Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 16120-16123 [2022-05606]
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16120
§ 39.13
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2022 / Proposed Rules
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
British Aerospace (Operations) Limited and
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft:
Docket No. FAA–2022–0285; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01448–A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by May 6, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to British Aerospace
(Operations) Limited Model Jetstream Model
3101 and British Aerospace Regional Aircraft
Model Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes, all
serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 2720, Rudder Control System, and
2730, Elevator Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
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
identifies the unsafe condition as stress
corrosion cracking of the primary flight
control cable terminal. The FAA is issuing
this AD to detect and correct corrosion,
pitting, or cracking in the primary flight
control cable terminals. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of the primary flight control cable
terminal and loss of airplane control.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before any primary rudder or primary
elevator flight control circuit cable
accumulates 16 years since first installation
on an airplane or within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
24 months, inspect all threaded turnbuckle
type control cable terminals for signs of
corrosion, pitting, and cracking by following
paragraph (2) in Section 2.B. Part 1 and
Section 2.B. Part 2 of the Accomplishment
Instructions in British Aerospace Jetstream
Series 3100 & 3200 Service Bulletin 27–
JA181040, Original Issue, dated January 17,
2019 (SB 27–JA181040). If the age of any
primary rudder or primary elevator flight
control circuit cable is unknown, do the
inspection within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 24 months.
(2) If, during any inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, there is pitting
or cracking or corrosion that exceeds
minimum damage limits, before further
flight, replace the affected cable assembly
with a new (zero hours time-in-service) cable
assembly.
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(3) Replacing a cable assembly does not
terminate the inspections required by this
AD. After replacing a cable assembly, do the
inspection in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD
before the cable assembly accumulates 15
years since first installation on an airplane
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24
months.
(h) 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 certification office,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD and
email to: 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Doug Rudolph, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4059; email:
doug.rudolph@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
AD G–2021–0017, dated December 21, 2021,
for more information. You may examine the
CAA AD in the AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2022–0285.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations)
Ltd., Customer Information Department,
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire,
KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom;
phone: +44 3300 488727; fax: +44 1292
675704; email: RApublications@
baesystems.com; website: https://
www.baesystems.com/businesses/
regionalaircraft/. You may view this 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 March 11, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–05673 Filed 3–21–22; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0281; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01315–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
certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109S
and AW109SP helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report
of a protective sheath, installed around
a fixed flight control rod, which should
have been removed during assembly.
This proposed AD would require
borescope inspecting certain parts, and
removing any foreign object if detected,
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is proposed for incorporation by
reference (IBR). 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 May 6, 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 material is
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2022 / Proposed Rules
also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–
0281.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2022–0281; 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.
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–2022–0281; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–01315–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
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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 2021–0255,
dated November 15, 2021, and corrected
November 24, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–
0255), to correct an unsafe condition for
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters Model
A109S helicopters, serial number (S/N)
22735, 22736, and 22737, and equipped
with Trekker Kit; and Model AW109SP
helicopters, S/N 22407, 22408, 22409,
22412, 22414 to 22427 inclusive, and
22429.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report of a protective sheath, installed
around a fixed flight control rod, which
should have been removed during
assembly. The FAA is proposing this
AD to detect any foreign object
contamination, which if not addressed,
could affect the free movement of the
flight controls and result in subsequent
reduced control of the helicopter. See
EASA AD 2021–0255 for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021–0255 specifies
procedures for borescope inspecting
certain part-numbered parts installed on
the control rods and levers of the rotors
flight controls, and removing any
foreign object if detected.
This material is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Leonardo
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
109SP–148, dated October 26, 2021
(ASB 109SP–148). This service
information specifies instructions for
borescope inspecting certain partnumbered parts installed on the control
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16121
rods and levers of the rotors flight
controls of the left-hand and right-hand
forward struts and removing foreign
objects.
The FAA also reviewed Leonardo
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
No.109S–104, dated October 26, 2021,
which specifies the same instructions as
ASB 109SP–148 but only applies to
Model A109S helicopters with certain
Trekker Kits installed.
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 these
same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2021–0255, 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 2021–0255 by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0255
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 2021–0255 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 2021–0255.
Service information referenced in EASA
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2022 / Proposed Rules
AD 2021–0255 for compliance will be
available at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2022–0281 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 1
helicopter 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 proposed AD.
Borescope inspecting the control rods
and levers of the rotor flight controls for
any foreign object would take about 4
work-hours for an estimated cost of
$340 per inspection and $340 for the
U.S. fleet.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
corrective actions that would be
required based on the results of the
inspection:
If required, removing any foreign
object would take a minimal amount of
time with a minimal parts cost.
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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,
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(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
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:
■
Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA–2022–
0281; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–
01315–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by May 6, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model
A109S helicopters, serial number (S/N)
22735, 22736, and 22737, and equipped with
Trekker Kit; and Model AW109SP
helicopters S/N 22407, 22408, 22409, 22412,
22414 through 22427 inclusive, and 22429,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6700, rotorcraft Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a
protective sheath, installed around a fixed
flight control rod, which should have been
removed during assembly. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect any foreign object
contamination, which if not addressed, could
affect the free movement of the flight controls
and result in subsequent reduced 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
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accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0255, dated
November 15, 2021, and corrected November
24, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0255).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0255
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0255 requires
compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021–0255 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–
0255 specifies ‘‘inspect each affected part in
accordance with the instructions of the
applicable ASB,’’ for this AD replace ‘‘in
accordance with the instructions of the
applicable ASB’’ with ‘‘in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3,
paragraph 5. of the applicable ASB.’’
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021–
0255 specifies ‘‘if, during the inspection as
required by paragraph (1) this AD, any
foreign object is found on an affected part,
before next flight, remove that foreign object
in accordance with the applicable ASB,’’ this
AD requires if any foreign object is found,
before further flight, remove the foreign
object. The instructions in the ‘‘applicable
ASB’’ are for reference only and are not
required for the actions in paragraph (2) of
EASA AD 2021–0255.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0255.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in
accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199,
provided no passengers are onboard.
(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)(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021–0255, 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–2022–0281.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2022 / Proposed Rules
(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 March 10, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–05606 Filed 3–21–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0284; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01369–A]
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air
Limited (Type Certificate Previously
Held by Bombardier Inc. and de
Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Viking Air Limited (type
certificate previously held by
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.)
Model DHC–6–1, DHC–6–100, DHC–6–
200, DHC–6–300, and DHC–6–400
airplanes. This proposed AD results
from 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 identifies the unsafe
condition as binding of the rod end
bearing connecting the lower fuel
control unit (FCU) push rod assembly to
the FCU power lever. This proposed AD
would require performing tests,
inspections, and lubrication of the FCU
push rod assemblies, and replacing
them with improved parts as necessary.
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 May 6, 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.
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SUMMARY:
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• 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 Viking Air Ltd.,
1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British
Columbia, Canada V8L 5V5; phone:
(800) 663–8444; email:
continuing.airworthiness@
vikingair.com; website: https://
www.vikingair.com. You may view this
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.
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2022–0284; 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 MCAI, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elizabeth Dowling, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, New York ACO Branch,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228–
7300; email: elizabeth.m.dowling@
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 the ADDRESSES section. Include
‘‘Docket No. FAA–2022–0284; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–01369–A’’ 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://
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16123
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 Elizabeth Dowling,
Aviation Safety Engineer, New York
ACO Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada, which is the
aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF–2021–
42, dated November 26, 2021 (referred
to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address
an unsafe condition on certain serialnumbered Viking Air Limited Model
DHC–6 series 1, DHC–6 series 100,
DHC–6 series 110, DHC–6 series 200,
DHC–6 series 210, DHC–6 series 300,
DHC–6 series 310, DHC–6 series 320,
and DHC–6 series 400 airplanes with
certain part-numbered FCU push rod
assemblies installed. The MCAI states:
There have been in-service reports of
binding of [part number] P/N VSC30–3A rod
end bearings used in the linkage for the lower
FCU push rod assembly P/N C6CE1398–7.
The lower FCU push rod assembly is
connected to the FCU power lever and
contains a rod end bearing at each end. P/N
VSC30–3A rod end bearings, fabricated with
a metal inner race and a dry film lubricant,
have been incorporated on FCU push rod
assemblies introduced through Viking Air
Ltd (Viking) MOD 6/2347. P/N VSC30–3A
rod end bearings may have also been
installed in-service as a replacement part in
lower FCU push rod assembly P/N
C6CE1398–3. In one instance, binding of the
lower FCU push rod bearing resulted in one
engine failing to return to a lower power
setting from a higher power setting when
E:\FR\FM\22MRP1.SGM
22MRP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16120-16123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05606]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0281; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01315-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of a protective sheath, installed
around a fixed flight control rod, which should have been removed
during assembly. This proposed AD would require borescope inspecting
certain parts, and removing any foreign object if detected, as
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which
is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 May 6,
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 material is
[[Page 16121]]
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0281.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0281; 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].
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-2022-0281; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-01315-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 2021-0255, dated November 15, 2021,
and corrected November 24, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0255), to correct an
unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters Model A109S
helicopters, serial number (S/N) 22735, 22736, and 22737, and equipped
with Trekker Kit; and Model AW109SP helicopters, S/N 22407, 22408,
22409, 22412, 22414 to 22427 inclusive, and 22429.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a protective sheath,
installed around a fixed flight control rod, which should have been
removed during assembly. The FAA is proposing this AD to detect any
foreign object contamination, which if not addressed, could affect the
free movement of the flight controls and result in subsequent reduced
control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2021-0255 for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0255 specifies procedures for borescope inspecting
certain part-numbered parts installed on the control rods and levers of
the rotors flight controls, and removing any foreign object if
detected.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No.
109SP-148, dated October 26, 2021 (ASB 109SP-148). This service
information specifies instructions for borescope inspecting certain
part-numbered parts installed on the control rods and levers of the
rotors flight controls of the left-hand and right-hand forward struts
and removing foreign objects.
The FAA also reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
No.109S-104, dated October 26, 2021, which specifies the same
instructions as ASB 109SP-148 but only applies to Model A109S
helicopters with certain Trekker Kits installed.
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 these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2021-0255, 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 2021-0255 by reference in the FAA
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with
EASA AD 2021-0255 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 2021-0255 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-
0255. Service information referenced in EASA
[[Page 16122]]
AD 2021-0255 for compliance will be available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0281 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 1 helicopter 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 proposed AD.
Borescope inspecting the control rods and levers of the rotor
flight controls for any foreign object would take about 4 work-hours
for an estimated cost of $340 per inspection and $340 for the U.S.
fleet.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition corrective actions that would be required based on the
results of the inspection:
If required, removing any foreign object would take a minimal
amount of time with a minimal parts cost.
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-2022-0281; Project Identifier MCAI-
2021-01315-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by May 6, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109S helicopters,
serial number (S/N) 22735, 22736, and 22737, and equipped with
Trekker Kit; and Model AW109SP helicopters S/N 22407, 22408, 22409,
22412, 22414 through 22427 inclusive, and 22429, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, rotorcraft
Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a protective sheath,
installed around a fixed flight control rod, which should have been
removed during assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect any
foreign object contamination, which if not addressed, could affect
the free movement of the flight controls and result in subsequent
reduced 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
2021-0255, dated November 15, 2021, and corrected November 24, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0255).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0255
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0255 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0255 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0255 specifies ``inspect
each affected part in accordance with the instructions of the
applicable ASB,'' for this AD replace ``in accordance with the
instructions of the applicable ASB'' with ``in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraph 5. of the
applicable ASB.''
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0255 specifies ``if,
during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) this AD, any
foreign object is found on an affected part, before next flight,
remove that foreign object in accordance with the applicable ASB,''
this AD requires if any foreign object is found, before further
flight, remove the foreign object. The instructions in the
``applicable ASB'' are for reference only and are not required for
the actions in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0255.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0255.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided no passengers are onboard.
(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)(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021-0255, 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-2022-0281.
[[Page 16123]]
(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 March 10, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05606 Filed 3-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
