2021-21-03: Rotorcraft Flight Control, Rotorcraft Servo System

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021-21-03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21763; Docket No. FAA-2021-0659; Project Identifier 2018-SW-112-AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 10, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category, with an affected part as identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0280, dated December 17, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0280). (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes: 6700, Rotorcraft Flight Control; 6730, Rotorcraft Servo System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of damage to a rigid connecting link (rod), and loosening of the nut on the upper rod end. The FAA is issuing this AD to address damage to the rod, and loosening of the nut on the upper rod end. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the rod, possibly resulting in reduced control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, EASA AD 2018-0280. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2018-0280 (1) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 requires compliance from its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 specifies action if "any discrepancy" is found, for this AD, discrepancies include damage, cracks, and evidence of abnormal play. (4) Where the service information specified in EASA AD 2018-0280 specifies to "replace the damaged connecting link", for this AD, if any damage or cracks are found, remove the rod from service. (5) Where the service information specified in EASA AD 2018-0280 specifies to "contact Leonardo Helicopters" if abnormal play is detected, for this AD if any abnormal play is detected, corrective action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (6) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 requires reporting inspection results to Leonardo S.p.a. within 14 days after the effective date of EASA AD 2018-0280, this AD requires reporting inspection results at the applicable time in paragraph (h)(6)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 14 days after the inspection. (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 14 days after the effective date of this AD. (7) This AD does not require the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2018-0280. (i) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (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]. (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. (k) Related Information For 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; phone: (516) 228-7323; email: [email protected]. (l) 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) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018-0280, dated December 17, 2018. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2018-0280, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]; Internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. (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. This material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0659. (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. Issued on September 30, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021-24151 Filed 11-4-21; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P