[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 73 (Monday, April 19, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20338-20341]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07666]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0304; Project Identifier 2017-SW-108-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificates 
Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A. and AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate previously held by Agusta S.p.A.) 
Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters and Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate 
previously held by AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW189 helicopters. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of missing lock wire and loose 
fasteners. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the 
main rotor (M/R) slip ring and depending on the outcome, removing the 
M/R slip ring from service, removing screws and washers from service, 
applying torque, installing lock wire, and re-identifying the M/R slip 
ring. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of certain 
M/R slip rings. 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 June 3, 
2021.

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.

[[Page 20339]]

     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Leonardo Helicopters and Moog service information identified in 
this NPRM, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head 
of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) 
Italy; telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0304; 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 European 
Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) 
(EASA) ADs, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Warwick, Aerospace Engineer, 
Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone (817) 222-5225; 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-2021-0304; Project Identifier 
2017-SW-108-AD'' 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 
Steven Warwick, Aerospace Engineer, Certification Section, Fort Worth 
ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5225; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which 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 2017-0083, dated May 10, 2017 (EASA 
AD 2017-0083), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. 
(formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A), 
AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation (formerly Agusta Aerospace 
Corporation) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, and EASA AD 2017-0087, 
dated May 12, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0087), to correct the same unsafe 
condition for Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A, 
AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW189 helicopters. EASA advises of reports 
of missing lock wire and loose fasteners found during inspections of 
the M/R slip ring of Model AW139 helicopters. EASA also advises that 
the same part-numbered M/R slip ring may also be installed on Model 
AW189 helicopters. Model AB139 helicopters may also be affected by this 
unsafe condition due to having the same type design as Model AW139 
helicopters. EASA ADs 2017-0083 and 2017-0087 require a one-time visual 
inspection of the M/R slip ring fastener installation, and depending on 
the outcome, replacing the M/R slip ring, replacing fasteners, applying 
torque, installing lock wire, and re-identifying the M/R slip ring. 
EASA ADs 2017-0083 and 2017-0087 also prohibit installation of an 
affected M/R slip ring. EASA states, this condition, if not detected 
and corrected, could lead to failure of the M/R slip ring bearing inner 
race, possibly resulting in damage to drive system components and 
subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.

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 of the 
unsafe condition described in its ADs. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the 
same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
No. 139-472, dated May 9, 2017 (ASB 139-472), for Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters, and Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 189-138, dated May 12, 
2017 (ASB 189-138), for Model AW189 helicopters. ASB 139-472 and ASB 
189-138 specify inspecting the M/R slip ring by following the 
procedures in Moog Service Bulletin No. SB 16-01, Revision 5, undated 
(SB 16-01), which is attached as Annex A to both ASB 139-472 and ASB 
189-138. ASB 139-472 and ASB 189-138 are proposed for incorporation by 
reference in this proposed AD. SB 16-01 is not proposed for 
incorporation by reference in this proposed AD.
    This service information 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 also reviewed SB 16-01, which specifies procedures to 
visually inspect the M/R slip ring upper (connecter) end and lower 
(pigtail or standpipe) end fastener screws and double-twist lock wire.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require, with the M/R slip ring removed, 
inspecting each screw and double-twist lock wire of the upper 
(connecter) end and lower (pigtail or standpipe) end

[[Page 20340]]

fasteners of the M/R slip ring. Depending on the outcome, this proposed 
AD would require:
     Marking the M/R slip ring;
     Removing the M/R slip ring from service; or
     Removing screws and washers, lock wire, and ferrule ended 
safety cable from service; installing new screws and washers; applying 
torque; installing double-twist lock wire; and marking the M/R slip 
ring.
    This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of an 
affected M/R slip ring unless the proposed requirements have been 
completed.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA ADs

    EASA ADs 2017-0083 and 2017-0087 include the compliance time of at 
the next M/R slip ring removal, whereas this proposed AD does not 
because it could be difficult to track. This proposed AD has a shorter 
compliance time for all affected M/R slip rings that have accumulated 
900 or more total hours time-in-service, whereas EASA AD 2017-0087 
allows a longer compliance time for these affected M/R slip rings that 
are installed on Model AW189 helicopters. EASA ADs 2017-0083 and 2017-
0087 specify inspecting for the proper lock wire installed, while this 
proposed AD specifies inspecting for correct installation of lock wire 
0.20 CRES NAS 33540 part number MS20995C20 (double-twist lock wire) and 
any missing double-twist lock wire. If a screw is missing from the 
inner diameter (the connector flange) of the upper end of the M/R slip 
ring, EASA ADs 2017-0083 and 2017-0087 specify replacing the M/R slip 
ring with a serviceable part, whereas this proposed AD would require 
removing the M/R slip ring from service instead. If a screw is missing 
from the outer diameter of the upper end, from the inner diameter of 
the lower end (shaft extension attachment area), or from the outer 
diameter of the lower end, this proposed AD would require installing a 
new screw and washer, applying torque, and installing lock wire, 
whereas corrective action for this condition is not specified in EASA 
AD 2017-0083 or 2017-0087.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 134 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are 
estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Inspecting an M/R slip ring would take about 10 work-hours for an 
estimated cost of $850 per helicopter and $113,900 for the U.S. fleet. 
Marking an M/R slip ring would take a minimal amount of time and parts 
would cost a nominal amount. Replacing an M/R slip ring would take 
about 3 work-hours and parts would cost about $65,000 for an estimated 
cost of $65,255 per helicopter. Removing any ferrule ended safety 
cable; replacing screws and washers; applying torque; and installing 
lock wire would take about 1 work-hour and parts would cost a nominal 
amount for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.

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, 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. (Type Certificates Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A. 
and AgustaWestland S.p.A.): Docket No. FAA-2021-0304; Project 
Identifier 2017-SW-108-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by June 3, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate previously 
held by Agusta S.p.A.) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters and 
Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate previously held by AgustaWestland 
S.p.A.) Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any category, with 
a main rotor (M/R) slip ring part number (P/N) 4G6220V00151 with a 
serial (S/N) number up to and including S/N 0141, except those 
marked with an ``L'' following the S/N, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of missing lock wire and loose 
fasteners. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of an M/R 
slip ring fastener. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in failure of the M/R slip ring bearing inner race, reduced 
M/R control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For an M/R slip ring that has accumulated 900 or more total 
hours time-in-service (TIS), within 50 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD; and for an M/R slip ring that has accumulated less 
than 900 total hours TIS, within 300 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD or before accumulating 950 total hours TIS, 
whichever occurs first:
    (i) With the M/R slip ring removed, visually inspect for the 
presence of each screw, the presence of any ferrule ended

[[Page 20341]]

safety cable, the correct installation of lock wire 0.20 CRES NAS 
33540 P/N MS20995C20 (double-twist lock wire), and any missing 
double-twist lock wire for each set of upper (connecter) end and 
lower (pigtail or standpipe) end fasteners of the M/R slip ring as 
depicted in Figures 1 and 2 of Annex A to Leonardo Helicopters Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 139-472, dated May 9, 2017 (ASB 139-472), 
or Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 189-138, dated May 12, 2017 (ASB 
189-138), as applicable to your model helicopter. Figures 2 and 3 of 
Annex A to ASB 139-472 and ASB 189-138 also show examples of a 
ferrule ended safety cable installed that are not approved.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(i): Annex A to ASB 139-472 and ASB 
189-138 is Moog Service Bulletin No. SB 16-01, Revision 5, undated.
    (ii) If all of the screws are present, there is not any ferrule 
ended safety cable installed, the double-twist lock wire is 
correctly installed, and none of the double-twist lock wire is 
missing on each set of upper end and lower end fasteners of the M/R 
slip ring, before further flight, mark the letter ``L'' following 
the S/N on the identification label by following the Compliance 
Instructions, paragraph 3) of Annex A to ASB 139-472 or ASB 189-138, 
as applicable to your model helicopter.
    (iii) If a screw is missing from the inner diameter (the 
connector flange) of the upper end of the M/R slip ring, before 
further flight, remove the M/R slip ring from service.
    (iv) If a screw is missing from the outer diameter of the upper 
end, from the inner diameter of the lower end (shaft extension 
attachment area), or from the outer diameter of the lower end, 
before further flight, install a new screw and washer, apply a 
torque to 1-1.25 Nm, and install double-twist lock wire by following 
the Compliance Instructions, paragraphs 9)a) through g) of Annex A 
to ASB 139-472 or ASB 189-138, as applicable to your model 
helicopter.
    (v) If any double-twist lock wire is not correctly installed, is 
missing, or if there is a ferrule ended safety cable installed on 
any set of upper end or lower end fasters of the M/R slip ring, 
before further flight, remove the incorrectly installed lock wire or 
ferrule ended safety cable from service, as applicable, and inspect 
the fastener torque by applying 1-1.25 Nm of torque.
    (A) If the torque of a screw installed in the inner diameter 
(the connector flange) of the upper end of the M/R slip ring is 
below 1 Nm of torque, do not remove or replace the screw, before 
further flight, apply a torque of 1-1.25 Nm.
    (B) If the torque of a screw installed in the outer diameter of 
the upper end, in the inner diameter of the lower end (shaft 
extension attachment area), or in the outer diameter of the lower 
end is below 1 Nm of torque, before further flight, remove the 
affected screw and washer from service, install a new screw and 
washer, and apply a torque of 1-1.25 Nm.
    (C) Install double-twist lock wire by following the Compliance 
Instructions, paragraphs 9)a) through g) of Annex A to ASB 139-472 
or ASB 189-138, as applicable to your model helicopter.
    (vi) Mark the letter ``L'' following the S/N on the 
identification label by following the Compliance Instructions, 
paragraph 3) of Annex A to ASB 139-472 or ASB 189-138, as applicable 
to your model helicopter.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an M/R 
slip ring identified in paragraph (c) of this AD unless the 
requirements of paragraph (g)(1) have been accomplished.

(h) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(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)(1) 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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Steven Warwick, 
Aerospace Engineer, Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5225; email 
[email protected].
    (2) Moog Service Bulletin No. SB 16-01, Revision 5, undated, is 
attached as Annex A to both ASB 139-472 and ASB 189-138. For 
Leonardo Helicopters and Moog service information identified in this 
AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of 
Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) 
Italy; telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view the referenced 
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.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
2017-0083, dated May 10, 2017, and EASA AD 2017-0087, dated May 12, 
2017. You may view the EASA ADs on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

    Issued on April 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-07666 Filed 4-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P