This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains notices to the public of the proposed

issuance of rules and regulations. The

purpose of these notices is to give interested

persons an opportunity to participate in the

rule making prior to the adoption of the final

rules.

Proposed Rules Federal Register

31451 

Vol. 86, No. 112 

Monday, June 14, 2021 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2021–0461; Project 

Identifier MCAI–2021–00156–R] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo 

S.p.a. Helicopters 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a 

new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 

Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and 

AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD 

was prompted by a report of a short 

circuit caused by chafing of the 

electrical wiring in the overhead panel. 

This proposed AD would require an 

initial detailed inspection inside the 

overhead panel for certain helicopters, 

repetitive detailed inspections inside 

the overhead panel for all helicopters, 

and corrective actions if necessary, as 

specified in a European Union Aviation 

Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is 

proposed for incorporation by reference 

(IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to 

address the unsafe condition on these 

products. 

DATES: The FAA must receive comments 

on this proposed AD by July 29, 2021. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, 

using the procedures found in 14 CFR 

11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following 

methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

instructions for submitting comments. 

• Fax: 202–493–2251. 

• 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. 

• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail 

address above between 9 a.m. and 5 

p.m., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

For material that is proposed for IBR 

in this AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, 

Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; 

email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; 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. This material 

is also available at https://

www.regulations.gov by searching for 

and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 

0461. 

Examining the AD Docket 

You may examine the AD docket at 

https://www.regulations.gov by 

searching for and locating Docket No. 

FAA–2021–0461; 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 

NPRM, the 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: 

Jacob Fitch, Aerospace Engineer, COS 

Program Management Section, 

Operational Safety Branch, Compliance 

& Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 

Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 

phone: (817) 222–4130; email: 

jacob.fitch@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited 

The FAA invites you to send any 

written relevant data, views, or 

arguments about this proposal. Send 

your comments to an address listed 

under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. 

FAA–2021–0461; Project Identifier 

MCAI–2021–00156–R’’ at the beginning 

of your comments. The most helpful 

comments reference a specific portion of 

the proposal, explain the reason for any 

recommended change, and include 

supporting data. The FAA will consider 

all comments received by the closing 

date and may amend this proposal 

because of those comments. 

Except for Confidential Business 

Information (CBI) as described in the 

following paragraph, and other 

information as described in 14 CFR 

11.35, the FAA will post all comments 

received, without change, to https://

www.regulations.gov, including any 

personal information you provide. The 

agency will also post a report 

summarizing each substantive verbal 

contact received about this proposal. 

Confidential Business Information 

CBI is commercial or financial 

information that is both customarily and 

actually treated as private by its owner. 

Under the Freedom of Information Act 

(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt 

from public disclosure. If your 

comments responsive to this NPRM 

contain commercial or financial 

information that is customarily treated 

as private, that you actually treat as 

private, and that is relevant or 

responsive to this NPRM, it is important 

that you clearly designate the submitted 

comments as CBI. Please mark each 

page of your submission containing CBI 

as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such 

marked submissions as confidential 

under the FOIA, and they will not be 

placed in the public docket of this 

NPRM. Submissions containing CBI 

should be sent to Jacob Fitch, Aerospace 

Engineer, COS Program Management 

Section, Operational Safety Branch, 

Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 

FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 

Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222– 

4130; email: jacob.fitch@faa.gov. Any 

commentary that the FAA receives that 

is not specifically designated as CBI will 

be placed in the public docket for this 

rulemaking. 

Background 

The EASA, which is the Technical 

Agent for the Member States of the 

European Union, has issued EASA AD 

2021–0044, dated February 5, 2021 

(EASA AD 2021–0044), to correct an 

unsafe condition for all Leonardo S.p.a. 

Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. 

This proposed AD was prompted by 

a report of a short circuit caused by 

chafing of the electrical wiring in the 

overhead panel. The FAA is proposing 

this AD to address a short circuit caused 

by chafing of the electrical wiring in the 

overhead panel, which could cause 

damaged electrical wiring, possible fire 

in the overhead panel, and loss of 

control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 


lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
31452 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 112 / Monday, June 14, 2021 / Proposed Rules 

2021–0044 for additional background 

information. 

Related Service Information Under 1 

CFR Part 51 

EASA AD 2021–0044 requires an 

initial detailed inspection (for certain 

helicopters) inside the overhead panel 

for chafing of the cable harnesses and 

for correct clearance between the anchor 

nuts/screws and the cable harnesses, of 

the screws for correct length, and of the 

supports for sound bonding, and 

corrective actions if necessary; 

repetitive detailed inspections (for all 

helicopters) inside the overhead panel 

for the condition of the white protective 

tape on the anchor nuts, and for chafing 

of the cable harnesses and for correct 

clearance between the anchor nuts/ 

screws and the cable harnesses, and 

corrective actions if necessary. 

Corrective actions include applying a 

white protective tape on the anchor 

nuts, replacement of incorrect length 

screws, replacement of damaged cables 

and fuses, rerouting of cable harnesses, 

replacement of supports, and removal 

and replacement of the white protective 

tape. 

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. 

FAA’s Determination 

These helicopters have been approved 

by the aviation authority of another 

country, and are approved for operation 

in the United States. Pursuant to the 

bilateral agreement with the European 

Union, EASA, its technical 

representative, has notified the FAA of 

the unsafe condition described in its 

AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after 

evaluating all the relevant information 

and determining the unsafe condition 

described previously is likely to exist or 

develop on other helicopters of the same 

type design. 

Proposed AD Requirements 

This proposed AD would require 

accomplishing the actions specified in 

EASA AD 2021–0044, described 

previously, as incorporated by 

reference, except for any differences 

identified as exceptions in the 

regulatory text of this proposed AD and 

except as discussed under ‘‘Differences 

Between this Proposed AD and the 

EASA AD.’’ 

Explanation of Required Compliance 

Information 

In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to 

improve the efficiency of the AD 

process, the FAA developed a process to 

use certain civil aviation authority 

(CAA) ADs as the primary source of 

information for compliance with 

requirements for corresponding FAA 

ADs. The FAA has been coordinating 

with other manufacturers and CAAs. As 

a result, EASA AD 2021–0044 will be 

incorporated by reference in the FAA 

final rule. This proposed AD would, 

therefore, require compliance with 

EASA AD 2021–0044 in its entirety, 

through that incorporation, except for 

any differences identified as exceptions 

in the regulatory text of this proposed 

AD. Using common terms that are the 

same as the heading of a particular 

section in the EASA AD does not mean 

that operators need comply only with 

that section. For example, where the AD 

requirement refers to ‘‘all required 

actions and compliance times,’’ 

compliance with this AD requirement is 

not limited to the section titled 

‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance 

Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service 

information specified in EASA AD 

2021–0044 that is required for 

compliance with EASA AD 2021–0044 

will be available on the internet at 

https://www.regulations.gov by 

searching for and locating Docket No. 

FAA–2021–0461 after the FAA final 

rule is published. 

Differences Between This Proposed AD 

and the EASA AD 

Although EASA AD 2021–0044 and 

the service information referenced in 

EASA AD 2021–0044 specify to submit 

certain information to the manufacturer, 

this AD does not include that 

requirement. 

Interim Action 

The FAA considers this proposed AD 

interim action. If final action is later 

identified, the FAA might consider 

further rulemaking then. 

Costs of Compliance 

The FAA estimates that this that this 

AD, if adopted as proposed, would 

affect 128 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 

The FAA estimates the following costs 

to comply with this proposed AD: 

ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. 

operators 

Inspection for chafing, clearance, screw length, and 

bonding.

1 work-hour × $85 per hour = 

$85.

$0 ................................. $85 ............................... $10,880. 

Repetitive inspections for chafing, clearance, and tape condition.1 work-hour × $85 per hour = 

$85 per inspection cycle.

$0 per inspection cycle $85 per inspection 

cycle.

$10,880 per inspection 

cycle. 

The FAA estimates the following 

costs to do any necessary on-condition 

actions that would be required based on 

the results of any required actions. The 

FAA has no way of determining the 

number of helicopters that might need 

these on-condition actions: 

ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Replace screws, cables, fuses, supports, and protective tape; reroute harnesses.5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $425 ........................... $600 $1.025 

Apply protective tape .................................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... 50 135 

Replace cables, fuses and protective tape .................. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... 600 685 


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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 112 / Monday, June 14, 2021 / Proposed Rules 31453 

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 

proposed AD would not have federalism 

implications under Executive Order 

13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation: 

(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 Proposed Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority 

delegated to me by the Administrator, 

the FAA proposes to amend 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 adding 

the following new airworthiness 

directive: 

Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA–2021– 

0461; Project Identifier MCAI–2021– 

00156–R. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

The FAA must receive comments on this 

airworthiness directive (AD) by July 29, 2021. 

(b) Affected ADs 

None. 

(c) Applicability 

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

Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, 

certificated in any category. 

(d) Subject 

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 

Code 2400, Electrical Power System. 

(e) Unsafe Condition 

This AD was prompted by a report of a 

short circuit caused by chafing of the 

electrical wiring in the overhead panel. The 

FAA is issuing this AD to address a short 

circuit caused by chafing of the electrical 

wiring in the overhead panel, which could 

cause damaged electrical wiring, possible fire 

in the overhead panel, and loss of control of 

the helicopter. 

(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 2021–0044, dated 

February 5, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0044). 

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0044 

(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0044 refers to its 

effective date, this AD requires using the 

effective date of this AD. 

(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 

2021–0044 does not apply to this AD. 

(3) Where EASA AD 2021–0044 refers to 

flight hours (FH), this AD requires using 

hours time-in-service. 

(4) Where paragraphs (3) and (5) of EASA 

AD 2021–0044 refer to ‘‘any discrepancy,’’ 

for this AD, discrepancies include chafing of 

the cable harnesses or incorrect clearance 

between the anchor nuts/screws and the 

cable harnesses, incorrect length of the 

screws, inadequately bonded supports, and 

poor condition of the white protective tape. 

(i) No Reporting Requirement 

Although EASA AD 2021–0044 and the 

service information referenced in EASA AD 

2021–0044 specify to submit certain 

information to the manufacturer, this AD 

does not include that requirement. 

(j) Special Flight Permit 

Special flight permits may be issued in 

accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 

to operate the helicopter to a location where 

the helicopter can be modified (if the 

operator elects to do so), provided the flight 

is straight, level, and avoids areas of known 

turbulence. 

(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)(2) of this AD. 

Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. 

(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 

(1) For EASA AD 2021–0044, contact the 

EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 

Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; 

email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet: 

www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this 

EASA AD 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. This 

material may be found in the AD docket at 

https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 

and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0461. 

(2) For more information about this AD, 

contact Jacob Fitch, Aerospace Engineer, COS 

Program Management Section, Operational 

Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 

Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 

Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222–4130; 

email: jacob.fitch@faa.gov. 

Issued on June 7, 2021. 

Ross Landes, 

Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, 

Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2021–12359 Filed 6–11–21; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2021–0462; Project 

Identifier MCAI–2020–01714–T] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, 

Inc., Airplanes 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 


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