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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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-19-08, Amendment 39-21726 (86 FR 49915, September 7, 2021); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022-19-12 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-22181; Docket No. FAA-2022-0872; Project Identifier AD-2022-00431-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 20, 2022. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2021-19-08, Amendment 39-21726 (86 FR 49915, September 7, 2021) (AD 2021-19-08). (c) Applicability This AD applies to the following Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) helicopters, certificated in any category: (1) Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with a tail rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N) C029-3 with serial number (S/N) 9410 through 9909 inclusive, installed; (2) Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with a blade P/N C029-3 with S/N 9910 through 10659 inclusive, installed; and (3) Robinson Model R66 helicopters with a blade P/N F029-1 with S/N 2410 through 2589 inclusive, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracked blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and prevent cracks in the affected blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability 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 (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD and thereafter before each flight, check each blade at the leading edge for a crack. This action 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) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (2) If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the blade from service. (3) For helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, within 3 months after September 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-19-08) remove from service any blade identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD. (4) For helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this AD, within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, remove from service any blade identified in paragraph (c)(2) or (3) of this AD, as applicable to your model helicopter. (5) For helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, as of September 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-19-08), do not install a blade identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD on any helicopter. (6) For helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this AD, as of the effective date of this AD, do not install a blade identified in paragraph (c)(2) or (3) of this AD, as applicable to your model helicopter, on any helicopter. (h) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@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. (3) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2021-19-08 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements in paragraph (g) of this AD. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5357; email james.guo@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on September 9, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-19936 Filed 9-14-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
