Airworthiness Directives; PZL Świdnik S.A. Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 72 (Tuesday, April 14, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20589-20592]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07742]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0363; Product Identifier 2018-SW-010-AD; Amendment 
39-19894; AD 2020-07-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PZL [Sacute]widnik 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 all 
PZL [Sacute]widnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A helicopters. This AD was 
prompted by a report of a cracked nose landing gear (NLG) bellcrank 
assembly. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the NLG bellcrank 
assembly for discrepancies and replacement if necessary. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 29, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 29, 
2020.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 29, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.

[[Page 20590]]

    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact PZL-
[Sacute]widnik S.A., Al. Lotnik[oacute]w Polskich 1, 21-045 
[Sacute]widnik, Poland; telephone (+48) 664 424 798; fax (+48) 817 225 
710; internet www.pzl.swidnik.pl. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is 
also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0363.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0363; 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 (previously European 
Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0035-E, dated February 6, 2018; 
corrected March 16, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all PZL-[Sacute]widnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A 
helicopters. The MCAI also applies to PZL-[Sacute]widnik S.A. Model PZL 
W-3AS helicopters, which are not type certificated in the U.S. EASA 
advises that cracking in a NLG bellcrank assembly, part number (P/N) 
30.42.010.01.00, was due to reduced wall thickness, which resulted from 
a manufacturing deficiency. EASA advises that this condition, if not 
detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the NLG, possibly 
resulting in damage to the helicopter and injury of the occupants. To 
address this potentially unsafe condition, EASA requires a one-time 
inspection of the affected NLG assembly installed on helicopters 
currently in service and replacement if necessary.
    You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0363.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Wytw[oacute]rnia Sprz[eogon]tu Komunikacyjnego has issued Mandatory 
Bulletin No. BO-37-18-292, Revision 1, dated February 5, 2018. This 
service information describes procedures for a one-time general visual 
inspection of the NLG bellcrank assembly for cracks; measurement of 
reference dimensions or ultrasonic inspection for manufacturing 
defects; and bellcrank assembly replacement including related 
investigative actions (inspection of the NLG for hydraulic fluid 
contamination and free movement of the piston rod) if necessary.
    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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
and service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD 
because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of the same type design.

Requirements of This AD

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C.) 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 seeking comment prior to the 
rulemaking.
    Since there are currently no domestic operators of this product, 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
unnecessary pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the 
reason stated above, 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.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    The requirements of the 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 notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and the FAA did not precede it by notice and opportunity for 
public comment. The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0363; 
Product Identifier 2018-SW-010-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
AD based on those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, the FAA provides the following cost estimates to comply with 
this AD:

[[Page 20591]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                                  Labor cost                                       Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255............................................              $0             $255
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition action that would be required based on the results of any 
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                                  Labor cost                                       Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425............................................          $5,000           $5,425
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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; 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 (AD):

2020-07-15 PZL [Sacute]widnik S.A.: Amendment 39-19894; Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0363; Product Identifier 2018-SW-010-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 29, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all PZL [Sacute]widnik S.A. Model PZL W-3A 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 3200, Landing Gear 
System.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked nose landing gear 
(NLG) bellcrank assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
cracking of the NLG bellcrank assembly due to a manufacturing 
deficiency. This condition, if not addressed, could lead to failure 
of the NLG, possibly resulting in damage to the helicopter and 
injury of the occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition

    For purposes of this AD, affected NLG bellcrank assemblies have 
part number (P/N) 30.42.010.00.00.

(h) Inspection

    For helicopters having serial numbers up to 3X.10.12 inclusive: 
Within 5 landings after the effective date of this AD, inspect the 
affected NLG bellcrank assembly for discrepancies, in accordance 
with Chapter II, paragraph 2., of Wytw[oacute]rnia Sprz[eogon]tu 
Komunikacyjnego Mandatory Bulletin No. BO-37-18-292, Revision 1, 
dated February 5, 2018 (Bulletin BO-37-18-292). For purposes of this 
AD, a ``landing'' is counted any time the helicopter lifts off into 
the air and then lands again regardless of the duration of the 
landing and regardless of whether the engine is shut down.

(i) Replacement

    During the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if 
the NLG bellcrank assembly meets the criteria for replacement, as 
specified in Chapter II, paragraph 3., of Bulletin BO-37-18-292: 
Before further flight, replace the affected NLG bellcrank assembly 
and do all related investigative and corrective actions, in 
accordance with Chapter II, paragraph 4., of Bulletin BO-37-18-292.

(j) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD: Do not install a bellcrank 
NLG assembly, P/N 30.42.010.00.00, on any helicopter unless the 
assembly has passed an inspection (no defects found), in accordance 
with paragraph (h) of this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Bulletin BO-37-18-292.

(l) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 
21.199, are not allowed.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your

[[Page 20592]]

proposal to: David Hatfield, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety 
Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5116; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, notify your 
principal inspector or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 
the local flight standards district office or certificate holding 
district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this 
AD through an AMOC.

(n) Related Information

    (1) The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (previously European Aviation Safety Agency) 
(EASA) AD 2018-0035-E, dated February 6, 2018; corrected March 16, 
2018. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0363.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact David Hatfield, 
Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, 
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, 
TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5116; email [email protected].

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Wytw[oacute]rnia Sprz[eogon]tu Komunikacyjnego Mandatory 
Bulletin No. BO-37-18-292, Revision 1, dated February 5, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact PZL-
[Sacute]widnik S.A., Al. Lotnik[oacute]w Polskich 1, 21-045 
[Sacute]widnik, Poland; telephone (+48) 664 424 798; fax (+48) 817 
225 710; internet www.pzl.swidnik.pl.
    (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.
    (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 April 8, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-07742 Filed 4-13-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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