2021-23-13: Ground Proximity System

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021-23-13 Various Helicopters: Amendment 39-21811; Docket No. FAA-2021-0954; Project Identifier AD-2021-01170-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 9, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with a radio (also known as radar) altimeter. These radio altimeters are installed on various helicopter models including, but not limited to, the helicopters for which the design approval holder is identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (20) of this AD. (1) Airbus Helicopters (2) Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (3) Air Space Design and Manufacturing, LLC (4) Bell Textron Canada Limited (5) Bell Textron Inc. (6) Brantly International, Inc. (7) Centerpointe Aerospace Inc. (8) Columbia Helicopters, Inc. (9) The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (10) Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated, DBA Erickson Air-Crane (11) Helicopteres Guimbal (12) Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc. (13) Kaman Aerospace Corporation (14) Leonardo S.p.a. (15) MD Helicopters Inc. (16) PZL Swidnik S.A. (17) Robinson Helicopter Company (18) Schweizer RSG LLC (19) Scotts-Bell 47 Inc. (20) Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3444, Ground Proximity System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a determination that radio altimeters cannot be relied upon to perform their intended function if they experience interference from wireless broadband operations in the 3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band (5G C-Band). The FAA is issuing this AD because radio altimeter anomalies that are undetected by the automation or pilot, particularly close to the ground, could lead to loss of continued safe flight and landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Revision On or before January 4, 2022: Revise the Limitations Section of the existing RFM for your helicopter by incorporating the limitations specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the existing RFM for your helicopter. The action required by this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417 or 14 CFR 135.439. ER09DE21.008 (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Operational Safety 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 Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 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. (i) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Dave Swartz, Continued Operational Safety Technical Advisor, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 222 W 7th Ave., M/S #14 Anchorage, AK 99513; phone: 817-222-5390; email: operationalsafety@faa.gov . (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on December 7, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021-26779 Filed 12-7-21; 2:00 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P