[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 152 (Wednesday, August 11, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43909-43911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17025]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 152 / Wednesday, August 11, 2021 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 43909]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0652; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00271-R;
Amendment 39-21683; AD 2021-16-20]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; PZL Swidnik S.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 PZL Swidnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A helicopters. This AD requires
visually inspecting the bonding on a certain part-numbered fairing
installed on a certain part-numbered vibration absorber, improving the
bonding if necessary, using improved installation procedures to secure
the fairing to the vibration absorber, and removing certain parts from
service. This AD also prohibits installing the affected part unless it
is inspected and installed per the AD requirements. This AD was
prompted by a report of a broken bolt securing the fairing to the
vibration absorber that resulted from an incorrect torque value for the
nut used to secure the fairing to the vibration absorber. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 26, 2021. The FAA must receive
comments on this AD by October 12, 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 service information identified in this final rule, contact WSK
``PZL-[Sacute]widnik'' S.A., Al. Lotnik[oacute]w Polskich 1, 21-045
[Sacute]widnik, Poland; telephone (+48) 81722 5716; fax (+48) 81722
5625; email: [email protected]; or at https://www.pzlswidnik.pl/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-2021-0652; 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 AD, the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed
above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0038, dated February 27, 2020
(EASA AD 2020-0038), to correct an unsafe condition for all serial-
numbered Wytw[oacute]rnia Sprz[eogon]tu Komunikacyjnego (WSK) ``PZL-
[Sacute]widnik'' Sp[oacute][lstrok]ka Akcyjna (S.A.) Model PZL W-3A and
PZL W-3AS helicopters. EASA AD 2020-0038 advises that a bolt part
number (P/N) 3003A-6-16-3 was found broken on fairing P/N
30.23.015.00.03 installed on vibration absorber P/N 30.23.000.00.04.
EASA states further investigations identified that the maintenance
instructions detailing how to secure the affected parts did not include
the torque value information to tighten the castellated nut P/N 3336A-
6. EASA further states that this condition, if not corrected, could
lead to detachment of the affected part from the helicopter and its
subsequent contact with helicopter stationary or rotary parts, possibly
resulting in damage to, and consequent reduced control of, the
helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2020-0038 requires the use of improved
installation instructions to secure the affected fairing to the
vibration absorber.
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 issuing 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 the same type design.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed WYTW[Oacute]RNIA SPRZ[Eogon]TU KOMUNIKACYJNEGO
``PZL-[Sacute]widnik'' Sp[oacute][lstrok]ka Akcyjna Alert Service
Bulletin No. ASB-37-19-307, dated January 27, 2020. This service
information specifies checking (inspecting) the bonding between the
fairing and vibration absorber star for any nonconformity and improving
the bonding if necessary. This service information also specifies the
specific torque to be used to tighten the castellated nuts during
installation of the fairing onto the vibration absorber.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, within 300 hours time-in-service after the
effective date of this AD, removing from service each bolt P/N 3003A-6-
16-3, washer P/N 3402A-1, and castellated nut P/N 3336A-6 that secure
fairing P/N 30.23.015.00.03 to vibration absorber P/N 30.23.000.00.04,
and inspecting the bonding between the fairing and vibration absorber
to determine if there is any anodic coating. If there is anodic
coating, this AD requires polishing the
[[Page 43910]]
surface of the fairing where the washers make contact, burnishing the
affected area using abrasive paper, and washing the surface with a
cleaning solution. This AD then requires installing a new bolt, new
washer, and new nut to connect the fairing to the vibration absorber.
Additionally, this AD requires using a specified torque, torqueing each
nut, locking each nut with a cotter pin, and if the specified torque
cannot be accomplished, removing the washer and nut from service,
installing airworthy parts, and reapplying torque. Finally, this AD
prohibits installing an affected fairing or vibration absorber unless
they meet the inspection and installation requirements of this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2020-0038 applies to all serial-numbered Model PZL W-3A and
PZL W-3AS helicopters, whereas this AD only applies to Model PZL W-3A
helicopters with fairing part number (P/N) 30.23.015.00.03 installed on
vibration absorber P/N 30.23.000.00.04 installed. This AD does not
apply to Model PZL W-3AS helicopters because that model is not FAA
type-certificated.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (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.
There are no helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S.
Registry. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment
are unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for
the foregoing reasons, 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.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0652; Project Identifier MCAI-
2020-00271-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.
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 Kristi
Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (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 prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
There are no costs of compliance with this AD because there are no
helicopters with this type certificate on the U.S. Registry.
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
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, I certify that this AD:
(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.
Adoption of 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:
2021-16-20 PZL Swidnik S.A.: Amendment 39-21683; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0652; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00271-R.
[[Page 43911]]
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 26, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to PZL Swidnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A helicopters,
certificated in any category, with fairing part number (P/N)
30.23.015.00.03 installed on vibration absorber P/N 30.23.000.00.04
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as improper torque of a
bolt securing the fairing to the vibration absorber due to lack of
information regarding torque value for the nut. This condition could
result in detachment of the fairing, causing damage to the main and
tail rotor, and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 300 hours time in service after the effective date of
this AD:
(1) Remove from service each bolt P/N 3003A-6-16-3, washer P/N
3402A-1, and castellated nut P/N 3336A-6 that secure the fairing to
the vibration absorber.
(2) Visually inspect the bonding between the fairing and the
vibration absorber for anodic coating. If there is any anodic
coating, before further flight,
(i) Polish the surface of the fairing and vibration absorber in
all areas where washers make contact to remove all anodic coating.
(ii) Using 180-220 grit abrasive paper, burnish the surface to
improve bonding.
(iii) Wash the surface with extraction naphtha, or equivalent
cleaning solution.
(3) Insert a new bolt P/N 3003A-6-16-3 and a new washer P/N
3402A-1 into each hole connecting the fairing to the vibration
absorber.
(4) At the vibration absorber star side, install a new washer P/
N 3402A-1, and a new castellated nut P/N 3336A-6 onto each bolt.
Torque each castellated nut to 5.4 1.0 Nm (0.55 0.10 kGm) and lock each castellated nut with a cotter pin. If
the specified torque range cannot be accomplished, remove the
washer, bolt, and nut from service, replace these parts with
airworthy parts, and reapply torque.
(5) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install
vibration absorber P/N 30.23.000.00.04 with a fairing P/N
30.23.015.00.03 on any helicopter unless they are inspected as
required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD and installed as required by
paragraphs (g)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(h) 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 (i)(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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley,
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(2) WYTW[Oacute]RNIA SPRZ[Eogon]TU KOMUNIKACYJNEGO ``PZL-
[Sacute]widnik'' Sp[oacute][lstrok]ka Akcyjna Alert Service Bulletin
No. ASB-37-19-307, dated January 27, 2020, which is not incorporated
by reference, contains additional information about the subject of
this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact WSK
``PZL-[Sacute]widnik'' S.A., Al. Lotnik[oacute]w Polskich 1, 21-045
[Sacute]widnik, Poland; telephone (+48) 81722 5716; fax (+48) 81722
5625; email: [email protected]; or at
https://www.pzlswidnik.pl/en/home.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0038, dated February 27, 2020.
You may view EASA AD 2020-0038 at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA-2021-0652.
(j) Incorporation by Reference
None.
Issued on July 30, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17025 Filed 8-10-21; 8:45 am]
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