Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 67309-67312 [2021-25691]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 225 / Friday, November 26, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions
Within 200 hours time-in-service (TIS) or
within 12 months, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD, prepare the
airplane and gain access in accordance with
steps 1 through 7 of the Accomplishment
Instructions in ASI Aviation Service Bulletin
No. F406–62, Revision 01, dated December
14, 2018 (SB F406–62R1), and inspect each
avionics bus CB switch part number (P/N)
CM3589–50 to identify the date code.
(1) If a CB switch does not have a date
code, before further flight, remove the CB
switch from service and install CB switch
P/N 4061–2400–1 in accordance with steps 9
through 14 of the Accomplishment
Instructions in SB F406–62R1.
(2) If a CB switch has a date code earlier
than 0434, before the CB switch exceeds
1,000 hours TIS since first installation on an
airplane, remove the CB switch from service
and install CB switch P/N 4061–2400–1 in
accordance with steps 9 through 14 of the
Accomplishment Instructions in SB F406–
62R1.
(3) If a CB switch has a date code 0434 or
later, before the CB switch exceeds 6 years
since first installation on an airplane or
within 12 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, remove the
CB switch from service and install CB switch
P/N 4061–2400–1 in accordance with steps 9
through 14 of the Accomplishment
Instructions in SB F406–62R1.
(h) Replacements
Within 200 hours TIS or within 12 months,
whichever occurs first after the effective date
of this AD, remove each CB switch P/N
CM3589–20 from service, re-identify the CB
panel, and install CB switches with P/N
406E2450–00000–100 in accordance with
Part 1, steps 1 through 13, of the
Accomplishment Instructions in ASI
Aviation Service Bulletin No. F406–90, dated
December 14, 2018 (SB F406–90).
(i) Life Limit
Before exceeding 6 years since first
installation on an airplane and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 6 years, remove each
CB switch P/N 4061–2400–1 and P/N
406E2450–00000–100 from service and
replace it in accordance with steps 9 through
14 of the Accomplishment Instructions in SB
F406–62R1 or Part 1, steps 1 through 13, of
the Accomplishment Instructions in SB
F406–90, as applicable.
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(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not
install a CB switch P/N CM3589–50 or P/N
CM3589–20 on any airplane.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions
required by paragraph (g) of this AD if you
performed those actions before the effective
date of this AD using Reims Aviation
Industries Service Bulletin No. F406–62,
dated March 8, 2006.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, has the authority to approve AMOCs
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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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (m)(1) of
this AD or email: 9-AVS-AIR-730-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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Gregory Johnson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, International Validation Section,
FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
MO 64106–2641; phone: (720) 626–5462;
email: gregory.johnson@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0015, dated
January 29, 2019, for more information. You
may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0714.
(3) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (n)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(n) 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) ASI Aviation Service Bulletin No. F406–
62, Revision 01, dated December 14, 2018.
(ii) ASI Aviation Service Bulletin No.
F406–90, dated December 14, 2018.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact ASI Aviation, Ae´rodrome de
Reims Prunay, 51360 Prunay, France;
telephone: +33 3 26 48 46 84; fax: +33 3 26
49 18 57; email: contact@asi-aviation.fr;
website: https://asi-aviation.fr/pageAccueil.html.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329–4148.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on October 22, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–25688 Filed 11–24–21; 8:45 am]
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67309
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0461; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00156–R; Amendment
39–21775; AD 2021–22–02]
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 all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and
AW139 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report of a short circuit
caused by chafing of the electrical
wiring in the overhead panel. This AD
requires an initial detailed inspection
inside the overhead panel for certain
helicopters, repetitive detailed
inspections inside the overhead panel
for all helicopters, and corrective
actions if necessary, 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 January 3,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of January 3, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49
221 8999 000; email: ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
material on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 817–222–5110. It is also
available in the AD docket on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0461.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0461; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 225 / Friday, November 26, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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:
Jacob Fitch, Aerospace Engineer, COS
Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance
& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
phone: (817) 222–4130; email:
jacob.fitch@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2021–0044, dated February 5, 2021
(EASA AD 2021–0044) (also referred to
as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139
and AW139 helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 14, 2021 (86 FR 31451).
The NPRM was prompted by a report of
a short circuit caused by chafing of the
electrical wiring in the overhead panel.
The NPRM proposed to require an
initial detailed inspection inside the
overhead panel for certain helicopters,
repetitive detailed inspections inside
the overhead panel for all helicopters,
and corrective actions if necessary, as
specified in EASA AD 2021–0044.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
a short circuit caused by chafing of the
electrical wiring in the overhead panel,
which could cause damaged electrical
wiring, possible fire in the overhead
panel, and loss of control of the
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents
the comment received on the NPRM and
the FAA’s response to each comment.
Request To Include Credit for Later
Service Information
An anonymous commenter requested
that the FAA revise the NPRM to
include a paragraph that allows credit
for the use of a later revision of the
service information referenced in EASA
AD 2021–0044.
The FAA disagrees with the request
because, in this case, credit is
unnecessary. The FAA is incorporating
by reference EASA AD 2021–0044 as the
method for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD. EASA AD 2021–
0044 includes the Ref. Publications
section, which allows the use of later
approved revisions of the service
information referenced in EASA AD
2021–0044. Therefore, no change has
been made to this AD.
helicopters) inside the overhead panel
for chafing of the cable harnesses and
for correct clearance between the anchor
nuts/screws and the cable harnesses, of
the screws for correct length, and of the
supports for sound bonding, and
corrective actions if necessary;
repetitive detailed inspections (for all
helicopters) inside the overhead panel
for the condition of the white protective
tape on the anchor nuts, and for chafing
of the cable harnesses and for correct
clearance between the anchor nuts/
screws and the cable harnesses, and
corrective actions if necessary.
Corrective actions include applying a
white protective tape on the anchor
nuts, replacement of incorrect length
screws, replacement of damaged cables
and fuses, rerouting of cable harnesses,
replacement of supports, and removal
and replacement of the white protective
tape.
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 the
MCAI
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Although EASA AD 2021–0044 and
the service information referenced in
EASA AD 2021–0044 specify to submit
certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that
requirement.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0044 requires an
initial detailed inspection (for certain
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 128 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim
action. If final action is later identified,
the FAA might consider further
rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection for chafing, clearance,
screw length, and bonding.
Repetitive inspections for chafing,
clearance, and tape condition.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85
per inspection cycle.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required based on
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
$85
$0 per
inspection
cycle
$85 per
inspection
cycle
the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
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Cost on U.S.
operators
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$10,880.
$10,880 per inspection cycle.
number of helicopters that might need
these on-condition actions:
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67311
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Replace screws, cables, fuses, supports, and protective tape; reroute harnesses.
Apply protective tape ....................................................
Replace cables, fuses and protective tape ..................
5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 ...........................
$600
$1.025
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...............................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...............................
50
600
135
685
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.
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
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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:
■
2021–22–02 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment
39–21775; Docket No. FAA–2021–0461;
Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00156–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective January 3, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a.
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2400, Electrical Power System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
short circuit caused by chafing of the
electrical wiring in the overhead panel. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address a short
circuit caused by chafing of the electrical
wiring in the overhead panel, which could
cause damaged electrical wiring, possible fire
in the overhead panel, and loss of control of
the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Action
(4) Where paragraphs (3) and (5) of EASA
AD 2021–0044 refer to ‘‘any discrepancy,’’
for this AD, discrepancies include chafing of
the cable harnesses or incorrect clearance
between the anchor nuts/screws and the
cable harnesses, incorrect length of the
screws, inadequately bonded supports, and
poor condition of the white protective tape.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although EASA AD 2021–0044 and the
service information referenced in EASA AD
2021–0044 specify to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) 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 flight
is straight, level, and avoids areas of known
turbulence.
(k) 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 (l) 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.
(l) Related Information
(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) AD 2021–0044, dated
February 5, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0044).
For more information about this AD,
contact Jacob Fitch, Aerospace Engineer, COS
Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222–4130;
email: jacob.fitch@faa.gov.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0044
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0044 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0044 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021–0044 refers to
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using
hours time-in-service.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
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(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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 225 / Friday, November 26, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2021–0044, dated February 5,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0044, contact the
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +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–2021–0461.
(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 October 13, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–25691 Filed 11–24–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0693; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01666–R; Amendment
39–21788; AD 2021–22–15]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L2 and
EC225LP helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a design deficiency. This
AD requires modifying the hoist control
power supply, 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 January 3,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
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Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0693; 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:
Ronnea Derby, Aerospace Engineer,
Denver ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 26805 E
68th Ave., Mail Stop: Room 214,
Denver, CO 80249; telephone (303) 342–
1093; email Ronnea.L.Derby@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of January 3, 2022.
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 find this
material on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also
available in the AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0693.
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2020–0281,
dated December 16, 2020 (EASA AD
2020–0281), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain serial-numbered
Airbus Helicopters (AH), formerly
Eurocopter, Eurocopter France,
Aerospatiale Model AS 332 L2 and EC
225 LP 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 serial-numbered Airbus
Helicopters Model AS332L2 and
EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
August 25, 2021 (86 FR 47420). The
NPRM was prompted by a design
deficiency involving the incorrect
wiring routing of the electrical hoist
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installation. The affected wiring was not
protected by the circuit breaker that was
intended to provide electrical protection
for that wiring. The NPRM proposed to
require modifying the hoist control
power supply, as specified in EASA AD
2020–0281.
The FAA is issuing this AD to correct
the electrical hoist installation wiring
routing. See EASA AD 2020–0281 for
additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The FAA received no
comments on the NPRM or on the
determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data
and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020–0281 requires
modifying the hoist control power
supply.
This material is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 5 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.
Modifying the electrical hoist control
power supply takes about 4 work-hours
and parts cost about $10, for an
estimated cost of $350 per helicopter
and $1,750 for the affected U.S. fleet.
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
E:\FR\FM\26NOR1.SGM
26NOR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 225 (Friday, November 26, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67309-67312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25691]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0461; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00156-R;
Amendment 39-21775; AD 2021-22-02]
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 all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted
by a report of a short circuit caused by chafing of the electrical
wiring in the overhead panel. This AD requires an initial detailed
inspection inside the overhead panel for certain helicopters,
repetitive detailed inspections inside the overhead panel for all
helicopters, and corrective actions if necessary, 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 January 3, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 3,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. It is also available in
the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0461.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0461; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday
[[Page 67310]]
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: Jacob Fitch, Aerospace Engineer, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; phone: (817) 222-4130; 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 2021-0044, dated February 5, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0044) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Leonardo S.p.a.
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on June 14, 2021 (86 FR 31451). The NPRM was prompted by a
report of a short circuit caused by chafing of the electrical wiring in
the overhead panel. The NPRM proposed to require an initial detailed
inspection inside the overhead panel for certain helicopters,
repetitive detailed inspections inside the overhead panel for all
helicopters, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in EASA
AD 2021-0044.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address a short circuit caused by
chafing of the electrical wiring in the overhead panel, which could
cause damaged electrical wiring, possible fire in the overhead panel,
and loss of control of the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comment received
on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Include Credit for Later Service Information
An anonymous commenter requested that the FAA revise the NPRM to
include a paragraph that allows credit for the use of a later revision
of the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0044.
The FAA disagrees with the request because, in this case, credit is
unnecessary. The FAA is incorporating by reference EASA AD 2021-0044 as
the method for accomplishing the actions required by this AD. EASA AD
2021-0044 includes the Ref. Publications section, which allows the use
of later approved revisions of the service information referenced in
EASA AD 2021-0044. Therefore, no change has been made to this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0044 requires an initial detailed inspection (for
certain helicopters) inside the overhead panel for chafing of the cable
harnesses and for correct clearance between the anchor nuts/screws and
the cable harnesses, of the screws for correct length, and of the
supports for sound bonding, and corrective actions if necessary;
repetitive detailed inspections (for all helicopters) inside the
overhead panel for the condition of the white protective tape on the
anchor nuts, and for chafing of the cable harnesses and for correct
clearance between the anchor nuts/screws and the cable harnesses, and
corrective actions if necessary. Corrective actions include applying a
white protective tape on the anchor nuts, replacement of incorrect
length screws, replacement of damaged cables and fuses, rerouting of
cable harnesses, replacement of supports, and removal and replacement
of the white protective tape.
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 the MCAI
Although EASA AD 2021-0044 and the service information referenced
in EASA AD 2021-0044 specify to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 128 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for chafing, clearance, 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $10,880.
screw length, and bonding. hour = $85.
Repetitive inspections for 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 per $85 per $10,880 per
chafing, clearance, and tape hour = $85 per inspection inspection inspection cycle.
condition. inspection cycle. cycle cycle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:
[[Page 67311]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace screws, cables, fuses, supports, and 5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $600 $1.025
protective tape; reroute harnesses. $425.
Apply protective tape......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 50 135
Replace cables, fuses and protective tape..... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 600 685
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
2021-22-02 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21775; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0461; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00156-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 3, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2400, Electrical
Power System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a short circuit caused by
chafing of the electrical wiring in the overhead panel. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address a short circuit caused by chafing of the
electrical wiring in the overhead panel, which could cause damaged
electrical wiring, possible fire in the overhead panel, and loss of
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) AD
2021-0044, dated February 5, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0044).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0044
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0044 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2021-0044 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0044 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraphs (3) and (5) of EASA AD 2021-0044 refer to
``any discrepancy,'' for this AD, discrepancies include chafing of
the cable harnesses or incorrect clearance between the anchor nuts/
screws and the cable harnesses, incorrect length of the screws,
inadequately bonded supports, and poor condition of the white
protective tape.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although EASA AD 2021-0044 and the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021-0044 specify to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) 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 flight is straight, level, and avoids areas of known
turbulence.
(k) 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 (l) 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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Jacob Fitch,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-4130; email:
[email protected].
(m) 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.
[[Page 67312]]
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0044,
dated February 5, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0044, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +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-
2021-0461.
(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 October 13, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-25691 Filed 11-24-21; 8:45 am]
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