2022-26-03: Doors

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: 2022-26-03 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39-22281; Docket No. FAA-2022-1584; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01522-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 30, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5200, Doors. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a protruding pushbutton screw (screw) on the left-hand cockpit door internal handle resulting in an interference with the collective stick travel. The FAA is issuing this AD to address a discrepancy with the screw. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced collective stick authority and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency Emergency AD 2022-0233-E, dated November 30, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0233-E). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0233-E (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0233-E requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0233-E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0233-E specifies "check for condition and proper tightening of the cockpit door handle screw. In case of any anomalies or screw loose, report the finding to Product Support Engineering;" for this AD, replace that text with "inspect the screw for a discrepancy, which may be indicated by a protruding screw head, improper torque, or loose screw. If there is any discrepancy, before further flight, replace the screw with an airworthy screw." Inspection results are still required to be reported in accordance with paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0233-E. (4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0233-E specifies reporting inspection results to Leonardo S.p.a. within 7 days after completing an inspection that detects any discrepancy or loose screw, this AD requires reporting those inspection results at the applicable compliance time in paragraph (h)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD. Additionally, for the purposes of this AD, a discrepancy may be indicated by a protruding screw head, improper torque, or loose screw. (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after completing the inspection. (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD. (5) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2022-0233-E. (i) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits are prohibited. (j) 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 (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Michael Hughlett, Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email michael.hughlett@faa.gov. (l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2022-0233-E, dated November 30, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA Emergency AD 2022-0233-E, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (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 material 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/ibr-locations.html. Issued on December 7, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-27296 Filed 12-13-22; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P