Document ID: FAA-2020-1076-0006
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Viking Air Limited (Type Certificated Previously Held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes
Posted Date: 2023-09-19T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 19, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64368-64372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-20188]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1076; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01201-A; 
Amendment 39-22544; AD 2023-18-03]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificated 
Previously Held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Viking Air Limited (Viking) (type certificate previously held by 
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model DHC-3 airplanes. This AD 
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and 
correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes 
the unsafe condition as corrosion, wear, and fatigue-related 
degradation in aging aircraft. This AD requires incorporating into the 
existing maintenance records for your airplane the actions and 
associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, specified 
in a supplemental inspection and corrosion control manual for Model 
DHC-3 airplanes. This AD also requires completing all the initial tasks 
identified in this manual and reporting corrosion findings to Viking. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 24, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 24, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2020-1076; 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 MCAI, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:

[[Page 64369]]

     For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 de Havilland Way, 
Sidney, British Columbia, Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; fax: 
(250) 656-0673; email: [email protected]; website: 
vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, MO 64106. 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-2020-1076.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deep Gaurav, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 
228-7321; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Viking Model DHC-3 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 8, 
2022 (87 FR 7059). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2018-04, dated 
January 19, 2018, issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation 
authority for Canada (referred to after this as the MCAI). The MCAI 
states that Viking developed a supplementary inspection and corrosion 
control program for aging airplanes, which identifies specific 
locations of an airplane that must be inspected to ensure corrosion-
related degradation does not result in an unsafe condition.
    The MCAI requires doing all inspections specified in Part 2 of 
Viking DHC-3 Otter Supplemental Inspection and Corrosion Control 
Manual, PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, dated December 21, 2017 (Viking PSM 1-
3-5, Revision IR), doing applicable corrective actions using Part 3 of 
Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, and reporting to Viking Level 2 and 
Level 3 corrosion as specified in Part 3 of Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision 
IR.
    Corrosion, wear, and fatigue-related degradation, if not addressed, 
could lead to structural failure with consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require establishing a corrosion 
prevention and control program to identify and correct corrosion and 
cracking. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to require completing all 
of the initial tasks identified in the program and reporting corrosion 
findings to Viking.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2020-1076.
    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Viking 
Model DHC-3 airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on 
June 28, 2023 (88 FR 41863). The SNPRM was prompted by the FAA's 
decision to revise the proposed actions specified in the NPRM and to 
reopen the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on 
whether the proposed AD would have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. In the SNPRM, the FAA proposed to 
require incorporating into the existing maintenance records for your 
airplane the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including 
life limits, specified in Parts 2 and 3 of Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision 
IR, completing all the initial tasks identified in Viking PSM 1-3-5, 
Revision IR, and reporting to Viking any Level 2 or Level 3 corrosion 
findings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the SNPRM or on the determination 
of the costs.

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and 
determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. 
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is 
adopted as proposed in the SNPRM.

ADs Mandating Airworthiness Limitations (ALS)

    The FAA has previously mandated airworthiness limitations by 
issuing ADs that require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance 
manual or instructions for continued airworthiness to incorporate new 
or revised inspections. This AD, however, requires establishing and 
incorporating new inspections into the existing maintenance records 
required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2) for your airplane. The 
FAA does not intend this as a substantive change. Requiring 
incorporation of the new ALS requirements into the existing maintenance 
records, rather than requiring individual repetitive inspections and 
replacements, allows operators to record AD compliance once after 
updating the existing maintenance records, rather than recording 
compliance after every inspection and part replacement.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, which specifies 
procedures for inspecting areas of the airplane that are particularly 
susceptible to corrosion, wear, and fatigue-related degradation. Viking 
PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, also specifies repetitive inspection intervals, 
defines the different levels of corrosion, and provides corrective 
action if corrosion is found.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Viking DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin V3/0010, 
Revision NC, dated March 19, 2020. The service bulletin provides a list 
of new inspection tasks that have been added to the DHC-3 maintenance 
program in Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR.

Impact on Intrastate Aviation in Alaska

    In light of the heavy reliance on aviation for intrastate 
transportation in Alaska, the FAA has fully considered the effects of 
this final rule (including costs to be borne by affected operators) 
from the earliest possible stages of AD development. As previously 
stated, 14 CFR part 39 requires operators to correct an unsafe 
condition identified on an airplane to ensure operation of that 
airplane in an airworthy condition. The FAA has determined that the 
need to correct corrosion-related degradation in aging aircraft, which 
could lead to structural failure with consequent loss of control of the 
airplane, outweighs any impact on aviation in Alaska.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 68 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA also estimates that it will take about 1 work-hour 
per airplane at a

[[Page 64370]]

labor rate of $85 per work-hour to revise the existing maintenance 
records.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $5,780 or $85 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates it will take about 1 work-hour to report any 
Level 2 corrosion found during the initial or subsequent inspections or 
any Level 3 corrosion found during the initial or subsequent 
inspections, for an estimated cost of $85 per airplane.

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 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 Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, Public Law 96-354, 94 Stat. 
1164 (5 U.S.C. 601-612) (RFA) establishes as a principle of regulatory 
issuance that agencies shall endeavor, consistent with the objectives 
of the rule and of applicable statutes, to fit regulatory and 
informational requirements to the scale of the businesses, 
organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to regulation.
    To achieve this principle, agencies are required to solicit and 
consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain the rationale for 
their actions to assure that such proposals are given serious 
consideration. The RFA covers a wide-range of small entities, including 
small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and small governmental 
jurisdictions.
    Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a rule will 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. If the agency determines that it will, the agency must 
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described in the RFA.
    The FAA published an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) 
for this rule to aid the public in commenting on the potential impacts 
to small entities. The FAA did not receive any public comments on the 
IRFA. The purpose of this Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) 
is to provide the reasoning underlying the FAA's determination. A FRFA 
must contain the following:
    (1) A statement of the need for, and objectives of, the rule;
    (2) A statement of the significant issues raised by the public 
comments in response to the IRFA, a statement of the assessment of the 
agency of such issues, and a statement of any changes made in the 
proposed rule as a result of such comments;
    (3) The response of the agency to any comments filed by the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 
response to the proposed rule, and a detailed statement of any change 
made to the proposed rule in the final rule as a result of the 
comments;
    (4) A description of and an estimate of the number of small 
entities to which the rule will apply or an explanation of why no such 
estimate is available;
    (5) A description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and 
other compliance requirements of the proposed rule, including an 
estimate of the classes of small entities which will be subject to the 
requirement and the type of professional skills necessary for 
preparation of the report or record; and
    (6) A description of the steps the agency has taken to minimize the 
significant economic impact on small entities consistent with the 
stated objectives of applicable statutes, including a statement of the 
factual, policy, and legal reasons for selecting the alternative 
adopted in the final rule and why each of the other significant 
alternatives to the rule considered by the agency which affect the 
impact on small entities was rejected.

1. Need for and Objectives of the Rule

    The NPRM proposed to adopt a new AD for all Viking Model DHC-3 
airplanes. This AD results from MCAI originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product.
    The objective of this final rule is to require incorporating into 
the existing maintenance records for your airplane the actions and 
associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, specified 
in a supplemental inspection and corrosion control manual for Model 
DHC-3 airplanes. This final rule also requires completing all the 
initial tasks identified in this manual and reporting corrosion 
findings to Viking.

2. Significant Issues Raised in Public Comments

    The FAA received no public comments on the SNPRM.

3. Response to SBA Comments

    The Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA did not file any comments 
in response to the proposed rule. Thus, the FAA did not make any 
changes to the proposed rule in the final rule.

4. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities

    The RFA defines small entities as small businesses, small 
governmental jurisdictions, or small organizations. In 5 U.S.C. 601(3), 
the RFA defines ``small business'' to have the same meaning as ``small 
business concern'' under section 3 of the Small Business Act. The Small 
Business Act authorizes the SBA to define ``small business'' by issuing 
regulations.
    SBA (2022) has established size standards for various types of 
economic activities, or industries, under the North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS).\1\ These size standards generally define 
small businesses based

[[Page 64371]]

on the number of employees or annual receipts.
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    \1\ Small Business Administration (SBA). 2022. Table of Size 
Standards. Effective July 14, 2022. https://www.sba.gov/document/support-table-size-standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA identified 68 de Havilland Model DHC-3 ``Otter'' airplanes 
that would be affected by the final rule AD. These 68 airplanes are 
registered to 32 private firms and 5 individuals. The individuals are 
excluded from this analysis as they presumably are not small entities 
under the RFA.
    The 32 private firms own 63 airplanes. Of these firms, the FAA was 
able to obtain the data necessary to classify 21 of them.\2\ All but 
one firm qualify as small entities under the RFA. Thus, the FAA 
estimates that this rule would impact 20 small entities. For these 20 
small entities, the results of the cost impact analysis are shown in 
Table 1, ``Cost Impact on Small Entities.''
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    \2\ Firm revenue and employee count are drawn from online 
sources, including: Dun & Bradstreet, Inc. (www.dnb.com); Manta 
Media, Inc. (www.manta.com); Buzzfile Media, Inc. 
(www.buzzfile.com); Datanyze, Inc. (www.datanyze.com); Moody's 
Analytics (start.cortera.com); GeneralLiabilityInsure.com 
(generalliabilityinsure.com); Kona Equity (www.konaequity.com); and 
ZoomInfo Technologies LLC (www.zoominfo.com).
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5. Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance 
Requirements

    AD costs per airplane are 1 work hour plus $85 reporting costs for 
initial inspection, for a total of $170. The AD cost per small entity 
is shown in the ``Cost'' column of Table 1 and cost impact is measured 
by AD cost as a percentage of revenues. As the table shows, the mean 
cost impact is 0.1% of annual revenues, with a maximum impact of 0.46% 
of annual revenues, and a minimum impact below 0.01%.

                                                         Table 1--Cost Impact on Small Entities
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Cost/
                   Firm                     No. A/C    Revenue      Cost     revenue     NAICS          Size standard               NAICS industry
                                                       ($1,000)   ($1,000)     (%)        code
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMIT LEASING LLC.......................          3        110        0.2       0.00     532490  $35 mn...................  Other Comm'l and Industrial
                                                                                                                              Mach. and Equip. Rental &
                                                                                                                              Leasing.
KATMAI AIR LLC...........................          2        117        0.2       0.00     532411  $40 mn...................  Comm'l Air, Rail, and Water
                                                                                                                              Transp. Equip. Rental &
                                                                                                                              Leasing.
JESPERSEN AIRCRAFT SERVICES INC..........          1        113        1.9       0.00     481219  $22 mn...................  Other Nonscheduled Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
DOYON AIR TRANSPORT LLC..................          1        127        1.0       0.01     488999  $22 mn...................  All Other Support
                                                                                                                              Activities for
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
RED LEASING LLC..........................          2        359        0.2       0.01     532490  $35 mn...................  Other Comm'l and Industrial
                                                                                                                              Mach. and Equip. Rental &
                                                                                                                              Leasing.
RAINBOW KING LODGE INC...................          1        209        0.2       0.02     721199  $8 mn....................  All Other Traveler
                                                                                                                              Accommodation.
PANTECHNICON AVIATION LTD................          1        235        0.2       0.02     532411  $40 mn...................  Comm'l Air, Rail, and Water
                                                                                                                              Transp. Equip. Rental &
                                                                                                                              Leasing.
EMERALD AIR SERVICE INC..................          1        250        1.0       0.02     481219  $22 mn...................  Other Nonscheduled Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
BLUE AIRCRAFT LLC........................          2        750        0.2       0.02     483000  1500 emp.................  Scheduled Passenger Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
TALON AIR SERVICE INC....................          1        520        0.2       0.02     481219  $22 mn...................  Other Nonscheduled Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
BALD MOUNTAIN AIR SERVICE INC............          1        700        0.2       0.03     481219  $22 mn...................  Other Nonscheduled Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
NORTHWEST SEAPLANES INC..................          1        750        0.3       0.05     481111  1500 emp.................  Scheduled Passenger Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
TALKEETNA AIR TAXI INC...................          6      4,600        0.2       0.07     481211  1500 emp.................  Nonscheduled Chartered
                                                                                                                              Passenger Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
GOLDEN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC..............          1        960        0.2       0.07     713990  $8 mn....................  All Other Amusement and
                                                                                                                              Recreation Industries.
MUNICH HANS W DBA........................          1        998        0.2       0.08     481219  $22 mn...................  Other Nonscheduled Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
DESTINATION ALASKA ADVENTURE CO LLC......          1      1,300        0.3       0.09     481211  1500 emp.................  Nonscheduled Chartered
                                                                                                                              Passenger Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
RUSTAIR INC..............................          6     10,224        0.2       0.13     532411  $40 mn...................  Comm'l Air, Rail, and Water
                                                                                                                              Transp. Equip. Rental &
                                                                                                                              Leasing.
KENMORE AIR HARBOR LLC...................         11     51,500        0.2       0.15     481111  1500 emp.................  Scheduled Passenger Air
                                                                                                                              Transportation.
RAPIDS CAMP LODGE INC....................          1      7,000        0.3       0.29     721214  $8 mn....................  Recreational and Vacation
                                                                                                                              Camps (except
                                                                                                                              Campgrounds).
BANK OF UTAH TRUSTEE.....................          1     90,000        0.5       0.46     522110  $750 mn in assets........  Commercial Banking.
                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total................................         45    170,822        7.7  .........  .........
    Average..............................  .........      8,541       0.38       0.06  .........
    Median...............................  .........        725       0.17       0.02  .........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: 1. The size standard is the maximum size for the NAICS industry considered by the Small Business Administration to be a small entity. 2. AD costs
  per airplane are 1 work-hour x $85 + $85 reporting costs for initial inspection, for a total of $170.

    Costs under 1% of revenues for all of the small entities lead the 
FAA to conclude that this rule does not have a significant impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

6. Significant Alternatives Considered

    As part of the FRFA, the FAA is required to consider regulatory 
alternatives that may be less burdensome.
    The FAA did not find any significant regulatory alternatives to 
this AD that would still accomplish the safety objectives of this AD.

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 have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the RFA.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

[[Page 64372]]

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:

2023-18-03 Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 39-22544; Docket 
No. FAA-2020-1076; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01201-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 24, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Viking Air Limited (type certificate 
previously held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model 
DHC-3 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2700, Flight Control 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as corrosion, wear, 
and fatigue-related degradation in aging aircraft. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect and address corrosion and cracking. This 
condition, if not addressed, could lead to structural failure with 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, 
incorporate into the existing maintenance records required by 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your airplane, the 
actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life 
limits, specified in Parts 2 and 3 of Viking DHC-3 Otter 
Supplemental Inspection and Corrosion Control Manual, PSM 1-3-5, 
Revision IR, dated December 21, 2017 (Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision 
IR). Do each initial task within 6 months after the effective date 
of this AD or at the threshold for each applicable task specified in 
Part 3 of Viking Product Support Manual PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, 
whichever occurs later. Where Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, 
specifies contacting Viking regarding a component's alloy and heat 
treat condition, this AD requires contacting the Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, Transport Canada, or Viking's 
Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by 
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): Viking DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin 
V3/0010, Revision NC, dated March 19, 2020, contains additional 
information related to this AD.

    (2) After the action required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD has 
been done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and 
intervals, including life limits, are allowed unless they are 
approved as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(h) Reporting

    (1) For inspections done after the effective date of this AD, 
report to Viking any Level 2 or Level 3 corrosion, as specified in 
Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, at the times specified in and in 
accordance with part 3, paragraph 5, of Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision 
IR.
    (2) For inspections done before the effective date of this AD, 
within 30 days after the effective date of this AD report to Viking 
any Level 2 or Level 3 corrosion, as specified in Viking PSM 1-3-5, 
Revision IR, in accordance with part 3, paragraph 5, of Viking PSM 
1-3-5, Revision IR.

(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, mail 
it to the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email 
to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit 
information by email.
    (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.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved specifically for this AD by the Manager, 
International Validation Branch, FAA.

(j) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2018-04, dated January 19, 
2018, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found 
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2020-1076.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Deep Gaurav, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 228-3731; email: [email protected].
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.

(k) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Viking DHC-3 Otter Supplemental Inspection and Corrosion 
Control Manual, PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, dated December 21, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney, 
British Columbia, Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; fax: (250) 
656-0673; email: [email protected]; website: 
vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information 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 September 1, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-20188 Filed 9-18-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P