Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57577-57579]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22463]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0578; Project Identifier 2018-SW-084-AD; Amendment 
39-21741; AD 2021-20-03]
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 AW169 helicopters. This AD was prompted 
by reports of in-flight pilot collective stick oscillation. This AD 
requires a one-time measurement of the friction of the pilot collective 
stick assembly to verify that it is within the allowable range and, 
depending on findings, making an adjustment to restore the acceptable 
level of friction, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency 
(now 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 November 22, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 22, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone 
+49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at 
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material 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. It is also available 
in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0578.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0578; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, 
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0203, dated September 12, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0203) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for Leonardo S.p.A., formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A. and AgustaWestland 
S.p.A., Model AW169 helicopters, all serial numbers equipped with pilot 
collective stick assemblies having part number (P/N) 6F6711A07832 or P/
N 6F6711A07831.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Leonardo S.p.a. 
Model AW169 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
July 23, 2021 (86 FR 38950). The NPRM was prompted by reports of in-
flight pilot collective stick oscillation. The NPRM proposed to require 
a one-time measurement of the friction of the pilot collective stick 
assembly to verify that it is within the allowable range and, depending 
on findings, making an adjustment to restore the acceptable level of 
friction, as specified in EASA AD 2018-0203.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect adjustment of the 
pilot collective stick fixed friction. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in reduced controllability of the helicopter, 
and subsequent damage to the helicopter and injury to occupants. See 
EASA AD 2018-0203 for additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. 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. Accordingly, 
the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2018-0203 requires a one-time measurement of the friction 
of the

[[Page 57578]]

pilot collective stick assembly to verify that it is within the 
allowable range specified in the service information (collective up and 
collective down directions 9.00/18.00N (Newton) or 2.02/4.05 lbf (pound 
force)) and, depending on the findings, accomplishment of the 
corrective action. The corrective action is making an adjustment to the 
pilot collective stick assembly to restore the acceptable level of 
friction. EASA AD 2018-0203 also specifies that after installation of 
an affected part, or following maintenance of an affected part that 
involves removal from the helicopter and re-installation, before the 
next flight after the part installation, the collective fixed friction 
must be measured and, depending on the findings, the corrective action 
must be accomplished.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 6 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Functional check-friction measurement.  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170          $1,020
                                         hour = $170.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
adjustment that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need this adjustment:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustment..................................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170              $0            $170
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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:

2021-20-03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21741; Docket No. FAA-2021-
0578; Project Identifier 2018-SW-084-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with an affected part as identified in 
European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0203, dated September 12, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-
0203) installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes: 6700, Rotorcraft 
Flight Control; 6710, Main Rotor Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight pilot collective 
stick oscillation. The FAA is issuing this AD address incorrect 
adjustment of the pilot collective stick fixed friction. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability 
of the helicopter, and subsequent damage to the helicopter and 
injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, EASA AD 2018-0203.

[[Page 57579]]

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0203

    (1) Where EASA AD 2018-0203 refers to flight hours, this AD 
requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2018-0203 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2018-0203.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0203 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(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. 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7323; email [email protected].

(l) 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) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0203, dated 
September 12, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2018-0203, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (4) You may view this material 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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0578.
    (5) You may view this material 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 September 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22463 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am]
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