Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 57567-57569 [2021-22470]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(15) This AD does not require the
‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2020–0197.
(i) 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 (j) 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.
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.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
(k) 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) AD 2020–0197, dated September 10,
2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020–0197, 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–2021–0612.
(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.
16:35 Oct 15, 2021
[FR Doc. 2021–22471 Filed 10–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0608; Project
Identifier 2019–SW–119–AD; Amendment
39–21750; AD 2021–20–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
(j) Related Information
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Issued on September 23, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
Jkt 256001
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139,
AB412, and AB412 EP helicopters. This
AD was prompted by failure of an
Emergency Flotation System (EFS) float
compartment to inflate during
maintenance of the EFS. This AD
requires inspecting certain EFSs and
depending on the results, marking
certain parts or removing certain parts
from service, as specified in a 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 publication listed in this AD
as of November 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000;
email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. For Leonardo
Helicopters and Safran material
identified in this final rule, contact
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele
Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale
G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di
Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–
0331–225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or
at https://
customerportal.leonardocompany.com/
en-US/. You may view this material at
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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57567
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. The EASA material
is also available in the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0608.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0608; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, any comments received, and
other information. The 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:
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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2019–0311, dated December 19, 2019
(EASA AD 2019–0311), to correct an
unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A.,
formerly Finmeccanica Helicopter
Division, AgustaWestland, Agusta
S.p.A., Model AB139, AW139, AB412,
and AB412EP 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, AW139, AB412, and AB412EP
helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on July 30, 2021 (86 FR
40962). The NPRM was prompted by
failure of an EFS float compartment to
inflate during maintenance of the EFS.
The NPRM proposed to require
inspecting each EFS supply hose and
depending on the results, re-identifying
or removing the EFS supply hose from
service, as specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
a blocked float supply hose. See EASA
AD 2019–0311 for additional
background information.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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 and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019–0311 specifies
inspecting certain EFSs and depending
on the results, re-identifying the float
supply hose with a green heat
shrinkable sleeve if the float supply
hose passes an inspection, or replacing
the float supply hose with a serviceable
float supply hose. EASA AD 2019–0311
also prohibits installing a float supply
hose unless it passes the inspection and
is re-identified.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Safran Service
Bulletin 025–69–19, Revision 00, dated
November 22, 2019 (SB 025–69–19),
which is attached as Annex A to
Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. 139–610 and
Emergency ASB No. 412–157, each
dated December 17, 2019. SB 025–69–19
specifies procedures for inspecting for
blockage through the float supply hoses
of the EFS inflation system.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
EASA AD 2019–0311 requires
inspecting each affected part in Group A
within 400 flight hours (FH) or 12
months, whichever occurs first, whereas
this AD requires inspecting each
affected part in that group within 100
hours time-in-service instead. EASA AD
2019–0311 requires inspecting each
affected part in Group C within 300 FH
or during the next scheduled ‘‘18
months’’ inspection, whichever occurs
first, whereas this AD requires
inspecting each affected part in that
group within 15 hours time-in-service
instead to address the unsafe condition
as soon as practical as there are no
Group C aircraft registered in the U.S.;
the proposed compliance time matches
those same model aircraft found in
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Oct 15, 2021
Jkt 256001
Group D. Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019–0311
specifies ‘‘operator able to perform the
EFS maintenance in accordance with
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) or
Aircraft Maintenance Publication (AMP)
can perform the procedure defined in
this Service Bulletin,’’ this AD requires
that the work be accomplished by a
mechanic that meets the requirements of
14 CFR part 65 subpart D. Where EASA
AD 2019–0311 specifies replacing an
affected float supply hose that fails the
inspection, this AD requires removing
the float supply hose from service
instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 129 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
Labor rates are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Based on these numbers, the
FAA estimates that operators may incur
the following costs in order to comply
with this AD.
Inspecting each EFS supply hose
takes about 0.25 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $21 per hose. Reidentifying each EFS supply hose would
take a minimal amount of time at a
nominal cost.
Replacing an EFS supply hose takes
up to 8 work-hours and parts cost
between $2,500 and $9,500 for a set of
float supply hoses, for an estimated cost
of up to $10,180 per helicopter.
According to Safran’s service
information, some of the costs of this
AD may be covered under warranty,
thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not
control warranty coverage by Safran;
accordingly, all costs are included in
this cost estimate.
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.
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Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
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:
■
2021–20–12 Leonardo S.p.a: Amendment
39–21750; Docket No. FAA–2021–0608;
Project Identifier 2019–SW–119–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
AB139, AW139, AB412, and AB412 EP
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
an affected part as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2019–0311, dated December 19, 2019 (EASA
AD 2019–0311), installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code: 3212, Emergency Flotation Section.
E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM
18OCR1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 198 / Monday, October 18, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by failure of an
Emergency Flotation System (EFS) float
compartment to inflate during maintenance
of the EFS. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address a blocked float supply hose. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in partial inflation of an EFS float
during an emergency landing on water and
subsequently preventing a timely egress from
the helicopter, which could result in injury
to 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 2019–0311.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0311
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0311 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2019–0311 requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019–
0311 requires inspecting each affected part
within the compliance time specified in
Table 2 of its AD, this AD requires:
(i) Inspecting each affected part in Group
A within 100 hours TIS after the effective
date of this AD.
(ii) Inspecting each affected part in Group
C within 15 hours TIS after the effective date
of this AD.
(4) Where the service information
referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD
2019–0311 specifies ‘‘operator able to
perform the EFS maintenance in accordance
with Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) or
Aircraft Maintenance Publication (AMP) can
perform the procedure defined in this Service
Bulletin,’’ this AD requires that the work be
accomplished by a mechanic that meets the
requirements of 14 CFR part 65 subpart D.
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019–
0311 specifies replacing an EFS supply hose
that fails the inspection, this AD requires
removing the hose from service.
(6) This AD does not require the
‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2019–0311.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019–0311 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Oct 15, 2021
Jkt 256001
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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0460; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01620–R; Amendment
39–21744; AD 2021–20–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
(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.
(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) AD 2019–0311, dated December 19,
2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2019–0311, 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 at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0608.
(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 20, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–22470 Filed 10–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
PO 00000
57569
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Model AS355E, AS355F,
AS355F1, and AS355F2 helicopters.
This AD was prompted by multiple
fatigue cracks in power turbine (PT) 3rd
stage wheels. This AD requires revising
the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual
(RFM) for your helicopter and installing
a placard. 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 documents listed in this AD
as of November 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For Airbus Helicopters
service information identified in this
final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters,
2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie,
TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or
(800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or
at https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/
services/technical-support.html. For
Rolls-Royce service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South
Meridian Street, Mail Code NB–01–06,
Indianapolis, IN 46225; telephone (317)
230–1667; email: CMSEindyOSD@rollsroyce.com; or at https://www.rollsroyce.com. You may view the referenced
service information at the FAA, Office
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–
5110. Service information that is
incorporated by reference is also
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0460.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0460; or in person at Docket
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57567-57569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22470]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0608; Project Identifier 2019-SW-119-AD; Amendment
39-21750; AD 2021-20-12]
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, AW139, AB412, and AB412 EP
helicopters. This AD was prompted by failure of an Emergency Flotation
System (EFS) float compartment to inflate during maintenance of the
EFS. This AD requires inspecting certain EFSs and depending on the
results, marking certain parts or removing certain parts from service,
as specified in a 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 publication listed in this AD as of November 22,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For EASA 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 find this material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Leonardo Helicopters and Safran material
identified in this final rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters,
Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017
C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-
0331-229046; or at https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/.
You may view 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. The EASA material is also available in the AD docket
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0608.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0608; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The 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: 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 [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0311, dated December 19, 2019
(EASA AD 2019-0311), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo
S.p.A., formerly Finmeccanica Helicopter Division, AgustaWestland,
Agusta S.p.A., Model AB139, AW139, AB412, and AB412EP 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, AW139, AB412, and AB412EP helicopters. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on July 30, 2021 (86 FR 40962). The NPRM was
prompted by failure of an EFS float compartment to inflate during
maintenance of the EFS. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting each
EFS supply hose and depending on the results, re-identifying or
removing the EFS supply hose from service, as specified in an EASA AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a blocked float supply hose.
See EASA AD 2019-0311 for additional background information.
[[Page 57568]]
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
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0311 specifies inspecting certain EFSs and depending
on the results, re-identifying the float supply hose with a green heat
shrinkable sleeve if the float supply hose passes an inspection, or
replacing the float supply hose with a serviceable float supply hose.
EASA AD 2019-0311 also prohibits installing a float supply hose unless
it passes the inspection and is re-identified.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Safran Service Bulletin 025-69-19, Revision 00,
dated November 22, 2019 (SB 025-69-19), which is attached as Annex A to
Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 139-610 and
Emergency ASB No. 412-157, each dated December 17, 2019. SB 025-69-19
specifies procedures for inspecting for blockage through the float
supply hoses of the EFS inflation system.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2019-0311 requires inspecting each affected part in Group A
within 400 flight hours (FH) or 12 months, whichever occurs first,
whereas this AD requires inspecting each affected part in that group
within 100 hours time-in-service instead. EASA AD 2019-0311 requires
inspecting each affected part in Group C within 300 FH or during the
next scheduled ``18 months'' inspection, whichever occurs first,
whereas this AD requires inspecting each affected part in that group
within 15 hours time-in-service instead to address the unsafe condition
as soon as practical as there are no Group C aircraft registered in the
U.S.; the proposed compliance time matches those same model aircraft
found in Group D. Where the service information referenced in EASA AD
2019-0311 specifies ``operator able to perform the EFS maintenance in
accordance with Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) or Aircraft
Maintenance Publication (AMP) can perform the procedure defined in this
Service Bulletin,'' this AD requires that the work be accomplished by a
mechanic that meets the requirements of 14 CFR part 65 subpart D. Where
EASA AD 2019-0311 specifies replacing an affected float supply hose
that fails the inspection, this AD requires removing the float supply
hose from service instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 129 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD.
Inspecting each EFS supply hose takes about 0.25 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $21 per hose. Re-identifying each EFS supply hose
would take a minimal amount of time at a nominal cost.
Replacing an EFS supply hose takes up to 8 work-hours and parts
cost between $2,500 and $9,500 for a set of float supply hoses, for an
estimated cost of up to $10,180 per helicopter.
According to Safran's service information, some of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage by
Safran; accordingly, all costs are included in this cost estimate.
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:
2021-20-12 Leonardo S.p.a: Amendment 39-21750; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0608; Project Identifier 2019-SW-119-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 AB139, AW139, AB412,
and AB412 EP helicopters, certificated in any category, with an
affected part as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019-0311, dated December 19, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0311),
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency
Flotation Section.
[[Page 57569]]
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by failure of an Emergency Flotation System
(EFS) float compartment to inflate during maintenance of the EFS.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a blocked float supply hose.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in partial
inflation of an EFS float during an emergency landing on water and
subsequently preventing a timely egress from the helicopter, which
could result in injury to 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 2019-0311.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0311
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0311 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2019-0311 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0311 requires inspecting
each affected part within the compliance time specified in Table 2
of its AD, this AD requires:
(i) Inspecting each affected part in Group A within 100 hours
TIS after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) Inspecting each affected part in Group C within 15 hours
TIS after the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2019-0311 specifies ``operator able to perform the EFS
maintenance in accordance with Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) or
Aircraft Maintenance Publication (AMP) can perform the procedure
defined in this Service Bulletin,'' this AD requires that the work
be accomplished by a mechanic that meets the requirements of 14 CFR
part 65 subpart D.
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-0311 specifies replacing
an EFS supply hose that fails the inspection, this AD requires
removing the hose from service.
(6) This AD does not require the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2019-0311.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0311
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 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 [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) AD 2019-0311,
dated December 19, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2019-0311, 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0608.
(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 20, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22470 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
