Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 7687-7690 [2022-02747]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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:
■
2022–02–13 Airbus Helicopters:
Amendment 39–21910; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0887; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00045–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 17, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in
any category.
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(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5302, Rotorcraft Tail Boom.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
corrosion found on the external tail boom
skin of a Model EC120B helicopter under the
Very High Frequency antenna. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect corrosion in that
area and prevent the degradation of the tail
boom structure. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in possible roll-over
during landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(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 AD 2021–0015, dated January
13, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0015).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0015
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0015 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information
referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD
2021–0015 specifies to check for corrosion,
including to ‘‘make sure that there is no
aluminum oxide (white powder),’’ ‘‘make
sure that there is no pitting corrosion,’’ and
‘‘make sure that there are no crack,’’ this AD
requires inspecting for any aluminum oxide
(white powder), pitting corrosion, and cracks.
(3) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015 specifies
discarding parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021–
0015 requires certain actions prior to the
installation of a tail boom on any helicopter,
including inspecting the tail boom, for this
AD, the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of
this AD also apply to the inspection of the
tail boom.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0015.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Gregory Koenig, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe & Administrative Services Section,
Chicago ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2300 E Devon
Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847)
294–7127; email Gregory.L.Koenig@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
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7687
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 2021–0015, dated January 13,
2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021–0015, 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.
(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–2021–0887.
(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 January 11, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–02749 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0964; Project
Identifier 2018–SW–051–AD; Amendment
39–21909; AD 2022–02–12]
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 the identification of
certain parts needing maintenance
actions, including life limits and
maintenance tasks. This AD requires
incorporating into maintenance records
requirements (airworthiness
limitations), as specified in a European
Aviation Safety Agency (now European
Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA)
SUMMARY:
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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 March 17,
2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 17, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 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. It is also available in the AD
docket at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0964.
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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–2021–0964; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, the EASA AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance
& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2018–0132,
dated June 21, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–
0132) (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
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apply to all Leonardo S.p.A. Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 12, 2021 (86 FR
62744). The NPRM was prompted by the
identification of certain parts needing
maintenance actions, including life
limits and maintenance tasks. The parts
include a certain part-numbered main
rotor damper, tail gear box center
housing, and tail assembly, the fuselage
structure assembly (station (STA) 5700,
right-hand (RH)/left-hand (LH) side),
and tail structure assembly (tail/rear
fuselage attachment fittings). The NPRM
proposed to require incorporating into
maintenance records requirements
(airworthiness limitations), as specified
in EASA AD 2018–0132.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the failure of certain parts, which could
result in the loss of control of the
helicopter. See EASA AD 2018–0132 for
additional background information.
the need for an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC). Historically,
operators needed an AMOC to use later
revisions of an ALS. The FAA has not
changed this AD in this regard.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018–0132 requires certain
actions and associated thresholds and
intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks. These requirements
(airworthiness limitations) include new
life limits for a certain part-numbered
main rotor damper, tail gear box center
housing, and tail assembly; and new
maintenance tasks (e.g., inspections for
cracking) for the fuselage structure
assembly (STA 5700, RH/LH side), and
tail structure assembly (tail/rear fuselage
attachment fittings).
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.
Comments
The FAA received a comment from
one commenter, Bristow Group, who
commented on the service information.
The following presents the comment
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to the comment.
Request To Consider Service
Information
The commenter stated it would take
into consideration that the service
information identified in EASA AD
2018–0132 (Leonardo AB139 and
AW139 Maintenance Manual (MM), 39–
A–AMPI–00–P, Chapter IV,
Airworthiness Limitations, Issue 9,
dated March 6, 2018, as well as Issue 8)
has already been added. The commenter
noted the EASA AMPI (i.e., the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS)
document) is already on Issue 14 and
the FAA AMPI is on Issue 13. The FAA
infers the commenter is requesting the
FAA consider the effect of later
revisions of the ALS document on the
proposed AD.
The FAA agrees to clarify the effect of
later revisions of the ALS document on
this AD. This AD mandates a specific
revision of the ALS document. Later
revisions of the ALS document are not
required to be incorporated into
maintenance records requirements
(airworthiness limitations) for that
helicopter unless an AD mandates those
revisions. However, this AD also allows
operators to incorporate later approved
revisions of the ALS document as
specified in the Ref. Publications
section of EASA AD 2018–0132 without
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Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA about the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA reviewed
the relevant data, considered the
comment received, and determined that
air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. Except
for minor editorial changes, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the
economic burden on any operator.
ADs Mandating Airworthiness
Limitations
The FAA has previously mandated
airworthiness limitations by mandating
each airworthiness limitation task (e.g.,
inspections and replacements (life
limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing
ADs that require revising the ALS of the
existing maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness
to incorporate new or revised
inspections and life limits. This AD,
however, requires operators to
incorporate into maintenance records
required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your
rotorcraft, the requirements
(airworthiness limitations) specified in
an MCAI AD. The FAA does not intend
this as a substantive change. For these
ADs, the ALS requirements for operators
are the same but are complied with
differently. Requiring the incorporation
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
of the new ALS requirements into the
maintenance records, rather than
requiring individual ALS tasks (e.g.,
repetitive inspections and
replacements), requires operators to
record AD compliance once after
updating the maintenance records,
rather than after every time the ALS task
is completed.
In addition, paragraph (h) of this AD
allows operators to incorporate later
approved revisions of the ALS
document as specified in the Ref.
Publications section of EASA AD 2018–
0132 without the need for an AMOC.
Differences Between This AD and the
EASA AD
Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2018–0132
requires compliance with actions and
associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits and maintenance
tasks, from the effective date of EASA
AD 2018–0132. Paragraph (3) of EASA
AD 2018–0132 requires incorporating
the actions and associated thresholds
and intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks, into the approved
maintenance program within 12 months
after the effective date of EASA AD
2018–0132. This AD requires
incorporating into maintenance records
requirements (airworthiness limitations)
within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
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Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 130 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. Incorporating
requirements (airworthiness limitations)
into maintenance records would require
about 2 work-hours for a cost of $170
per helicopter and a cost of $22,100 for
the 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
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
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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
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:
■
2022–02–12 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment
39–21909; Docket No. FAA–2021–0964;
Project Identifier 2018–SW–051–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective March 17, 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 Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5101, Aircraft Structures; and 6300,
Main Rotor Drive Systems.
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7689
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the
identification of certain parts needing
maintenance actions, including life limits
and maintenance tasks. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the failure of certain parts,
which could result in the loss of control of
the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Action
Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, incorporate into maintenance
records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your
rotorcraft, the requirements (airworthiness
limitations) specified in paragraph (1) of
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2018–0132, dated June 21, 2018
(EASA AD 2018–0132).
(h) Provisions for Alternative Requirements
(Airworthiness Limitations)
After the action required by paragraph (g)
of this AD has been done, no alternative
requirements (airworthiness limitations) are
allowed unless they are approved as
specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref.
Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2018–
0132.
(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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Kristi Bradley, Program Manager,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2018–0132, dated June 21, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018–0132, 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 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–2021–0964.
(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 January 11, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited,
Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123
Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario
M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416–375–
4000; fax 416–375–4539; email thd@
dehavilland.com; internet https://
dehavilland.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0694.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0694; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00305–T; Amendment
39–21919; AD 2022–03–02]
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0694; 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.
RIN 2120–AA64
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[FR Doc. 2022–02747 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Thomas Niczky, Aerospace Engineer,
Avionics and Electrical Systems
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–
228–7347; fax 516–794–5531; email 9avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
Discussion
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
Model DHC–8–401 and –402 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of a
possible hard contact between the #2
top high level sensor (HLS) terminal
screw head and the #6 outer wing fuel
access panel stiffener flange. This AD
requires removing and replacing or
reworking the #6 outer wing fuel access
panel assembly. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 17,
2022.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA), which is the aviation authority
for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF–
2021–08, dated March 9, 2021 (TCCA
AD CF–2021–08) (also referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Limited Model DHC–8–401 and –402
airplanes, serial numbers 4001 and 4003
through 4628 inclusive. You may
examine the MCAI in the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0694.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
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The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of March 17, 2022.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada Limited Model DHC–8–401 and
–402 airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on August 24, 2021
(86 FR 47258). The NPRM was
prompted by reports of a possible hard
contact between the #2 top HLS
terminal screw head and the #6 outer
wing fuel access panel stiffener flange.
The NPRM proposed to require
removing and replacing or reworking
the #6 outer wing fuel access panel
assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the possibility of electrical
arcing during a lightning strike, which
could be a source of ignition inside the
fuel tank. 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 comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment. The Air Line Pilots
Association, International, supported
the NPRM.
Request To Specify the Latest Revision
of the Service Information
Horizon Air requested that the
specified service information in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of the proposed
AD be updated to the latest revision: De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
Service Bulletin 84–57–35, Revision B,
dated June 9, 2021. Horizon Air also
requested that De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84–57–
35, Revision A, dated February 11, 2021,
be added to paragraph (i) of the
proposed AD in order to give credit for
incorporating that revision.
The FAA agrees, De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84–57–35, Revision B, dated
June 9, 2021, revises a NOTE and steps
to include all part numbers of access
panel #6. These changes do not affect
operators who use previous revisions of
the service information to show
compliance with this AD. There are no
substantive changes to the procedures
between Revision B of the service
information and Revision A of the
service information, which was
proposed as required in the NPRM. The
FAA has updated this AD as requested.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule with the change described
E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM
10FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7687-7690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02747]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0964; Project Identifier 2018-SW-051-AD; Amendment
39-21909; AD 2022-02-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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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 the identification of certain parts needing maintenance actions,
including life limits and maintenance tasks. This AD requires
incorporating into maintenance records requirements (airworthiness
limitations), as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA)
[[Page 7688]]
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 March 17, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find 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. It is also available
in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0964.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0964; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0132, dated June 21, 2018 (EASA
AD 2018-0132) (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 November 12, 2021 (86 FR 62744). The NPRM was prompted by
the identification of certain parts needing maintenance actions,
including life limits and maintenance tasks. The parts include a
certain part-numbered main rotor damper, tail gear box center housing,
and tail assembly, the fuselage structure assembly (station (STA) 5700,
right-hand (RH)/left-hand (LH) side), and tail structure assembly
(tail/rear fuselage attachment fittings). The NPRM proposed to require
incorporating into maintenance records requirements (airworthiness
limitations), as specified in EASA AD 2018-0132.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the failure of certain parts,
which could result in the loss of control of the helicopter. See EASA
AD 2018-0132 for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from one commenter, Bristow Group, who
commented on the service information. The following presents the
comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to the comment.
Request To Consider Service Information
The commenter stated it would take into consideration that the
service information identified in EASA AD 2018-0132 (Leonardo AB139 and
AW139 Maintenance Manual (MM), 39-A-AMPI-00-P, Chapter IV,
Airworthiness Limitations, Issue 9, dated March 6, 2018, as well as
Issue 8) has already been added. The commenter noted the EASA AMPI
(i.e., the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) document) is already
on Issue 14 and the FAA AMPI is on Issue 13. The FAA infers the
commenter is requesting the FAA consider the effect of later revisions
of the ALS document on the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees to clarify the effect of later revisions of the ALS
document on this AD. This AD mandates a specific revision of the ALS
document. Later revisions of the ALS document are not required to be
incorporated into maintenance records requirements (airworthiness
limitations) for that helicopter unless an AD mandates those revisions.
However, this AD also allows operators to incorporate later approved
revisions of the ALS document as specified in the Ref. Publications
section of EASA AD 2018-0132 without the need for an alternative method
of compliance (AMOC). Historically, operators needed an AMOC to use
later revisions of an ALS. The FAA has not changed this AD in this
regard.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered the comment received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these helicopters. Except
for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any
operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2018-0132 requires certain actions and associated
thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks.
These requirements (airworthiness limitations) include new life limits
for a certain part-numbered main rotor damper, tail gear box center
housing, and tail assembly; and new maintenance tasks (e.g.,
inspections for cracking) for the fuselage structure assembly (STA
5700, RH/LH side), and tail structure assembly (tail/rear fuselage
attachment fittings).
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.
ADs Mandating Airworthiness Limitations
The FAA has previously mandated airworthiness limitations by
mandating each airworthiness limitation task (e.g., inspections and
replacements (life limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing ADs that
require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness to incorporate new or revised
inspections and life limits. This AD, however, requires operators to
incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your rotorcraft, the requirements
(airworthiness limitations) specified in an MCAI AD. The FAA does not
intend this as a substantive change. For these ADs, the ALS
requirements for operators are the same but are complied with
differently. Requiring the incorporation
[[Page 7689]]
of the new ALS requirements into the maintenance records, rather than
requiring individual ALS tasks (e.g., repetitive inspections and
replacements), requires operators to record AD compliance once after
updating the maintenance records, rather than after every time the ALS
task is completed.
In addition, paragraph (h) of this AD allows operators to
incorporate later approved revisions of the ALS document as specified
in the Ref. Publications section of EASA AD 2018-0132 without the need
for an AMOC.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2018-0132 requires compliance with actions
and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks, from the effective date of EASA AD 2018-0132.
Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2018-0132 requires incorporating the actions
and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and
maintenance tasks, into the approved maintenance program within 12
months after the effective date of EASA AD 2018-0132. This AD requires
incorporating into maintenance records requirements (airworthiness
limitations) within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 130 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. Incorporating requirements (airworthiness limitations) into
maintenance records would require about 2 work-hours for a cost of $170
per helicopter and a cost of $22,100 for the 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 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:
2022-02-12 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21909; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0964; Project Identifier 2018-SW-051-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 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 Service Component (JASC) Code: 5101, Aircraft
Structures; and 6300, Main Rotor Drive Systems.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the identification of certain parts
needing maintenance actions, including life limits and maintenance
tasks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the failure of certain
parts, which could result in the loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Action
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, incorporate
into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your rotorcraft, the requirements
(airworthiness limitations) specified in paragraph (1) of European
Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD 2018-0132, dated June 21, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0132).
(h) Provisions for Alternative Requirements (Airworthiness Limitations)
After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been
done, no alternative requirements (airworthiness limitations) are
allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of
the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2018-0132.
(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: [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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley,
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
[[Page 7690]]
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0132, dated
June 21, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2018-0132, 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 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-2021-0964.
(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 January 11, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02747 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
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