2021-22-10: Tail Rotor Gearbox

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021-22-10 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-21783; Docket No. FAA-2021-0695; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00096-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 27, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E helicopters, certificated in any category, with an affected part as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0031, dated January 22, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0031) installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports that certain tail rotor gearbox assemblies were installed on Model A109E helicopters and those parts are not approved for installation on that helicopter model. Because tail rotor gearbox assembly part number (P/N) 109-0440-01-115 is not part of the type design for Model A109E helicopters, there are no overhaul or life limits included in the applicable maintenance manuals. The FAA is issuing this AD to address installation of tail rotor gearbox assembly P/N 109-0440-01-115 on Model A109E helicopters that do not have overhaul or life limits for that part. If a tail rotor gearbox is not properly maintained it could fail, 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 2021-0031. (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0031 (1) Where EASA AD 2021-0031 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2021-0031 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) This AD does not mandate compliance with the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2021-0031. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0031 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (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 Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0031, dated January 22, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2021-0031, 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 EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this material 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-2021-0695. (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 October 14, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021-25215 Filed 11-18-21; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P