Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, 85856-85858 [2023-26934]

Download as PDF 85856 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 236 / Monday, December 11, 2023 / Proposed Rules unusable. For example, in Federal contracting, how would a contracting officer set the size standard on a contracting opportunity? Would it depend on the contracting officer’s location, on the location of the Agency’s headquarters, or on the place of delivery of the product or service? What about multiple delivery locations? On the location of the prospective contractor? On the location of the prospective contractor’s headquarters? What about subcontractors, since size standards apply to subcontracts as well? The same questions could be asked about them, which would affect a prime contractor’s ability to bid. Would this encourage firms to relocate based upon perceived favorable size standards? That would defeat the purpose behind geographic distinctions. The undue complexity and resulting confusion would render geographically based size standards unusable, for all practical purposes. • Are there alternative approaches that SBA should consider for determining small business size standards? • How have SBA’s latest size standards revisions impacted competition in general and within a specific industry? • Are there alternative or additional factors or data sources that SBA should consider when establishing, reviewing, or revising size standards? • Does SBA’s current approach to establishing or modifying small business size standards make sense in the current economic environment? SBA encourages the public to review and comment on the Revised Methodology, which is available at www.sba.gov/size as well as at www.regulations.gov. SBA will thoroughly evaluate and consider all comments and suggestions when finalizing the 2023 Revised Methodology, which the Agency will apply in the forthcoming, third five-year review of size standards as required by the Jobs Act. Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 [FR Doc. 2023–27053 Filed 12–8–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8026–09–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Dec 08, 2023 Jkt 262001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–2238; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00698–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 A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of loose tail rotor duplex bearing locking nuts, possibly caused by improper installation. This proposed AD would require disassembling certain tail rotor duplex bearings and reassembling them in accordance with updated service information. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing certain tail rotor duplex bearings. These actions are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. 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 January 25, 2024. 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 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–2238; 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Material Incorporated by Reference: • For EASA material identified in this NPRM, contact EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu. • You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. The EASA material is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–2238. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238– 7241; email: sungmo.d.cho@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–2023–2238; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00698–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 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 E:\FR\FM\11DEP1.SGM 11DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 236 / Monday, December 11, 2023 / Proposed Rules 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 Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238–7241; email: sungmo.d.cho@ 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 2023–0105, dated May 23, 2023 (EASA AD 2023– 0105), to correct an unsafe condition on Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109LUH, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. EASA advises of reports of loosening of the tail rotor duplex bearing locking nut. Subsequent investigations identified incorrect accomplishment of the assembly and continued maintenance instructions of the tail rotor duplex bearing housing and slider group as the most likely root cause of that loosening. The FAA is proposing this AD to detect and address the incorrect assembly of the tail rotor duplex bearing. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the tail rotor function, possibly resulting in loss of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2023–0105 for additional background information. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2023–0105 requires replacing certain parts through the disassembly and reassembly of the tail rotor duplex bearing and the pitch change slider assembly. EASA AD 2023–0105 also prohibits installing certain parts on any helicopter. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Dec 08, 2023 Jkt 262001 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 2023–0105, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD and EASA AD 2023–0105.’’ 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 2023–0105 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2023–0105 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 2023–0105 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 2023–0105. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2023–0105 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2023– 2238 after the FAA final rule is published. Differences Between This Proposed AD and EASA AD 2023–0105 EASA AD 2023–0105 applies to Model A109LUH helicopters, however, this proposed AD would not because that model is not FAA type-certificated. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 160 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with the proposed AD. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 85857 Disassembly and reassembly of the tail rotor housing and slider assembly would take approximately 8 work-hours for an estimated cost of $680 per helicopter and $108,800 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 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: E:\FR\FM\11DEP1.SGM 11DEP1 85858 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 236 / Monday, December 11, 2023 / Proposed Rules manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 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–2023– 2238; Project Identifier MCAI–2023– 00698–R. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by January 25, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of loose tail rotor duplex bearing locking nuts, possibly caused by improper installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address the incorrect assembly of the tail rotor duplex bearing. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of the tail rotor function, possibly resulting in loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023– 0105, dated May 23, 2023 (EASA AD 2023– 0105). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0105 (1) Where EASA AD 2023–0105 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2023–0105 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023–0105 specifies to ‘‘discard’’ parts; for this AD, replace that text with ‘‘remove from service.’’ (4) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2023–0105. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023–0105 specifies to submit certain information to the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Dec 08, 2023 Jkt 262001 (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 Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238–7241; email: sungmo.d.cho@faa.gov. (l) 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. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0105, dated May 23, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on December 4, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–26934 Filed 12–8–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2023–2184; Airspace Docket No. 23–ASO–49] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; St. Petersburg, FL Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to amend Class D and Class E surface airspace for St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, St. Petersburg, FL. This action would increase the radius and amend the verbiage in the Class D and Class E descriptions. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 25, 2024. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. [FAA–2023–2184] and Airspace Docket No. [23–ASO–49] using any of the following methods: * Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions to send your comments electronically. * Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. * Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. * Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493–2251. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at www.regulations.gov anytime. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. FAA Order JO 7400.11H Airspace Designations and Reporting Points and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. You may also contact the Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\11DEP1.SGM 11DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 236 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 85856-85858]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26934]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2238; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00698-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 all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP 
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of loose tail 
rotor duplex bearing locking nuts, possibly caused by improper 
installation. This proposed AD would require disassembling certain tail 
rotor duplex bearings and reassembling them in accordance with updated 
service information. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing 
certain tail rotor duplex bearings. These actions are specified in a 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for 
incorporation by reference. 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 January 25, 
2024.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2238; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material identified in this NPRM, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 
000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may find the 
EASA material on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu.
     You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. The EASA material is also 
available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2238.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-
7241; 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-2023-2238; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2023-00698-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 
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 85857]]

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 Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238-
7241; 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 2023-0105, dated May 23, 2023 (EASA 
AD 2023-0105), to correct an unsafe condition on Leonardo S.p.A. Model 
A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109LUH, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. EASA 
advises of reports of loosening of the tail rotor duplex bearing 
locking nut. Subsequent investigations identified incorrect 
accomplishment of the assembly and continued maintenance instructions 
of the tail rotor duplex bearing housing and slider group as the most 
likely root cause of that loosening. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
detect and address the incorrect assembly of the tail rotor duplex 
bearing.
    This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure of 
the tail rotor function, possibly resulting in loss of control of the 
helicopter. See EASA AD 2023-0105 for additional background 
information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2023-0105 requires replacing certain parts through the 
disassembly and reassembly of the tail rotor duplex bearing and the 
pitch change slider assembly. EASA AD 2023-0105 also prohibits 
installing certain parts on any helicopter.
    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 these same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in EASA AD 2023-0105, described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and EASA AD 2023-0105.''

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 2023-0105 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with 
EASA AD 2023-0105 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 2023-0105 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 2023-
0105. Service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0105 for 
compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2023-2238 after the FAA final rule is 
published.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and EASA AD 2023-0105

    EASA AD 2023-0105 applies to Model A109LUH helicopters, however, 
this proposed AD would not because that model is not FAA type-
certificated.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 160 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at 
$85 per work-hour. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
the proposed AD.
    Disassembly and reassembly of the tail rotor housing and slider 
assembly would take approximately 8 work-hours for an estimated cost of 
$680 per helicopter and $108,800 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

    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:

[[Page 85858]]

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-2023-2238; Project Identifier MCAI-
2023-00698-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 25, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109E, 
A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of loose tail rotor duplex 
bearing locking nuts, possibly caused by improper installation. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address the incorrect assembly 
of the tail rotor duplex bearing. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could lead to failure of the tail rotor function, 
possibly resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2023-0105, dated May 23, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0105).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0105

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0105 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0105 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0105 specifies to ``discard'' parts; for this AD, replace that text 
with ``remove from service.''
    (4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0105.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0105 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone: (781) 238-7241; email: [email protected].

(l) 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.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0105, 
dated May 23, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, 
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu. You may 
find the EASA material on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email protected]">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email protected].

    Issued on December 4, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-26934 Filed 12-8-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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