Document ID: FAA-2021-1174-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Posted Date: 2022-04-04T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19373-19376]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06971]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1174; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00246-R; 
Amendment 39-21988; AD 2022-07-01]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-23-
07, which applied to certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters. AD 2020-23-07 required removing certain life raft 
reservoirs (reservoirs) from service, inspecting the reservoirs and 
actuator cables, and depending on the inspection results, replacing the 
reservoir or adjusting the actuator cable. This AD was prompted by the 
inadvertent activation and deployment of an emergency life raft while 
the helicopter was in flight. This AD retains the requirements of AD 
2020-23-07, and requires expanding the required actions to include 
additional serial-numbered reservoirs, and updates applicable service 
information. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 9, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 9, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
December 4, 2020 (85 FR 73610, November 19, 2020).

ADDRESSES: For 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 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. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1174.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1174; 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: 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

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-23-07, Amendment 39-21323 (85 FR 
73610, November 19, 2020) (AD 2020-23-07). AD 2020-23-07 applied to 
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, with emergency 
flotation kit part number (P/N) 4G9560F00111 (15 passengers) or 
4G9560F00211 (18 passengers). The NPRM published in

[[Page 19374]]

the Federal Register on January 12, 2022 (87 FR 1706). In the NPRM, the 
FAA proposed to retain all of the requirements of AD 2020-23-07, and 
proposed to require expanding the required actions to include 
additional serial-numbered reservoirs identified in the applicable 
service information. The NPRM also proposed to allow alternative 
service information to be used for specific portions of certain 
inspections and corrective actions. Additionally, the NPRM proposed an 
exemption for certain required actions for reservoirs marked with an 
``R'' after the serial number (S/N).
    The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0054, dated February 25, 2021 
(EASA AD 2021-0054), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A, 
AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.; and AgustaWestland Philadelphia 
Corporation, formerly Agusta Aerospace Corporation, Model AB139 and 
AW139 helicopters, all S/Ns, if equipped with emergency flotation kit, 
having P/N 4G9560F00111 (15 passengers) or P/N 4G9560F00211 (18 
passengers).
    EASA advises that additional serial-numbered reservoirs are 
affected by the same unsafe condition. EASA further advises that 
Leonardo Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 139-662, 
dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-662), which includes a Table listing 
the S/Ns of the additional batch of affected reservoirs and provides 
additional replacement and inspection instructions. Furthermore, EASA 
advises some of the affected reservoirs could become serviceable after 
an inspection and after these reservoirs are re-identified and marked 
with an ``R.'' This condition, if not addressed, could result in 
deployment of a life raft (raft) during flight, separation of the raft 
with possible impact on the rotors, and subsequent reduced control of 
the helicopter.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0054 retains the requirements of EASA AD 
2020-0185, dated August 19, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0185), which prompted AD 
2020-23-07, and requires for certain helicopters replacement of 
affected reservoirs and, for other helicopters, inspections of the 
valve pull rod and the actuator cable of the raft. Depending on the 
findings, EASA AD 2021-0054 requires accomplishment of the applicable 
corrective actions. EASA AD 2021-0054 also prohibits re-installation of 
an affected reservoir on any 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. This AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 139-648, dated August 
10, 2020 (referred to as ``ASB 139-648 First Issue'') and ASB No. 139-
648, Revision A, dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-648 Rev A). ASB 139-
648 First Issue specifies procedures to replace certain reservoirs and 
return them to the supplier, inspect the valve pull rod by measuring 
the actuator cable between the face of the pull rod and the back of the 
valve cap, inspect the actuator cable by verifying the presence of a 
clearance between the sphere at the end of the actuator cable and the 
activation system, and adjust the actuator cable. ASB 139-648 Rev A 
specifies the same procedures as ASB 139-648 First Issue, except ASB 
139-648 Rev A includes a Note clarifying that LH and RH reservoirs with 
S/Ns marked (or recorded on the component Log Card) with the suffix 
``R'' after the S/N are not affected by Part I of ASB 139-648 Rev A, 
even if they have an S/N listed in Table 1 of ASB 139-648 Rev A.
    The FAA also reviewed ASB 139-662, which specifies additional 
serial-numbered reservoirs that are affected by the same unsafe 
condition. ASB 139-662 also provides additional actuator cable 
inspection procedures for these affected reservoirs. This service 
information 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.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0054

    EASA AD 2021-0054 uses flight hours (FH) for certain compliance 
times, whereas this AD uses hours time-in-service (TIS). EASA AD 2021-
0054 specifies the compliance time for certain serial-numbered 
reservoirs to be replaced is within 25 FH after August 26, 2020 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0185), whereas this AD requires certain 
serial-numbered reservoirs to be removed from service within 25 hours 
TIS after December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07). EASA 
AD 2021-0054 specifies the compliance time for certain serial-numbered 
reservoirs to be replaced is within 25 FH after March 4, 2021 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0054), whereas this AD requires certain 
serial-numbered reservoirs to be removed from service within 25 hours 
TIS after the effective date of this AD.
    EASA AD 2021-0054 specifies the compliance time to inspect the 
valve pull rod for certain helicopters is after replacement of the 
affected reservoir and within 5 FH after the serviceable reservoir 
exceeds 50 FH since installation, whereas this AD requires the valve 
pull rod inspection for certain helicopters within 25 hours TIS or 
before the reservoir accumulates 55 total hours TIS since first 
installation on a helicopter, whichever occurs later after December 4, 
2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07).
    EASA AD 2021-0054 specifies the compliance time to inspect the 
actuator cable for certain helicopters is before next flight after the 
replacement of the affected reservoir and for certain other helicopters 
within 25 FH after August 26, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-
0185), whereas this AD requires the actuator cable inspection for 
certain helicopters within 25 hours TIS after December 4, 2020 (the 
effective date of AD 2020-23-07).
    EASA AD 2021-0054 requires returning removed reservoirs to the 
supplier, whereas this AD requires removing certain reservoirs from 
service and replacing other reservoirs instead.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 15 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.
    Replacing a reservoir takes about 1 work-hour and parts cost up to 
$3,710 for an estimated cost of up to $3,795 per reservoir.
    Inspecting the valve pull rod of a reservoir takes about 1 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $85 per reservoir and up to $2,550 for 
the U.S. fleet.
    Inspecting an actuator cable takes about 0.25 work-hour for an 
estimated

[[Page 19375]]

cost of $21 per inspection and up to $630 for the U.S. fleet.
    If required, adjusting an actuator cable takes about 0.75 work-hour 
for an estimated cost of $64 per cable.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-23-07, Amendment 39-21323 (85 
FR 73610, November 19, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-07-01 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21988; Docket No. FAA-2021-
1174; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00246-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 9, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-23-07, Amendment 39-21323 (85 FR 73610, 
November 19, 2020) (AD 2020-23-07).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with emergency flotation 
kit part number (P/N) 4G9560F00111 (15 passengers) or 4G9560F00211 
(18 passengers) installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes: 2560, Emergency 
Equipment, and 2564, Life Raft.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the inadvertent activation and 
deployment of an emergency life raft while the helicopter was in 
flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the unintended 
deployment of a life raft (raft). The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in the deployment of a raft during flight, 
separation of the raft with possible impact on the rotors, and 
subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For helicopters with a right-hand (RH) or left-hand (LH) 
life raft reservoir (reservoir) P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 
and with a serial number (S/N) listed in Table 1 of Leonardo 
Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 139-648, dated August 
10, 2020 (referred to as ``ASB 139-648 First Issue''), within 25 
hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 4, 2020 (the effective 
date of AD 2020-23-07), remove each affected reservoir from service. 
Any reservoir with the letter ``R'' after the S/N is excluded from 
this requirement.
    (2) For helicopters with a RH or LH reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 
or P/N 3G2560V01251 and with an S/N listed in Table 1 of Leonardo 
Helicopters ASB No. 139-662, dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-662) 
within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove each 
affected reservoir from service. Any reservoir with the letter ``R'' 
after the S/N is excluded from this requirement.
    (3) For helicopters with a RH or LH reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 
or P/N 3G2560V01251 and with an S/N not listed in Table 1 of ASB 
139-648 First Issue or Table 1 of ASB 139-662 installed, within 25 
hours TIS or before the reservoir accumulates 55 total hours TIS 
since first installation on a helicopter, whichever occurs later 
after December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07), 
inspect the valve pull rod of each reservoir by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 3. through 5.1, of 
ASB 139-648 First Issue. Any reservoir with the letter ``R'' after 
the S/N is included in this requirement. If the measurement of the 
actuator cable between the face of the pull rod and the back of the 
valve cap exceeds 68.5 mm, before further flight, replace the 
reservoir. As an alternative to using the specified portions of ASB 
139-648 First Issue, you may accomplish the valve pull rod 
inspection by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, 
paragraphs 3. through 5.1, of Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 139-648, 
Revision A, dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-648 Rev A).
    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(3): An actuator cable, which is 
referenced in paragraphs (g)(3) and (4) of this AD, is also known as 
an actuation cable.
    (4) For helicopters with a RH or LH reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 
or P/N 3G2560V01251 and with an S/N not listed in Table 1 of ASB 
139-648 First Issue or Table 1 of ASB 139-662 installed, within 25 
hours TIS after December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-
07), inspect the actuator cable of each reservoir by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 3. through 5.1, of 
ASB 139-648 First Issue. Any reservoir with the letter ``R'' after 
the S/N in included in this requirement. If the clearance between 
the sphere at the end of the actuator cable and the activation 
system exceeds 5.0 +0.00/-2.0 mm, before further flight, adjust the 
actuator cable by following Annex A of ASB 139-648 First Issue. As 
an alternative to using the specified portions of ASB 139-648 First 
Issue, you may accomplish the actuator cable inspection and 
corrective action by following:
    (i) The Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 3. 
through 5.1, and Annex A, as applicable, of ASB 139-648 Rev A, or
    (ii) The Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 4 through 
4.3.1, and Annex A, as applicable, of ASB 139-662.
    (5) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install 
reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 with an S/N listed in 
Table 1 of ASB 139-648 First Issue, Table 1 of ASB 139-648 Rev A, or 
Table 1 of ASB 139-662 on any helicopter. Any reservoir with the 
letter ``R'' after the S/N is excluded from this requirement.
    (6) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a 
reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 with an S/N other 
than an S/N listed in Table 1 of ASB 139-648 First Issue, Table 1 of 
ASB 139-648 Rev A, or Table 1 of ASB 139-662, on any helicopter 
unless you have complied with the requirements in paragraphs (g)(3) 
and (4) of this AD, as applicable to your helicopter.

[[Page 19376]]

(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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) 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].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD is available at 
the contact information specified in paragraphs (j)(5) and (6) of 
this AD.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0054, dated February 25, 2021. 
You may view the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2021-1174.

(j) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
May 9, 2022.
    (i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 139-648, 
Revision A, dated February 15, 2021.
    (ii) Leonardo Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 139-
662, dated February 15, 2021.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 4, 2020 (85 FR 73610, November 19, 2020).
    (i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 139-648, 
dated August 10, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For Leonardo S.p.a. 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/.
    (6) 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.
    (7) You may view this service information 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 14, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-06971 Filed 4-1-22; 8:45 am]
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