AD 2022-02-12

final rule
Data completeness: 90%

Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

AD Number
2022-02-12
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
Docket No. FAA-2021-0964
FR Citation
87 FR 7687

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Aviat Various Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

Unsafe Condition

The failure of certain parts, which could result in the loss of control of the helicopter.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Incorporating into maintenance records requirements (airworthiness limitations), as specified in EASA AD 2018-0132, including new life limits for a certain part-numbered main rotor damper, tail gear box center housing, and tail assembly; and new maintenance tasks (e.g., inspections for cracking) for the fuselage structure assembly (STA 5700, RH/LH side), and tail structure assembly (tail/rear fuselage attachment fittings).

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

All Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Document Text

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7687 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 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, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will 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 Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022–02–13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39–21910; Docket No. FAA–2021–0887; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00045–R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft Tail Boom. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found on the external tail boom skin of a Model EC120B helicopter under the Very High Frequency antenna. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect corrosion in that area and prevent the degradation of the tail boom structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in possible roll-over during landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2021–0015, dated January 13, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0015). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0015 (1) Where EASA AD 2021–0015 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021–0015 specifies to check for corrosion, including to ‘‘make sure that there is no aluminum oxide (white powder),’’ ‘‘make sure that there is no pitting corrosion,’’ and ‘‘make sure that there are no crack,’’ this AD requires inspecting for any aluminum oxide (white powder), pitting corrosion, and cracks. (3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service. (4) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021– 0015 requires certain actions prior to the installation of a tail boom on any helicopter, including inspecting the tail boom, for this AD, the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of this AD also apply to the inspection of the tail boom. (5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2021–0015. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021–0015 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR- 730-AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Gregory Koenig, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe & Administrative Services Section, Chicago ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2300 E Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294–7127; email Gregory.L.Koenig@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0015, dated January 13, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2021–0015, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at https://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. This material may be found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0887. (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- locations.html. Issued on January 11, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–02749 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0964; Project Identifier 2018–SW–051–AD; Amendment 39–21909; AD 2022–02–12] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the identification of certain parts needing maintenance actions, including life limits and maintenance tasks. This AD requires incorporating into maintenance records requirements (airworthiness limitations), as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Feb 09, 2022 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1 jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1

7688 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective March 17, 2022. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17, 2022. ADDRESSES : For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer- Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at https://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 in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0964. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0964; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The 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. 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 kristin.bradley@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Background EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018–0132, dated June 21, 2018 (EASA AD 2018– 0132) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Leonardo S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2021 (86 FR 62744). The NPRM was prompted by the identification of certain parts needing maintenance actions, including life limits and maintenance tasks. The parts include a certain part-numbered main rotor damper, tail gear box center housing, and tail assembly, the fuselage structure assembly (station (STA) 5700, right-hand (RH)/left-hand (LH) side), and tail structure assembly (tail/rear fuselage attachment fittings). The NPRM proposed to require incorporating into maintenance records requirements (airworthiness limitations), as specified in EASA AD 2018–0132. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the failure of certain parts, which could result in the loss of control of the helicopter. See EASA AD 2018–0132 for additional background information. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received a comment from one commenter, Bristow Group, who commented on the service information. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to the comment. Request To Consider Service Information The commenter stated it would take into consideration that the service information identified in EASA AD 2018–0132 (Leonardo AB139 and AW139 Maintenance Manual (MM), 39– A–AMPI–00–P, Chapter IV, Airworthiness Limitations, Issue 9, dated March 6, 2018, as well as Issue 8) has already been added. The commenter noted the EASA AMPI ( i.e., the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) document) is already on Issue 14 and the FAA AMPI is on Issue 13. The FAA infers the commenter is requesting the FAA consider the effect of later revisions of the ALS document on the proposed AD. The FAA agrees to clarify the effect of later revisions of the ALS document on this AD. This AD mandates a specific revision of the ALS document. Later revisions of the ALS document are not required to be incorporated into maintenance records requirements (airworthiness limitations) for that helicopter unless an AD mandates those revisions. However, this AD also allows operators to incorporate later approved revisions of the ALS document as specified in the Ref. Publications section of EASA AD 2018–0132 without the need for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC). Historically, operators needed an AMOC to use later revisions of an ALS. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard. Conclusion 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 reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, 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 helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 EASA AD 2018–0132 requires certain actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks. These requirements (airworthiness limitations) include new life limits for a certain part-numbered main rotor damper, tail gear box center housing, and tail assembly; and new maintenance tasks ( e.g., inspections for cracking) for the fuselage structure assembly (STA 5700, RH/LH side), and tail structure assembly (tail/rear fuselage attachment fittings). 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. ADs Mandating Airworthiness Limitations The FAA has previously mandated airworthiness limitations by mandating each airworthiness limitation task ( e.g., inspections and replacements (life limits)) as an AD requirement or issuing ADs that require revising the ALS of the existing maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness to incorporate new or revised inspections and life limits. This AD, however, requires operators to incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your rotorcraft, the requirements (airworthiness limitations) specified in an MCAI AD. The FAA does not intend this as a substantive change. For these ADs, the ALS requirements for operators are the same but are complied with differently. Requiring the incorporation VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Feb 09, 2022 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1 jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1

7689 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations of the new ALS requirements into the maintenance records, rather than requiring individual ALS tasks ( e.g., repetitive inspections and replacements), requires operators to record AD compliance once after updating the maintenance records, rather than after every time the ALS task is completed. In addition, paragraph (h) of this AD allows operators to incorporate later approved revisions of the ALS document as specified in the Ref. Publications section of EASA AD 2018– 0132 without the need for an AMOC. Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2018–0132 requires compliance with actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks, from the effective date of EASA AD 2018–0132. Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2018–0132 requires incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks, into the approved maintenance program within 12 months after the effective date of EASA AD 2018–0132. This AD requires incorporating into maintenance records requirements (airworthiness limitations) within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 130 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. Incorporating requirements (airworthiness limitations) into maintenance records would require about 2 work-hours for a cost of $170 per helicopter and a cost of $22,100 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Will 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 Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022–02–12 Leonardo S.p.a.: Amendment 39–21909; Docket No. FAA–2021–0964; Project Identifier 2018–SW–051–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5101, Aircraft Structures; and 6300, Main Rotor Drive Systems. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the identification of certain parts needing maintenance actions, including life limits and maintenance tasks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the failure of certain parts, which could result in the loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Action Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, incorporate into maintenance records required by 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2) or 135.439(a)(2), as applicable for your rotorcraft, the requirements (airworthiness limitations) specified in paragraph (1) of European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018–0132, dated June 21, 2018 (EASA AD 2018–0132). (h) Provisions for Alternative Requirements (Airworthiness Limitations) After the action required by paragraph (g) of this AD has been done, no alternative requirements (airworthiness limitations) are allowed unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the ‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD 2018– 0132. (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) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR- 730-AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov. (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 this AD specifies otherwise. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Feb 09, 2022 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1 jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1

7690 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations (i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2018–0132, dated June 21, 2018. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2018–0132, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on EASA website at https:// 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. This material may be found in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0964. (5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- locations.html. Issued on January 11, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–02747 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0694; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00305–T; Amendment 39–21919; AD 2022–03–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes AGENCY : Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION : Final rule. SUMMARY : The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC–8–401 and –402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of a possible hard contact between the #2 top high level sensor (HLS) terminal screw head and the #6 outer wing fuel access panel stiffener flange. This AD requires removing and replacing or reworking the #6 outer wing fuel access panel assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES : This AD is effective March 17, 2022. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17, 2022. ADDRESSES : For service information identified in this final rule, contact De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416–375– 4000; fax 416–375–4539; email thd@ dehavilland.com; internet https:// dehavilland.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0694. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0694; 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 U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Thomas Niczky, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516– 228–7347; fax 516–794–5531; email 9- avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : Discussion Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF– 2021–08, dated March 9, 2021 (TCCA AD CF–2021–08) (also referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC–8–401 and –402 airplanes, serial numbers 4001 and 4003 through 4628 inclusive. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0694. The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC–8–401 and –402 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 24, 2021 (86 FR 47258). The NPRM was prompted by reports of a possible hard contact between the #2 top HLS terminal screw head and the #6 outer wing fuel access panel stiffener flange. The NPRM proposed to require removing and replacing or reworking the #6 outer wing fuel access panel assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possibility of electrical arcing during a lightning strike, which could be a source of ignition inside the fuel tank. See the MCAI for additional background information. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA’s response to each comment. The Air Line Pilots Association, International, supported the NPRM. Request To Specify the Latest Revision of the Service Information Horizon Air requested that the specified service information in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of the proposed AD be updated to the latest revision: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84–57–35, Revision B, dated June 9, 2021. Horizon Air also requested that De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84–57– 35, Revision A, dated February 11, 2021, be added to paragraph (i) of the proposed AD in order to give credit for incorporating that revision. The FAA agrees, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84–57–35, Revision B, dated June 9, 2021, revises a NOTE and steps to include all part numbers of access panel #6. These changes do not affect operators who use previous revisions of the service information to show compliance with this AD. There are no substantive changes to the procedures between Revision B of the service information and Revision A of the service information, which was proposed as required in the NPRM. The FAA has updated this AD as requested. Conclusion The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule with the change described VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Feb 09, 2022 Jkt 256001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1 jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1

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