Background \n\n\n\tThe FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Bell Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2021 (86 FR 18218). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require establishing a life limit for certain part- numbered tail rotor outboard flapping bearings and a certain part- numbered hoist kit cable cutter cartridge. The NPRM also proposed to require establishing recurring CMR tasks for a certain part-numbered wheeled landing gear system, float/life raft kit, and hoist kit, and depending on the results of the CMR tasks, corrective action. The NPRM was prompted by Canadian AD CF-2017-16, dated May 17, 2017, issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority of Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises that Bell has established life limits and CMR tasks for various parts and accordingly revised Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of Bell Helicopter 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1 to Revision 26, dated September 9, 2016 (BHT-429-MM-1). Transport Canada states that failure to replace life-limited parts or perform CMR tasks as specified could result in an unsafe condition. \n\tAccordingly, the Transport Canada AD requires updating the maintenance schedule for the parts affected with the airworthiness life limits and CMR tasks in Revision 26 of BHT-429-MM-1. \n\nDiscussion of Final Airworthiness Directive \n\nComments \n\n\n\tThe FAA received comments from one commenter. The commenter was Bell. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. \n\nRequest To Change the Compliance Time of the Hoist Cable Anti-Foul Assembly Operational Check \n\n\n\tBell requested changing the compliance time of the hoist cable anti-foul assembly operational check from before the first flight of the day involving a hoist operation to after the last flight of the day. Bell requested this change to avoid the potential to suspend critical operations in order to accomplish the check and any required corrective maintenance because according to Bell, hoist equipment serves an essential service and may be required for critical missions with minimal notice. Bell further stated that this task was established based on the system safety assessment for the Bell Model 429 helicopter hoist installation and exposure based on a daily check after the last flight was considered in that assessment to conservatively meet acceptable reliability targets for its Major hazard classification. \n\tThe FAA disagrees with the request to change the compliance time to after the last flight of the day. The compliance time of before the first flight of the day is standard practice in rotorcraft AD actions for enforceability purposes. However, this wording does not imply that the operational check and corrective action must be done on the same calendar day as the first flight of the day involving a hoist operation. In light of this, the FAA has made no changes based on this request. \n\nConclusion \n\n\n\tThese helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada has notified the FAA about the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 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, since issuance of the NPRM, Bell has updated its contact information to obtain service documentation by changing its website address and adding an email address. This final rule reflects those changes and this AD is otherwise adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes increase the economic burden on any operator. \n\nRelated Service Information \n\n\n\tThe FAA reviewed Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of BHT-429-MM-1. This service information specifies airworthiness life limits, inspection intervals, and CMR requirements for parts installed on Model 429 helicopters. Revision 26 of this service information establishes life limits for a certain part-numbered tail rotor flapping outboard bearing and hoist kit cartridge cable cutter and CMR requirements for a certain part-numbered wheeled landing gear system, float/life raft kit, and hoist kit. \n\tAdditionally, the FAA reviewed Chapter 96-47--600-Pound External Hoist Electrical System--Operational Check, of Bell 429 Maintenance Manual Supplement For 600-Pound External Hoist Kit, BHT-429-MMS-4, Revision 1, dated March 14, 2014. This service information specifies inspection procedures and corrective action for various components of the hoist system. \n\tLastly, the FAA reviewed Testing and Fault Isolation, pages 101- 117/118, Cleaning, pages 401-405/406, and Scheduled Maintenance, pages 609-611/612, of Goodrich Rescue Hoist System Component Maintenance Manual 25-00-38-1, dated July 15, 2009, for rescue hoist assembly part number 44316-12-102. This service information specifies maintenance procedures and lists replacement parts for this part-numbered Goodrich rescue hoist assembly. \n\nDifferences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD \n\n\n\tThis AD requires corrective action for failed CMR tasks, whereas the Transport Canada AD does not. The Transport Canada AD requires accomplishing an operational check of the hoist cable anti-foul assembly daily after the last flight, whereas this AD requires this action before the first flight of the day involving a hoist operation instead. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tThe FAA estimates that this AD affects 110 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. \n\tReplacing a tail rotor outboard flapping bearing takes about 4 work-hours and parts cost about $7,500 for an estimated cost of $7,840 per helicopter and $862,400 for the U.S. fleet, per replacement cycle. Replacing a hoist kit cable cutter cartridge takes about 3 work-hours and parts cost about $5,200 for an estimated cost of $5,455 per helicopter and $600,050 for the U.S. fleet, per replacement cycle. \n\n((Page 33093)) \n\n\n\tPerforming a functional check of the wheeled landing gear system takes about 4 work-hours for an estimated cost of $340 per helicopter and $37,400 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing a functional check of the float/life raft kit takes about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $18,700 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. \n\tPerforming an operational check of the hoist kit cable anti-foul assembly takes about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and$18,700 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Cleaning, visually inspecting, and lubricating the rescue hoist cable takes about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $18,700 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing an operational check of the hoist kit speed limit switches and the electrical system takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $4,730 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing a functional check of the cable cutter cartridge electrical system takes about 3 work-hours for an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter and $28,050 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. \n\tThe FAA has no way of determining the estimated costs to do allowable repairs based on the results of the CMR tasks. If required, replacing the float/life raft takes about 2 work-hours and parts cost about $5,000 for an estimated cost of $5,170 per float/life raft. Replacing the anti-foul assembly takes about 3 work-hours and parts cost about $1,500 for an estimated cost of $1,755 per anti-foul assembly. Replacing a rescue hoist cable takes about 3 work-hours and parts cost about $3,150 for an estimated cost of $3,405 per rescue hoist cable. Overhauling a rescue hoist assembly costs about $83,000 and it takes about 8 work-hours to remove and reinstall the hoist for a labor cost of $680, for a total estimated cost of $83,680 per helicopter, per overhaul cycle. Alternatively, replacing a hoist takes about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $200,000 for an estimated cost of $200,680 per helicopter, per replacement cycle. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tThe 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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(3) Will not have a significant economicimpact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.