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2022-07-01 LEONARDO S.P.A.: Amendment 39-21988; Docket No. FAA-2021-1174; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00246-R. 
(a) EFFECTIVE DATE

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 9, 2022.

(b) AFFECTED ADS

    This AD replaces AD 2020-23-07, Amendment 39-21323(85 FR 73610, Novem-
    ber 19, 2020) (AD 2020-23-07).

(c) APPLICABILITY

    This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a.  Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters,
    certificated in any category, with emergency flotation kit part number
    (P/N) 4G9560F00111 (15 passengers) or 4G9560F00211 (18 passengers) in-
    stalled.

(d) SUBJECT

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes:  2560, Emergency Equip-
    ment, and 2564, Life Raft.

(e) UNSAFE CONDITION

    This AD was prompted by  the inadvertent activation and deployment  of
    an emergency life raft while the helicopter was in flight. The FAA  is
    issuing this AD  to prevent the  unintended deployment of  a life raft
    (raft). The unsafe  condition, if not  addressed, could result  in the
    deployment  of  a raft  during  flight, separation  of  the raft  with
    possible impact on the rotors,  and subsequent reduced control of  the
    helicopter.

(f) COMPLIANCE

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,  unless al-
    ready done.

(g) REQUIRED ACTIONS

(1) For helicopters  with a right-hand (RH)  or  left-hand (LH)  life raft
    reservoir (reservoir) P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 and with  a
    serial number (S/N)  listed in Table  1 of Leonardo  Helicopters Alert
    Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 139-648, dated August 10, 2020 (referred to
    as "ASB 139-648 First  Issue"), within 25 hours  time-in-service (TIS)
    after December 4, 2020 (the  effective date of AD 2020-23-07),  remove
    each affected reservoir  from service. Any  reservoir with the  letter
    "R" after the S/N is excluded from this requirement.

(2) For helicopters  with  a  RH  or  LH reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N
    3G2560V01251 and with an S/N listed in Table 1 of Leonardo Helicopters
    ASB No. 139-662, dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-662) within 25 hours
    TIS  after  the  effective  date  of  this  AD,  remove  each affected
    reservoir from service.  Any reservoir with  the letter "R"  after the
    S/N is excluded from this requirement.

(3) For helicopters  with  a  RH  or  LH reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N
    3G2560V01251  and  with  an  S/N not listed in Table 1  of ASB 139-648
    First Issue or Table 1 of ASB 139-662 installed,  within 25 hours  TIS
    or before the reservoir accumulates 55 total hours TIS since first in-
    stallation on a helicopter,  whichever occurs later  after December 4,
    2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07), inspect the valve pull rod
    of each reservoir  by following the Accomplishment Instructions,  Part
    II, paragraphs 3. through 5.1, of ASB 139-648 First Issue.  Any reser-
    voir with the letter "R" after the S/N is included  in  this  require-
    ment. If the measurement of the actuator cable between the face of the
    pull rod and the back of the valve cap exceeds 68.5 mm, before further
    flight,  replace the reservoir.  As an alternative to using the speci-
    fied portions of ASB 139-648 First Issue, you may accomplish the valve
    pull rod inspection by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part
    II, paragraphs 3. through 5.1,  of  Leonardo Helicopters  ASB No. 139-
    648, Revision A, dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-648 Rev A).

Note 1 to paragraph (g)(3): An actuator cable, which is referenced in par-
agraphs (g)(3) and (4) of this AD, is also known as an actuation cable.

(4) For helicopters  with  a  RH  or  LH reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N
    3G2560V01251  and  with  an  S/N not listed in Table 1  of ASB 139-648
    First Issue or Table 1 of ASB 139-662 installed,  within 25 hours  TIS
    after December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07),  inspect
    the actuator cable  of  each reservoir by following the Accomplishment
    Instructions,  Part III,  paragraphs 3. through 5.1,  of  ASB  139-648
    First Issue.  Any reservoir  with the letter "R"  after the S/N in in-
    cluded in this requirement. If the clearance between the sphere at the
    end of the actuator cable and the activation system exceeds 5.0 +0.00/
    -2.0 mm, before further flight, adjust the actuator cable by following
    Annex A of ASB 139-648 First Issue.  As  an  alternative  to using the
    specified portions of ASB 139-648 First Issue,  you may accomplish the
    actuator cable inspection and corrective action by following:

(i) The Accomplishment Instructions, Part III,  paragraphs 3. through 5.1,
    and Annex A, as applicable, of ASB 139-648 Rev A, or

(ii) The Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 4 through 4.3.1 and Annex
     A, as applicable, of ASB 139-662.

(5) As of the effective date of this AD,  do  not  install  reservoir  P/N
    3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 with an S/N listed  in Table 1 of ASB
    139-648 First Issue, Table 1 of ASB 139-648 Rev A,  or  Table 1 of ASB
    139-662 on any helicopter. Any reservoir with the letter "R" after the
    S/N is excluded from this requirement.

(6) As of the effective date of this AD,  do not  install  a reservoir P/N
    3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251  with an S/N other than an S/N listed
    in Table 1 of ASB 139-648 First Issue,  Table 1  of ASB 139-648 Rev A,
    or Table 1 of ASB 139-662,  on any helicopter unless you have complied
    with the  requirements in  paragraphs (g)(3)  and (4)  of this  AD, as
    applicable to your helicopter.

(h) 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 (i)(1)  of this AD. Information may  be
    emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.

(2) Before using any approved AMOC,  notify your appropriate principal in-
    spector, or lacking  a principal inspector,  the manager of  the local
    flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(i) RELATED INFORMATION

(1) 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;  telephone (516) 228-7323;  email Darren.Gassetto@
    faa.gov.

(2) Service information  identified in this AD is available at the contact
    information specified in paragraphs (j)(5) and (6) of this AD.

(3) The subject of this AD  is addressed in European Union Aviation Safety
    Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0054, dated February 25, 2021.  You may view the
    EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-1174.

(j) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.

(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on May 9, 2022.

(i) Leonardo Helicopters  Alert Service Bulletin No. 139-648,  Revision A,
    dated February 15, 2021.

(ii) Leonardo Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 139-662, dated
     February 15, 2021.

(4) The following service information was approved  for IBR on December 4,
    2020 (85 FR 73610, November 19, 2020).

(i) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 139-648,  dated August
    10, 2020.

(ii) [Reserved]

(5) For Leonardo S.p.a. service information identified in this AD, contact
    Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters,  Emanuele Bufano,  Head of Airworthiness,
    Viale G.Agusta 520,  21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va)  Italy;  telephone
    +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046;  or  at  https://customerportal.
    leonardocompany.com/en-US/.

(6) 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.

(7) You may view  this service information  that is incorporated by refer-
    ence at the National Archives and Records Administration  (NARA).  For
    information on the availability of this material  at NARA,  email: fr.
    inspection@nara.gov,   or   go  to:  https://www.archives.gov/federal-
    register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Issued on March 14, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthi-
ness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, COS
Program Management Section,  Operational Safety Branch,  Compliance & Air-
worthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228-7323; email Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov.
PREAMBLE 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1174; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00246-R;
Amendment 39-21988; AD 2022-07-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-23-
07, which applied to certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139
helicopters. AD 2020-23-07 required removing certain life raft
reservoirs (reservoirs) from service, inspecting the reservoirs and
actuator cables, and depending on the inspection results, replacing the
reservoir or adjusting the actuator cable. This AD was prompted by the
inadvertent activation and deployment of an emergency life raft while
the helicopter was in flight. This AD retains the requirements of AD
2020-23-07, and requires expanding the required actions to include
additional serial-numbered reservoirs, and updates applicable service
information. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 9, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 9, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
December 4, 2020 (85 FR 73610, November 19, 2020).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of
Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va)
Italy; telephone +39-0331-225074; fax +39-0331-229046; or at https://customerportal.leonardocompany.com/en-US/. 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. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1174.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1174; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received,
and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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 Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2020-23-07, Amendment 39-21323 (85 FR
73610, November 19, 2020) (AD 2020-23-07). AD 2020-23-07 applied to
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, with emergency
flotation kit part number (P/N) 4G9560F00111 (15 passengers) or
4G9560F00211 (18 passengers). The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on January 12, 2022 (87 FR 1706). In the NPRM, the
FAA proposed to retain all of the requirements of AD 2020-23-07, and
proposed to require expanding the required actions to include
additional serial-numbered reservoirs identified in the applicable
service information. The NPRM also proposed to allow alternative
service information to be used for specific portions of certain
inspections and corrective actions. Additionally, the NPRM proposed an
exemption for certain required actions for reservoirs marked with an
``R'' after the serial number (S/N).
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2021-0054, dated February 25, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0054), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for
the Member States of the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A,
AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.; and AgustaWestland Philadelphia
Corporation, formerly Agusta Aerospace Corporation, Model AB139 and
AW139 helicopters, all S/Ns, if equipped with emergency flotation kit,
having P/N 4G9560F00111 (15 passengers) or P/N 4G9560F00211 (18
passengers).
EASA advises that additional serial-numbered reservoirs are
affected by the same unsafe condition. EASA further advises that
Leonardo Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 139-662,
dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-662), which includes a Table listing
the S/Ns of the additional batch of affected reservoirs and provides
additional replacement and inspection instructions. Furthermore, EASA
advises some of the affected reservoirs could become serviceable after
an inspection and after these reservoirs are re-identified and marked
with an ``R.'' This condition, if not addressed, could result in
deployment of a life raft (raft) during flight, separation of the raft
with possible impact on the rotors, and subsequent reduced control of
the helicopter.
Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0054 retains the requirements of EASA AD
2020-0185, dated August 19, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0185), which prompted AD
2020-23-07, and requires for certain helicopters replacement of
affected reservoirs and, for other helicopters, inspections of the
valve pull rod and the actuator cable of the raft. Depending on the
findings, EASA AD 2021-0054 requires accomplishment of the applicable
corrective actions. EASA AD 2021-0054 also prohibits re-installation of
an affected reservoir on any helicopter.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.

Conclusion

These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. This AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 139-648, dated August
10, 2020 (referred to as ``ASB 139-648 First Issue'') and ASB No. 139-
648, Revision A, dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-648 Rev A). ASB 139-
648 First Issue specifies procedures to replace certain reservoirs and
return them to the supplier, inspect the valve pull rod by measuring
the actuator cable between the face of the pull rod and the back of the
valve cap, inspect the actuator cable by verifying the presence of a
clearance between the sphere at the end of the actuator cable and the
activation system, and adjust the actuator cable. ASB 139-648 Rev A
specifies the same procedures as ASB 139-648 First Issue, except ASB
139-648 Rev A includes a Note clarifying that LH and RH reservoirs with
S/Ns marked (or recorded on the component Log Card) with the suffix
``R'' after the S/N are not affected by Part I of ASB 139-648 Rev A,
even if they have an S/N listed in Table 1 of ASB 139-648 Rev A.
The FAA also reviewed ASB 139-662, which specifies additional
serial-numbered reservoirs that are affected by the same unsafe
condition. ASB 139-662 also provides additional actuator cable
inspection procedures for these affected reservoirs. This service
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2021-0054

EASA AD 2021-0054 uses flight hours (FH) for certain compliance
times, whereas this AD uses hours time-in-service (TIS). EASA AD 2021-
0054 specifies the compliance time for certain serial-numbered
reservoirs to be replaced is within 25 FH after August 26, 2020 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2020-0185), whereas this AD requires certain
serial-numbered reservoirs to be removed from service within 25 hours
TIS after December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07). EASA
AD 2021-0054 specifies the compliance time for certain serial-numbered
reservoirs to be replaced is within 25 FH after March 4, 2021 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0054), whereas this AD requires certain
serial-numbered reservoirs to be removed from service within 25 hours
TIS after the effective date of this AD.
EASA AD 2021-0054 specifies the compliance time to inspect the
valve pull rod for certain helicopters is after replacement of the
affected reservoir and within 5 FH after the serviceable reservoir
exceeds 50 FH since installation, whereas this AD requires the valve
pull rod inspection for certain helicopters within 25 hours TIS or
before the reservoir accumulates 55 total hours TIS since first
installation on a helicopter, whichever occurs later after December 4,
2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07).
EASA AD 2021-0054 specifies the compliance time to inspect the
actuator cable for certain helicopters is before next flight after the
replacement of the affected reservoir and for certain other helicopters
within 25 FH after August 26, 2020 (the effective date of EASA AD 2020-
0185), whereas this AD requires the actuator cable inspection for
certain helicopters within 25 hours TIS after December 4, 2020 (the
effective date of AD 2020-23-07).
EASA AD 2021-0054 requires returning removed reservoirs to the
supplier, whereas this AD requires removing certain reservoirs from
service and replacing other reservoirs instead.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 15 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Replacing a reservoir takes about 1 work-hour and parts cost up to
$3,710 for an estimated cost of up to $3,795 per reservoir.
Inspecting the valve pull rod of a reservoir takes about 1 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $85 per reservoir and up to $2,550 for
the U.S. fleet.
Inspecting an actuator cable takes about 0.25 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $21 per inspection and up to $630 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, adjusting an actuator cable takes about 0.75 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $64 per cable.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:

a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-23-07, Amendment 39-21323 (85
FR 73610, November 19, 2020); and

b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: