[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 29, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34127-34130]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13711]


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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; Amendment 
39-21606; AD 2021-13-01]
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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting 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 
AD was prompted by reports of missing lock wire and loose fasteners. 
This AD requires 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,

[[Page 34128]]

applying torque, installing lock wire, and re-identifying the M/R slip 
ring. This AD also prohibits the installation of certain M/R slip 
rings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 3, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of August 3, 2021.

ADDRESSES: For Leonardo Helicopters and Moog service information 
identified in this final rule, 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. Service information that is incorporated by 
reference is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0304.

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 final rule, 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 U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply 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 with an M/R slip ring 
part number (P/N) 4G6220V00151 with a serial number (S/N) up to and 
including S/N 0141, except those marked with an ``L'' following the S/
N, installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 19, 
2021 (86 FR 20338). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 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 
fasteners of the M/R slip ring. Depending on the outcome, the NPRM 
proposed to 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. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit the 
installation of an affected M/R slip ring unless the proposed 
requirements have been completed. The NPRM was prompted by 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, each issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Union. 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.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the 
unsafe condition described in its ADs. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes, 
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

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 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 incorporated by reference in this 
AD. SB 16-01 is not incorporated by reference in this 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.

Differences Between This 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 AD does not because it 
could be difficult to track. This AD has a shorter compliance time for 
all affected M/R slip rings that have accumulated 900 or

[[Page 34129]]

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 AD 
specifies inspecting for correct installation of lock wire 0.20 CRES 
NAS 33540 P/N 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 AD requires 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 AD requires 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 AD affects 134 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Inspecting an M/R slip ring takes 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 takes a minimal amount of time and parts cost 
a nominal amount. Replacing an M/R slip ring takes about 3 work-hours 
and parts 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 takes about 1 
work-hour and parts 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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-13-01 Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificates Previously Held by 
Agusta S.p.A. and AgustaWestland S.p.A.): Amendment 39-21606; Docket 
No. FAA-2021-0304; Project Identifier 2017-SW-108-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 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 number (S/N) 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 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 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

[[Page 34130]]

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) of this AD 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 SB 16-01, Revision 5, undated, is 
attached as Annex A to both ASB 139-472 and ASB 189-138. As the 
design approval holder for the products identified in paragraph (c) 
of this AD, contact Leonardo Helicopters for the Moog service 
information at the contact information specified in paragraph (k)(3) 
of this AD. It is also available at the contact information 
specified in paragraph (k)(4) of this AD.
    (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 at https://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0304.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 139-
472, dated May 9, 2017.
    (ii) Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 189-138, dated May 12, 2017.
    (3) For Leonardo Helicopters 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.
    (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.
    (5) You may view this service information 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 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13711 Filed 6-28-21; 8:45 am]
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