certify this regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
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:
■
2021–19–05 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment
39–21723; Docket No. FAA–2021–0724;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00321–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective October 12, 2021.
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53191
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a.
Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Codes 2500, Cabin Equipment/Furnishings;
2550, Cargo Compartments.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
cracked hoist support assembly on a
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 military
helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address cracking in a hoist support assembly
which, if not addressed, could affect the
structural integrity of the hoist support
assembly, leading to in-flight detachment of
the hoist assembly, and possibly resulting in
damage to, and reduced control of, the
helicopter.
(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 Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2021–
0072–E, dated March 12, 2021 (EASA
Emergency AD 2021–0072–E).
(h) Exceptions to EASA Emergency AD 2021–
0072–E
(1) Where EASA Emergency AD 2021–
0072–E refers to its effective date, this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not require the
‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA Emergency AD
2021–0072–E.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199
to operate the helicopter to a location where
the helicopter can be modified (if the
operator elects to do so), provided the hoist
is not used until the inspection and any
applicable corrective actions specified in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA Emergency
AD 2021–0072–E are completed.
(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.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
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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 Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, FAA,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228–7323; email
Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) Emergency AD 2021–0072–E, dated
March 12, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA Emergency AD 2021–0072–
E, 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 service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0724.
(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.
[FR Doc. 2021–20826 Filed 9–24–21; 8:45 am]
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0721; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00616–R; Amendment
39–21713; AD 2021–18–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; PZL Swidnik
S.A. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
Issued on August 31, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
PZL Swidnik S.A. Model PZL W–3A
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a report of fractured hoist carrying
assembly bracket (bracket) bolts. This
AD requires repetitively inspecting the
sealing compound of certain partnumbered brackets, and depending on
the results, removing the hoist or
removing the hardware from service and
installing new hardware. As an option
to replacing the bolts, this AD allows
deactivating the hoist, turning the
circuit breaker panel switches to the
OFF position, installing inoperative
placards on the circuit breaker panel
switches, and before each flight,
inspecting the sealing compound. This
AD also establishes a life limit for the
bracket bolts, and prohibits installing an
affected hoist or an affected bracket and
hoist unless the actions required by this
AD have been accomplished. 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 document listed in this AD
as of October 12, 2021.
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.
SUMMARY:
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For service information identified in
this final rule, contact WSK ‘‘PZLS´widnik’’ S.A., Al. Lotniko´w Polskich 1,
21–045 S´widnik, Poland; telephone
(+48) 81722 5716; fax (+48) 81722 5625;
email: PL-CustomerSupport.AW@
leonardocompany.com; or at https://
www.pzlswidnik.pl/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. It is also available
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0721.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0721; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD
2019–0191–E, dated July 31, 2019
(EASA Emergency AD 2019–0191–E), to
correct an unsafe condition for
Wytwo´rnia Sprze˛tu Komunikacyjnego
(WSK) ‘‘PZL-S´widnik’’ Spo´5ka Akcyjna
(S.A.) Model PZL W–3A helicopters.
EASA advises of a report of fractured
bracket bolts. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in detachment
of the bracket resulting in movement of
the hoist carrying assembly around the
axis of the remaining two lower
brackets, and subsequent damage to the
helicopter and loss of hoisted load or
person(s).
Accordingly, EASA Emergency AD
2019–0191–E requires repetitive
inspections of the sealing compound
around the affected brackets and,
depending on the findings,
accomplishing applicable corrective
actions. EASA Emergency AD 2019–
E:\FR\FM\27SER1.SGM
27SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 184 (Monday, September 27, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53189-53192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20826]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0724; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00321-R;
Amendment 39-21723; AD 2021-19-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of a cracked hoist support assembly having a
certain part number. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the
hoist support assembly and, depending on the findings, replacement with
a serviceable part, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) Emergency AD, which is incorporated by reference. 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 October 12,
2021.
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 EASA 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 IBR material on the EASA website
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view the EASA 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 the EASA material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. The
EASA material is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0724.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0724; 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
[[Page 53190]]
AD, the EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, FAA, Operational Safety Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2021-0072-E, dated March
12, 2021 (EASA Emergency AD 2021-0072-E) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a. (formerly
AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A., and Costruzioni Aeronautiche
Giovanni Agusta) Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters, all serial
numbers.
This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked hoist support
assembly having part number (P/N) 212-8800-02-1 on a Leonardo S.p.a.
Model AB412 military helicopter. The investigation is still on-going.
This same part is installed on Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 civil
helicopters. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in a hoist
support assembly which, if not addressed, could affect the structural
integrity of the hoist support assembly, leading to in-flight
detachment of the hoist assembly, and possibly resulting in damage to,
and reduced control of, the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA Emergency AD 2021-0072-E specifies procedures for a one-time
inspection of any hoist support assembly having P/N 212-8800-02-1 for
cracking and, depending on the findings, replacement with a serviceable
part. EASA Emergency AD 2021-0072-E also specifies reporting the
inspection results to Leonardo S.p.a.
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.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country, and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design
Authority, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all pertinent information and determining that the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of
these same type designs.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA
Emergency AD 2021-0072-E, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities to use this process. As a result, EASA Emergency AD 2021-
0072-E is incorporated by reference in this FAA final rule. This AD,
therefore, requires compliance with EASA Emergency AD 2021-0072-E in
its entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using
common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section
in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all required
actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA
Emergency AD 2021-0072-E that is required for compliance with EASA
Emergency AD 2021-0072-E is available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0724.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
There are currently no domestic operators of these products.
Therefore, the FAA finds that notice and opportunity for prior public
comment are unnecessary pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition,
for the foregoing reason, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0724; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-00321-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for
any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
AD 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 AD.
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 AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and
[[Page 53191]]
that is relevant or responsive to this AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing
CBI should be sent to Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program
Management Section, FAA, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email [email protected]. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt
this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no
helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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 AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This 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 above, I certify this regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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:
2021-19-05 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21723; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0724; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00321-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 12,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Codes 2500, Cabin
Equipment/Furnishings; 2550, Cargo Compartments.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked hoist support
assembly on a Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 military helicopter. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in a hoist support
assembly which, if not addressed, could affect the structural
integrity of the hoist support assembly, leading to in-flight
detachment of the hoist assembly, and possibly resulting in damage
to, and reduced control of, the helicopter.
(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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Emergency AD 2021-0072-E, dated March 12, 2021 (EASA Emergency AD
2021-0072-E).
(h) Exceptions to EASA Emergency AD 2021-0072-E
(1) Where EASA Emergency AD 2021-0072-E refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not require the ``Remarks'' section of EASA
Emergency AD 2021-0072-E.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
helicopter can be modified (if the operator elects to do so),
provided the hoist is not used until the inspection and any
applicable corrective actions specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of
EASA Emergency AD 2021-0072-E are completed.
(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. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector,
[[Page 53192]]
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 Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, FAA, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7323;
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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD
2021-0072-E, dated March 12, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA Emergency AD 2021-0072-E, 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 service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0724.
(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 31, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-20826 Filed 9-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
