[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 90 (Monday, May 12, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20089-20091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-08283]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0020; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00604-R;
Amendment 39-23031; AD 2025-09-10]
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
certain Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters.
This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of the motor
(MTR) cables and the bonding braids connected to the engine fire
extinguisher bottles. This AD requires inspecting the cables and
bonding braids installation and, depending on the results,
accomplishing corrective action, 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 is effective June 16, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 16,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0020; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
[[Page 20090]]
Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), 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 identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find
this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material 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-2025-0020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Schmitt, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (425) 394-2768; 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 certain serial-numbered
Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. The NPRM
was published in the Federal Register on February 5, 2025 (90 FR 9011).
The NPRM was prompted by AD 2024-0193, dated October 11, 2024, issued
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union (EASA AD 2024-0193) (also referred to as ``the MCAI'').
The MCAI states that reports were received of incorrect installation of
the MTR cables and the bonding braids connected to the engine fire
extinguisher bottles. This condition, if not detected and corrected,
could lead to reduced performance of the engine fire extinguishing
system during an engine fire and consequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the cables and
bonding braids installation and, depending on the results,
disconnecting and properly reinstalling the affected MTR cables and
bonding braids. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0020.
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Changes to the NPRM
The FAA has revised the applicability for this AD to remove serial-
numbered helicopters that are not eligible for an FAA type certificate.
Instead, paragraph (c) of this AD, ``Applicability,'' lists the
applicable helicopters by model and serial number.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, 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 products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0193, which specifies procedures for
inspecting the left-hand and right-hand side MTR cables and bonding
braids for correct installation and, depending on the findings,
accomplishing corrective action (disconnecting and properly
reinstalling the affected MTR cable(s) and bonding braid(s)). 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
EASA AD 2024-0193 applies to Model A109LUH helicopters; however,
this AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type
certificate.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 101 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per hour. Based on these
numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Inspecting the engine fire extinguisher bottle electrical
connections takes 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per
helicopter and $8,585 for the U.S. fleet.
Disconnecting and reinstalling the MTR cable(s) and bonding
braid(s) takes up to 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of up to $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 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:
[[Page 20091]]
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:
2025-09-10 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-23031; Docket No. FAA-2025-
0020; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00604-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 16, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. helicopters identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model A109E helicopters, all serial numbers (S/N).
(2) Model A109S helicopters without Trekker Kit part number (P/
N) 109G0000F01 installed, all S/Ns.
(3) Model A109S helicopters with Trekker Kit P/N
109G0000F01installed, S/N 22202, 22088, 22701 through 22741
inclusive, 22743 through 22746 inclusive, and 22748.
(4) Model AW109SP helicopters, S/N 22201, 22203, 22214 through
22362 inclusive, 22364 through 22460 inclusive, and 22462 through
22464 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2620, Extinguishing
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of the
motor (MTR) cables and the bonding braids connected to the engine
fire extinguisher bottles. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and
correct incorrect installation of the MTR cables and the bonding
braids to the engine fire extinguisher bottles, which could lead to
reduced performance of the engine fire extinguishing system during
an engine fire and consequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(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 AD 2024-0193,
dated October 11, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0193).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0193
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0193 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0193 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2024-0193 states ``any
discrepancy,'' this AD requires replacing that text with ``an
improper installation.''
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0193.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0193 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(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) of
this AD and email 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
For more information about this AD, contact Peter Schmitt,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-3377; email:
[email protected].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0193,
dated October 11, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material 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.
(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 7, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-08283 Filed 5-9-25; 8:45 am]
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