[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56191-56193]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-14890]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0236; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00066-R; 
Amendment 39-22754; AD 2024-10-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo 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 all 
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a 
report of abnormal oscillatory behavior during automated glide slope 
approaches, due to sealant on the glide slope (G/S) antenna coaxial 
connectors. This AD requires visually inspecting certain G/S antennas 
and G/S antenna coaxial connectors for the presence of any sealant; 
cleaning parts and removing any sealant; performing an external G/S 
acceptance test procedure (ATP); and taking corrective actions if 
necessary. This AD would also prohibit installing certain G/S antennas 
and G/S antenna coaxial connecters. These requirements are 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 is effective August 13, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 13, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0236; 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 EASA AD, any comments received, 
and other information. The 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0236.
    Other Related Service Information: For Leonardo Helicopters 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; phone (+39) 0331-225074; 
fax (+39) 0331-229046; or at customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 
238-7241; 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 all Leonardo S.p.a. 
Model AW189 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
February 27, 2024 (89 FR 14417). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-
0010, dated January 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0010), issued by EASA, which 
is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. 
EASA AD 2022-0010 states an in-flight abnormal oscillatory action of an 
Model AW189 helicopter was reported during automated G/S approaches. 
EASA AD 2022-0010 states subsequent investigation identified sealant on 
the G/S antenna coaxial connectors.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of 
certain G/S antennas and G/S antenna coaxial connectors for the 
presence of any sealant; cleaning parts and removing any sealant; 
performing an external G/S ATP; and taking corrective actions if 
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address sealant on 
or around the G/S antenna. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could lead to erratic signals from the G/S antenna, which could result 
in reduced capability of the helicopter to perform safe automated 
approaches. See EASA AD 2022-0010 for additional background 
information.

[[Page 56192]]

    You may examine EASA AD 2022-0010 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0236.

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 AD. 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2022-0010 requires visually inspecting G/S antenna part 
number (P/N) 6208-88-62 and G/S antenna coaxial connectors P/N PE4958, 
which are both parts of G/S antenna kit P/N 8G3430F00111, for any 
sealant. If any sealant is found, EASA AD 2022-0010 requires removing 
any sealant, and performing further inspections and corrective actions.
    EASA AD 2022-0010 also requires performing an ATP and depending on 
the results, replacing, and removing certain parts, and additional 
tests. EASA AD 2022-0010 allows the affected G/S antenna and G/S 
antenna coaxial connectors to be installed on a helicopter if certain 
requirements are met.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 
No. 189-295, dated November 29, 2021. This service information 
specifies procedures for visually inspecting the G/S antenna for the 
presence of sealant; removing any sealant that is detected; removing 
and replacing any affected parts; performing any corrective actions if 
necessary, performing an ATP, which includes verifying flight display, 
decibel milliwatts, and pass/fail information; and reporting certain 
information to the manufacturer.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    If any discrepancy is found during the ATP, EASA AD 2022-0010 
requires replacing each affected part with a serviceable part, whereas 
this AD requires removing each affected part from service and replacing 
it with a serviceable part.
    Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0010 contains an 
inspection report (ANNEX B), whereas this AD does not require 
completing that information.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 4 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.
    Visually inspecting for sealant around the G/S antenna will take 
approximately 5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $425 per helicopter 
and up to $1,700 for the U.S. fleet.
    If required, removing any sealant and cleaning any part will take 
approximately 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per 
helicopter.
    Performing an ATP will take approximately 1 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and up to $340 for the U.S. fleet.
    If required, removing and replacing a G/S antenna, to include 
removing and replacing the connectors will take approximately 3 work-
hours and parts will cost $100,100 for an estimated cost of $100,355 
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

    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:

2024-10-08 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-22754; Docket No. FAA-2024-
0236; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00066-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 13, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 3432, Glide slope 
system.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of abnormal oscillatory 
behavior during automated glide slope approaches, due to sealant on 
the glide slope (G/S) antenna coaxial connectors. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to detect and address sealant on or

[[Page 56193]]

around the G/S antenna. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could lead to erratic signals from the G/S antenna, which could 
result in reduced capability of the helicopter to perform safe 
automated approaches.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2022-0010, dated January 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0010).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0010

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``flight hours;'' for this 
AD, replace that text with ``hours time-in-service.''
    (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0010 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``in 
accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;'' for this 
AD, replace that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 4 and 5 of the ASB.''
    (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``in 
accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;'' for this 
AD, replace that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 6.3 (including the two cautions 
above paragraph 6.3) through 6.5 (but not paragraphs 6.5.1 and 
6.5.2) of the ASB.''
    (5) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 state 
``discrepancy;'' for this AD, replace that text with ``discrepancy, 
which is one or more ``fail'' results in the acceptance test 
procedure.''
    (6) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 state to 
``replace the/those affected parts with serviceable parts;'' for 
this AD, replace that text with ``remove the affected part, as 
defined in EASA AD 2022-0010, from service and replace it with a 
serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010. Thereafter, after 
installing a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010, 
before further flight, accomplish an acceptance test procedure (ATP) 
in accordance with the instructions of Annex A of the ASB.''
    (7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0010 specifies discarding existing hardware, this AD requires 
removing the existing hardware from service.
    (8) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``in 
accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;'' for this 
AD, replace that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 9 through 11 of the ASB.''
    (9) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states ``in 
accordance with the instructions of Part II of the ASB;'' for this 
AD, replace that text with ``in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 2 through 4 of the ASB.''
    (10) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2022-0010.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0010 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199, provided there are no passengers, and no flights 
are performed under instrument flight rules (IFR).

(k) 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 (l) 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.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; phone: (781) 238-7241; email: [email protected].

(m) 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0010, 
dated January 20, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0010, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 
material on the EASA website at 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.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on May 14, 2024.
James D. Foltz,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-14890 Filed 7-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P