Document ID: FAA-2021-0948-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.) Helicopters
Posted Date: 2022-01-18T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 18, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2528-2530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00759]

[[Page 2528]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0948; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00394-R; 
Amendment 39-21883; AD 2021-26-24]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Leonardo S.p.a. (type certificate previously held by Agusta 
S.p.A.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. This AD was prompted by a 
report of internal corrosion on a main rotor (M/R) blade. This AD 
requires repetitively inspecting affected M/R blades and accomplishing 
film analysis and repair in accordance with certain approved methods. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 22, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 22, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For Leonardo Helicopters 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://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/. 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-
0948.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0948; 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 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS 
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

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. (type 
certificate previously held by Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109A and A109A II 
helicopters with an M/R blade part number (P/N) 109-0103-01-115 
installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 29, 
2021 (86 FR 59890). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require 
repetitively radiographic inspecting each affected M/R blade and 
accomplishing film analysis and repair in accordance with certain 
approved methods. The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2020-0065, dated 
March 20, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0065), issued by EASA, which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, to correct 
an unsafe condition for all Leonardo S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A., Costruzioni 
Aeronautiche Giovanni Agusta Model A109A and A109AII helicopters. EASA 
advises of a report of internal corrosion on an M/R blade. Leonardo 
Helicopters advises that the corrosion was on the spar near the inertia 
weights between STA1250 and STA1630. Leonardo Helicopters further 
advises that the issue is related to design and production processes of 
the M/R blades. This condition, if not addressed, could result in 
failure of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2020-0065 requires inspecting M/R blades P/N 
109-0103-01-115 and depending on the results, corrective action. EASA 
AD 2020-0065 also prohibits installation of an affected M/R blade 
unless it passed the required inspection within 24 months prior to 
installation on a helicopter.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

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

    The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
109-155, dated March 13, 2020 (ASB 109-155), for Leonardo S.p.a. Model 
A109A and A109AII helicopters. This service information specifies 
procedures for X-ray inspecting M/R blades P/N 109-0103-01-115 and 
sending the films to Leonardo Helicopters S.p.a. for analysis. 
Depending on the outcome, ASB 109-155 specifies procedures for re-
identifying the M/R blades.
    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 an interim action. The design approval 
holder is currently developing a modification that will address the 
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is 
developed, approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The compliance time in EASA AD 2020-0065 is time-in-service of the 
airframe, whereas the compliance time in this AD is time-in-service of 
the affected M/R blade as installed on the airframe. EASA AD 2020-0065 
requires sending developed films to Leonardo Helicopters S.p.a. for 
analysis and contacting Leonardo for approved corrective action(s) 
instructions, whereas this AD requires film analysis and repair of an 
affected blade in accordance with a method approved by

[[Page 2529]]

the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a Helicopters' EASA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the 
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Inspecting the M/R blades takes about 10 work-hours for an 
estimated cost of $850 per helicopter and $23,800 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle. Sending the film for analysis, which is 
considered a reporting requirement in this AD, takes about 1 work-hour 
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $2,380 for the U.S. 
fleet, per inspection cycle.
    The FAA has no way of determining the costs pertaining to the film 
analysis or any necessary repairs.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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:

2021-26-24 Leonardo S.p.a. (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Agusta S.p.A.): Amendment 39-21883; Docket No. FAA-2021-0948; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00394-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 22, 
2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. (type certificate previously 
held by Agusta S.p.A.) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with a main rotor (M/R) blade part 
number 109-0103-01-115 installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor 
Blades.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of internal corrosion of the 
spar of an M/R blade. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of an M/R blade due to corrosion on the internal surface of the 
spar. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss 
of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    For each M/R blade identified in paragraph (c) of this AD:
    (1) Within 50 hours time-in-service or 3 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless already 
done within the last 24 months for the M/R blade, and thereafter, at 
intervals not to exceed 24 months for the M/R blade, inspect the M/R 
blade by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1. 
through 5., of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 109-
155, dated March 13, 2020.
    (2) Before further flight, send the film for analysis and 
accomplish repair in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA; or European Union Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Leonardo S.p.a Helicopters' EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.

(h) 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 (i)(1) 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.

[[Page 2530]]

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, 
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety 
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in EASA AD 2020-0065, 
dated March 20, 2020. You may view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0948.

(j) 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) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 109-155, 
dated March 13, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Leonardo Helicopters service information identified in 
this AD, 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://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/.
    (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 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 December 16, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00759 Filed 1-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P