This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains regulatory documents having general

applicability and legal effect, most of which

are keyed to and codified in the Code of

Federal Regulations, which is published under

50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by

the Superintendent of Documents.

Rules and Regulations Federal Register

80993 

Vol. 89, No. 194 

Monday, October 7, 2024 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2024–0773; Project 

Identifier MCAI–2023–00256–R; Amendment 

39–22835; AD 2024–18–01] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo 

S.p.a. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding 

Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021–22– 

05, which applied to all Leonardo S.p.a. 

(Leonardo) Model A119 and AW119 

MKII helicopters. AD 2021–22–05 

required repetitively inspecting certain 

torque tube assemblies for any 

deficiency and corrective action if 

necessary, and replacing any affected 

part with a serviceable part, which was 

terminating action for the repetitive 

inspections. AD 2021–22–05 was 

prompted by reports of abnormal play 

on the collective torque tube on two 

Leonardo Model AW119 MKII 

helicopters, which were due to an 

erroneous manufacturing process. Since 

the FAA issued AD 2021–22–05, it was 

discovered that additional torque tube 

assemblies are subject to the unsafe 

condition. This AD retains certain 

requirements specified in AD 2021–22– 

05, reduces the applicability to include 

helicopters with only affected partnumbered collective torque tube 

assemblies, reduces the inspection 

intervals, and removes the previously 

approved terminating action. These 

requirements are 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 November 

12, 2024. 

The Director of the Federal Register 

approved the incorporation by reference 

of a certain publication listed in this AD 

as of November 12, 2024. 

ADDRESSES: 

AD Docket: You may examine the AD 

docket at regulations.gov under Docket 

No. FAA–2024–0773; 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 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-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 

telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 

ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet 

easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 

material on the EASA website at 

ad.easa.europa.eu. 

• You may view this EASA 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 at regulations.gov under 

Docket No. FAA–2024–0773. 

Other Related Material: For Leonardo 

material identified in this AD, contact 

Leonardo S.p.A., 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 customer

portal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, 

FAA,1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, 

Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238– 

7241; email: Sungmo.D.Cho@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background 

The FAA issued a notice of proposed 

rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 

part 39 to supersede AD 2021–22–05, 

Amendment 39–21778 (86 FR 67301, 

November 26, 2021) (AD 2021–22–05). 

AD 2021–22–05 applied to all Leonardo 

Model A119 and AW119 MKII 

helicopters. AD 2021–22–05 required 

repetitive inspections of certain batches 

of affected torque tube assemblies for 

any deficiency and corrective action if 

necessary; and the replacement of any 

affected part with a serviceable part, 

which is terminating action for the 

repetitive inspections. The FAA issued 

AD 2021–22–05 to address abnormal 

play on the collective torque tube, 

which could result in reduced control of 

the helicopter, resulting in a forced 

landing and consequent damage to the 

helicopter and injury to occupants. 

The NPRM published in the Federal 

Register on April 12, 2024 (89 FR 

25825). The NPRM was prompted by 

EASA AD 2023–0035, dated February 

10, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0035) (also 

referred to as the MCAI), issued by 

EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 

the Member States of the European 

Union. The NPRM was prompted by 

additional occurrences of abnormal play 

on parts not previously included in the 

affected batches of torque tube 

assemblies. In light of this, Leonardo 

issued updated material and EASA 

issued EASA AD 2023–0035 to reduce 

the applicability to include helicopters 

with only affected part-numbered 

collective torque tube assemblies, 

reduce the inspection intervals, and 

simplify the inspection method. 

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 

reduce the applicability to include 

helicopters with only affected all partnumbered collective torque tube 

assemblies. In the NPRM, the FAA also 

proposed to retain certain requirements 

of AD 2021–22–05 and require 

accomplishing the actions specified in 

EASA AD 2023–0035 except for any 

differences identified as exceptions in 

the regulatory text of this AD. 

You may examine the MCAI in the 

AD docket at regulations.gov under 

Docket No. FAA–2024–0773. 

Discussion of Final Airworthiness 

Directive 

Comments 

The FAA received no comments on 

the NPRM or on the determination of 

the costs. 

Conclusion 

These products have been approved 

by the aviation authority of another 

country and are approved for operation 

in the United States. Pursuant to the 


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80994 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 194 / Monday, October 7, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 

FAA’s bilateral agreement with this 

State of Design Authority, it has notified 

the FAA of the unsafe condition 

described in the MCAI referenced 

above. 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 

products. Except for minor editorial 

changes, this AD is adopted as proposed 

in the NPRM. 

Material Incorporated by Reference 

Under 1 CFR Part 51 

EASA AD 2023–0035 requires 

repetitive inspections of the affected 

torque tube assemblies for any 

deficiency (i.e., any abnormal play or 

relative rotation) by marking the torque 

tube assembly and the collar and 

applying specific loads to determine if 

there is any play; and depending on the 

results of these inspections replacing 

the torque tube assembly with a 

serviceable part. 

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 ADDRESSES. 

Other Related Material 

The FAA reviewed Leonardo 

Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 

119–098, Revision B, dated January 25, 

2023. This material specifies procedures 

for inspecting the collective torque tube 

assembly for abnormal play and 

specifies instructions for replacing 

affected parts. 

Costs of Compliance 

The FAA estimates that this AD 

affects 184 helicopters of U.S. registry. 

Labor costs are estimated at $85 per 

work-hour. Based on these numbers, the 

FAA estimates the following costs to 

comply with this AD. 

Inspecting the torque tube assembly 

inspection takes about 1 work-hour for 

an estimated cost of $85 per inspection 

and $15,640 for the U.S. fleet per 

inspection cycle. 

The FAA estimates the following 

costs to do any necessary replacements 

that are required based on the results of 

the required inspections. The agency 

has no way of determining the number 

of helicopters that might need these 

replacements. 

If required, replacing the torque tube 

assembly takes about 16 work-hours and 

parts cost $10,000 for an estimated cost 

of $11,360 per torque tube assembly 

replacement. 

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 

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. 

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 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: 

■ a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 

2021–22–05, Amendment 39–21778 (86 

FR 67301, November 26, 2021); and 

■ b. Adding the following new 

airworthiness directive: 

2024–18–01 Leonardo S.p.a.; Amendment 

39–22835; Docket No. FAA–2024–0773; 

Project Identifier MCAI–2023–00256–R. 

(a) Effective Date 

This airworthiness directive (AD) is 

effective November 12, 2024. 

(b) Affected ADs 

This AD replaces AD 2021–22–05, 

Amendment 39–21778 (86 FR 67301, 

November 26, 2021). 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model 

A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters, 

certificated in any category, as identified in 

European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 

2023–0035, dated February 10, 2023 (EASA 

AD 2023–0035). 

(d) Subject 

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 

Code 6700: Rotorcraft Flight Control. 

(e) Unsafe Condition 

This AD was prompted by reports of 

abnormal play on the collective torque tube 

assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to 

address this unsafe condition which could 

result in reduced control of the helicopter, 

resulting in a forced landing and consequent 

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 paragraphs (h) and 

(i) of this AD: Comply with all required 

actions and compliance times specified in, 

and in accordance with EASA AD 2023– 

0035. 

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0035 

(1) Where EASA AD 2023–0035 requires 

compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD 

requires using hours time-in-service. 

(2) Where EASA AD 2023–0035 refers to 

April 14, 2021 (the effective date of EASA 

AD 2021–0096, dated March 31, 2021), this 

AD requires using January 3, 2022 (the 

effective date of AD 2021–22–05). 

(3) Where EASA AD 2023–0035 refers to its 

effective date, this AD requires using the 

effective date of this AD. 

(4) Where the material referenced in 

paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023– 

0035 specifies ‘‘in case of doubt’’ apply 

marks on both sides of the torque tube 

assembly, move the pilot collective stick 

lever, and verify that the markings stay 

aligned, this AD requires those actions. 

(5) Instead of the credit allowed in 

paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2023–0035, you 

may take credit for the following in 


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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 194 / Monday, October 7, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 80995 

paragraphs (h)(5)(i) through (iii) of this AD, 

as applicable. 

(i) The inspections required by paragraph 

(1) of EASA AD 2023–0035 that have been 

accomplished before the effective date of this 

AD using Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service 

Bulletin No. 119–098, dated March 13, 2019 

(ASB 119–098, original issue) but this credit 

is limited to the torque tube assembly batch 

numbers identified in ASB 119–098, original 

issue. 

(ii) The inspections required by paragraph 

(1) of EASA AD 2023–0035 that have been 

accomplished before the effective date of this 

AD using Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 

119–098, Revision A, dated March 31, 2021 

(ASB 119–098, Revision A) but this credit is 

limited to the torque tube assembly batch 

numbers identified in ASB 119–098, 

Revision A. 

(iii) Replacing an affected part, as defined 

in EASA AD 2023–0035, with a serviceable 

part, as defined in EASA AD 2023–0035, 

required by paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023– 

0035 that has been accomplished before the 

effective date of this AD using ASB 119–098, 

original issue; or ASB 119–098, Revision A. 

(6) Where the material referenced in EASA 

AD 2023–0035 specifies to return a torque 

tube assembly to the manufacturer, this AD 

does not include that requirement. 

(7) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ 

section of EASA AD 2023–0035. 

(i) No Reporting Requirement 

Although the material referenced in EASA 

AD 2023–0035 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 International Validation Branch, send 

it to the attention of the person identified in 

paragraph (k) of this AD or email to AMOC@

faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit 

information by email. 

(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) Additional Information 

For more information about this AD, 

contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety 

Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, 

Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238–7241; 

email: Sungmo.D.Cho@faa.gov. 

(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 2023–0035, dated February 10, 

2023. 

(ii) [Reserved] 

(3) For EASA material identified in this 

AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 

50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 

8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; 

internet 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 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 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 fr.inspection@nara.gov. 

Issued on August 28, 2024. 

Victor Wicklund, 

Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness 

Division, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2024–23065 Filed 10–4–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2024–0997; Project 

Identifier MCAI–2022–01306–R; Amendment 

39–22832; AD 2024–17–07] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo 

S.p.a. Helicopters 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for all 

Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and 

AW139 helicopters. This AD was 

prompted by multiple reports of cracks 

found on tail rotor (TR) damper bracket 

assemblies. This AD requires 

accomplishing repetitive detailed visual 

inspections (DVIs) of certain partnumbered TR damper bracket 

assemblies for corrosion and cracks and, 

depending on the results, taking 

corrective action. This AD also prohibits 

installing an affected TR damper bracket 

assembly unless it is new. These actions 

are 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 November 

12, 2024. 

The Director of the Federal Register 

approved the incorporation by reference 

of a certain publication listed in this AD 

as of November 12, 2024. 

ADDRESSES: 

AD Docket: You may examine the AD 

docket at regulations.gov under Docket 

No. FAA–2024–0997; 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 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-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone 

+49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@

easa.europa.eu; internet: 

easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA 

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 

Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 

76177. For information on the 

availability of this material at the FAA, 

call (817) 222–5110. The EASA material 

is also available at regulations.gov under 

Docket No. FAA–2024–0997. 

Other Related Material: For Leonardo 

Helicopters material, contact Leonardo 

S.p.A., Emanuele Bufano, Head of 

Airworthiness, Viale G. Agusta 520, 

21017 C. Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; 

phone: (+39) 0331–225074; fax: (+39) 

0331–229046; or at customer

portal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, 

FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 

Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238– 

7241; email: Sungmo.D.Cho@faa.gov. 

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 Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 

and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM 

published in the Federal Register on 

April 10, 2024 (89 FR 25194). The 

NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 

2022–0154, dated August 1, 2022 (EASA 

AD 2022–0154; also referred to as the 

MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the 

Technical Agent for the Member States 

of the European Union. EASA AD 2022– 

0154 stated that during scheduled 


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