[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 51 (Monday, March 16, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14807-14809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05246]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0258; Product Identifier 2018-SW-002-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters. This proposed AD would 
require modifying the weight on wheels (WoW) support installation on 
the main landing gear (MLG). This proposed AD is prompted by a report 
that an inappropriately tightened WoW support could result in a 
rotation of the support and improper WoW switch performance. The 
actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 15, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0258; 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 proposed AD, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (previously 
European Aviation Safety Agency) (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 service information identified in this proposed 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://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view 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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; 
email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites comments 
relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts 
that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The 
most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
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 only one 
time.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, 
the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the closing 
date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the 
comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring 
expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the 
comments received.

Discussion

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2017-0255, dated December 22, 
2017, to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A Helicopters 
(formerly Finmeccanica Helicopter Division, AgustaWestland) Model AW169 
helicopters, with left-hand (LH) MLG assembly part number (P/N) 
6F3210V00132 or P/N 6F3210V00133 and serial number (S/N) MN01 to MN84 
inclusive, and/or a right-hand (RH) MLG assembly P/N 6F3210V00232 or P/
N 6F3210V00233 with S/N MN01 to MN81 inclusive installed, except those 
with an MLG modified per Magnaghi Aeronautica S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
SB-07-2017-AW169.
    EASA advises that an in-service event revealed that an 
inappropriately tightened WoW support could result in a rotation of 
this support and improper WoW switch performance. EASA advises this 
condition, if not corrected, could result in degraded attitude 
stabilization, possibly resulting in reduced control of the helicopter. 
Accordingly, the EASA AD requires modification of the WoW support 
installation by introducing structural glue between the WoW support and 
the main fitting of the MLG.

FAA's Determination

    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 is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is

[[Page 14808]]

likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type 
designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 
169-047, Revision A, dated February 19, 2018, for Model AW169 
helicopters. This service information specifies a WoW support bonding 
procedure on in-service helicopters by introducing structural glue 
between the WoW support P/N G1019/20-91 and the main fitting P/N G1019/
20-MF 105 to prevent a potential rotation of the support.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 60 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), modifying the WoW support installation by:
     Performing a short circuit connection between pin 26 of 
connector J343 and pin N of connector J319.
     Cutting lockwire and disconnecting the WoW microswitch 
from the WoW support, removing from service nuts and bolts, and 
removing the WoW support from the MLG.
     Removing any paint, cleaning areas, and applying Alodine 
1132 on cleaned surfaces.
     Applying a 10 mm wide strip of structural glue EA934 on 
the WoW support, reinstalling the WoW support on the MLG, adding a 
specified torque to the nut, and cleaning off excess glue.
     Curing the glue on the structures, performing a 
microswitch adjustment inspection for correct operation of the 
microswitch, and marking the MLG nameplate by adding the letter ``B'' 
at the end of the S/N.
    After the effective date of the proposed AD, installing an affected 
LH or RH MLG assembly on any helicopter would be prohibited unless it 
has been modified in accordance with the proposed AD requirements.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires compliance within 60 hours TIS or 3 months, 
whichever occurs first, while this proposed AD would require compliance 
within 60 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 3 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 
per work-hour.
    Performing the short circuit connection, removing the WoW support 
from the MLG, removing any paint and cleaning areas, applying Alodine 
and a 10mm strip of structural glue, curing the glue, torqueing the 
nut, performing a microswitch adjustment, and marking the MLG nameplate 
would take about 8 work-hours and parts would cost about $10 for an 
estimated cost of $690 per helicopter and $2,070 for the U.S. fleet.

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, 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

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):

Leonardo S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2020-0258; Product Identifier 2018-
SW-002-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with left-hand (LH) main landing gear 
(MLG) assembly, part number (P/N) 6F3210V00132 or P/N 6F3210V00133, 
with serial number (S/N) MN01 through MN84 inclusive, or right-hand 
(RH) MLG assembly, P/N 6F3210V00232 or P/N 6F3210V00233, with S/N 
MN01 to MN81 inclusive, installed. This AD does not apply to 
helicopters with an MLG that has been modified in accordance with 
Magnaghi Aeronautica S.p.A. Service Bulletin No. SB-07-2017-AW169, 
Issue 5, dated November 22, 2017. This AD does not apply to MLG that 
have a ``B'' on the end of the serial number.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an improperly tightened 
weight on wheels (WoW) support resulting in a rotation of the 
support and improper WoW switch performance, which if not corrected 
could lead to degraded attitude stabilization, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by May 15, 2020.

(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 60 hours time-in-service, modify the WoW support 
installation as follows:
    (i) Perform a short circuit connection between pin 26 of 
connector J343 and pin N of connector J319.
    (ii) Cut the lockwire that locks the WoW microswitch and 
disconnect the WoW microswitch from the WoW support as depicted in 
Figure 1 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 169-047, 
Revision A, dated February 19, 2018 (ASB 169-047).
    (iii) Unscrew the nut and remove the washer and bolt. Remove 
from service the nut and bolt, but replace the washer.
    (iv) Remove the WoW support from the MLG and remove any paint 
and clean areas where indicated by Figure 2 in ASB 169-047.

[[Page 14809]]

    (v) Apply Alodine 1132 on cleaned areas of WoW support and 
landing gear strut leaving a 10 mm wide strip on the WoW support for 
structural glue EA934 application.
    (vi) Apply a 10 mm wide strip of structural glue EA934 on the 
WoW support and install the WoW support on the MLG using a nut, 
bolt, and washer.
    (vii) Torque the nut to 2.5 thru 3.5 Nm. Clean any excess glue 
and cure the glue on the structures for one hour at 60 [deg]C/140 
[deg]F or eight days at room temperature (22 [deg]C-26 [deg]C/71.6 
[deg]F-78.8 [deg]F).
    (viii) Apply liquid jointing compound AMS-S-8802 Type 2 Class B, 
or equivalent, to the bolt and nut, as depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 
169-047 and perform a microswitch adjustment for correct operation 
of the microswitch.
    (ix) Mark the MLG nameplate by adding the letter ``B'' at the 
end of the S/N.
    (x) Remove the short circuit connection between pin 26 of 
connector J343 and pin N of connector J319 as performed in paragraph 
(e)(1)(i) of this AD.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
helicopter a LH or RH MLG assembly with a P/N and S/N listed in 
paragraph (a) of this AD unless it has been modified in accordance 
with the requirements of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(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: 
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests 
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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (previously European Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
No. 2017-0255, dated December 22, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on 
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3200, Landing Gear 
System.

    Issued on March 10, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-05246 Filed 3-13-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


