Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc., Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Leonardo S.p.a., and Various Restricted Category Helicopters, 66942-66945 [2022-24342]

Download as PDF 66942 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Rules and Regulations heightened for back-end penalty fees which are often not subject to the competitive process: firms typically have not competed for customers based on penalty fee pricing and consumers do not shop on the basis of fees they do not intend to incur. Indeed, economic research suggests that consumer decision making is impaired by hidden or shrouded pricing regimes.13 Given these harms to competition, the CFPB advises institutions that there is a substantial risk of violating the prohibition on unfair acts or practices with respect to this practice. III. Regulatory Matters This is a general statement of policy under the Administrative Procedure Act. It provides background information about applicable law and articulates considerations relevant to the Bureau’s exercise of its authorities. It does not confer any rights of any kind. The Regulatory Flexibility Act does not require an initial or final regulatory flexibility analysis for general statements of policy.14 It also does not impose any new or revise any existing recordkeeping, reporting, or disclosure requirements on covered entities or members of the public that would be collections of information requiring approval by the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.15 Rohit Chopra, Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. [FR Doc. 2022–23933 Filed 11–4–22; 8:45 am] khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES BILLING CODE 4810–AM–P evidence (2015), available at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ ∼uctpbwa/papers/price-framing.pdf; Sumit Agarwal, Souphala Chomsisengphet, Neale Mahoney, & Johannes Stroebel, Regulating Consumer Financial Products: Evidence from Credit Cards, Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 130, Issue 1 (Feb. 2015), pp. 111–64, at p.5 & 42–43, available at https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/ 130/1/111/2338025?login=true; Sumit Agarwal, Souphala Chomsisengphet, Neale Mahoney, & Johannes Stroebel, A Simple Framework for Establishing Consumer Benefits from Regulating Hidden Fees, Journal of Legal Studies, Vol. 43, Issue S2 (June 2014), pp.S239–52, available at https:// nmahoney.people.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/ sbiybj23976/files/media/file/mahoney_hidden_ fees_jls.pdf; Glenn Ellison, A Model of Add-On Pricing, Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 120, Issue 2 (May 2005), pp.585–637, available at https:// economics.mit.edu/files/7605. 13 See Gabaix & Laibson, supra note 12; Huck & Wallace, supra note 12; Agarwal et al., Regulating Consumer Financial Products, supra note 12; Agarwal et al., A Simple Framework, supra note 12; Ellison, supra note 12. 14 5 U.S.C. 603(a), 604(a). 15 44 U.S.C. 3501–3521. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:02 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1402; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01094–R; Amendment 39–22227; AD 2022–22–12] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc., Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Leonardo S.p.a., and Various Restricted Category Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A–1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters; certain Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Model 214B and 214B–1 helicopters; certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters; and certain various restricted category helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of two inservice failures of forward crosstubes due to fatigue damage and the issuance of newly established life limits. This AD requires determining the total number of landings on certain part-numbered forward crosstubes and incorporating requirements (airworthiness limitations) into existing maintenance records. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective November 22, 2022. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 22, 2022. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 22, 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 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 No. FAA–2022–1402; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For service information identified in this final rule, contact Dart Aerospace Ltd. 1270 Aberdeen Street Hawkesbury, ON, K6A 1K7 Canada; telephone 1 613 632 5200; email support@dartaero.com; internet dartaerospace.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. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1402. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228–7300; email 9-AVS-NYACO-COS@FAA.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2022–1402; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01094–R’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule. 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 E:\FR\FM\07NOR1.SGM 07NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Rules and Regulations khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228–7300; email 9-AVS-NYACO-COS@FAA.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, issued Transport Canada AD CF–2022–46, dated August 12, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF–2022–46), to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A–1, 205B, 212, 214B, 214B–1, 412, 412 CF, and 412 EP helicopters, which are modified in accordance with Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH01–9 and installed with Dart Aerospace Ltd. high gear forward crosstube part number (P/N) D212–664– 101 or P/N D212–664–101B. Transport Canada advises of reports of two inservice failures of Dart Aerospace Ltd. forward crosstube P/N D212–664–101 on Bell Textron Inc., Model 412 helicopters. Transport Canada further advises the forward crosstube fractured during landing, and both failures were due to fatigue damage and involved forward crosstubes which had accumulated more than 20,000 landings. Additionally, Transport Canada advises if a forward crosstube fails without timely mitigating action from the pilot during landing, the helicopter could contact the ground causing damage to the fuselage and injury to occupants. Transport Canada advises that Dart Aerospace Ltd., issued a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of its Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, which establishes a new lift limit for forward crosstubes P/N D212–664–101 and P/N D212–664– 101B. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:02 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF–2022–46 requires incorporating the newly established airworthiness limitations for forward crosstubes P/N D212–664–101 and P/N D212–664–101B by amending Chapter 4 Airworthiness Limitations of Dart Aerospace Ltd., ICA–D212–664 by inserting Revision 12, dated September 30, 2021. Transport Canada AD CF–2022–46 also requires removing forward crosstubes P/N D212– 664–101 and P/N D212–664–101B with more than 20,000 landings from service and allows the use of superseding or later revisions of the ALS that are approved by Transport Canada. FAA STC No. SR01298NY approves the installation of forward crosstubes P/ N D212–664–101 and P/N D212–664– 101B on Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A–1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters; Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Model 214B and 214B–1; Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters; and restricted category Model HH–1K, TH– 1F, TH–1L, UH–1A, UH–1B, UH–1E, UH–1F, UH–1H, UH–1L, and UH–1P helicopters. Accordingly, this AD applies to those model helicopters. You may examine Transport Canada AD CF–2022–46 in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1402. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Chapter 4—Airworthiness Limitations (04–00– 00), approved March 23, 2022, of Dart Aerospace Ltd., Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, ICA–D212– 664, Crosstube Installation, Revision 12, dated September 30, 2021 (Dart ICA– D212–664 Rev 12). This service information specifies life limits for various part-numbered crosstubes. This revision of the service information adds a newly established life limit for forward crosstubes P/N D212–664–101 and P/N D212–664–101B. This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 66943 likely to exist or develop on other helicopters the same type designs. AD Requirements This AD requires determining the total number of landings on forward crosstubes P/N D212–664–101 and P/N D212–664–101B, and if the total number of landings cannot be determined, calculating the total number of landings. For a forward crosstube that has accumulated 20,000 or more total landings or if the total number of landings cannot be calculated, this AD requires removing the forward crosstube from service. This AD also requires incorporating requirements (airworthiness limitations) into existing maintenance records, which are identified in Dart ICA–D212–664 Rev 12, as described previously. ADs Mandating Airworthiness Limitations The FAA has previously mandated airworthiness limitations by mandating each airworthiness limitation task (e.g., inspections and replacements (life limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing ADs that require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness to incorporate new or revised inspections and life limits. This AD, however, requires operators to incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your rotorcraft, the requirements (airworthiness limitations) identified in the ALS service information, as described previously. The FAA does not intend this as a substantive change. For these ADs, the ALS requirements for operators are the same but are complied with differently. Requiring the incorporation of the new ALS requirements into the existing maintenance records, rather than requiring individual ALS tasks (e.g., repetitive inspections and replacements), requires operators to record AD compliance once after updating the maintenance records, rather than after every time the ALS task is completed. Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD Transport Canada AD CF–2022–46 applies to Bell Textron Inc. Model 204B, 205A–1, 205B, 212, 214B, 214B–1, 412, 412 CF, and 412 EP helicopters which are modified in accordance with Transport Canada STC SH01–9 and installed with Dart Aerospace Ltd. high gear forward crosstube P/N D212–664– 101 or P/N D212–664–101B; whereas, this AD applies to Bell Textron Inc., E:\FR\FM\07NOR1.SGM 07NOR1 66944 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Rules and Regulations khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Model 204B, 205A, 205A–1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters; Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Model 214B and 214B–1 helicopters; Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters; and all restricted category Model HH–1K, TH–1F, TH–1L, UH–1A, UH–1B, UH–1E, UH–1F, UH–1H, UH– 1L, and UH–1P helicopters, with Dart Aerospace Ltd. high gear forward crosstube P/N D212–664–101 or P/N D212–664–101B installed under (FAA) STC No. SR01298NY. This AD requires determining the total number of landings on an affected forward crosstube, defines what is considered a ‘‘landing’’ for the purposes of this AD, requires a particular method to calculate the total number of landings if it cannot be determined, and requires removing an affected forward crosstube for which the total number of landings cannot be determined from service, whereas, Transport Canada AD CF– 2022–46 does not contain that information or those actions. Transport Canada AD CF–2022–46 allows the use of superseding or later revisions of Dart ICA–D212–664 Rev 12 that are approved by Transport Canada, whereas this AD does not because referring to documents that do not exist at the time a final rule is published violates Office of the Federal Register (OFR) regulations regarding approval of materials ‘‘incorporated by reference’’ in rules. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the forward crosstube is a component of a helicopter’s landing gear and is critical to the control of the helicopter during landing. The FAA also has no information pertaining to the number of forward crosstubes that have already met or exceeded the newly VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:02 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 established life limit, and fatigue beyond allowable limits of a forward crosstube could lead to instantaneous failure at any time without any previous indications. In light of this, the initial actions required by this AD must be accomplished before further flight. This compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and comment. Regulatory Flexibility Act The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects up to 594 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. Determining the total number of landings on an affected forward crosstube takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and up to $25,542 for the U.S. fleet. Removing an affected forward crosstube from service and replacing it with an airworthy part takes about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $6,487 for an estimated cost of $7,167 per helicopter. Incorporating requirements (airworthiness limitations) into existing maintenance records takes about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and up to $100,980 for the U.S. fleet. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2022–22–12 Bell Textron Inc., Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Leonardo S.p.a., and Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Amendment 39–22227; Docket No. FAA–2022–1402; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01094–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD with a Dart Aerospace Ltd. high gear forward crosstube part number (P/N) D212– E:\FR\FM\07NOR1.SGM 07NOR1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 214 / Monday, November 7, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 664–101 or P/N D212–664–101B installed under Supplemental Type Certificate No. SR01298NY: (1) Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A–1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, certificated in any category; (2) Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Model 214B and 214B–1 helicopters, certificated in any category; (3) Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters, certificated in any category; and (4) Various restricted category helicopters: (i) Model HH–1K helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Rotorcraft Development Corporation; (ii) Model TH–1F helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Robinson Air Crane Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.; (iii) Model TH–1L helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation; (iv) Model UH–1A helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; (v) Model UH–1B helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, International Helicopters, Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Red Tail Flying Services, LLC; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and WSH, LLC (type certificate previously held by San Joaquin Helicopters); Note 1 to paragraph (c)(4)(v): Helicopters with an SW204 or SW204HP designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH–1B helicopters. (vi) Model UH–1E helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Smith Helicopters; and West Coast Fabrications; (vii) Model UH–1F helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, AST, Inc.; California Department of Forestry; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.; (viii) Model UH–1H helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; JJASPP Engineering Services LLC; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.; Note 2 to paragraph (c)(4)(viii): Helicopters with an SW205 designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH–1H helicopters. (ix) Model UH–1L helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:02 Nov 04, 2022 Jkt 259001 limited to, Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and (x) Model UH–1P helicopters; current type certificate holders include, but are not limited to, Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 3222, Nose/Tail Landing Gear Structure/Axle. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service failures of forward crosstubes due to fatigue damage and the issuance of newly established life limits. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of a forward crosstube, which could result in collapse of the landing gear and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions in paragraph (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD. (i) Determine the total number of landings on the forward crosstube. For the purposes of this AD, a landing is counted anytime a helicopter contacts the ground regardless of the duration of the landing and regardless of whether the engine is shutdown. If the total number of landings cannot be determined, calculate the total number of landings by multiplying the total hours time-in-service on the forward crosstube by 10. (ii) For a forward crosstube that has accumulated 20,000 or more total landings or if the total number of landings of a forward crosstube cannot be calculated as required in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, before further flight, remove the forward crosstube from service. (2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your helicopter, the requirements (airworthiness limitations) specified in Chapter 4— Airworthiness Limitations (04–00–00), approved March 23, 2022, of Dart Aerospace Ltd., Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, ICA–D212–664, Crosstube Installation, Revision 12, dated September 30, 2021. (h) Provisions for Alternative Requirements (Airworthiness Limitations) After the actions required by this paragraph (g)(2) of this AD have been done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 66945 (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: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. (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 Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228–7300; email 9-AVSNYACO-COS@FAA.gov. (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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Chapter 4—Airworthiness Limitations (04–00–00), approved March 23, 2022, of Dart Aerospace Ltd., Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, ICA–D212–664, Crosstube Installation, Revision 12, dated September 30, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Dart Aerospace Ltd. 1270 Aberdeen Street Hawkesbury, ON, K6A 1K7 Canada; telephone 1 613 632 5200; email support@dartaero.com; internet dartaerospace.com. (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 service information that is incorporated by reference 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on October 21, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–24342 Filed 11–3–22; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\07NOR1.SGM 07NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 214 (Monday, November 7, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66942-66945]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-24342]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1402; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01094-R; 
Amendment 39-22227; AD 2022-22-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc., Erickson 214 
Holdings, LLC, Leonardo S.p.a., and Various Restricted Category 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 
412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters; certain Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, 
Model 214B and 214B-1 helicopters; certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 
and AB412 EP helicopters; and certain various restricted category 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service failures 
of forward crosstubes due to fatigue damage and the issuance of newly 
established life limits. This AD requires determining the total number 
of landings on certain part-numbered forward crosstubes and 
incorporating requirements (airworthiness limitations) into existing 
maintenance records. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 22, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 22, 
2022.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 22, 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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1402; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Dart Aerospace Ltd. 1270 Aberdeen Street Hawkesbury, ON, K6A 
1K7 Canada; telephone 1 613 632 5200; email [email protected]; 
internet dartaerospace.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. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1402.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, 
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone (516) 228-7300; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1402; Project Identifier MCAI-
2022-01094-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

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

[[Page 66943]]

(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your 
comments responsive to this AD 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 AD, 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 AD. 
Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Elizabeth Dowling, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety 
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7300; 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

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, 
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2022-46, dated August 12, 2022 (Transport 
Canada AD CF-2022-46), to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron 
Inc., Model 204B, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 214B, 214B-1, 412, 412 CF, and 412 
EP helicopters, which are modified in accordance with Transport Canada 
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH01-9 and installed with Dart 
Aerospace Ltd. high gear forward crosstube part number (P/N) D212-664-
101 or P/N D212-664-101B. Transport Canada advises of reports of two 
in-service failures of Dart Aerospace Ltd. forward crosstube P/N D212-
664-101 on Bell Textron Inc., Model 412 helicopters. Transport Canada 
further advises the forward crosstube fractured during landing, and 
both failures were due to fatigue damage and involved forward 
crosstubes which had accumulated more than 20,000 landings.
    Additionally, Transport Canada advises if a forward crosstube fails 
without timely mitigating action from the pilot during landing, the 
helicopter could contact the ground causing damage to the fuselage and 
injury to occupants. Transport Canada advises that Dart Aerospace Ltd., 
issued a revision to the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of its 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, which establishes a new lift 
limit for forward crosstubes P/N D212-664-101 and P/N D212-664-101B.
    Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-46 requires incorporating 
the newly established airworthiness limitations for forward crosstubes 
P/N D212-664-101 and P/N D212-664-101B by amending Chapter 4 
Airworthiness Limitations of Dart Aerospace Ltd., ICA-D212-664 by 
inserting Revision 12, dated September 30, 2021. Transport Canada AD 
CF-2022-46 also requires removing forward crosstubes P/N D212-664-101 
and P/N D212-664-101B with more than 20,000 landings from service and 
allows the use of superseding or later revisions of the ALS that are 
approved by Transport Canada.
    FAA STC No. SR01298NY approves the installation of forward 
crosstubes P/N D212-664-101 and P/N D212-664-101B on Bell Textron Inc., 
Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP 
helicopters; Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Model 214B and 214B-1; 
Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters; and restricted 
category Model HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, 
UH-1L, and UH-1P helicopters. Accordingly, this AD applies to those 
model helicopters.
    You may examine Transport Canada AD CF-2022-46 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1402.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations (04-00-00), 
approved March 23, 2022, of Dart Aerospace Ltd., Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness, ICA-D212-664, Crosstube Installation, Revision 
12, dated September 30, 2021 (Dart ICA-D212-664 Rev 12). This service 
information specifies life limits for various part-numbered crosstubes. 
This revision of the service information adds a newly established life 
limit for forward crosstubes P/N D212-664-101 and P/N D212-664-101B.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in ADDRESSES.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its 
technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after determining that 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on other helicopters the same type designs.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires determining the total number of landings on 
forward crosstubes P/N D212-664-101 and P/N D212-664-101B, and if the 
total number of landings cannot be determined, calculating the total 
number of landings. For a forward crosstube that has accumulated 20,000 
or more total landings or if the total number of landings cannot be 
calculated, this AD requires removing the forward crosstube from 
service. This AD also requires incorporating requirements 
(airworthiness limitations) into existing maintenance records, which 
are identified in Dart ICA-D212-664 Rev 12, as described previously.

ADs Mandating Airworthiness Limitations

    The FAA has previously mandated airworthiness limitations by 
mandating each airworthiness limitation task (e.g., inspections and 
replacements (life limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing ADs that 
require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance manual or 
instructions for continued airworthiness to incorporate new or revised 
inspections and life limits. This AD, however, requires operators to 
incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 
135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your rotorcraft, the requirements 
(airworthiness limitations) identified in the ALS service information, 
as described previously. The FAA does not intend this as a substantive 
change. For these ADs, the ALS requirements for operators are the same 
but are complied with differently. Requiring the incorporation of the 
new ALS requirements into the existing maintenance records, rather than 
requiring individual ALS tasks (e.g., repetitive inspections and 
replacements), requires operators to record AD compliance once after 
updating the maintenance records, rather than after every time the ALS 
task is completed.

Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD

    Transport Canada AD CF-2022-46 applies to Bell Textron Inc. Model 
204B, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 214B, 214B-1, 412, 412 CF, and 412 EP 
helicopters which are modified in accordance with Transport Canada STC 
SH01-9 and installed with Dart Aerospace Ltd. high gear forward 
crosstube P/N D212-664-101 or P/N D212-664-101B; whereas, this AD 
applies to Bell Textron Inc.,

[[Page 66944]]

Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP 
helicopters; Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Model 214B and 214B-1 
helicopters; Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters; and 
all restricted category Model HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, 
UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P helicopters, with Dart Aerospace Ltd. 
high gear forward crosstube P/N D212-664-101 or P/N D212-664-101B 
installed under (FAA) STC No. SR01298NY.
    This AD requires determining the total number of landings on an 
affected forward crosstube, defines what is considered a ``landing'' 
for the purposes of this AD, requires a particular method to calculate 
the total number of landings if it cannot be determined, and requires 
removing an affected forward crosstube for which the total number of 
landings cannot be determined from service, whereas, Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-46 does not contain that information or those actions. 
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-46 allows the use of superseding or later 
revisions of Dart ICA-D212-664 Rev 12 that are approved by Transport 
Canada, whereas this AD does not because referring to documents that do 
not exist at the time a final rule is published violates Office of the 
Federal Register (OFR) regulations regarding approval of materials 
``incorporated by reference'' in rules.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the forward crosstube is a component of a helicopter's landing 
gear and is critical to the control of the helicopter during landing. 
The FAA also has no information pertaining to the number of forward 
crosstubes that have already met or exceeded the newly established life 
limit, and fatigue beyond allowable limits of a forward crosstube could 
lead to instantaneous failure at any time without any previous 
indications. In light of this, the initial actions required by this AD 
must be accomplished before further flight. This compliance time is 
shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for 
publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public 
interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and 
comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects up to 594 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.
    Determining the total number of landings on an affected forward 
crosstube takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per 
helicopter and up to $25,542 for the U.S. fleet. Removing an affected 
forward crosstube from service and replacing it with an airworthy part 
takes about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $6,487 for an estimated 
cost of $7,167 per helicopter. Incorporating requirements 
(airworthiness limitations) into existing maintenance records takes 
about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and up 
to $100,980 for the U.S. fleet.

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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2022-22-12 Bell Textron Inc., Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Leonardo 
S.p.a., and Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Amendment 39-
22227; Docket No. FAA-2022-1402; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01094-
R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22, 
2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the helicopters identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (4) of this AD with a Dart Aerospace Ltd. high gear 
forward crosstube part number (P/N) D212-

[[Page 66945]]

664-101 or P/N D212-664-101B installed under Supplemental Type 
Certificate No. SR01298NY:
    (1) Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 
412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, certificated in any category;
    (2) Erickson 214 Holdings, LLC, Model 214B and 214B-1 
helicopters, certificated in any category;
    (3) Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB412 and AB412 EP helicopters, 
certificated in any category; and
    (4) Various restricted category helicopters:
    (i) Model HH-1K helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
    (ii) Model TH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, Robinson Air Crane Inc.; Rotorcraft 
Development Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
    (iii) Model TH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas 
Aircraft Support, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
    (iv) Model UH-1A helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.;
    (v) Model UH-1B helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, International Helicopters, Inc.; 
Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Red Tail Flying Services, LLC; 
Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; 
Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and WSH, LLC (type 
certificate previously held by San Joaquin Helicopters);

    Note 1 to paragraph (c)(4)(v): Helicopters with an SW204 or 
SW204HP designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, 
Inc., Model UH-1B helicopters.

    (vi) Model UH-1E helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas 
Aircraft Support, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Smith 
Helicopters; and West Coast Fabrications;
    (vii) Model UH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, AST, Inc.; California Department of 
Forestry; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development 
Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
    (viii) Model UH-1H helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc.; 
Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; 
JJASPP Engineering Services LLC; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas 
Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft 
Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International, 
Inc.; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;

    Note 2 to paragraph (c)(4)(viii):  Helicopters with an SW205 
designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., 
Model UH-1H helicopters.

    (ix) Model UH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas 
Aircraft Support, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and
    (x) Model UH-1P helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include, but are not limited to, Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and 
Rotorcraft Development Corporation.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 3222, Nose/Tail 
Landing Gear Structure/Axle.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service failures of 
forward crosstubes due to fatigue damage and the issuance of newly 
established life limits. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of a forward crosstube, which could result in collapse of 
the landing gear and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter 
during landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the actions in paragraph (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) Determine the total number of landings on the forward 
crosstube. For the purposes of this AD, a landing is counted anytime 
a helicopter contacts the ground regardless of the duration of the 
landing and regardless of whether the engine is shutdown. If the 
total number of landings cannot be determined, calculate the total 
number of landings by multiplying the total hours time-in-service on 
the forward crosstube by 10.
    (ii) For a forward crosstube that has accumulated 20,000 or more 
total landings or if the total number of landings of a forward 
crosstube cannot be calculated as required in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of 
this AD, before further flight, remove the forward crosstube from 
service.
    (2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) 
or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your helicopter, the 
requirements (airworthiness limitations) specified in Chapter 4--
Airworthiness Limitations (04-00-00), approved March 23, 2022, of 
Dart Aerospace Ltd., Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, ICA-
D212-664, Crosstube Installation, Revision 12, dated September 30, 
2021.

(h) Provisions for Alternative Requirements (Airworthiness Limitations)

    After the actions required by this paragraph (g)(2) of this AD 
have been done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and 
intervals, including life limits, may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i)(1) of 
this AD.

(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 Elizabeth Dowling, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7300; 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations (04-00-00), approved 
March 23, 2022, of Dart Aerospace Ltd., Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness, ICA-D212-664, Crosstube Installation, Revision 12, 
dated September 30, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Dart 
Aerospace Ltd. 1270 Aberdeen Street Hawkesbury, ON, K6A 1K7 Canada; 
telephone 1 613 632 5200; email [email protected]; internet 
dartaerospace.com.
    (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 service information 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on October 21, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-24342 Filed 11-3-22; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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