Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 36 (Thursday, February 25, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11408-11410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03663]



[[Page 11408]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1026; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00745-R; 
Amendment 39-21418; AD 2021-03-15]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-13-02 
for Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. 
AD 2020-13-02 required inspecting for movement and the tightening 
torque of the tail rotor (T/R) plug, the installation of the outboard 
and inboard faces of the T/R duplex bearing, and the condition of the 
T/R duplex bearing, T/R plug threads, and nut threads. Depending on the 
inspection results, AD 2020-13-02 required corrective actions and 
reporting information. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2020-
13-02 except the reporting requirement, updates the service 
information, and requires repeating the inspection. This AD was 
prompted by Leonardo's update to the service information. The actions 
of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 1, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 1, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For 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; telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. 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-2020-1026.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-1026; 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 service information that is 
incorporated by reference, any comments received, and other 
information. The street 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to remove AD 2020-13-02, Amendment 39-21147 (85 FR 37551, 
June 23, 2020) (AD 2020-13-02), and add a new AD. AD 2020-13-02 applied 
to Leonardo Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters with a T/R duplex 
bearing part number (P/N) 129-0160-11-103 installed. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on November 18, 2020 (85 FR 73432). The NPRM 
proposed to retain all of the inspection requirements and the 
installation prohibition of AD 2020-13-02. The NPRM also proposed to 
require repeating the inspection for presence of the P/N and serial 
number (S/N) markings of the outboard and inboard faces of T/R duplex 
bearing every 200 hours time-in-service (TIS). The NPRM also proposed 
to remove the reporting requirements required by AD 2020-13-02.
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD No. 2020-0128, dated June 4, 2020 
(EASA AD 2020-0128), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Leonardo Model A119 and AW119MKII helicopters, S/N up to 14972 
inclusive, except S/Ns 14950, 14957, 14961, 14962, 14964, 14965, 14967, 
and 14970. EASA AD 2020-0128 supersedes EASA Emergency AD No. 2019-
0194-E, dated August 9, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0194-E), which prompted AD 
2020-13-02. EASA advises that after EASA AD 2019-0194-E was issued, 
Leonardo determined that additional serial-numbered helicopters are 
affected by the unsafe condition. EASA also advises that Leonardo 
canceled Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 119-100, dated 
August 7, 2019 (EASB 119-100) and instead included the repetitive 
inspections in the maintenance manual (MM).
    FAA AD 2020-13-02 did not require repeating the inspection of the 
T/R duplex bearing installation every 200 hours TIS, as there was 
sufficient time to allow for notice and comment prior to this long-term 
action going into effect. The FAA has determined that repeating the 
inspection is needed to address this unsafe condition. Although 
Leonardo has added this action to the MM, the FAA must mandate it 
through an AD in order to require it for all operators. Accordingly, 
the FAA included this long-term requirement in the NPRM.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule, but the FAA did not receive any comments on 
the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.

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 of the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after 
evaluating all of the information provided by EASA and determining the 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD is applicable to certain serial-numbered Model A119 and 
AW119MKII helicopters, whereas this AD applies to Model A119 and AW119 
MKII helicopters with a T/R duplex bearing P/N 129-0160-11-103 
installed instead. The EASA AD requires inspecting the tightening 
torque of the T/R plug in the range of 30.5-33.9 Nm, whereas this AD 
requires inspecting the tightening torque of the T/R plug to a minimum 
of 30.5 Nm instead. This AD requires repeating the inspections for the 
presence of the P/N and S/N markings, for rough rotation, brinelling, 
spalling, chipping, flaking, evidence of overheated bearing balls, and 
damage to the races, and for damaged threads of the T/R plug and nut, 
at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS, whereas the EASA AD does not 
require repeating

[[Page 11409]]

these inspections. The EASA AD requires inspecting the threads of nut 
P/N MS17825-7 for damage, but does not state what to do if the threads 
have damage. This AD requires inspecting for damage to the threads of 
the nut indicated by uneven threads, missing threads, or cross-
threading, and if the nut has any damaged threads, removing the nut 
from service.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Leonardo EASB No. 119-105, Revision A, dated June 
3. 2020 (EASB 119-105 Rev A), which specifies a one-time inspection of 
the tightening torque of T/R plug P/N 129-0160-45-103, and a one-time 
inspection for correct installation of the inboard and outboard faces 
of T/R duplex bearing P/N 129-0160-11-103, for damage to the threads of 
the T/R plug and nut P/N MS17825-7, and of the T/R duplex bearing for 
roughness, ease of rotation, and presence of brinelling, spalling, 
chipping, and flaking or traces of overheating of bearing balls, and 
general damage to races.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed EASB 119-100, which specifies the same 
procedures as EASB 119-105 Rev A, except EASB 119-100 also specifies 
repeating the inspection for correct installation of the inboard and 
outboard faces of T/R duplex bearing P/N 129-0160-11-103, for damage to 
the threads of the T/R plug and nut P/N MS17825-7, and of the T/R 
duplex bearing for roughness, ease of rotation, and presence of 
brinelling, spalling, chipping, and flaking or traces of overheating of 
bearing balls, and general damage to races in conjunction every 200 
hours TIS or at any removal, installation, or disassembly of the T/R 
duplex bearing.
    The FAA also reviewed Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 119-105, dated 
May 18, 2020, which contains the same procedures as EASB 119-105 Rev A, 
except EASB 119-105 Rev A applies to additional serial-numbered 
helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 89 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD.
    Inspecting the tightening torque of the T/R plug takes about 0.5 
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,827 for 
the U.S. fleet.
    Inspecting for correct installation of the outboard and inboard 
faces of the T/R duplex bearing and the condition of the T/R duplex 
bearing, T/R plug threads, and nut threads takes about 2 work-hours for 
an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $15,130 for the U.S. 
fleet, per inspection cycle.
    Assembling and installing the T/R duplex bearing assembly takes 
about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and 
$15,130 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
    If required, the parts for replacing the T/R duplex bearing, 
internal spacer, external spacer, bearing liner assembly, and T/R 
control rod cost about $4,200, and parts for replacing the T/R plug 
cost about $171.
    The FAA has included all known costs in this cost estimate. 
However, according to Leonardo, some of the costs of this 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 has 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,
    (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.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-13-02, Amendment 39-21147 
(85 FR 37551, June 23, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2021-03-15 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21418; Docket No. FAA-2020-
1026; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00745-R.

(a) Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Leonardo S.p.a. 
Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category, 
with a tail rotor (T/R) duplex bearing part number (P/N) 129-0160-
11-103 (T/R duplex bearing) installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as structural failure of 
the T/R assembly, possibly due to an incorrect installation. This 
condition could result in loss of T/R pitch change control and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-13-02, Amendment 39-21147 (85 FR 37551, 
June 23, 2020) (AD 2020-13-02).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 1, 2021.

(e) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove the lockwire 
that secures the T/R plug P/N 129-0160-45-103 (T/R plug) to the 
bearing liner assembly P/N 109-0135-16-101 (bearing liner assembly). 
Without loosening the T/R plug first, inspect the tightening

[[Page 11410]]

torque of the T/R plug by increasing the torque up to 30.5 Nm and 
inspect for any movement the moment torque is applied.
    (i) If there is no movement and the tightening torque is at 
least 30.5 Nm, before further flight, install lockwire by following 
the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraph 4, of Leonardo 
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) No. 119-105, 
Revision A, dated June 3, 2020 (EASB 119-105 Rev A).
    (ii) If there is any movement or the tightening torque is less 
than 30.5 Nm, before further flight, comply with paragraph (f)(2) of 
this AD.
    (2) Within 50 hours TIS, unless required before further flight 
by paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 200 hours TIS, inspect to determine whether the P/N and 
serial number (S/N) are visible on the outboard and inboard faces of 
the T/R duplex bearing by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
part II, paragraphs 4 through 13 (except paragraphs 9.1, 13.1, and 
13.2), of EASB 119-105 Rev A. Instead of the excluded steps, do the 
following:

    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(2): You are not required to discard 
parts and you may use equivalent tooling to that identified in EASB 
119-105 Rev A.

    (i) If the P/N and S/N markings are visible on the outboard or 
inboard face of the T/R duplex bearing, before further flight, 
remove from service the T/R duplex bearing, internal spacer P/N 129-
0160-43-101 (internal spacer), external spacer P/N 129-0160-44-101 
(external spacer), bearing liner assembly, and T/R control rod P/N 
109-0135-02-101 (T/R control rod).
    (ii) If the P/N and S/N markings are not visible on the inboard 
face of the T/R duplex bearing, before further flight, inspect the 
T/R duplex bearing, T/R plug, and nut by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraphs 14 and 15 (but not 
paragraphs 15.1 through 15.2), of EASB 119-105 Rev A. For purposes 
of this inspection, damage to the races may be indicated by non-
movement of the inner race, movement of the outer race, deformation, 
roughness, or incorrect installation; and damage to the threads of 
the T/R plug and nut may be indicated by uneven threads, missing 
threads, or cross-threading.
    (A) If the T/R duplex bearing has any rough rotation, 
brinelling, spalling, chipping, flaking, evidence of overheated 
bearing balls, or damage to the races, before further flight, remove 
from service the T/R duplex bearing, the internal spacer, the 
external spacer, the bearing liner assembly, and the T/R control 
rod.
    (B) If the T/R plug or nut has any damaged threads, before 
further flight, remove from service the affected part.
    (C) Reassemble the T/R duplex bearing assembly by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraphs 16 through 31, of 
EASB 119-105 Rev A.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a T/R 
duplex bearing P/N 129-0160-11-103 on any helicopter unless you have 
complied with the requirements in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.

(g) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) Accomplishment of AD 2020-13-02 before the effective date of 
this AD is considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph 
(f)(1) and the initial inspection required by paragraph (f)(2) of 
this AD.
    (2) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Leonardo Helicopters 
EASB No. 119-100, dated August 7, 2019, or Leonardo Helicopters EASB 
No. 119-105, dated May 18, 2020, are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph 
(f)(1) and the initial inspection required by paragraph (f)(2) of 
this AD.

(h) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Aircraft Systems Section, Technical 
Innovation Policy Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests 
that you 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.

(j) Additional Information

    (1) Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 119-100, dated August 7, 2019, 
and Leonardo Helicopters EASB No. 119-105, dated May 18, 2020, which 
are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information 
about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in 
this AD, contact Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale 
G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-
0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view a copy of the service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2020-0128, dated June 4, 2020. 
You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2020-1026.

(k) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor 
System.

(l) 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) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 
119-105, Revision A, dated June 3, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, Leonardo 
S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G. 
Agusta 520, 21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-
0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
    (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 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 January 29, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03663 Filed 2-24-21; 8:45 am]
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