2024-10-08: Glide slope system

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: 2024-10-08 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-22754; Docket No. FAA-2024-0236; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00066-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 13, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 3432, Glide slope system. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of abnormal oscillatory behavior during automated glide slope approaches, due to sealant on the glide slope (G/S) antenna coaxial connectors. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address sealant on or around the G/S antenna. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to erratic signals from the G/S antenna, which could result in reduced capability of the helicopter to perform safe automated approaches. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0010, dated January 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0010). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0010 (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0010 states "flight hours;" for this AD, replace that text with "hours time-in-service." (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0010 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states "in accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;" for this AD, replace that text with "in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 4 and 5 of the ASB." (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states "in accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;" for this AD, replace that text with "in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 6.3 (including the two cautions above paragraph 6.3) through 6.5 (but not paragraphs 6.5.1 and 6.5.2) of the ASB." (5) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 state "discrepancy;" for this AD, replace that text with "discrepancy, which is one or more "fail" results in the acceptance test procedure." (6) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 state to "replace the/those affected parts with serviceable parts;" for this AD, replace that text with "remove the affected part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010, from service and replace it with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010. Thereafter, after installing a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010, before further flight, accomplish an acceptance test procedure (ATP) in accordance with the instructions of Annex A of the ASB." (7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0010 specifies discarding existing hardware, this AD requires removing the existing hardware from service. (8) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states "in accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;" for this AD, replace that text with "in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 9 through 11 of the ASB." (9) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states "in accordance with the instructions of Part II of the ASB;" for this AD, replace that text with "in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 2 through 4 of the ASB." (10) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2022-0010. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0010 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, provided there are no passengers, and no flights are performed under instrument flight rules (IFR). (k) 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 (l) 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. (l) 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] . (m) 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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0010, dated January 20, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2022-0010, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at 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. (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 May 14, 2024. James D. Foltz, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-14890 Filed 7-8-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P