Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 3241-3244 [2022-01168]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Proposed Rules
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2800, Aircraft Fuel System.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as corrosion of
fuel system components located in the fuel
gallery due to inadequate corrosion
protection. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent corrosion-related damage to fuel
system components, which could lead to fuel
leaks, electrical arcing, loss of fuel boost
pump function, and erroneous fuel quantity
readings. This unsafe condition, if not
corrected, could result in fuel starvation with
loss of engine power and increased risk of an
in-flight fire with consequent loss of airplane
control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Required Actions for Airplanes Operating
on Floats on the Effective Date of This AD
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS)
after the effective date of this AD or within
3 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 125 hours TIS, do the
following actions:
(i) Remove all fuel gallery covers and rinse
the fuel gallery with water.
(ii) Inspect the fuel gallery for corrosion
and, if there is any corrosion, take all
necessary corrective actions before further
flight by following Item D.15(2) of Special
Inspection 3 in Temporary Revision No. 241,
dated July 27, 2021, to the Viking DHC–6
Inspection Requirements Manual, PSM 1–6–
7.
(2) Within 12 months after the effective
date of this AD, install the modifications
applicable to your airplane serial number by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
sections A. through E. in Viking Air Limited,
DHC–6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0044,
Revision ‘B’, dated September 13, 2021
(Viking SB V6/0044, Revision ‘B’).
(h) Required Actions for Airplanes Modified
To Operate on Floats After the Effective Date
of This AD
Within 12 months after the airplane is
modified to operate on floats, regardless of
whether the landing gear is later modified
back to non-float landing gear, install the
modifications applicable to your airplane
serial number by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, sections A.
through E. in Viking SB V6/0044, Revision
‘B.’
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, New York ACO 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
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17:13 Jan 20, 2022
Jkt 256001
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 (j)(1) of
this AD.
(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Joseph Catanzaro, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (516) 228–7366; fax: (516)
794–5531; email: joseph.catanzaro@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Viking Air Limited
Technical Support, 1959 de Havilland Way,
Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5;
phone: (North America) (800) 663–8444; fax:
(250) 656–0673; email: technical.support@
vikingair.com; website: https://
www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins.
You may view this referenced service
information at the 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 (817) 222–5110.
Issued on January 13, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–00970 Filed 1–20–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0008; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00882–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo
S.p.a. Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW109SP
helicopters. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of corrosion inside
the hoist support assembly (boom
assembly) (affected part) that affects
both the huck bolt heads (blind bolt
fasteners) and the support surface. This
proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections of the external and internal
surfaces of each affected part for
cracking and corrosion and, depending
SUMMARY:
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3241
on the findings, accomplishment of
corrective actions, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference (IBR). This
proposed AD would also allow the
installation of an affected part, provided
certain instructions are followed. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by March 7, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For EASA material that is proposed
for IBR in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA 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. This EASA
material is also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–
0008.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2022–0008; 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
NPRM, the EASA AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Proposed Rules
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2022–0008; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00882–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to 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. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that
is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2021–0179,
dated July 27, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:13 Jan 20, 2022
Jkt 256001
0179) to correct an unsafe condition for
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, formerly
Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland
S.p.A., and Agusta S.p.A., Model
AW109SP helicopters, all serial
numbers.
This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of corrosion inside the hoist
support assembly affecting both the
huck bolt heads and the support surface.
Investigation of the root cause for the
corrosion is ongoing. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address corrosion
on the hoist support assembly. This
condition, if not addressed, could affect
the structural integrity of the hoist
support assembly, leading to in-flight
detachment of the hoist support and
consequent damage to the helicopter,
and injury to hoisted persons. See EASA
AD 2021–0179 for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0179 requires
repetitive inspections of the external
and internal surfaces of each affected
part for cracking and corrosion and,
depending on the findings,
accomplishment of corrective actions. If
there is no evidence of corrosion on the
interior surface of the boom torque tube
or on the huck bolt heads, the corrective
actions include spraying the interior
surface with corrosion preventative
compound around the hulk bolt heads
from the forward and aft ends of the
boom torque tube, and installing new
tube plugs on both ends of the boom
torque tube. If there is superficial
corrosion on the interior surface of the
boom torque tube or on the hulk bolt
heads, the corrective actions include
cleaning the corrosion, spraying the
interior surface with corrosion
preventative compound, and installing
new tube plugs on both ends of the
boom torque tube. If corrosion is found
that is not superficial corrosion, the
corrective action is repair or
replacement of the boom torque tube.
If cracking is observed on the external
surface of the hoist support assembly
the corrective action is replacement of
the hoist support assembly. If only
corrosion is found on the external
surface of the hoist support assembly
the corrective actions include cleaning
the hoist support assembly.
EASA AD 2021–0179 also allows
installing an affected part, provided
certain instructions are followed.
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.
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FAA’s Determination
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 is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2021–0179, described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to
use some civil aviation authority (CAA)
ADs as the primary source of
information for compliance with
requirements for corresponding FAA
ADs. The FAA has been coordinating
this process with manufacturers and
CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to
incorporate EASA AD 2021–0179 by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0179
in its entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in
EASA AD 2021–0179 does not mean
that operators need comply only with
that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in EASA AD 2021–0179.
Service information referenced in EASA
AD 2021–0179 for compliance will be
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2022–0008 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD
would be an interim action. If final
action is later identified, the FAA might
consider further rulemaking.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Proposed Rules
Costs of Compliance
3243
helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA
estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD.
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 40
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspecting ........................................
0.50 work-hour × $85 per hour =
$42.50 per inspection cycle.
0.25 work-hour × $85 per hour =
$21.25.
Installing new boom torque tube
plugs.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the
Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
5,044
Cost on U.S. operators
$42.50 per inspection
cycle.
$5,065.25 ......................
results of the proposed inspection. The
agency has no way of determining the
$1,700 per inspection
cycle.
$202,610.
number of aircraft that might need these
replacements:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Cleaning boom torque tube interior or exterior ............
Replacing boom torque tube ........................................
Replacing hoist support assembly ...............................
0.25 work-hour × $85 per hour = $21.25 .....................
6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 ...........................
6.50 work-hours × $85 per hour = $552.50 .................
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The FAA has received no definitive
data on which to base the cost estimates
for the repairs specified in this proposed
AD.
The FAA has included all known
costs in its cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some of the
costs of this proposed AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:13 Jan 20, 2022
Jkt 256001
Parts cost
$0
39,500
44,864
Cost per
product
$21.25
40,010
45,416.50
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA–2022–
0008; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–
00882–R.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
(e) Unsafe Condition
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
This AD was prompted by reports of
corrosion inside the hoist support assembly
(boom assembly) (affected part) that affects
both the huck bolt heads (blind bolt
fasteners) and the support surface. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address corrosion on the
hoist support assembly. This condition, if not
addressed, could affect the structural
integrity of the hoist support assembly,
leading to in-flight detachment of the hoist
support and consequent damage to the
helicopter, and injury to hoisted persons.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by March 7,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a.
Model AW109SP helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2560, Emergency Equipment.
(f) Compliance
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
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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
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3244
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Proposed Rules
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0179, dated
July 27, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0179).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0179
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0179 requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021–0179 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0179 specifies
discarding parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(4) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0179 specifies
returning a part to the manufacturer, this AD
requires removing that part from service.
(5) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0179 specifies
submitting photographs to the manufacturer,
this AD does not require that action.
(6) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0179 specifies
attaching a label to the hoist support
assembly, this AD does not require that
action.
(7) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021–
0179 specifies contacting Leonardo S.p.a. for
corrective action instructions, this AD
requires replacing or repairing before further
flight using a method approved by the
Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a.’s EASA
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(8) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0179.
(l) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021–0179, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999
000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may 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
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–0008.
(2) 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.
Issued on January 14, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–01168 Filed 1–20–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0006; Project
Identifier AD–2021–01298–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0179 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be permitted
provided that there are no passengers on
board.
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(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)(2) 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.
17:13 Jan 20, 2022
Jkt 256001
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bell Textron Inc. Model 205A,
205A–1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF,
and 412EP helicopters with a certain
part-numbered tailboom left hand fin
spar cap (spar cap) installed. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of cracked spar caps. This proposed AD
would require inspecting each spar cap
and depending on the inspection
results, removing the spar cap from
service. The FAA is proposing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by March 7, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
SUMMARY:
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron
Inc. Helicopters
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• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Bell Textron, Inc.,
P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101;
telephone 1–450–437–2862 or 1–800–
363–8023; fax 1–450–433–0272; email
productsupport@bellflight.com; or at
https://www.bellflight.com/support/
contact-support. 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2022–0006 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
NPRM, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ameet Shrotriya, Aviation Safety
Engineer, DSCO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177–
1524; phone: (817) 222–5525; email:
Ameet.Shrotriya@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2022–0006; Project Identifier AD–
2021–01298–R’’ at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
E:\FR\FM\21JAP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3241-3244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01168]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0008; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00882-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW109SP helicopters. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of corrosion inside the hoist support assembly
(boom assembly) (affected part) that affects both the huck bolt heads
(blind bolt fasteners) and the support surface. This proposed AD would
require repetitive inspections of the external and internal surfaces of
each affected part for cracking and corrosion and, depending on the
findings, accomplishment of corrective actions, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for
incorporation by reference (IBR). This proposed AD would also allow the
installation of an affected part, provided certain instructions are
followed. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 7,
2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For EASA material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You
may find the EASA 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. This EASA material is also
available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2022-0008.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0008; 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 NPRM, the EASA AD,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
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].
[[Page 3242]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0008; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00882-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
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]. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0179, dated July 27, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0179) to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A.
Helicopters, formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A., and
Agusta S.p.A., Model AW109SP helicopters, all serial numbers.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion inside the
hoist support assembly affecting both the huck bolt heads and the
support surface. Investigation of the root cause for the corrosion is
ongoing. The FAA is proposing this AD to address corrosion on the hoist
support assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could affect the
structural integrity of the hoist support assembly, leading to in-
flight detachment of the hoist support and consequent damage to the
helicopter, and injury to hoisted persons. See EASA AD 2021-0179 for
additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0179 requires repetitive inspections of the external
and internal surfaces of each affected part for cracking and corrosion
and, depending on the findings, accomplishment of corrective actions.
If there is no evidence of corrosion on the interior surface of the
boom torque tube or on the huck bolt heads, the corrective actions
include spraying the interior surface with corrosion preventative
compound around the hulk bolt heads from the forward and aft ends of
the boom torque tube, and installing new tube plugs on both ends of the
boom torque tube. If there is superficial corrosion on the interior
surface of the boom torque tube or on the hulk bolt heads, the
corrective actions include cleaning the corrosion, spraying the
interior surface with corrosion preventative compound, and installing
new tube plugs on both ends of the boom torque tube. If corrosion is
found that is not superficial corrosion, the corrective action is
repair or replacement of the boom torque tube.
If cracking is observed on the external surface of the hoist
support assembly the corrective action is replacement of the hoist
support assembly. If only corrosion is found on the external surface of
the hoist support assembly the corrective actions include cleaning the
hoist support assembly.
EASA AD 2021-0179 also allows installing an affected part, provided
certain instructions are followed.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These 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 is proposing this AD
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other helicopters of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2021-0179, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2021-0179 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2021-0179 in its entirety through that incorporation, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading
of a particular section in EASA AD 2021-0179 does not mean that
operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ``all required actions and compliance times,''
compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section
titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2021-
0179. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0179 for
compliance will be available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0008 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD would be an interim action. If
final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further
rulemaking.
[[Page 3243]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 40 helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspecting....................... 0.50 work-hour x $0 $42.50 per $1,700 per
$85 per hour = inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
$42.50 per
inspection cycle.
Installing new boom torque tube 0.25 work-hour x 5,044 $5,065.25.......... $202,610.
plugs. $85 per hour =
$21.25.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Cleaning boom torque tube interior or exterior 0.25 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $21.25
$21.25.
Replacing boom torque tube.................... 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = 39,500 40,010
$510.
Replacing hoist support assembly.............. 6.50 work-hours x $85 per hour = 44,864 45,416.50
$552.50.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the repairs specified in this proposed AD.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2022-0008; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-00882-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 7, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW109SP
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2560, Emergency
Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion inside the hoist
support assembly (boom assembly) (affected part) that affects both
the huck bolt heads (blind bolt fasteners) and the support surface.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion on the hoist support
assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could affect the
structural integrity of the hoist support assembly, leading to in-
flight detachment of the hoist support and consequent damage to the
helicopter, and injury to hoisted persons.
(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
[[Page 3244]]
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0179, dated July 27, 2021 (EASA AD
2021-0179).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0179
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0179 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0179 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those
parts from service.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies returning a part to the manufacturer, this AD
requires removing that part from service.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies submitting photographs to the manufacturer, this AD
does not require that action.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies attaching a label to the hoist support assembly, this
AD does not require that action.
(7) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0179 specifies
contacting Leonardo S.p.a. for corrective action instructions, this
AD requires replacing or repairing before further flight using a
method approved by the Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo
S.p.a.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(8) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0179.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0179
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are
no passengers on board.
(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)(2) 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
(1) For EASA AD 2021-0179, contact 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 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-2022-0008.
(2) 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].
Issued on January 14, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01168 Filed 1-20-22; 8:45 am]
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