[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 184 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59409-59411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20764]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0460; Product Identifier 2018-SW-078-AD; Amendment 
39-21252; AD 2020-19-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters and certain Leonardo S.p.A 
Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a broken 
extrusion rubber window seal. This AD requires installation of a 
reinforcement around the rubber filler wedge where the extrusion rubber 
window seal meets the door's emergency exit handle. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 27, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 27, 
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://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. 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.

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-
0460; 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, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, International Validation Branch, General Aviation & 
Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone 817-222-5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Leonardo S.p.A. 
Model AW169 helicopters and certain Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 
helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 3, 2020 
(85 FR 34139). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a broken extrusion 
rubber window seal, part number (P/N) A417AF001WB. The NPRM proposed to 
require installation of a reinforcement around the rubber filler wedge 
where the extrusion rubber window seal meets the door's emergency exit 
handle. The FAA is issuing this AD to address broken extrusion rubber 
window seals, which could result in an excessive load required to 
release the emergency exit window, possibly resulting in delayed 
evacuation of helicopter occupants during an emergency.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Union, issued EASA AD 2018-0197, dated September 
5, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters and certain 
Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopters. EASA advises of a broken 
extrusion rubber window seal, P/N A417AF001WB. According to EASA, an 
investigation determined that the damage to the rubber filler wedge of 
the rubber window seal could have been caused by the excessive tension 
of the string applied during the installation of an affected emergency 
exit handle. EASA advises that this condition, if not corrected, could 
result in an excessive load to release the emergency exit window, 
possibly resulting in delayed evacuation of helicopter occupants during 
an emergency. EASA states that, due to design similarities, the same 
unsafe condition could exist or develop

[[Page 59410]]

on certain Model AW189 helicopters. To correct this condition, EASA AD 
2018-0197 requires installation of a reinforcement around the rubber 
filler wedge where the extrusion rubber window seal meets the door's 
emergency exit handle. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2020-0460.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, 
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these 
minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Leonardo Helicopters has issued Alert Service Bulletin 169-094, 
Revision A, dated August 13, 2018; and Alert Service Bulletin 189-170, 
dated July 25, 2018. This service information describes procedures for 
installation of a reinforcement around the rubber filler wedge where 
the extrusion rubber window seal meets the door's emergency exit 
handle. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
aircraft models. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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               Labor cost                   Parts cost         Cost per product         Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up                $0  Up to $510................  Up to $5,100.
 to $510.
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    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs 
in this cost estimate.

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.

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):

2020-19-09 Leonardo S.p.A.: Amendment 39-21252; Docket No. FAA-2020-
0460; Product Identifier 2018-SW-078-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 27, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Leonardo S.p.A. helicopters identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
equipped with an affected part defined as internal emergency exit 
handle, part number (P/N) 8G9500L00151, and external emergency exit 
handle, P/N 8G9500L00251.
    (1) Model AW169 helicopters, all serial numbers.
    (2) Model AW189 helicopters, all serial numbers, except those 
helicopters with emergency exit windows equipped with strap P/N 
A487A003A, or helicopters with bubble windows P/N 8G5620F00112.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 5600, Window/
windshield system.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a broken extrusion rubber 
window seal; an investigation found the likely cause was excessive 
tension of the string applied during the installation of an affected 
emergency exit handle. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this 
condition, which, if not addressed, could result in an excessive 
load required to release the emergency exit window, possibly 
resulting in delayed evacuation of helicopter occupants during an 
emergency.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 59411]]

(g) Modification

    (1) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters equipped with a 
passenger sliding door configuration, cabin main assembly P/N 
6F5330A00131 or P/N 6F5330A00132: Within 750 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) or 24 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date 
of this AD, install the retro-modification P/N 6F5600P00111 on the 
rubber filler wedge of all affected emergency exit handles, in 
accordance with Part I, Steps 1 through 8 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 169-094, 
Revision A, dated August 13, 2018, except you are required to 
replace the affected emergency exit handles and are not required to 
discard the filler wedges.
    (2) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters equipped with a 
passenger hinged door configuration, cabin main assembly VIP P/N 
6F5330A00831: Within 750 hours TIS or 24 months, whichever occurs 
first after the effective date of this AD, install the retro-
modification P/N 6F5600P00111 on the rubber filler wedge of all 
affected emergency exit handles, in accordance with Part II, Steps 1 
through 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters 
Alert Service Bulletin 169-094, Revision A, dated August 13, 2018, 
except you are required to replace the affected emergency exit 
handles and are not required to discard the filler wedges.
    (3) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopters: Within 750 
hours TIS or 24 months, whichever occurs first after the effective 
date of this AD, install the retro-modification P/N 8G5600P00211 on 
the rubber filler wedge of all affected emergency exit handles, in 
accordance with Steps 1 through 11 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 189-170, 
dated July 25, 2018, except you are required to replace the affected 
emergency exit handles and are not required to discard the filler 
wedges.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, General 
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, 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, 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation 
Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 
2018-0197, dated September 5, 2018. This EASA AD may be found in the 
AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0460.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, General 
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, 
TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 169-094, 
Revision A, dated August 13, 2018.
    (ii) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 189-170, dated 
July 25, 2018.
    (3) For 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://www.leonardocompany.com/en/home.
    (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 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 fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20764 Filed 9-21-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


