Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 57579-57581 [2021-22465]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018–0203
(1) Where EASA AD 2018–0203 refers to
flight hours, this AD requires using hours
time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018–0203 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2018–0203.
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0578.
(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.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2018–0203 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Issued on September 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
(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,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228–7323; email
Darren.Gassetto@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 2018–0203, dated September 12,
2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018–0203, 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Oct 15, 2021
Jkt 256001
[FR Doc. 2021–22463 Filed 10–15–21; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0565; Project
Identifier 2018–SW–111–AD; Amendment
39–21743; AD 2021–20–05]
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 certain
Leonardo S.p.a Model AW189
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a report of an incorrect connection of
the inflation hoses to the tee manifolds
of the inflation line on the emergency
flotation system (EFS) assembly. This
AD requires visually inspecting the
yellow sleeves and hoses installed on
each EFS assembly and depending on
the inspection results, accomplishing
the corrective actions in the applicable
service information 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
22, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of November 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, 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 view this
SUMMARY:
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57579
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 on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0565.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0565; 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:
Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance
& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228–7323; email
Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2018–0279,
dated December 14, 2018 (EASA AD
2018–0279), to correct an unsafe
condition for Leonardo S.p.a. (formerly
Finmeccanica Helicopter Division,
AgustaWestland) Model AW189
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
AW189 helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
July 15, 2021 (86 FR 37258). The NPRM
was prompted by a report of a
discrepancy found during a
maintenance inspection related to the
connection of the inflation hoses to the
helicopter tee manifolds. EASA AD
2018–0279 states the yellow sleeve on
the right-hand (RH) aft EFS assembly
was installed on the straight-to-straight
hose instead of the straight-to-45 degree
hose, which caused the two hoses to be
incorrectly connected to the tee
manifolds at the inflation line. The
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
NPRM proposed to require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2018–0279, described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD and
except as discussed under ‘‘Differences
Between this Proposed AD and EASA
AD 2018–0279.’’
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
partial inflation of the flotation bags
which could prevent a timely egress
from the helicopter and consequent
injury to helicopter occupants. See
EASA AD 2018–0279 for additional
background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA reviewed
the relevant data and determined that
air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018–0279 requires a visual
inspection of each affected EFS
assembly for correct installation of the
yellow sleeves and proper connection of
the inflation hoses to the float assembly
and the bottle assembly. Depending on
these inspection results, if an incorrect
installation of the yellow sleeve or an
incorrect connection of the inflation
hoses is detected, EASA AD 2018–0279
requires, before next flight, removing
incorrectly installed yellow sleeves, and
incorrectly installed hoses, restoring
markings on re-installed yellow sleeves,
and re-connecting or re-installing hoses
in accordance with the applicable
service information. EASA AD 2018–
0279 also prohibits installing any
affected EFS assembly on any
helicopter.
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Oct 15, 2021
Jkt 256001
Differences Between This AD and EASA
AD 2018–0279
EASA AD 2018–0279 applies to
Model AW189 helicopters, all serial
numbers (S/Ns), whereas this AD only
applies to Model AW189 helicopters
with EFS assemblies having certain
part-numbered aft assemblies with
certain S/Ns installed.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 4 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.
Visually inspecting each EFS
assembly takes about 0.75 work-hours
for an estimated cost of $64 per
inspection and $260 for the U.S. fleet.
Performing the corrective actions on
each EFS assembly takes about 1.25
work-hours for an estimated cost of
$113 per EFS assembly.
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,
PO 00000
Frm 00052
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
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:
■
2021–20–05 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment
39–21743; Docket No. FAA–2021–0565;
Project Identifier 2018–SW–111–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective November 22, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AW189 helicopters, certificated in any
category, with an affected emergency
flotation system (EFS) assembly as defined in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2018–0279, dated December 14,
2018 (EASA AD 2018–0279).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3212, Emergency Flotation Section;
2560, Emergency Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an
incorrect connection of the inflation hoses to
the tee manifolds of the inflation line on the
EFS assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD
to detect incorrect installation of the inflation
hoses on the EFS assembly. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
partial inflation of the flotation bags in a
ditching event, preventing a timely egress
from the helicopter and consequent injury to
the helicopter occupants.
(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 2018–0279.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018–0279
(1) Where EASA AD 2018–0279 requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018–0279 requires
compliance from its effective date, this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information required
by EASA AD 2018–0279 specifies recording
compliance with the service bulletin in the
helicopter logbook, this AD does not include
that requirement.
(4) Where EASA AD 2018–0279 identifies
all Model AW189 helicopters, all serial
numbers in the applicability, this AD is only
applicable to Model AW189 with an affected
EFS assembly as defined in the definitions
paragraph of the EASA AD.
(5) This AD does not require the
‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2018–0279.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2018–0279 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.
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.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228–7323; email
Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov.
(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2018–0279, dated December 14,
2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018–0279, contact the
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Oct 15, 2021
Jkt 256001
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.
(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 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 September 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–22465 Filed 10–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket Number USCG–2021–0789]
RIN 1625–AA00
Safety Zone; Oaks Park Halloween
Fireworks Display, Willamette River,
Portland, OR
Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security (DHS).
ACTION: Temporary final rule.
AGENCY:
The Coast Guard is
establishing a temporary safety zone for
all navigable waters, surface to bottom,
within a 500-yard radius of a fireworks
display on the Willamette River near
Oaks Amusement Park on SE Oaks Park
Way for the Oaks Park Halloween
Fireworks Display in Portland, OR on
October 31, 2021. This action is
necessary to provide for the safety of life
on navigable waters during fireworks
display. Entry of vessels or persons,
transiting though, mooring, or anchoring
within the safety zone is prohibited
unless authorized by the Captain of the
Port Sector Columbia River (COTP) or a
designated representative.
DATES: This rule is effective from 6:30
p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 31, 2021.
ADDRESSES: To view documents
mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to https://
www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2021–
0789 in the search box and click
‘‘Search.’’ Next, in the Document Type
SUMMARY:
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57581
column, select ‘‘Supporting & Related
Material.’’
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this rule, call or
email LCDR Sean Morrison, Waterways
Management Division, Marine Safety
Unit Portland, Coast Guard; telephone
503–240–9319, email D13-SMBMSUPortlandWWM@uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
§ Section
U.S.C. United States Code
II. Background Information and
Regulatory History
The Coast Guard is issuing this
temporary rule without prior notice and
opportunity to comment pursuant to
authority under section 4(a) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision
authorizes an agency to issue a rule
without prior notice and opportunity to
comment when the agency for good
cause finds that those procedures are
‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest.’’ Under 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that
good cause exists for not publishing a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
with respect to this rule because request
date of the fireworks display safety zone
was July 28, 2021 which is less than the
135 day requirement for establishing a
safety zone. It is impracticable to
publish an NPRM because we must
establish this safety zone by October 31,
2021, and lack sufficient time to provide
a reasonable comment period and then
consider those comments before issuing
the rule.
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast
Guard finds that good cause exists for
making this rule effective less than 30
days after publication in the Federal
Register. Delaying the effective date of
this rule would be contraty to the public
interest because immediate action is
needed to respond to the potential
safety created by the fireworks display.
The COTP or a designated
representative will inform the public of
the enforcement times and date for this
safety zone through Broadcast Notices to
Mariners, Local Notices to Mariners,
and/or Safety Marine Information
Broadcasts as appropriate.
III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule
under authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034
(previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). The
Captain of the Port Sector Columbia
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57579-57581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22465]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0565; Project Identifier 2018-SW-111-AD; Amendment
39-21743; AD 2021-20-05]
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 AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a report of an incorrect connection of the inflation hoses to the tee
manifolds of the inflation line on the emergency flotation system (EFS)
assembly. This AD requires visually inspecting the yellow sleeves and
hoses installed on each EFS assembly and depending on the inspection
results, accomplishing the corrective actions in the applicable service
information 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 22, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of November 22,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
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 view 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0565.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0565; 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: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0279, dated December 14, 2018
(EASA AD 2018-0279), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a.
(formerly Finmeccanica Helicopter Division, AgustaWestland) Model AW189
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 AW189 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
July 15, 2021 (86 FR 37258). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a
discrepancy found during a maintenance inspection related to the
connection of the inflation hoses to the helicopter tee manifolds. EASA
AD 2018-0279 states the yellow sleeve on the right-hand (RH) aft EFS
assembly was installed on the straight-to-straight hose instead of the
straight-to-45 degree hose, which caused the two hoses to be
incorrectly connected to the tee manifolds at the inflation line. The
[[Page 57580]]
NPRM proposed to require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2018-0279, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD and except as discussed under ``Differences Between
this Proposed AD and EASA AD 2018-0279.''
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent partial inflation of the
flotation bags which could prevent a timely egress from the helicopter
and consequent injury to helicopter occupants. See EASA AD 2018-0279
for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018-0279 requires a visual inspection of each affected EFS
assembly for correct installation of the yellow sleeves and proper
connection of the inflation hoses to the float assembly and the bottle
assembly. Depending on these inspection results, if an incorrect
installation of the yellow sleeve or an incorrect connection of the
inflation hoses is detected, EASA AD 2018-0279 requires, before next
flight, removing incorrectly installed yellow sleeves, and incorrectly
installed hoses, restoring markings on re-installed yellow sleeves, and
re-connecting or re-installing hoses in accordance with the applicable
service information. EASA AD 2018-0279 also prohibits installing any
affected EFS assembly on any helicopter.
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.
Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2018-0279
EASA AD 2018-0279 applies to Model AW189 helicopters, all serial
numbers (S/Ns), whereas this AD only applies to Model AW189 helicopters
with EFS assemblies having certain part-numbered aft assemblies with
certain S/Ns installed.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4 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.
Visually inspecting each EFS assembly takes about 0.75 work-hours
for an estimated cost of $64 per inspection and $260 for the U.S.
fleet.
Performing the corrective actions on each EFS assembly takes about
1.25 work-hours for an estimated cost of $113 per EFS assembly.
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:
2021-20-05 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21743; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0565; Project Identifier 2018-SW-111-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with an affected emergency flotation
system (EFS) assembly as defined in European Aviation Safety Agency
(now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0279,
dated December 14, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0279).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency
Flotation Section; 2560, Emergency Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect connection of
the inflation hoses to the tee manifolds of the inflation line on
the EFS assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect incorrect
installation of the inflation hoses on the EFS assembly. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in partial inflation of
the flotation bags in a ditching event, preventing a timely egress
from the helicopter and consequent injury to the helicopter
occupants.
(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 2018-0279.
[[Page 57581]]
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0279
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 requires compliance from its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(3) Where the service information required by EASA AD 2018-0279
specifies recording compliance with the service bulletin in the
helicopter logbook, this AD does not include that requirement.
(4) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 identifies all Model AW189
helicopters, all serial numbers in the applicability, this AD is
only applicable to Model AW189 with an affected EFS assembly as
defined in the definitions paragraph of the EASA AD.
(5) This AD does not require the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2018-0279.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0279
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. 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 Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., 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 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) European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0279, dated December 14, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018-0279, 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
material 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.
(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 September 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22465 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
