[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 120 (Friday, June 25, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33498-33501]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13668]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0512; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01621-R;
Amendment 39-21627; AD 2021-13-21]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters. This
AD was prompted by a report of the in-flight failure of one of the
three stainless steel external rings bonded to the main rotor
swashplate boot. This AD requires repetitive inspections of these
stainless steel external rings for corrosion, cracks, and the condition
of the adhesive that bonds the rings to the main rotor swashplate boot,
and corrective action if necessary, as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 12, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 12,
2021.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 9, 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.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You
may find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view the EASA 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 the
EASA material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. The EASA material is
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0512.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0512; or in person at
Docket
[[Page 33499]]
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the EASA AD, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0271, dated December 8, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0271) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland
S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.; and AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation,
formerly Agusta Aerospace Corporation) Model AB139, AW139, and AW189
helicopters, all serial numbers. Although EASA AD 2020-0271 applies to
Model AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters, all serial numbers, this AD
applies to helicopters with an affected part installed instead.
This AD was prompted by a report of the in-flight failure of one of
the three stainless steel external rings bonded to the main rotor
swashplate boot installed on Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The
broken ring, under the effects of the centrifugal force, was released
from the main rotor swashplate boot and impacted one tail rotor blade,
causing extensive damage. Investigation revealed that the failure of
the external ring was caused by fatigue initiated by corrosion. A
contributing factor to the external ring failure was disbonding at the
four points where the affected ring was bonded to the main rotor
swashplate boot. Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters have a similar
design, therefore, this model may be subject to the same unsafe
condition revealed on the Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. Since EASA
AD 2020-0271 was published, there have been two more reports of
discrepant main rotor boots.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion, cracking, and
damage to the adhesive (e.g., disbonding) of any stainless steel
external ring bonded to the main rotor swashplate boot, which could
result in release of a ring from the main rotor swashplate boot,
resulting in damage to, and reduced control of, the helicopter. See the
EASA AD for additional background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2020-0271 specifies procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections (DET) of the affected external rings for corrosion
(including superficial oxidation), and cracks, and, depending on
findings, polishing corrosion, and replacing an affected external ring
with a serviceable part. EASA AD 2020-0271 also requires repetitive
inspections for damage of the adhesive (e.g., disbonding) between the
bonding areas of the affected external rings and the main rotor
swashplate boot and re-applying the adhesive if necessary. For certain
helicopters, EASA AD 2020-0271 requires a one-time restoring of the
adhesive between the bonding areas of the affected external rings and
the main rotor swashplate boot. For all helicopters, EASA AD 2020-0271
allows, under certain conditions, (re)installation of an affected part
on a 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 products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country, and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design
Authority, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD after
evaluating all pertinent information and determining that the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of
these same type designs.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2020-0271, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2020-0271
is incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This AD would,
therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2020-0271 in its entirety,
through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that
are the same as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD 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
the EASA AD. Service information specified in EASA AD 2020-0271 that is
required for compliance with EASA AD 2020-0271 is available on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0512.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because the in-flight failure of a stainless steel external ring bonded
to the main rotor swashplate boot could result in damage to, and
reduced control of, the helicopter. In addition, the compliance time
for the required action is shorter than the time necessary for the
public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Based on the
average utilization rate for the affected Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters, it would take approximately one month for an affected
helicopter to reach 25 hours time-in-service. Therefore, notice and
[[Page 33500]]
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to
public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA
finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making
this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the
FAA found good cause to forego notice and comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0512; Project Identifier MCAI-
2020-01621-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the AD, 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
AD 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 AD.
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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Darren
Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7323; 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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt
this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 142 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Initial inspection of external boot 3 work-hours x $85 per $0 $255 $36,210
rings and adhesive restoration. hour = $255.
Reporting after initial inspection.... 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 12,070
hour = $85.
Repetitive inspections of boot rings 0.5 work-hour x $85 per 0 42.50 6,035
and adhesive. hour = $42.50 per
inspection cycle.
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Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Polish corrosion.............................. 0.5 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $42.50
$42.50.
Replace affected ring......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 300 385
Reapply adhesive.............................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 0 85
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Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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.
[[Page 33501]]
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This 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 regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-13-21 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21627; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0512; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01621-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 12,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189
helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with a main
rotor swashplate boot, having part number (P/N) 3G6230V00251.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230 Main Rotor
Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of the in-flight failure of one
of the three stainless steel external rings bonded to the main rotor
swashplate boot. The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion,
cracking, and damage to the adhesive (e.g., disbonding) of any
stainless steel external ring bonded to the main rotor swashplate
boot, which could result in release of a ring from the main rotor
swashplate boot, resulting in damage to, and 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
2020-0271, dated December 8, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0271).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020-0271
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0271 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2020-0271 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0271 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraphs (3) and (6) of EASA AD 2020-0271 refer to
``any discrepancy'' or ``discrepancies,'' for this AD, discrepancies
include corrosion (including superficial oxidation) and cracking.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020-0271 refers to ``any
discrepancy,'' for this AD, discrepancies include corrosion
(including superficial oxidation), cracking, and damage to the
adhesive (e.g., disbonding).
(6) Paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2020-0271 specifies to report
inspection results to Leonardo S.p.a. within a certain compliance
time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (h)(6)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7323; email [email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 2020-0271,
dated December 8, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2020-0271, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. This material may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0512.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
[email protected], or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on June 18, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13668 Filed 6-23-21; 11:15 am]
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