Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 6, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19793-19795]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-07263]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0008; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00882-R; 
Amendment 39-21985; AD 2022-06-19]
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 AW109SP helicopters. This AD was prompted by 
reports of corrosion inside the hoist support assembly (boom assembly) 
(affected part) that affects both the huck bolt heads (blind bolt 
fasteners) and the support surface. This AD requires repetitive 
inspections of the external and internal surfaces of each affected part 
for cracking and corrosion and, depending on the findings, 
accomplishment of corrective actions, 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 May 11, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 11, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this 
final rule, 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 the EASA 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-2022-0008.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0008; 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: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, 
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0179, dated July 27, 2021 (EASA 
AD 2021-0179), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. 
Helicopters, formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A., and 
Agusta S.p.A., Model AW109SP helicopters, all serial numbers.
    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 AW109SP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register 
on January 21, 2022 (87 FR 3241). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
corrosion inside the hoist support assembly affecting both the huck 
bolt heads and the support surface. Investigation of the root cause for 
the corrosion is ongoing. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive 
inspections of the external and internal surfaces of each affected part 
for cracking and corrosion and, depending on the findings, 
accomplishment of corrective actions, as specified in EASA AD 2021-
0179.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion on the hoist 
support assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could affect the 
structural integrity of the hoist support assembly, leading to in-
flight detachment of the hoist support and consequent damage to the 
helicopter, and injury to hoisted persons. See EASA AD 2021-0179 for 
additional background information.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

[[Page 19794]]

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. Except for minor editorial changes, 
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2021-0179 requires repetitive inspections of the external 
and internal surfaces of each affected part for cracking and corrosion 
and, depending on the findings, accomplishment of corrective actions. 
If there is no evidence of corrosion on the interior surface of the 
boom torque tube or on the huck bolt heads, the corrective actions 
include spraying the interior surface with corrosion preventative 
compound around the hulk bolt heads from the forward and aft ends of 
the boom torque tube, and installing new tube plugs on both ends of the 
boom torque tube. If there is superficial corrosion on the interior 
surface of the boom torque tube or on the hulk bolt heads, the 
corrective actions include cleaning the corrosion, spraying the 
interior surface with corrosion preventative compound, and installing 
new tube plugs on both ends of the boom torque tube. If corrosion is 
found that is not superficial corrosion, the corrective action is 
repair or replacement of the boom torque tube.
    If cracking is observed on the external surface of the hoist 
support assembly the corrective action is replacement of the hoist 
support assembly. If only corrosion is found on the external surface of 
the hoist support assembly the corrective actions include cleaning the 
hoist support assembly.
    EASA AD 2021-0179 also allows installing an affected part, provided 
certain instructions are followed.
    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.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action 
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 40 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                          Labor cost          Parts cost            Cost per product                 Cost on U.S.  operators
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Inspecting............................  0.50 work-hour x $85 per            $0  $42.50 per inspection cycle........  $1,700 per inspection cycle.
                                         hour = $42.50 per
                                         inspection cycle.
Installing new boom torque tube plugs.  0.25 work-hour x $85 per         5,044  $5,065.25..........................  $202,610.
                                         hour = $21.25.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that are required based on the results of the inspection. 
The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might 
need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleaning boom torque tube interior or exterior  0.25 work-hour x $85 per hour =               $0          $21.25
                                                 $21.25.
Replacing boom torque tube....................  6 work-hours x $85 per hour =             39,500          40,010
                                                 $510.
Replacing hoist support assembly..............  6.50 work-hours x $85 per hour =          44,864       45,416.50
                                                 $552.50.
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    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the repairs specified in this AD.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, 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

    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.

[[Page 19795]]

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:

2022-06-19 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21985; Docket No. FAA-2022-
0008; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00882-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 11, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW109SP 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2560, Emergency 
Equipment.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion inside the hoist 
support assembly (boom assembly) (affected part) that affects both 
the huck bolt heads (blind bolt fasteners) and the support surface. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address corrosion on the hoist support 
assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could affect the 
structural integrity of the hoist support assembly, leading to in-
flight detachment of the hoist support and consequent damage to the 
helicopter, and injury to hoisted persons.

(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0179, dated July 27, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0179).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-1079

    (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0179 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0179 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those 
parts from service.
    (4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies returning a part to the manufacturer, this AD 
requires removing that part from service.
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies submitting photographs to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not require that action.
    (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0179 specifies attaching a label to the hoist support assembly, this 
AD does not require that action.
    (7) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0179 specifies 
contacting Leonardo S.p.a. for corrective action instructions, this 
AD requires replacing or repairing before further flight using a 
method approved by the Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo 
S.p.a.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (8) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks'' 
section of EASA AD 2021-0179.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0179 
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be permitted provided that there are 
no passengers on board.

(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 Andrea Jimenez, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0179, 
dated July 27, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2021-0179, 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 the 
EASA material on the EASA website at https://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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0008.
    (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 March 10, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-07263 Filed 4-5-22; 8:45 am]
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