2024-04-05: Main 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: 2024-04-05 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-22684; Docket No. FAA 2023-2231; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01623-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 19, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main Rotor Gearbox. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the lateral mounts of the main transmission support case. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address cracking of the main transmission support case. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the loss of load carrying capabilities of the main transmission and subsequent loss of 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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0258, dated December 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0258). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0258 (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0258 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0258 specifies contacting Product Support Engineering for possible repairs regarding corrosion or pitting in a case bushing that exceeds allowable limits, this AD requires repair done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Where paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2022-0258 require replacing a component, this AD requires removing the component from service. (4) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2022-0258 requires replacing the main transmission support case, this AD requires removing the main transmission support case assembly from service. (5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0258 requires accomplishing a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the main transmission support case, this AD requires that FPI be accomplished by a Level II or Level III inspector certified in the FAA-acceptable standards for nondestructive inspection personnel. Note 1 to paragraph (h)(5): Advisory Circular 65-31B contains examples of FAA-acceptable Level II and Level III qualification standards criteria for inspection personnel doing nondestructive test inspections. (6) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2022-0258. (i) 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 (j) 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. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7241; email: [email protected] . (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (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. (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 2022-0258, dated December 20, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2022-0258, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; website easa.europa.eu . You may find the EASA material on the EASA website ad.easa.europa.eu . (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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 material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected] . Issued on February 16, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-05478 Filed 3-14-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P