2021-20-05: Emergency Flotation Section, Emergency Equipment

The Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: \n\n2021-20-05 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21743; Docket No. FAA-2021- 0565; Project Identifier 2018-SW-111-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22, 2021. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any category, with an affected emergency flotation system (EFS) assembly as defined in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0279, dated December 14, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0279). \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212, Emergency Flotation Section; 2560, Emergency Equipment. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a report of an incorrect connection of the inflation hoses to the tee manifolds of the inflation line on the EFS assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect incorrect installation of the inflation hoses on the EFS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in partial inflation of the flotation bags in a ditching event, preventing a timely egress from the helicopter and consequent injury to the helicopter occupants. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Requirements \n\n\n\tExcept as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2018-0279. \n\n((Page 57581)) \n\n(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0279 \n\n\n\t(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. \n\t(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 requires compliance from its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. \n\t(3) Where the service information required by EASA AD 2018-0279 specifies recording compliance with the service bulletin in the helicopter logbook, this AD does not include that requirement. \n\t(4) Where EASA AD 2018-0279 identifies all Model AW189 helicopters, all serial numbers in the applicability, this AD is only applicable to Model AW189 with an affected EFS assembly as defined in the definitions paragraph of the EASA AD. \n\t(5) This AD does not require the ''Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2018-0279. \n\n(i) No Reporting Requirement \n\n\n\tAlthough the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0279 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. \n\n(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(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 (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. \n\t(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. \n\n(k) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor 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]. \n\n(l) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0279, dated December 14, 2018. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(3) For EASA AD 2018-0279, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer- Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. \n\t(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. \n\t(5) You may view this material 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. \n\n\n\tIssued on September 15, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2021-22465 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P