2022-27-08: Rotorcraft Tail Boom

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: 2022-27-08 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-22293; Docket No. FAA-2022-1658; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01597-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 12, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters serial numbers 53000 through 53900 inclusive, 53911 through 53999 inclusive, 54000 through 54166 inclusive, 54300 through 54800 inclusive, 54805 through 54954 inclusive, 54956 through 54997 inclusive, 54999, and 56300 through 56304 inclusive, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft Tail Boom. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an accident. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of the tailboom attachment hardware. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in separation of the tailboom from the helicopter and subsequent loss of 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, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68, dated December 15, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68). (h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 requires compliance in terms of hours air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS). (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 refers to torque checks, this AD requires torque inspections. (4) Where the service information referenced in paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to retain removed parts for further investigation, this AD does not include that requirement. (5) Where paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to "carry out the repetitive torque check of the tailboom attachment nuts at all four locations in accordance with the applicable ASB until the torque has stabilized;" for this AD, accomplish that torque inspection after accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS, after replacing each affected bolt and nut set. If the torque on a tailboom attachment nut is not within its allowable torque limit, before further flight, re-torque the nut to its allowable torque limit. Thereafter, repeat the torque inspection of each tailboom attachment nut after accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS, until the torque for all four tailboom attachment points has stabilized. (6) Where paragraph C. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 refers to "defect," this AD defines that as a crack, dent, loose fastener, unsecure attachment, deformation, or corrosion. (7) Where paragraph C. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to contact Bell Product Support Engineering for a repair or instructions to rectify any defect, this AD requires repair done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Bell Textron Canada Ltd.'s Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. (8) Where the service information referenced in paragraph C. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to discard parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service. (9) Where paragraph D. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68 specifies to report inspection results to Bell Product Support Engineering within 30 days after accomplishing the inspections required by paragraphs A. or C., this AD requires reporting inspection results at the applicable time in paragraph (h)(9)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph A. or C. of Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68. (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. (i) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, provided no passengers are onboard. (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 Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email kristin.bradley@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) Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68, dated December 15, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2022-68, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca; internet tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find the Transport Canada material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. (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 21, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-28315 Filed 12-23-22; 11:15 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P