[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 78 (Friday, April 22, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24077-24081]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-08561]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1074; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00447-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 
helicopters. This action revises the NPRM by revising the Required 
Actions paragraphs to include calendar compliance times. The FAA is 
proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an 
additional burden over those in the NPRM, the agency is requesting 
comments on this SNPRM.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by June 6, 2022.

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 https://www.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 between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this SNPRM, contact Bell 
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 
1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-433-
0272; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f3f3d202b3a2c3b3c3a3f3f203d3b0f2d2a232329232628273b612c2022"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0d0d2cfc4d5c3d4d3d5d0d0cfd2d4e0c2c5ccccc6ccc9c7c8d48ec3cfcd">[email protected]</span></a>; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1074; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, this SNPRM, 
the Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, 
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#89e8e7edfbece8a7e3e0e4ece7ecf3c9efe8e8a7eee6ff"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="02636c667067632c686b6f676c6778426463632c656d74">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1074; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-00447-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may again 
revise this proposal 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 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.

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 SNPRM contain 
commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as 
private, that you actually treat as

[[Page 24078]]

private, and that is relevant or responsive to this SNPRM, 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 SNPRM. 
Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace 
Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f2e212b3d2a2e612526222a212a350f292e2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="06676862746367286c6f6b6368637c4660676728616970">[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 an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters, 
serial numbers (S/N) 57001 and subsequent. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on December 23, 2021 (86 FR 72891). In the NPRM, the 
FAA proposed to require visually inspecting the external surface of the 
tail rotor (TR) gearbox support assembly, borescope inspecting or 
visually inspecting the inside of the tailboom for certain conditions, 
and performing a tactile inspection. Depending on the results of the 
inspections, the NPRM proposed to require removing certain rivets from 
service or repairing gaps in accordance with FAA-approved methods. The 
NPRM also proposed to require repeating these inspections within 
certain intervals.
    The NPRM was prompted by Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15, dated 
April 14, 2021 (Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15), issued by Transport 
Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, to correct an 
unsafe condition for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters, 
S/N 57001 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises of multiple in-
service reports of failed rivets at the joint between the tailboom skin 
and the TR gearbox support assembly part number (P/N) 429-034-701-101 
or P/N 429-035-705-101. Transport Canada states that in-service reports 
also revealed a quality escape resulted in a gapping condition between 
the tailboom skin and the TR gearbox support fitting at some locations 
around the joint, and that rivets of inadequate grip length have been 
installed at the affected joint. This condition, if not addressed, 
could result in progressive deterioration of the joint structural 
integrity, detachment of the TR gearbox support assembly and loss of 
control of the helicopter.
    Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15 requires, for certain 
serial-numbered helicopters, an initial visual inspection of the rivets 
at the TR gearbox support assembly for signs of failed rivets or 
inadequate grip length. Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15 also requires, 
for all serial-numbered helicopters defined in the applicability, 
repeating the initial visual inspection at intervals not to exceed 400 
hours air time or 12 months, whichever occurs first. Transport Canada 
AD CF-2021-15 also requires repair or replacement of affected parts if 
discrepancies are found. Transport Canada considers its AD an interim 
action and stated that further AD action may follow.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA determined that due to thermal 
cycling the compliance times in the NPRM should be revised to include 
calendar compliance times. According to Bell, thermal cycling is 
independent of flight hours (FH) and can occur when an aircraft is 
stationary and is also a significant contributor to the unsafe 
condition. Accordingly, the FAA has determined the proposed paragraph 
(g) of the proposed AD must be revised by including calendar compliance 
times.
    Also, since the NPRM was issued, the FAA determined the proposed 
paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of the proposed AD must be revised by deleting 
the word ``not'' when referring to whether or not a rivet comes out 
when pulled with pliers or when pulled by hand. This wording was a 
minor editorial error and the correct wording should only state 
``does.''

Comments

    The following discussion presents the comments received on the NPRM 
and the FAA's response.

Request To Revise the Required Actions Paragraphs of the Proposed AD

    Bell requested that the FAA revise the Required Actions paragraphs 
of the proposed NPRM dealing with the compliance time intervals by 
including the calendar compliance time. The commenter explained the 
reasoning for calendar intervals is based on thermal cycling, which 
could be a contributing factor to the rivets failing. The commenter 
further stated thermal cycling can occur when the aircraft is 
stationary.
    The FAA agrees and has revised the Required Actions paragraphs in 
this proposed AD to include calendar compliance times, which correspond 
to the compliance times specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15. 
Since the calendar time is a component of the unsafe condition, the FAA 
has determined there should be no differences between this proposed AD 
and the Transport Canada AD in regards to the calendar compliance time. 
The FAA also revised the Differences Between this SNPRM and Transport 
Canada AD CF-2021-15 paragraph in this proposed AD by deleting the 
paragraphs associated with the calendar interval differences.
    Bell requested that the FAA revise the Required Actions paragraphs 
of the proposed AD by including instructions to replace any rivet that 
is removed from service. The commenter stated missing or defective 
rivets without a gapping condition should be replaced in accordance 
with a Bell structural repair manual; and missing or defective rivets 
with excessive gapping should be repaired by contacting Bell for an 
approved repair method for the gapping condition and replacement of the 
rivets.
    The FAA disagrees. For the excessive gapping condition, paragraph 
(g)(1)(i)(B) of this proposed AD requires operators to repair the gaps 
in accordance with an FAA-approved method. The FAA does not require 
operators to contact Bell for approved repair methods. Where the 
commenter refers to replacing rivets for certain conditions, paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i)(A), (g)(1)(i)(B), (g)(1)(ii)(B), and (g)(1)(iii) of this 
proposed AD only require that operators remove the rivets from service. 
This proposed AD does mandate the method that operators must use to 
replace removed rivets. To replace rivets, operators are expected to 
use FAA-accepted methods, such as a Bell structural repair manual.
    Bell requested that the FAA revise the Required Actions paragraph 
of the proposed NPRM by deleting ``not'' in paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of 
the proposed AD and only keeping ``does.'' The commenter stated that 
this inspection is to ensure that the rivets heads are not fractured, 
and if the rivet does come out when pulled with pliers or when pulled 
by hand, then the rivet should be removed from service.
    The FAA agrees and has revised paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this 
proposed AD by deleting ``does not'' and replacing it with ``does.'' 
The FAA intended to correspond with the actions specified Bell Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) 429-19-47, Revision B, dated January 27, 2021 
(ASB 429-19-47 Rev B), and misinterpreted the discrepant condition for 
the tactile inspection.

[[Page 24079]]

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its 
technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after determining the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in 
other helicopters of the same type design. Certain changes described 
above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a result, it is necessary to 
reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the 
public to comment on this SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed ASB 429-19-47 Rev B. This service information 
specifies procedures for an initial and repetitive general visual 
inspections and detailed inspections of the affected rivets at the 
joint between the tailboom skin and the TR gearbox support assembly. 
This service information also specifies procedures for replacing the 
affected rivets and repairing the gaps in accordance with an approved 
Bell structural repair scheme.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Bell ASB 429-19-47, dated August 28, 2019 
(ASB 429-19-47), and Bell ASB 429-19-47, Revision A, dated November 2, 
2020 (ASB 429-19-47 Rev A). ASB 429-19-47 specifies the same general 
visual inspection as ASB 429-19-47 Rev A however, ASB 429-19-47 Rev A 
introduces a repetitive inspection and specifies corrective actions if 
any discrepant rivets are found. ASB 429-19-47 Rev A specifies the same 
procedures for the initial and repetitive general visual inspections 
and detailed inspections as ASB 429-19-47 Rev B however, ASB 429-19-47 
Rev B revises the compliance section, description section, and 
materials section, and also the accomplishment instructions.

Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM

    For Model 429 helicopters with S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive 
and S/N 57212 and subsequent that, as of the effective date of this 
proposed AD, have accumulated less than 300 total hours time-in-service 
(TIS), within 100 hours TIS or 6 months after accumulating 300 total 
hours TIS, whichever occurs first; or for Model 429 helicopters with S/
N 57002 through 57210 inclusive and S/N 57212 and subsequent that, as 
of the effective date of this proposed AD, have replaced certain part-
numbered TR gearbox support assemblies and the helicopter has 
accumulated less than 300 total hours TIS since the replacement of the 
TR gearbox support assembly, within 100 hours TIS or 6 months after 
accumulating 300 total hours TIS since the replacement, whichever 
occurs first, this proposed AD would require visually inspecting the 
external surface of the TR gearbox support assembly for any rivet heads 
that have separated from their tail, measuring any gaps, and before 
further flight, removing affected rivets from service or repairing gaps 
in accordance with FAA-approved methods.
    This proposed AD would also require either borescope inspecting or 
using a light source and mirror to visually inspect each rivet inside 
the tailboom for missing rivet tails, rivet tails not resting against 
the tailboom skin, and any rivet tails resting at the bottom of the 
tailboom. Depending on the inspection results, this proposed AD would 
require, before further flight, additional inspections or removing 
certain parts from service. This proposed AD would require performing a 
tactile inspection of certain rivets identified in the applicable 
service information and depending on the inspection results, removing 
rivets from service before further flight.
    For Model 429 helicopters with S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive 
and S/N 57212 and subsequent that are not identified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this proposed AD, this proposed AD would require, within 100 
hours TIS or 6 months after the effective date of this proposed AD, 
whichever occurs first, performing the visual inspection of the TR 
gearbox support assembly, visually inspecting or borescope inspecting 
each rivet inside the tailboom, performing the tactile inspection, and 
accomplishing the applicable corrective actions described previously.
    For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive and S/N 
57212 and subsequent, this proposed AD would require, within 400 hours 
TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first after the initial inspections 
required by this proposed AD, as applicable to your helicopter, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS or 12 months, 
whichever occurs first, performing the visual inspection of the TR 
gearbox support assembly, visually inspecting or borescope inspecting 
each rivet inside the tailboom, performing the tactile inspection, and 
accomplishing the applicable corrective actions described previously.
    For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57001 and 57211, this proposed AD 
would require, within 400 hours TIS or 12 months after the effective 
date of this proposed AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs 
first, performing the visual inspection of the TR gearbox support 
assembly, visually inspecting or borescope inspecting each rivet inside 
the tailboom, performing the tactile inspection, and accomplishing the 
applicable corrective actions described previously.

Differences Between This SNPRM and Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15

    Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15 requires replacing any rivets, and 
repairing any gaps that exceed 0.005 in (0.127 mm), in accordance with 
an approved Bell structural repair scheme, and submitting certain 
information to the manufacturer, whereas this proposed AD would require 
removing the rivets from service and repairing the gaps using an FAA-
approved method instead. Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15 requires 
replacing any rivets if any gaps are 0.005 in (0.127mm) or less, 
whereas this proposed AD would require removing the rivets from 
service.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this proposed AD would be an interim action. Once 
final action has been identified, the FAA might consider further 
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 120 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 proposed AD.
    Visually inspecting the surface of the TR gearbox support assembly 
would take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per 
inspection and $5,160 for the U.S. fleet per inspection.
    If required, replacing any affected rivets would take about 1 work-
hour and parts would cost about $110 per rivet for an estimated cost of 
$195 per rivet replacement.
    If required, measuring gaps would take about 0.5 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter.
    If required, repairing any gaps would take up to about 1 work-hour 
for an estimated cost of up to $85 per repair.

[[Page 24080]]

    Visually inspecting or borescope inspecting the inside of the 
tailboom would take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 
per inspection and $5,160 for the U.S. fleet per inspection.
    Performing a tactile inspection would take about 0.5 work-hour for 
an estimated cost of $43 per inspection and $5,160 for the U.S. fleet 
per inspection.

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 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

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Bell Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2021-1074; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2021-00447-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by June 6, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 
helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 57001 and subsequent, certificated 
in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft 
tail boom.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of failed rivets between the 
tailboom skin and the tail rotor (TR) gearbox support assembly. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to detect failed rivets and rivets with 
inadequate grip length. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in deterioration of the joint structural integrity, 
detachment of the TR gearbox support assembly, and loss of 
helicopter control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, for Model 429 
helicopters S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive and S/N 57212 and 
subsequent that have accumulated less than 300 total hours time-in-
service (TIS), within 100 hours TIS or 6 months after accumulating 
300 total hours TIS, whichever occurs first; or for Model 429 
helicopters S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive and S/N 57212 and 
subsequent that have replaced the TR gearbox support assembly part 
number (P/N) 429-034-701-101 or P/N 429-035-705-101 and the 
helicopter has accumulated less than 300 total hours TIS since the 
replacement of the TR gearbox support assembly, within 100 hours TIS 
or 6 months after accumulating 300 total hours TIS since the 
replacement, whichever occurs first:
    (i) Visually inspect the external surface of the TR gearbox 
support assembly for any rivet heads that have separated from their 
tail. If there are any rivet heads that have separated from their 
tail, before further flight, measure any gaps between the TR gearbox 
support assembly and the tailboom skin by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 9.b. through 9.d. of 
Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-47, Revision B, dated January 27, 
2021 (ASB 429-19-47 Rev B).
    (A) If there are no gaps or if any gap measures less than 0.005 
in (0.127 mm), before further flight, remove the rivets from 
service.
    (B) If there are any gaps that are equal to or exceed 0.005 in 
(0.127 mm), before further flight, repair the gaps in accordance 
with an FAA-approved method, and remove the rivets from service.
    (ii) Borescope inspect or use a light source and mirror to 
visually inspect each rivet inside the tailboom for any missing 
rivet tails, any rivet tails resting at the bottom of the tailboom, 
and any rivet tails not resting against the tailboom skin.
    (A) If there are any missing rivet tails, or any rivet tails 
resting at the bottom of the tailboom, before further flight, 
measure any gaps between the TR gearbox support assembly and the 
tailboom skin by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, 
paragraphs 9.b. through 9.d. of ASB 429-19-47 Rev B, and perform the 
corrective actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(A) or (B) of 
this AD as applicable.
    (B) If there are any rivet tails not resting against the 
tailboom skin, before further flight, remove the rivets from 
service.
    (iii) Perform a tactile inspection of the rivets identified in 
Figure 1 of ASB 429-19-47 Rev B, by pulling on each rivet tail with 
pliers or pulling by hand. If any rivet does come out when pulled 
with pliers or when pulled by hand, before further flight, remove 
the rivet from service.
    (2) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive 
and S/N 57212 and subsequent that are not identified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, within 100 hours TIS or 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform the 
actions as specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this 
AD.
    (3) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive 
and S/N 57212 and subsequent, within 400 hours TIS or 12 months, 
whichever occurs first after the initial inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, as applicable to your 
helicopter, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS 
or 12 months, whichever occurs first, accomplish the actions 
required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
    (4) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57001 and 57211, within 400 
hours TIS or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
400 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, accomplish the 
actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Bell Alert 
Service Bulletin 429-19-47, Revision A, dated November 2, 2020; or 
Bell Alert

[[Page 24081]]

Service Bulletin 429-19-47, dated August 28, 2019.

(i) 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 (j)(1) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d9e0f4988f8af498908bf4eeeae9f49894969a99bfb8b8f7beb6af"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a99084e8fffa84e8e0fb849e9a9984e8e4e6eae9cfc8c887cec6df">[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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e3828d87918682cd898a8e868d8699a3858282cd848c95"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e1f101a0c1b1f501417131b101b043e181f1f50191108">[email protected]</span></a>.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell 
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 
1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-
433-0272; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fd8d8f9299889e898e888d8d928f89bd9f9891919b91949a9589d39e9290"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f2f2d303b2a3c2b2c2a2f2f302d2b1f3d3a333339333638372b713c3032">[email protected]</span></a>; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. 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.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2021-15, dated April 14, 2021. You may view the Transport Canada 
AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-
2021-1074.

    Issued on April 15, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-08561 Filed 4-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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