Document ID: FAA-2023-0430-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
Posted Date: 2023-03-16T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 51 (Thursday, March 16, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16174-16182]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-05426]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0430; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01092-R; 
Amendment 39-22378; AD 2023-05-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
(AHD) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P3 and EC135T3 
helicopters with Helionix installed, and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 and MBB-
BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of 
multi-function display (MFD) failures. This AD requires revising the 
existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This AD 
also requires repetitively inspecting the MFD, and depending on the 
results, installing placards and limiting the operation of the 
helicopter, and taking other corrective action, 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 becomes effective March 31, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 31, 
2023.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 1, 2023.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     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.
     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-2023-0430; 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, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For EASA material that is incorporated by reference in 
this final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, 
Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email [email protected]; internet 
easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at 
ad.easa.europa.eu.
     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-2023-0430.
    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; telephone (972) 641-
0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-3775; or at airbus.com/helicopters/services/technical-support.html. You may also view this 
service information at the FAA contact information under Material 
Incorporated by Reference above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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 [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union, has issued two EASA ADs with the most recent being EASA 
AD 2022-0168, dated August 12, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0168), to correct an 
unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 
P3H, EC135 T3H, EC635 P3H, EC635 T3H, MBB-BK117 D-2, MBB-BK117 D-3, and 
MBB-BK117 D-3m helicopters; and Airbus Helicopters Model EC 175 B and 
H160-B helicopters.
    EASA AD 2022-0168 superseded EASA AD 2022-0143, dated July 8, 2022 
(EASA AD 2022-0143). EASA AD 2022-0143 was prompted by reports where 
all MFDs failed on an MBB-BK117 D-3 helicopter. An investigation 
determined that a deficiency in the Ethernet network management of the 
Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) suite led to the failures of the 
MFDs. To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued EASA AD 2022-0143, 
which required repetitive checks (inspections) of the functional status 
of the IMA Ethernet network and, depending on the results, certain 
corrective action(s), which may include an operational limitation. This 
operational limitation, if required, prohibited the operation of a 
helicopter in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and Night 
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC); and required installation of a 
placard on the instrument panel.
    After EASA issued EASA AD 2022-0143, Airbus Helicopters developed 
an RFM emergency procedure to provide instruction, which is to be 
applied in case of loss of all MFD function; therefore, EASA issued 
superseding EASA AD 2022-0168 to retain the requirements of EASA AD 
2022-0143 and also require incorporating the RFM emergency procedure. 
EASA AD 2022-0168 is considered to be an interim action and states that 
further AD action may follow.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible loss of MFD function 
which results in the unexpected loss of display of important flight 
parameters to the pilots, which could lead to loss of control of the 
helicopter. See EASA AD 2022-0168 for additional background 
information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    EASA AD 2022-0168 requires repetitively testing several components 
of the IMA suite and depending on the

[[Page 16175]]

results, troubleshooting is required. Depending on the results of the 
troubleshooting procedure, EASA AD 2022-0168 also requires implementing 
certain operational limitations and installing a placard in the 
cockpit. Lastly, EASA AD 2022-0168 also requires revising the RFM to 
incorporate emergency procedures in the event of MFD failure displayed 
on all MFDs.
    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 the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
EC135H-05A-001, ASB MBB-BK117 D-3-05A-001, and ASB MBB-BK117 D-2-05A-
003, each Revision 0 and each dated July 7, 2022. This service 
information specifies procedures for checking the Ethernet connection 
of equipment with the MFDs and, if necessary, specifies the operation 
limitation and installation of the placard in the cockpit of the 
applicable model helicopter.
    The FAA also reviewed Airbus Helicopters Safety Information Notice 
(SIN) No. 3838-S-42, Revision 0, dated October 26, 2022. This SIN 
provides additional background information and supplementary notes and 
recommendations regarding MFD failure during flight.

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 about 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 designs.

Requirements of This AD

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD 
2022-0168, 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 
the EASA AD.''
    This AD also requires revising the existing RFM for your 
helicopter. Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter by updating 
the emergency procedures section 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 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

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 2022-0168 is incorporated by reference in this FAA final rule. 
Service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0168 is available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-0430.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    EASA AD 2022-0168 applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 
Model EC635 P3H, EC635 T3H, and MBB-BK117 D-3m helicopters and Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC 175B and H160-B helicopters. This AD does not 
apply to those model helicopters because those models are not FAA type-
certificated. EASA AD 2022-0168 also applies to Airbus Helicopters 
Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 P3H and EC135 T3H helicopters. This AD 
applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P3 and 
EC135T3 helicopters with Helionix installed instead because helicopters 
with an EC135P3H or EC135T3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters 
or Model EC135T3 helicopters with Helionix installed, respectively.
    EASA AD 2022-0168 requires revising the emergency procedures 
section of the existing RFM for your helicopter to specify that a pilot 
``land as soon as practicable'' in the event there is MFD failure on 
all MFDs, whereas this AD requires revising the emergency procedures 
section of the existing RFM for your helicopter to specify that a pilot 
``land as soon as possible'' in the event there is MFD failure on all 
MFDs.
    This AD allows the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a 
private pilot certificate to revise the existing RFM for your 
helicopter and do the logbook entry, whereas EASA AD 2022-0168 does not 
specify this. This AD requires these actions to be entered into the 
aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 
CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as 
required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
    EASA AD 2022-0168 requires certain operational and maintenance mode 
test procedure checks, and checking certain wires, whereas this AD 
requires operational and maintenance mode test procedure inspections 
because those actions must be accomplished by persons authorized under 
14 CFR 43.3. Where EASA AD 2022-0168 requires ``installation of a 
placard in the cockpit,'' this AD also requires that action be 
accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
    EASA AD 2022-0168 requires operators to ``inform all flight crews'' 
of the operational limitation as defined in EASA AD 2022-0168 and, 
thereafter, to ``operate the helicopter accordingly.'' However, this AD 
does not specifically require those actions. FAA regulations mandate 
compliance with placards; therefore, it is not necessary to include a 
requirement in this AD to ``operate the helicopter accordingly.'' 
Furthermore, compliance with an AD requirement to ``inform all flight 
crews'' of the additional operational limitation is impracticable to 
demonstrate or track on an ongoing basis; therefore, a requirement to 
inform all flight crews of an additional operational limitation is 
unenforceable.
    EASA AD 2022-0168 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters to obtain 
approved instructions and accomplishing those instructions, whereas 
this AD requires accomplishing corrective action in accordance with a 
method approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 
GmbH's EASA Design Organization Approval.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. If further action is 
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

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

[[Page 16176]]

AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the multi-function display is a critical component of the 
helicopter and displays vital avionics information to the pilot, and 
loss of its functionality could occur during any phase of flight 
without previous indication. The FAA also has no information as to how 
quickly this condition may propagate into failure. In light of this, 
the initial inspection must be accomplished within 55 hours time-in-
service after the effective date of this AD. Based on the average 
flight-hour utilization rates of these helicopters, some of these 
helicopters could reach the compliance time for the initial 
requirements within about two months. Therefore, the compliance time 
for the required actions is shorter than the time necessary for the 
public to comment and for publication of the final rule. 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 forego notice and 
comment.

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-2023-0430; Project Identifier MCAI-
2022-01092-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, 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 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 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

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 97 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 Ethernet connectivity of the IMA suite takes up to 
0.25 work-hour for an estimated cost of up to $21 per helicopter and 
$2,037 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
    If necessary, troubleshooting the components of the IMA suite takes 
up to 12 work-hours for an estimated cost of up to $1,020 per 
helicopter. Additionally, during troubleshooting, you may incur the 
following costs:
    If necessary, repairing the IMA suite cables takes up to 25 work-
hours for an estimated cost of up to $2,125 per cable repair.
    If necessary, replacing the data transfer device (DTD) takes about 
2 work-hours and parts cost about $18,711 for an estimated cost of 
$18,881 per DTD replacement.
    If necessary, replacing the airborne communication server (ACS) 
takes about 6 work-hours and parts cost $35,702 for an estimated cost 
of $36,212 per ACS replacement.
    If necessary, replacing a dynamic monitoring acquisition unit 
(DMAU) takes about 5 work-hours and parts cost about $66,457 for an 
estimated cost of $66,882 per replacement.
    If necessary, replacing an MFD takes about 8 work-hours and parts 
cost about $71,296 for an estimated cost of $71,976 per replacement.
    If necessary, replacing the aircraft management computer (AMC) 
takes about 10 work-hours and parts cost about $92,051 for an estimated 
cost of $92,901 per replacement.
    If necessary, installing placards on the instrument panel would 
take about 1 work-hour and parts cost a nominal amount for an estimated 
cost of $85 per helicopter.
    The FAA has no data to estimate the costs to accomplish approved 
repairs based on the results of the inspections and the FAA has no data 
to determine the number of helicopters that might need repair.
    Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter takes about 0.25 
work-hour for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and $2,037 for 
the U.S fleet.

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

    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.

[[Page 16177]]

    For the reasons discussed, 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2023-05-09 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
22378; Docket No. FAA-2023-0430; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01092-
R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 31, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) 
Model EC135P3 and EC135T3 helicopters with Helionix installed, and 
Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an EC135P3H or 
EC135T3H designation are Model EC135P3 helicopters or Model EC135T3 
helicopters with Helionix installed, respectively.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 3197, Instrument 
System Wiring.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of multiple multi-function 
display (MFD) failures during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address failure of an MFD and consequent loss of display information 
during flight. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result 
in the unexpected loss of display of important flight parameters to 
the pilots, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    (1) Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with 
all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0168, dated August 12, 2022 
(EASA AD 2022-0168).
    (2) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by 
incorporating the RFM emergency procedure in Figure 1 or Figure 2 to 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD as applicable to your model helicopter. 
Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter by updating the 
emergency procedures section 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 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must 
be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
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[[Page 16178]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16MR23.003

[[Page 16179]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16MR23.004

Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(2): RFM Emergency Procedure--Model MBB-BK117 
Helicopters

[[Page 16180]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16MR23.005

[[Page 16181]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16MR23.006

Figure 2 to Paragraph (g)(2): RFM Emergency Procedure--Model EC135 
Helicopters

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    (3) After the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
have been done, no alternative requirements (inspections) are 
allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of 
the ``Ref. Publications'' section of EASA AD 2022-0168.

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0168

    (1) Where EASA AD 2022-0168 requires compliance in terms of 
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
    (2) Where EASA AD 2022-0168 refers to July 15, 2022 (the 
effective date of EASA AD 2022-0143 dated July 8, 2022) or its 
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this 
AD.
    (3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0168 specifies 
``accomplish a check in accordance with the maintenance mode test 
procedure, and in accordance with the operational mode test 
procedure, as defined in this AD'' for this AD, replace that text 
with ``accomplish an inspection in accordance with the maintenance 
mode test procedure, and in accordance with the operational mode 
test procedure, as defined in this AD.''
    (4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0168 specifies ``if, 
during any check as required by paragraph (1) of this AD,'' replace 
that text with ``if, during any inspection as required by paragraph 
(1) of this AD.''
    (5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0168 permits certain actions to be performed by a pilot or 
equivalent with the correct training and accreditation, this AD 
requires those actions to be accomplished by persons authorized 
under 14 CFR 43.3.
    (6) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0168 specifies to 
``inform all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the helicopter 
accordingly,'' this AD does not require those actions.
    (7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0168 specifies ``If the continuity test is not satisfactory, check 
and repair the associated wires;'' for this AD, replace that text 
with ``If the continuity test is not satisfactory, inspect and 
repair the associated wires.''
    (8) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0168 specifies-contacting Airbus Helicopters for a technical 
solution, this AD requires corrective action done in accordance with 
a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft 
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus 
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH's EASA Design Organization Approval 
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.

(i) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited for flights in Instrument 
Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and Night Visual Meteorological 
Conditions (VMC).

[[Page 16182]]

(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: [email protected].
    (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 
[email protected].

(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) AD 2022-0168, 
dated August 12, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0168, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email 
[email protected]; 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 
[email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 10, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-05426 Filed 3-14-23; 8:45 am]
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