83 FR 61525 - Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Finmeccanica S.p.A. and AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 231 (November 30, 2018)

Page Range		61525-61527
FR Document		2018-26071

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters. This AD requires replacing the tail plane lower fitting with an improved tail plane lower fitting. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the tail plane fittings of Model AW189 helicopters. The actions of this AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 231 (Friday, November 30, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 231 (Friday, November 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61525-61527]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26071]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1081; Product Identifier 2017-SW-090-AD; Amendment 
39-19510; AD 2018-24-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters. This AD requires 
replacing the tail plane lower fitting with an improved tail plane 
lower fitting. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the tail 
plane fittings of Model AW189 helicopters. The actions of this AD are 
intended to correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 4, 2019.

ADDRESSES: 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.

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-2017-
1081; 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, any 
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) 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, Aerospace Engineer, 
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On May 23, 2018, at 83 FR 23827, the Federal Register published our 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to AgustaWestland S.p.A. (now 
Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters with a tail plane lower fitting part 
number (P/N) 8G5350A07051 installed. The NPRM proposed to require 
replacing the tail plane lower fitting with an improved tail plane 
lower fitting. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent a 
crack on a tail plane fitting, which could result in failure of the 
tail plane fitting and loss of helicopter control.

[[Page 61526]]

    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2016-0161, dated August 8, 2016 
(EASA AD 2016-0161), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for 
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition 
for Leonardo Model AW189 helicopters. EASA advises that some cracks 
have been reported in-service on the tail plane fitting of AW189 
helicopters following an onset of abnormal play. According to EASA, 
this condition, if not detected and corrected, could jeopardize 
structural integrity of the helicopter. EASA further advises that 
Leonardo developed a tail plane lower fitting with an improved design 
(P/N 8G0000P00511). Accordingly, EASA AD 2016-0161 requires repetitive 
inspections of the tail plane lower fitting assembly until the improved 
tail plane lower fitting is installed.
    When the NPRM was issued, the FAA was in the process of updating 
AgustaWestland's name changes to Finmeccanica S.p.A. and then to 
Leonardo Helicopters on its FAA type certificate; therefore the NPRM 
specified AgustaWestland as the type certificate holder. Because this 
name change is now effective, this AD applies to Leonardo helicopters.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM.

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 
Italy and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist 
or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air 
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as 
proposed except for the name change from AgustaWestland to Leonardo. We 
have also updated the estimated costs to reflect that this AD affects 4 
helicopters of U.S. Registry rather than 2 helicopters. These changes 
are consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM (83 FR 
23827, May 23, 2018) and will not increase the economic burden on any 
operator nor increase the scope of this AD.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires inspecting the tail plane lower fitting for 
play within 50 flight hours and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
25 flight hours. If a crack or other damage exists, the EASA AD 
requires the improved tail plane lower fitting be installed within 10 
flight hours. If no crack exists, the EASA AD requires that the 
improved tail plane lower fitting be installed within 200 flight hours 
or 2 months, whichever occurs first. This AD does not require 
inspections and requires installing the improved tail plane lower 
fitting within 50 hours time-in-service.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 189-
038, Revision B, dated October 13, 2016, which specifies repetitively 
inspecting the tail plane assembly for a crack.
    We also reviewed BT No. 189-070, Revision A, dated October 13, 
2016, which provides instructions for replacing the tail plane lower 
fitting with the improved tail plane lower fitting retromodification P/
N 8G0000P00511.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 helicopters of U.S. Registry and 
that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, we 
expect that replacing the tail plane lower fitting with an improved 
tail plane lower fitting requires 64 work-hours and parts cost $15,424 
for a total cost of $20,864 per helicopter and $83,456 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.
    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 helicopters 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) 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):

2018-24-06 Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate previously held by 
Finmeccanica S.p.A. and AgustaWestland S.p.A.): Amendment 39-19510; 
Docket No. FAA-2017-1081; Product Identifier 2017-SW-090-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate previously 
held by Finmeccanica S.p.A. and AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW189 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail plane lower 
fitting part number (P/N) 8G5350A07051 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack on a tail plane 
fitting, which could result in failure of the tail plane fitting and 
loss of helicopter control.

[[Page 61527]]

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 4, 2019.

(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

    Within 50 hours time-in-service, install tail plane 
retromodification kit P/N 8G0000P00511.

(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: 
Kristi Bradley, Aerospace Engineer, Safety Management 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 Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 189-038, 
Revision B, and BT No. 189-070, Revision A, both dated October 13, 
2016, 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 the 
referenced 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) AD No. 2016-0161, dated August 8, 2016. You may 
view the EASA AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2017-1081.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5510, Horizontal 
Stabilizer Structure.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 21, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26071 Filed 11-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 231 / Friday, November 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 61525

(f) Compliance Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des fittings of Model AW189 helicopters.
Comply with this AD within the Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206– The actions of this AD are intended to
compliance times specified, unless already 231–3226. correct an unsafe condition on these
done. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference products.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program (1) The Director of the Federal Register DATES: This AD is effective January 4,
Revision approved the incorporation by reference 2019.
Within 90 days after the effective date of (IBR) of the service information listed in this
ADDRESSES: For service information
this AD, revise the existing maintenance or paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. identified in this final rule, contact
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate Section 5–40–00, Airworthiness (2) You must use this service information Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo
Limitations, Revision 13, dated July 2017, of as applicable to do the actions required by Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale
the Dassault Falcon 10 Maintenance Manual this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di
(‘‘Section 5–40–00’’). The initial compliance (i) Section 5–40–00, Airworthiness Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–
time for accomplishing the actions is at the Limitations, Revision 13, dated July 2017, of 0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or
applicable time specified in Section 5–40–00; the Dassault Falcon 10 Maintenance Manual. at http://www.leonardocompany.com/-/
or within 90 days after the effective date of (ii) [Reserved] bulletins. You may review the
this AD; whichever occurs later. (3) For service information identified in
referenced service information at the
this AD, contact Dassault Falcon Jet
(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
After the maintenance or inspection 2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606; Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
program has been revised as required by telephone 201–440–6700; internet http:// Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative www.dassaultfalcon.com. 76177.
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be (4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
Examining the AD Docket
used unless the actions or intervals are
approved as an alternative method of 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For You may examine the AD docket on
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the information on the availability of this the internet at http://
procedures specified in paragraph (i)(1) of material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. www.regulations.gov by searching for
this AD. (5) You may view this service information and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
that is incorporated by reference at the 1081; or in person at Docket Operations
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions National Archives and Records
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
The following provisions also apply to this Administration (NARA). For information on
AD: the availability of this material at NARA, call through Friday, except Federal holidays.
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// The AD docket contains this AD, the
(AMOCs): The Manager, International www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- European Aviation Safety Agency
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, locations.html. (EASA) AD, any incorporated-by-
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
reference service information, the
AD, if requested using the procedures found
November 8, 2018. economic evaluation, any comments
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR received, and other information. The
39.19, send your request to your principal Chris Spangenberg,
street address for Docket Operations
inspector or local Flight Standards District Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
(phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it
Department of Transportation, Docket
[FR Doc. 2018–25658 Filed 11–29–18; 8:45 am]
to the attention of the person identified in Operations, M–30, West Building
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC- New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any 20590.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
principal inspector, or lacking a principal Kristi Bradley, Aerospace Engineer,
Federal Aviation Administration
inspector, the manager of the local flight Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
standards district office/certificate holding
district office. 14 CFR Part 39 Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1081; Product
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective telephone 817–222–5110; email
Identifier 2017–SW–090–AD; Amendment
actions from a manufacturer, the action must 39–19510; AD 2018–24–06] kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
be accomplished using a method approved SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
by the Manager, International Section, RIN 2120–AA64
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the Discussion
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo On May 23, 2018, at 83 FR 23827, the
Dassault Aviation’s EASA Design S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Federal Register published our notice of
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by Held by Finmeccanica S.p.A. and proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which
the DOA, the approval must include the AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Helicopters
DOA-authorized signature. proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
AGENCY: Federal Aviation adding an AD that would apply to
(j) Related Information AgustaWestland S.p.A. (now Leonardo)
Administration (FAA), DOT.
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing ACTION: Final rule. Model AW189 helicopters with a tail
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA plane lower fitting part number (P/N)
Airworthiness Directive 2018–0078, dated SUMMARY: We are adopting a new 8G5350A07051 installed. The NPRM
April 9, 2018, for related information. This airworthiness directive (AD) for proposed to require replacing the tail
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES

MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model plane lower fitting with an improved
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– AW189 helicopters. This AD requires tail plane lower fitting. The proposed
2018–0642. replacing the tail plane lower fitting requirements were intended to prevent
(2) For more information about this AD, with an improved tail plane lower a crack on a tail plane fitting, which
contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, fitting. This AD was prompted by could result in failure of the tail plane
International Section, Transport Standards reports of cracks on the tail plane fitting and loss of helicopter control.

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61526 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 231 / Friday, November 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

The NPRM was prompted by AD No. Differences Between This AD and the Regulatory Findings
2016–0161, dated August 8, 2016 (EASA EASA AD This AD will not have federalism
AD 2016–0161), issued by EASA, which The EASA AD requires inspecting the implications under Executive Order
is the Technical Agent for the Member tail plane lower fitting for play within 13132. This AD will not have a
States of the European Union, to correct 50 flight hours and thereafter at substantial direct effect on the States, on
an unsafe condition for Leonardo Model intervals not to exceed 25 flight hours. the relationship between the national
AW189 helicopters. EASA advises that If a crack or other damage exists, the government and the States, or on the
some cracks have been reported in- EASA AD requires the improved tail distribution of power and
service on the tail plane fitting of plane lower fitting be installed within responsibilities among the various
AW189 helicopters following an onset 10 flight hours. If no crack exists, the levels of government.
of abnormal play. According to EASA, EASA AD requires that the improved For the reasons discussed above, I
this condition, if not detected and tail plane lower fitting be installed certify that this AD:
corrected, could jeopardize structural within 200 flight hours or 2 months, (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
integrity of the helicopter. EASA further whichever occurs first. This AD does action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
not require inspections and requires (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
advises that Leonardo developed a tail
installing the improved tail plane lower DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
plane lower fitting with an improved
fitting within 50 hours time-in-service. (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
design (P/N 8G0000P00511). (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
Accordingly, EASA AD 2016–0161 Related Service Information in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
requires repetitive inspections of the tail making a regulatory distinction; and
plane lower fitting assembly until the We reviewed Leonardo Helicopters
Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 189–038, (4) Will not have a significant
improved tail plane lower fitting is economic impact, positive or negative,
Revision B, dated October 13, 2016,
installed. on a substantial number of small entities
which specifies repetitively inspecting
When the NPRM was issued, the FAA the tail plane assembly for a crack. under the criteria of the Regulatory
was in the process of updating We also reviewed BT No. 189–070, Flexibility Act.
AgustaWestland’s name changes to We prepared an economic evaluation
Revision A, dated October 13, 2016,
Finmeccanica S.p.A. and then to of the estimated costs to comply with
which provides instructions for
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Leonardo Helicopters on its FAA type replacing the tail plane lower fitting
certificate; therefore the NPRM specified with the improved tail plane lower List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
AgustaWestland as the type certificate fitting retromodification P/N Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
holder. Because this name change is 8G0000P00511. safety, Incorporation by reference,
now effective, this AD applies to Costs of Compliance Safety.
Leonardo helicopters.
We estimate that this AD affects 4 Adoption of the Amendment
Comments helicopters of U.S. Registry and that Accordingly, under the authority
labor costs average $85 a work-hour. delegated to me by the Administrator,
We gave the public the opportunity to
Based on these estimates, we expect that the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
participate in developing this AD, but replacing the tail plane lower fitting
we received no comments on the NPRM. follows:
with an improved tail plane lower
FAA’s Determination fitting requires 64 work-hours and parts PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
cost $15,424 for a total cost of $20,864 DIRECTIVES
These helicopters have been approved per helicopter and $83,456 for the U.S.
by the aviation authority of Italy and are fleet. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
approved for operation in the United continues to read as follows:
Authority for This Rulemaking
States. Pursuant to our bilateral Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
agreement with Italy, EASA, its Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue § 39.13 [Amended]
technical representative, has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
EASA AD. We are issuing this AD section 106, describes the authority of the following new airworthiness
because we evaluated all information the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: directive (AD):
provided by Italy and determined the Aviation Programs, describes in more 2018–24–06 Leonardo S.p.A. (Type
unsafe condition exists and is likely to detail the scope of the Agency’s Certificate previously held by
exist or develop on other helicopters of authority. Finmeccanica S.p.A. and
We are issuing this rulemaking under AgustaWestland S.p.A.): Amendment
these same type designs and that air 39–19510; Docket No. FAA–2017–1081;
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
safety and the public interest require Product Identifier 2017–SW–090–AD.
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
adopting the AD requirements as ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that (a) Applicability
proposed except for the name change section, Congress charges the FAA with
from AgustaWestland to Leonardo. We This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. (Type
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Certificate previously held by Finmeccanica
have also updated the estimated costs to air commerce by prescribing regulations S.p.A. and AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model
reflect that this AD affects 4 helicopters for practices, methods, and procedures AW189 helicopters, certificated in any
of U.S. Registry rather than 2 the Administrator finds necessary for category, with a tail plane lower fitting part
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES

helicopters. These changes are safety in air commerce. This regulation number (P/N) 8G5350A07051 installed.
consistent with the intent of the is within the scope of that authority (b) Unsafe Condition
proposals in the NPRM (83 FR 23827, because it addresses an unsafe condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
May 23, 2018) and will not increase the that is likely to exist or develop on crack on a tail plane fitting, which could
economic burden on any operator nor helicopters identified in this rulemaking result in failure of the tail plane fitting and
increase the scope of this AD. action. loss of helicopter control.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 231 / Friday, November 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 61527

(c) Effective Date DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
This AD becomes effective January 4, 2019. Herman Mak, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Federal Aviation Administration Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
(d) Compliance Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
You are responsible for performing each 14 CFR Part 39 238–7147; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
action required by this AD within the herman.mak@faa.gov.
specified compliance time unless it has [Docket No. FAA–2018–0633; Product SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
already been accomplished prior to that time. Identifier 2018–NE–22–AD; Amendment 39–
19470; AD 2018–21–12] Discussion
(e) Required Actions
RIN 2120–AA64 We issued a notice of proposed
Within 50 hours time-in-service, install tail
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
plane retromodification kit P/N
8G0000P00511. Airworthiness Directives; General part 39 by adding an AD that would
Electric Company Turbofan Engines apply to certain GE GEnx–2B67,
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance –2B67B, and –2B67/P turbofan engines.
(AMOCs) AGENCY: Federal Aviation The NPRM published in the Federal
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Administration (FAA), DOT. Register on August 3, 2018 (83 FR
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, ACTION: Final rule. 38086). The NPRM was prompted by
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your LCF cracking of the fuel manifold
proposal to: Kristi Bradley, Aerospace SUMMARY: We are adopting a new leading to an engine fire. The NPRM
Engineer, Safety Management Section, airworthiness directive (AD) for certain proposed to require removal from
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 General Electric Company (GE) GEnx– service of certain fuel manifolds at the
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 2B67, –2B67B, and –2B67/P turbofan next engine shop visit and their
telephone 817–222–5110; email 9–ASW– engines. This AD was prompted by low- replacement with parts eligible for
FTW–AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. cycle fatigue (LCF) cracking of the fuel installation. We are issuing this AD to
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 manifold leading to an engine fire. This address the unsafe condition on these
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under AD requires removal from service of products.
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that certain fuel manifolds at the next engine
you notify your principal inspector, or shop visit and their replacement with Revision to Related Service Information
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of parts eligible for installation. We are GE published GEnx–2B Service
the local flight standards district office or issuing this AD to address the unsafe Bulletin (SB) 73–0038 R03, dated
certificate holding district office, before condition on these products. August 17, 2018, to provide operators
operating any aircraft complying with this
AD through an AMOC. DATES: This AD is effective January 4, with instructions for replacing the lower
2019. fuel manifold system when in the
(g) Additional Information intermixed configuration. This SB
ADDRESSES: For service information
(1) Leonardo Helicopters Bollettino eliminates the need to replace the top
identified in this final rule, contact
Tecnico (BT) No. 189–038, Revision B, and main and lower fuel manifolds in the
General Electric Company, GE Aviation,
BT No. 189–070, Revision A, both dated shop.
Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati,
October 13, 2016, which are not incorporated
by reference, contain additional information
OH 45215; phone: 513–552–3272; email: Comments
about the subject of this AD. For service aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com. You may We gave the public the opportunity to
information identified in this AD, contact view this service information at the participate in developing this final rule.
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards We have considered the comment
Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, Branch, 1200 District Avenue, received. The Boeing Company
21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; Burlington, MA 01803. For information supported the NPRM.
telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331– on the availability of this material at the
229046; or at http:// FAA, call 781–238–7759. It is also Conclusion
www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You available on the internet at http:// We reviewed the relevant data,
may review the referenced service www.regulations.gov by searching for considered the comment received, and
information at the FAA, Office of the and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– determined that air safety and the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 0633. public interest require adopting this
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, final rule as proposed.
TX 76177. Examining the AD Docket
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in You may examine the AD docket on Related Service Information
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD the internet at http:// We reviewed GE GEnx–2B SB 73–
No. 2016–0161, dated August 8, 2016. You www.regulations.gov by searching for 0038 R02, dated November 19, 2015,
may view the EASA AD on the internet at and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– and GEnx–2B SB 73–0038 R03, dated
http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. 0633; or in person at Docket Operations
FAA–2017–1081.
August 17, 2018. GE GEnx–2B SB 73–
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 0038 R02, dated November 19, 2015
(h) Subject through Friday, except Federal holidays. describes procedures for removing and
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) The AD docket contains this final rule, replacing the fuel manifold system with
Code: 5510, Horizontal Stabilizer Structure. the regulatory evaluation, any parts eligible for installation. GE GEnx–
comments received, and other 2B SB 73–0038 R03, dated August 17,
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November
information. The address for Docket 2018 describes procedures for replacing
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES

21, 2018.
Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is the fuel manifold system when in the
Lance T. Gant, U.S. Department of Transportation, intermixed configuration.
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Docket Operations, M–30, West
Division, Aircraft Certification Service. Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Costs of Compliance
[FR Doc. 2018–26071 Filed 11–29–18; 8:45 am] 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, We estimate that this AD affects two
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Washington, DC 20590. engines installed on airplanes of U.S.

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Document Created: 2018-11-30 04:36:31
Document Modified: 2018-11-30 04:36:31

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		This AD is effective January 4, 2019.
Contact		Kristi Bradley, Aerospace Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 61525
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

83 FR 61525 - Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Finmeccanica S.p.A. and AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 231 (November 30, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration