[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 144 (Friday, July 30, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40964-40967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16169]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0606; Project Identifier 2019-SW-070-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo 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 certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E, A109S, and AW109SP 
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of main landing 
gear (MLG) wheel assembly failure. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive inspections of each affected MLG strut assembly and, 
depending on the findings, replacement of an affected MLG strut 
assembly with a serviceable assembly, or application of corrosion 
preventive compound, as

[[Page 40965]]

specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which 
is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 
13, 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 that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact 
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You 
may find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. This EASA material is also 
available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0606.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0606; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the EASA AD, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:

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-2021-0606; Project Identifier 
2019-SW-070-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 
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.

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0182, dated July 26, 2019 (EASA 
AD 2019-0182), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. 
Helicopters, formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A. Helicopter Division, 
AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E, A109LUH, A109S and 
AW109SP helicopters, all serial numbers. Model A109LUH helicopters are 
not certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type 
certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those 
helicopters in the applicability. Although EASA AD 2019-0182 applies to 
Model A109E, A109S and AW109SP helicopters, all manufacturer serial 
numbers, this proposed AD would apply to helicopters with an affected 
assembly installed.
    This proposed AD was prompted by reports of MLG wheel assembly 
failure on Model A109E helicopters. Subsequent investigations 
identified stress corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement on the threaded 
end of the MLG strut, where lack of cadmium plating was observed, and 
determined that a certain batch of ``enhanced'' MLGs may be affected. 
Due to design similarity Model A109S and AW109SP helicopters are also 
affected. The FAA is proposing this AD to address stress corrosion and 
hydrogen embrittlement on the threaded end of the MLG strut in the MLG 
wheel assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to cracks 
on the affected MLG assembly, resulting in damage or failure of the MLG 
and consequent damage to the helicopter and injury to occupants. See 
EASA AD 2019-0182 for additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2019-0182 requires repetitive inspections of each affected 
MLG assembly and, depending on the findings, replacement of an affected 
MLG strut assembly with a serviceable assembly, or application of 
corrosion preventive compound. EASA AD 2019-0182 allows the 
installation of an affected MLG strut assembly on any helicopter, 
provided it is a serviceable assembly, as defined in EASA AD 2019-0182.
    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

[[Page 40966]]

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 2019-0182, described previously, as incorporated by 
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the 
FAA proposes to incorporate EASA AD 2019-0182 by reference in the FAA 
final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with 
EASA AD 2019-0182 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 2019-0182 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 2019-
0182. Service information required by EASA AD 2019-0182 for compliance 
will be available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0606 after the FAA final rule is 
published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 99 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
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Inspection and application of     2 work-hours x $85  $17 per inspection  $187 per            $18,513 per
 corrosion protective compound.    per hour = $170     cycle.              inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                   per inspection
                                   cycle.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacement actions that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
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Replacement of damaged MLG strut assembly.....  3 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $28,100         $28,355
                                                 $255.
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    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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


[[Page 40967]]


Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA-2021-0606; Project Identifier 2019-
SW-070-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by September 13, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E, A109S, and 
AW109SP helicopters, certificated in any category, with an affected 
assembly as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) AD 2019-0182, dated July 26, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0182) 
installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3213, Main Landing 
Gear Strut/Axle/Truck.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of main landing gear (MLG) wheel 
assembly failure. The FAA is issuing this AD to address stress 
corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement on the threaded end of the MLG 
strut in the MLG wheel assembly. This condition, if not addressed, 
could lead to cracks on the affected MLG assembly, resulting in 
damage or failure of the MLG and consequent damage to the helicopter 
and injury to occupants.

(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, EASA AD 2019-0182.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0182

    (1) Where EASA AD 2019-0182 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2019-0182 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-
0182 specifies to return a certain part, this AD does not include 
that requirement.
    (4) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0182 does not apply 
to this AD.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-
0182 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing 
those parts from service.
    (6) Where Annex A of the service information referenced in EASA 
AD 2019-0182 specifies to contact the manufacturer if there is any 
indication of cracking due to ``some burr''; and Annex B of the 
service information specifies to contact the manufacturer if there 
are signs of arcing or burning on a part; before further flight, the 
instructions or corrective actions (including part replacement if 
necessary) must be accomplished using a method approved by the 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo 
S.p.A.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0182 
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)(2) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For EASA AD 2019-0182, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may view this 
material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(817) 222-5110. This material may be found in the AD docket at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0606.
    (2) 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].

    Issued on July 21, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16169 Filed 7-29-21; 8:45 am]
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