[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 150 (Friday, August 3, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38014-38016]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16496]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0720; Product Identifier 2017-SW-012-AD; Amendment 
39-19348; AD 2018-16-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters (Type 
Certificate Previously Held By Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland 
S.p.A)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters 
with an oil cooler fan assembly (fan assembly) installed. This AD 
requires inspecting each oil cooler system pulley assembly (pulley 
assembly) bearing and replacing each fan assembly. This AD is prompted 
by reports of degraded pulley assembly bearings. The actions of this AD 
are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 20, 2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 2, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0720; 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 AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for Docket Operations (telephone 800- 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, 
Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone 
+39-0331-711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Regulations and Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222 5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we 
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written 
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the 
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written 
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should 
submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that 
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public 
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the 
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may 
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD No. 2017-0046-E, dated 
March 10, 2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo (previously 
Finmeccanica S.p.A, AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model A109E, A109LUH, A109S, 
and

[[Page 38015]]

AW109SP helicopters. EASA advises that during inspections of two 
AW109SP helicopters, degraded bearings, part number (P/N) 109G6320L01-
101, were discovered on the engine and transmission oil cooling system 
pulley assembly, P/N 109G6320A26-101. EASA further states that because 
of this condition, both fan assemblies could cease to function, 
resulting in engine power loss, transmission failure, and loss of 
control of the helicopter. To correct this unsafe condition, the EASA 
AD requires a one-time inspection of each pulley assembly bearing and 
replacing each fan assembly.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, 
has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We 
are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by 
EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist 
or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin 
(EASB) No. 109-EP-153 for Model A109E helicopters, EASB No. 109S-075 
for Model A109S helicopters, and EASB No. 109SP-112 for Model AW109SP 
helicopters, all dated March 8, 2017. This service information contains 
procedures for inspecting each pulley assembly bearing P/N 109G6320L01-
101 for grease shield damage or leaking grease and axial and radial 
play, and freedom of rotation of the bearing. This service information 
also provides procedures for replacing each fan assembly P/N 109-0455-
01-103 with a fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-101.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting 
with a borescope each bearing P/N 109G6320L01-101 grease shield for a 
crack, position of the grease shield, and leaking grease. If there is a 
crack or leaking grease or if the grease shield is out of position, 
this AD requires replacing each fan assembly with fan assembly P/N 109-
0455-01-101 before further flight.
    This AD also requires inspecting each bearing for axial and radial 
play and freedom of rotation. If there is any axial or radial play, 
rotation resistance, or binding, this AD requires replacing each fan 
assembly with fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-101 before further flight. 
If there is no play, no rotation resistance, and no binding, this AD 
requires replacing each fan assembly with fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-
101 within 20 hours TIS.
    Finally, this AD prohibits installing fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-
103 on any helicopter.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD applies to Model A109LUH helicopters; this AD does not 
as this model is a military model and does not have an FAA type 
certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 127 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD.
    At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, inspecting the 
bearings will require 1 hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85. 
Replacing both fan assemblies will require 8 hours and $44,800 for 
parts. Based on these figures, we estimate a total cost of $45,565 per 
helicopter and $5,786,755 for the U.S. fleet to comply with this AD.
    According to the Leonardo service information, some of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by 
Leonardo. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the previously described unsafe condition can adversely affect 
the controllability of the helicopter and the initial required 
corrective action must be accomplished within 5 hours TIS. Therefore, 
we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are impracticable.
    In addition, for the reason stated above, we find that good cause 
exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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.
    We are 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

    We 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, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of 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 (AD):


[[Page 38016]]


2018-16-08 Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held By 
Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A): Amendment 39-19348; 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0720; Product Identifier 2017-SW-012-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate previously 
held by Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A) Model A109E, 
A109S, and AW109SP helicopters with an oil cooler fan assembly (fan 
assembly) part number (P/N) 109-0455-01-103 installed, certificated 
in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of an oil cooler 
system pulley assembly (pulley assembly) bearing. This condition 
could lead to failure of a fan assembly, resulting in engine power 
loss, transmission failure, and loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 20, 2018.

 (d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove the fan belt 
from each pulley assembly and, using a borescope inspect the grease 
shield of each bearing P/N 109G6320L01-101 for a crack, leaking 
grease, and position of the grease shield.
    (i) If there is a crack, any leaking grease, or if the grease 
shield is out of position, before further flight, replace each fan 
assembly P/N 109-0455-01-103 on both sides of the helicopter with a 
fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-101.
    (ii) If there are no cracks, no leaking grease, and the grease 
shield is correctly positioned, inspect each bearing P/N 
109G6320L01-101 for axial and radial play and freedom of rotation.
    (A) If there is any axial or radial play, rotation resistance, 
or binding, before further flight, replace each fan assembly P/N 
109-0455-01-103 on both sides of the helicopter with a fan assembly 
P/N 109-0455-01-101.
    (B) If there is no play, no rotation resistance, and no binding, 
within 20 hours TIS, replace each fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-103 
on both sides of the helicopter with a fan assembly P/N 109-0455-01-
101.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a fan 
assembly P/N 109-0455-01-103 on any helicopter.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222 5110; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (EASB) 
No. 109EP-153, EASB No. 109S-075, and EASB No 109SP-112, all dated 
March 8, 2017, and which are not incorporated by reference, contain 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. 
Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 
520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39-0331-
711756; fax +39-0331-229046; or at http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You may review a copy of the service information at the 
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD No. 2017-0046-E, dated March 10, 
2017. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0720.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6322 Rotorcraft 
Cooling Fan System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 26, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16496 Filed 8-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


