Airworthiness Directives; Hélicoptères Guimbal Helicopters, 4822-4826 [2022-01829]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 20 (Monday, January 31, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4822-4826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01829]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0020; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00784-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2021-02-20, which applies to certain H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal 
Model Cabri G2 helicopters. AD 2021-02-20 requires initial and 
repetitive inspections of certain rotating and non-rotating scissor 
fittings, and depending on the results, replacing the affected 
assembly. AD 2021-02-20 also prohibits installing certain main rotor 
hubs (MRHs) and swashplate guides unless the initial inspection has 
been accomplished. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-02-20, the MRH and 
swashplate guide have been redesigned to include a certain part-
numbered scissor fitting. This proposed AD would retain certain 
requirements of AD 2021-02-20, require installation of newly designed 
parts, provide a terminating action for the initial and repetitive 
inspections, and revise the applicability. This proposed AD would also 
extend the repetitive inspection interval and prohibit installing 
certain MRHs and swashplate guides. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 17, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal, 1070, rue du Lieutenant

[[Page 4823]]

Parayre, A[eacute]rodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les Milles, France; 
telephone 33-04-42-39-10-88; email [email protected]; or at https://www.guimbal.com. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0020; 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 NPRM, the European 
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed 
above.

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 [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0020; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-00784-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
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 [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2021-02-20, Amendment 39-21403 (86 FR 8299, 
February 5, 2021), (AD 2021-02-20), for H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res 
Guimbal Model Cabri G2 helicopters, with rotating or non-rotating 
scissor fitting part number (P/N) G12-00-200, installed on the MRH or 
swashplate guide, respectively. AD 2021-02-20 requires within 30 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) or 30 calendar days, whichever occurs first, 
inspecting each rotating and non-rotating scissor fitting with the 
bolts connecting the scissor fittings removed. For this initial 
inspection, AD 2021-02-20 requires removing the cotter pins and bolts 
that connect the two scissor fittings, cleaning the outside surface of 
each scissor fitting, and using a flashlight to visually inspect each 
scissor fitting for a crack.
    AD 2021-02-20 also requires, at intervals not to exceed 50 hours 
TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first, repetitive inspections of each 
scissor fitting without removing the bolts and separating the two 
scissor fittings. For these repetitive inspections, AD 2021-02-20 
requires cleaning each scissor fitting, and while using a flashlight, 
visually inspecting each scissor fitting for a crack. If, during any 
inspection, there is a crack, AD 2021-02-20 requires replacing the MRH 
or swashplate guide, as applicable, before further flight. AD 2021-02-
20 also prohibits installing an MRH or swashplate guide with an 
affected scissor fitting installed, even if new, unless the initial 
inspection has been accomplished.
    AD 2021-02-20 was prompted by EASA AD 2020-0199, dated September 
21, 2020, and corrected September 24, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0199), issued 
by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for 
H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (HG) Model Cabri G2 helicopters, all 
serial numbers. EASA advised of a report of a crack in a rotating 
scissor fitting discovered during maintenance. According to EASA, the 
suspected root cause of the crack was corrosion under residual stress. 
This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting on either the MRH or the 
swashplate guide, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2020-0199 required an initial and repetitive 
inspections of the rotating and non-rotating scissor fittings P/N G12-
00-200 installed on the MRH or swashplate guide, respectively. If a 
crack was detected, EASA AD 2020-0199 required replacing the affected 
MRH or swashplate guide with a serviceable part. EASA AD 2020-0199 
prohibited installing certain MRHs and swashplate guides unless the 
initial inspection was accomplished.

Actions Since AD 2021-02-20 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2021-02-20, EASA issued AD 2021-0155, dated 
July 2, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0155), which supersedes EASA AD 2020-0199. 
EASA advises a design change was developed for the MRH and swashplate 
guide including installation instructions for the modification. EASA AD 
2021-0155 advises the design change requires installing new scissor 
fitting P/N G12-00-202, which is not affected by stress corrosion 
cracking. EASA AD 2021-0155 further advises once a helicopter installs 
a certain part-numbered MRH and a certain part-numbered swashplate 
guide containing the newly designed scissor fitting, HG modification 
(mod) 20-040 is accomplished.
    Accordingly, EASA AD 2021-0155 retains the requirements of EASA AD 
2020-0199, and requires replacement of the MRH and swashplate guide 
assemblies with assemblies equipped with the newly designed scissor 
fitting. EASA AD 2021-0155 also increases the interval for the 
repetitive inspection and prohibits any affected part to be installed 
on any helicopter that has HG mod 20-040 installed. EASA AD 2021-0155 
allows a terminating action for the initial and repetitive inspections 
if the

[[Page 4824]]

helicopter has been modified and includes the updated modification 
information.
    After AD 2021-02-20 was issued, the FAA determined the 
applicability should be revised to apply to all HG Model Cabri G2 
helicopters rather than be limited to only the helicopters with the 
affected scissor fitting installed. Therefore, the FAA revised the 
Applicability paragraph of this proposed AD.

FAA's Determination

    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 is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of these same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision C; SB 
20-011, Revision D; and SB 21-007 Revision C, each dated July 22, 2021 
(SB 20-012 Rev C, SB 20-011 Rev D, and SB 21-007 Rev C). SB 20-012 Rev 
C specifies removing the bolts connecting the two scissor fittings P/N 
G12-00-200 and accomplishing a one-time detailed inspection for a crack 
in certain areas. SB 20-012 Rev C also specifies reassembling the two 
scissor fittings using correct bolt torque limits, installing new 
cotter pins, and reporting any findings to HG customer support.
    SB 20-011 Rev D specifies procedures for a recurring inspection 
after accomplishment of SB 20-012 Rev C of the same areas of the 
scissor fittings for a crack as SB 20-012 Rev C, except without 
removing the bolts which connect the two scissor fittings. SB 20-011 
Rev D also specifies reporting any findings to HG customer support. SB 
21-007 Rev C specifies instructions for installing the newly designed 
scissor fitting. This proposed AD would also require Guimbal Service 
Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision B, dated October 5, 2020 (SB 20-012 Rev 
B), which the Director of the Federal Register approved for 
incorporation by reference as of February 22, 2021 (86 FR 8299, 
February 5, 2021).
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision 
C, dated October 5, 2020 (SB 20-011 Rev C). SB 20-011 Rev C specifies 
the same procedures as SB-20-011 Rev D, except SB 20-011 Rev D updates 
the applicability and references SB 21-007 Rev C.
    The FAA reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision B, 
and SB 20-012, Revision A, each dated September 1, 2020 (SB 20-011 Rev 
B and SB 20-012 Rev A). SB 20-012 Rev A specifies the same procedures 
as SB 20-012 Rev B, except SB 20-012 Rev B revises the compliance time, 
adds the EASA AD identification information, and updates the Situation 
section description. SB 20-011 Rev B specifies the same procedures as 
SB 20-011 Rev C, except SB 20-011 Rev C adds the EASA AD identification 
information and updates the Situation section description.
    The FAA also reviewed Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 21-007, Revision 
B, dated April 4, 2021 which states the same procedures as SB 21-007 
Rev C, except SB 21-007 Rev C revises the compliance time to coincide 
with the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0155.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain certain inspection and corrective 
action requirements of AD 2021-02-20. This proposed AD would also 
require within 60 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first after 
the effective date of this proposed AD, and thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 60 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs first, leaving 
each scissor fitting assembled and visually inspecting each scissor 
fitting for a crack. If there is a crack during the initial inspection 
or the recurring inspection, this proposed AD would require before 
further flight, replacing certain parts or as an alternative, 
installing HG mod 20-040.
    This proposed AD would also require, within 60 months or during the 
next main gearbox overhaul, whichever occurs first after the effective 
date of this proposed AD, removing from service MRH P/N G12-00-100, or 
G12-00-101, or G12-00-102 and swashplate guide P/N G21-01-101 or G21-
01-102 and installing HG mod 20-040. This proposed AD would also 
consider installing HG mod 20-040 to be a terminating action for the 
initial and recurring visual inspections required by this proposed AD.
    For any pre-HG mod 20-040 helicopter, as of February 22, 2021 (the 
effective date of AD 2021-02-20), this proposed AD would prohibit 
installing an MRH or swashplate guide, with a certain part-numbered 
rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting installed, unless certain 
actions have been accomplished. For any post-HG mod 20-040 helicopter, 
as of the effective date of this AD, this proposed AD would prohibit 
installing an MRH or swashplate guide, with a certain part-numbered 
rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting installed, on any helicopter.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and EASA AD 2021-0155

    EASA AD 2021-0155 requires detailed inspections, whereas this 
proposed AD would require cleaning each scissor fitting and visually 
inspecting each scissor fitting using a flashlight. EASA AD 2021-0155 
also requires reporting certain information, whereas this proposed AD 
would not. EASA AD 2021-0155 requires replacing certain parts if a 
crack is detected with serviceable parts, whereas this proposed AD 
would require replacing certain parts with airworthy parts.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 32 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 proposed AD.
    Removing and installing the bolt and cotter pins in the initial 
inspection would take a minimal amount of time with a minimal parts 
cost.
    Inspecting each scissor fitting would take about 0.5 work-hours for 
an estimated cost of $43 per fitting, per inspection cycle. There are 2 
scissor fittings installed on a helicopter, for an estimated cost of 
$85 per helicopter and $2,720 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
    Removing an MRH and swashplate guide and installing the improved 
MRH and swashplate guide would take about 6 work-hours and parts would 
cost about $1,608 through the parts exchange program for an estimated 
cost of $2,118 per helicopter and $67,776 for the U.S. fleet. The FAA 
expects the majority of operators would use the parts exchange program. 
If not accomplished through the parts exchange program, an improved MRH 
and swashplate guide would cost about $8,695 for an estimated cost of 
$9,205 per helicopter and $294,560 for the U.S. fleet.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacements that would be required based on the results of 
the inspection.

[[Page 4825]]

The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might 
need these on-condition replacements:
    Replacement of an MRH due to a crack in the scissor fitting with an 
airworthy MRH would take about 5 work-hours and parts would cost about 
$7,360 for an estimated cost of $7,785 per helicopter; and replacement 
of a swashplate guide due to a crack in the scissor fitting with an 
airworthy swashplate guide would take about 6 work-hours and parts 
would cost about $1,312 for an estimated cost of $1,822 per helicopter.

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

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-02-20, Amendment 39-21403 (86 
FR 8299, February 5, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal: Docket No. FAA-2022-0020; 
Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00784-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by March 17, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-02-20, Amendment 39-21403 (86 FR 8299, 
February 5, 2021) (AD 2021-02-20).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal (HG) Model 
Cabri G2 helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft 
Flight Control; 6710, Main Rotor Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in a rotating 
scissor fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect a crack and 
prevent failure of a scissor fitting. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in failure of a rotating or non-rotating 
scissor fitting and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    For helicopters with rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting 
part number (P/N) G12-00-200, installed on the main rotor hub (MRH) 
or swashplate guide, respectively: (1) Within 30 hours time-in-
service (TIS) or 30 calendar days, whichever occurs first after 
February 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-02-20):
    (i) Remove the cotter pins and bolts connecting the rotating and 
non-rotating scissor fitting by following the Required Actions, IPC 
4.1-2 a), of Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision B, dated 
October 5, 2020 (SB 20-012 Rev B). Remove the cotter pins from 
service. Clean each scissor fitting. Using a flashlight, visually 
inspect each scissor fitting by following the Required Actions, IPC 
4.1-2 b), of SB 20-012 Rev B. As an alternative to using SB 20-012 
Rev B, you may remove the cotter pins and bolts in accordance with 
the Required Actions, IPC 4.1-2 a), of Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 
20-012, Revision C, dated July 22, 2021 (SB 20-012 Rev C), and 
visually inspect each scissor fitting in accordance with the 
Required Actions, IPC 4.1-2 b), of SB 20-012 Rev C.
    (ii) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the MRH 
or swashplate guide with an airworthy part as applicable; or, as an 
alternative, you may accomplish the modification specified in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.
    (iii) If there is not a crack, reassemble the scissor fittings 
by following the Required Actions, IPC 4.1-2 c), of SB 20-012 Rev B. 
As an alternative to using SB 20-012 Rev B, you may reassemble the 
scissor fittings in accordance with the Required Actions, IPC 4.1-2 
c), of SB 20-012 Rev C.
    (2) Thereafter, within 60 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever 
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 60 hours TIS or 6 months, whichever occurs 
first:
    (i) Leaving each rotating and non-rotating scissor fitting 
assembled, clean each scissor fitting. Using a flashlight, visually 
inspect each scissor fitting by following the Required Actions, IPC 
4.1-2 a), of Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision D, dated 
July 22, 2021.
    (ii) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the MRH 
or swashplate guide, with an airworthy part as applicable; or, as an 
alternative, you may accomplish the modification specified in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.
    (3) Within 60 months, or during the next main gearbox overhaul, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, remove 
MRH P/N G12-00-100, or G12-00-101, or G12-00-102 and swashplate 
guide P/N G21-01-101 or G21-01-102 from service and modify your 
helicopter by installing MRH P/N G12-00-103 and swashplate guide P/N 
G21-01-103 containing scissor fitting P/N G12-00-202 (HG 
modification (mod) 20-040) by following the Required Actions, IPC 
2.1-0 a) through k) and m) through aa) of Guimbal Service Bulletin 
SB 21-007, Revision C, dated July 22, 2021.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(3): HG mod 20-040, as referenced in 
paragraphs (g)(3), and (h)(1) and (2) of this AD, is accomplished 
after installation of MRH P/N G12-00-103 and swashplate guide P/N 
G21-01-103 containing scissor fitting P/N G12-00-202.
    (4) Completing the actions required by paragraph (g)(3) of this 
AD constitutes a terminating action for the requirements in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.

(h) Parts Installation

    (1) For any pre-HG mod 20-040 helicopter: As of February 22, 
2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-02-20), do not install an MRH or 
swashplate guide, with rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting P/N 
G12-00-200 installed, respectively, on any helicopter,

[[Page 4826]]

even if new, unless the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD have been accomplished.
    (2) For any post-HG mod 20-040 helicopter: As of the effective 
date of this AD, do not install an MRH or swashplate guide, with 
rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting P/N G12-00-200 installed, 
respectively, on any helicopter.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service 
Bulletin SB 20-012, Revision A, dated September 1, 2020, before 
February 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-02-20).
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the first instance of the 
actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD if you accomplished 
Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision B, dated September 1, 
2020, before February 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-02-
20).
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service 
Bulletin SB 20-011, Revision C, dated October 5, 2020, before the 
effective date of this AD.
    (4) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service 
Bulletin SB 21-007, Revision B, dated April 4, 2021, before the 
effective date of this AD.

(j) Special Flight Permits

    A special flight permit may be permitted provided that there are 
no passengers onboard, and the flight is operating under day Visual 
Flight Rules, for the purpose of ferrying the helicopter to an 
authorized maintenance facility.

(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)(1) 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

    (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 [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
H[eacute]licopt[egrave]res Guimbal, 1070, rue du Lieutenant Parayre, 
A[eacute]rodrome d'Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les Milles, France; 
telephone 33-04-42-39-10-88; email [email protected]; web https://www.guimbal.com. You may view this referenced 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.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0155, dated July 2, 2021. You 
may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2022-0020.

    Issued on January 25, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01829 Filed 1-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P