[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 77891-77895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25185]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2150; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00188-R; 
Amendment 39-22603; AD 2023-23-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01-
05, which applied to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 
helicopters. AD 2022-01-05 required repetitive visual inspections of 
the rivets on the rear transmission shaft bearing support, inspections 
of the local structure, and rivet heads on the left-hand and right-hand 
sides of the rear transmission shaft bearing support for cracking, 
missing, loose, or sheared rivets. AD 2022-01-05 also required 
reporting the results of those inspections and depending on the 
results, applicable corrective action. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-01-
05, Airbus Helicopters revised its service information to add 
procedures to improve visual inspections of the rivets on the rear 
transmission shaft bearing support. This AD was prompted by the 
determination that certain modified helicopters may have finishing 
paint applied to the gutter, which could prevent detection of cracks 
during inspections. This AD also extends the repetitive compliance time 
interval for certain inspections. This AD continues to require certain 
actions in AD 2022-01-05 and requires a one-time visual inspection for 
paint in the gutter area, and removal of paint if necessary, as 
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which 
is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 29, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 29, 
2023.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by December 29, 2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> 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-2023-2150; 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 EASA AD, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is 
listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For EASA material identified in this final rule, contact 
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 
8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91d0d5e2d1f4f0e2f0bff4e4e3fee1f0bff4e4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0243467142676371632c6777706d72632c6777">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu.
    <bullet> You may view this material 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-2023-2150.
    Other Related Service Information: For Airbus Helicopters service 
information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 
2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; phone (972) 641-0000 
or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/hcare-services/airbusworld. You may also view this 
service information at the FAA contact information under Material 
Incorporated by Reference above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan McCully, Program Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (404) 474-5548; email 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9deaf4f1f1f4fcf0b3f0fefee8f1f1e4ddfbfcfcb3faf2eb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="afd8c6c3c3c6cec281c2ccccdac3c3d6efc9cece81c8c0d9">[email protected]</span></a>.

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-2023-2150; Project Identifier MCAI-
2023-00188-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 (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,

[[Page 77892]]

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 Dan 
McCully, Program Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (404) 474-5548; 
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6c1b050000050d0142010f0f190000152c0a0d0d420b031a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84f3ede8e8ede5e9aae9e7e7f1e8e8fdc4e2e5e5aae3ebf2">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives 
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the 
public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2022-01-05, Amendment 39-21893 (86 FR 74353, 
December 30, 2021) (AD 2022-01-05), for certain Airbus Helicopters 
Model EC130T2 helicopters. AD 2022-01-05 was prompted by EASA Emergency 
AD 2021-0283-E, dated December 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0283-E) 
originated by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States 
of the European Union. EASA AD 2021-0283-E was issued to correct an 
unsafe condition on certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 
helicopters. AD 2022-01-05 required repetitive visual inspections of 
the rivets on the rear transmission upper and lower bearing support, 
the local structure, and the rivet heads on the left-hand and right-
hand sides of the rear transmission shaft bearing support. The FAA 
issued AD 2022-01-05 to address sheared attachment rivets of the 
transmission shaft bearing support and prevent failure of the tail 
rotor drive shaft and subsequent loss of yaw control of the helicopter.

Actions Since AD 2022-01-05 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2022-01-05, EASA superseded EASA AD 2021-
0283-E by issuing EASA AD 2021-0283R1, dated February 11, 2022; 
corrected February 25, 2022 (EASA AD 2021-0283R1), to extend both the 
repetitive compliance time to accomplish the inspections of the rivets 
on the rear transmission shaft bearing support and of the local 
structure, and the repetitive compliance time to accomplish the 
inspections of the rivet heads of the rear bearing support. Thereafter, 
EASA superseded EASA AD 2021-0283R1 by issuing EASA AD 2023-0028, dated 
February 1, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0028), to correct an unsafe condition on 
Airbus Helicopters Model EC 130 T2 helicopters with AH modification 
074581 incorporated in production. EASA AD 2023-0028 states some 
helicopters were identified to have finishing paint applied on the 
gutter, which could prevent the detection of cracks during required 
visual inspections. In light of this, Airbus Helicopters revised its 
service information to provide instruction to inspect for paint, and if 
necessary, removing paint from the gutter. Accordingly, EASA AD 2023-
0028 retains the requirements of EASA AD 2021-0283R1 and also requires 
a one-time visual inspection of the gutter and if necessary, removal of 
paint in this area. EASA considers its AD an interim action and states 
that further AD action may follow. See EASA AD 2023-0028 for additional 
background information.
    You may examine EASA AD 2023-0028 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2150.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2023-0028 requires repetitive visual inspections of the 
rivets on the rear transmission upper and lower bearing support, the 
local structure, and the rivet heads on the left-hand and right-hand 
sides of the rear transmission shaft bearing support. EASA AD 2023-0028 
also requires a one-time visual inspection of the gutter for finishing 
paint. Depending on the results, EASA AD 2023-0028 requires contacting 
Airbus Helicopters to obtain approved repair instructions and 
accomplishing those instructions, or replacing each affected rivet. 
EASA AD 2023-0028 also requires removing any paint in the specified 
gutter area of the helicopter. Lastly, EASA AD 2023-0028 requires 
reporting inspection findings to Airbus Helicopters.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin (EASB) No. EC130-05A039, Revision 4, dated March 15, 2023 
(EC130-05A039 Rev 4). This service information specifies procedures for 
repetitive visual inspections of the rear transmission bearing support 
areas, including the frame and skin in the area of the bearing 
supports, as well as repetitive visual inspections of the rivets on the 
left-hand and right-hand sides of the rear transmission shaft bearing 
support located under the Teflon tape on the tail boom. Additionally, 
this service information specifies procedures for a one-time visual 
inspection of the gutter area for paint and if necessary, removal of 
paint.
    EASB EC130-05A039 Rev 4 also distinguishes between procedures for 
helicopters that do and do not have the tail drive shaft bearing 
support reinforcement (MOD 0720245) installed.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral 
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA of the 
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after 
evaluating all pertinent information and determining that the unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters 
of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD retains certain requirements of AD 2022-01-05. This AD also 
requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 2023-0028, 
described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD 
and except as discussed under ``Differences Between this AD and EASA AD 
2023-0028.''

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, 
EASA AD 2023-0028 will be incorporated by reference in this FAA final 
rule. This AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2023-
0028 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. 
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular 
section in EASA AD 2023-0028 does not mean that operators need comply 
only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to 
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD 
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s) 
and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2023-0028. Service information 
referenced in EASA AD 2023-0028 for compliance will be available at 
https://www.regulations.gov

[[Page 77893]]

by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-2150.

Differences Between This AD and EASA AD 2023-0028

    EASA AD 2023-0028 requires using Airbus Helicopters EASB No. EC130-
05A039, Revision 3, dated January 30, 2023, for compliance, whereas 
this AD does not and instead requires using Revision 4, dated March 15, 
2023. The service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-0028 specifies 
that certain procedures may be done by a pilot with correct training 
and accreditation, or a pilot-owner, whereas this AD requires those 
actions be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. 
Depending on certain inspection results, EASA AD 2023-0028 specifies 
contacting Airbus Helicopters to obtain approved repair instructions 
and accomplishing those instructions, whereas this AD requires that 
repairs be done in accordance with a method approved by the FAA, EASA, 
or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval. EASA AD 2023-
0028 requires reporting certain information to Airbus Helicopters 
within 30 days after each rivet replacement, whereas this AD requires 
reporting that information within 10 days after each rivet replacement 
or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.
    EASA AD 2023-0028 allows credit for the initial instance of certain 
actions accomplished before its effective date, whereas this AD allows 
credit for any instance of certain actions accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final 
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking 
then.

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 forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because sheared attachment rivets of the transmission shaft bearing 
support could lead to failure of the tail rotor drive shaft, which is 
an assembly that is critical to the control of a helicopter. The FAA 
has no information pertaining to how quickly the condition may 
propagate to failure. In addition, it has been identified that 
helicopters with finishing paint applied to the gutter could prevent 
detection of the unsafe condition. In light of this, the compliance 
times for the required actions are shorter than the time necessary for 
the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. 
Inspections of the rivets on the rear transmission shaft bearing 
support and of the local structure, and inspections of the rivet heads 
of the rear bearing support must be continued from AD 2022-01-05 within 
intervals not to exceed 10 hours time-in-service. Depending on the 
inspection status of a helicopter, inspecting for the presence of paint 
applied on the gutter must be accomplished within 10 hours time-in-
service or 7 days, whichever occurs first, or before exceeding 10 hours 
time-in-service since the latest inspection. 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 forgo 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 119 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.
    Inspecting the rivets and local structure takes about 0.5 work-hour 
for an estimated cost of about $43 per helicopter and up to $5,117 for 
the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. Removing the Teflon tape and 
inspecting the rivet heads takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of about $43 per helicopter and up to $5,117 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle. The corrective action that may be needed as a 
result of the inspection could vary significantly from helicopter to 
helicopter. The FAA has no data to determine the costs to accomplish 
the corrective action or the number of helicopters that may require 
corrective action.
    Replacing a rivet takes about 0.5 work-hour and parts cost up to 
$20 for an estimated cost of up to $63 per rivet.
    Inspecting and if necessary, removing paint from the gutter area 
takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of up to $43 per 
helicopter.
    Reporting information takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost 
of $85 per helicopter, per instance.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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

[[Page 77894]]

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022-01-05, Amendment 39-21893 (86 
FR 74353, December 30, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023-23-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-22603; Docket No. FAA-
2023-2150; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00188-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 29, 
2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-01-05, Amendment 39-21893 (86 FR 74353, 
December 30, 2021) (AD 2022-01-05).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC130T2 helicopters, 
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023-0028, dated February 1, 2023 
(EASA AD 2023-0028).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5300, Fuselage 
Structure.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of degradation of the rear 
transmission shaft bearing support and the determination that all 
the attachment rivets of the transmission shaft bearing support were 
sheared. Also, it has been reported that some attachment rivets of 
the transmission shaft bearing may have been painted over, 
preventing detection of this unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address sheared attachment rivets of the transmission 
shaft bearing support. This condition, if not addressed, could lead 
to failure of the tail rotor drive shaft and subsequent loss of yaw 
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, EASA AD 2023-0028.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023-0028

    (1) Where EASA AD 2023-0028 defines ``the ASB'' as ``AH 
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) EC130-05A039 Revision 3;'' 
for this AD, replace that definition with ``Airbus Helicopters 
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. EC130-05A039, Revision 4, dated 
March 15, 2023.''
    (2) Where EASA AD 2023-0028 refers to November 1, 2021 (the 
effective date of EASA Emergency AD 2021-0235-E, dated October 28, 
2021), this AD requires using December 9, 2021 (the effective date 
of AD 2021-24-06, Amendment 39-21827 (86 FR 66934, November 24, 
2021).
    (3) Where EASA AD 2023-0028 refers to December 21, 2021 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2021-0283-E, dated December 17, 2021), 
this AD requires using January 14, 2022 (the effective date of AD 
2022-01-05).
    (4) Where EASA AD 2023-0028 refers to its effective date, this 
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (5) Where EASA AD 2023-0028 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2023-
0028 specifies that certain inspections can be done by a mechanical 
technician, a pilot with correct training and accreditation, or a 
pilot-owner, this AD requires that those inspections be accomplished 
by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
    (7) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2023-0028 specify 
contacting Airbus Helicopters to obtain approved repair instructions 
and accomplishing those instructions within the compliance time(s) 
specified therein, this AD requires, before further flight, repair 
done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus 
Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by 
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (8) Where paragraph (8) of EASA AD 2023-0028 requires reporting 
inspection results to Airbus Helicopters within 30 days after each 
rivet replacement, this AD requires reporting inspection results at 
the applicable time in paragraph (h)(8)(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 each rivet 
replacement.
    (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.
    (9) Instead of the credit allowed in paragraph (9) of EASA AD 
2023-0028, you may take credit for the following; ``Inspection(s) 
and corrective action(s) required by paragraphs (1), (2), and (6) of 
EASA AD 2023-0028 that have been accomplished before the effective 
date of this AD using Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service 
Bulletin No. EC130-05A039 original issue, dated October 27, 2021; 
Revision 1, dated December 16, 2021; Revision 2, dated February 9, 
2022; or Revision 3, dated January 30, 2023.''
    (10) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 
2023-0028.

(i) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be permitted to accomplish the 
actions required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2023-0028 
provided that there are no passengers on board. Special flight 
permits are prohibited for any other actions required by this AD.

(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#291004687f7a0468607b041e1a19046864666a694f4848074e465f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="61584c2037324c2028334c5652514c202c2e22210700004f060e17">[email protected]</span></a>.
    (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 Dan McCully, Program 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (404) 474-5548; email 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3146585d5d58505c1f5c5252445d5d48715750501f565e47"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2c5dbdededbd3df9cdfd1d1c7dedecbf2d4d3d39cd5ddc4">[email protected]</span></a>.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of

[[Page 77895]]

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) AD 2023-0028, 
dated February 1, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA material, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b6a6f586b4e4a584a054e5e59445b4a054e5e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c78683b487a2a6b4a6e9a2b2b5a8b7a6e9a2b2">[email protected]</span></a>; 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 at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#625e03420a1007045f" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="09606b7b2465666a687d6066677a667b6c646860656f7b2760677a796c6a7d6066674967687b68276e667f">[email protected]</span></a>"><a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ed848f9fc081828e8c998482839e829f88808c84818b9fc384839e9d888e99848283ad838c9f8cc38a829b">[email protected]</span></a></a>.

    Issued on November 6, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-25185 Filed 11-9-23; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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