[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 210 (Monday, October 31, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67051-67054]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27769]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-1041; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-109-AD;
Amendment 39-16821; AD 2010-26-52]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model
204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, 412EP Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are publishing in the Federal Register an amendment which
was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators that
supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHT) Model helicopters with certain tail
rotor blades (blades). The superseded AD requires, before further
flight, replacing certain blades with airworthy blades. This AD retains
the requirements of the superseded AD but adds new blade part numbers
(P/Ns) and serial numbers (S/Ns) to the applicability. This AD was
prompted by another incident in which the blade tip weight separated
from a blade during flight, causing vibration. This incident led to the
determination that additional blades could be affected, and should be
added to the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of
the blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective November 15, 2011 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD
2010-26-52, issued on December 10, 2010, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 30, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.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.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101, telephone
(817) 280-3391, fax (817) 280-6466, or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations Office (telephone: 1 (800) 647-5527) is in the
[[Page 67052]]
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas during normal business hours.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin R. Crane, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5170; fax
(817) 222-5783; email: 7-AVS-ASW-170@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We are publishing in the Federal Register an amendment adopting
Emergency AD 2010-26-52, issued December 10, 2010 (EAD 2010-26-52),
which was sent to all known owners and operators of BHT Model 204B,
205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters with
certain blades installed. EAD 2010-26-52 supersedes AD 2007-19-53,
Amendment 39-15265 (72 FR 65224, November 20, 2007) issued October 31,
2007 (AD 2007-19-53). AD 2007-19-53 required, before further flight,
replacing certain blades with airworthy blades. That action was
prompted by three reports of blade tip weights being slung from the
blades during flights, causing significant vibration. We issued AD
2007-19-53 on a limited number of blades to address this unsafe
condition, which could result in the loss of the blade tip weight, loss
of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Actions Since AD was Issued
Since we issued AD 2007-19-53, another incident occurred in which
the blade tip weight separated from a blade during flight, causing
vibration. This incident led to the determination that additional
blades could be affected and these blade numbers should be added to the
applicability section of the AD. We issued superseding EAD 2010-26-52
which retains the same requirements of AD 2007-19-53, but adds new
blade P/Ns and S/Ns to the applicability.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed the following revised BHT Alert Service Bulletins
(ASBs), all dated November 22, 2010 except for ASB No. 204-07-61. Each
ASB contains a Rotor Blades Inc. (RBI) letter that adds blade P/Ns and
S/Ns to the RBI list.
No. 204-07-61, Revision A, dated September 19, 2007, for
Model 204 helicopters;
No. 205-07-95, Revision B, for Model 205 helicopters;
No. 205B-07-46, Revision B, for Model 205B helicopters;
No. 212-07-125, Revision B, for Model 212 helicopters;
No. 412CF-07-30, Revision B, for Model 412CF helicopters;
No. 412-07-123, Revision B, for Model 412 and 412EP
helicopters.
FAA's Determination
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type
designs. We have also determined that Emergency AD 2010-26-52 contained
an incorrect Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) number for the Model 412CF
helicopters in the preamble discussion. Therefore, we are making a
change to this AD to correct the ASB number. We have also made other
minor editorial changes to this AD, including reorganizing the
Applicability table. We have determined that these changes do not
increase the economic burden on any AD operator nor do they increase
the scope of the AD.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, before further flight, unless already
accomplished, replacing any affected blade with an airworthy blade. An
airworthy blade is one that has a P/N and S/N not included in the
Applicability section of this AD. Affected blades are those having a P/
N and S/N as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part No. Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
204-011-702-015........................... AFS-12703, AFS-12893, AFS-
23525, or AFS-23573.
204-011-702-121........................... A-22020.
212-010-750-105........................... *A-11923.
212-010-750-105FM......................... A-10090, A-10836, *A-10857,
A-11207, A-11332, *A-11617,
*A-11828, *A-12043, or *A-
12091.
212-010-750-113........................... A-14953, A-15090, or CS-
12702.
212-010-750-113FM......................... A-12240, *A-12286, A-12296,
*A-12398, A-12640, A-12670,
A-12789, A-13033, *A-13088,
A-13096, *A-13106, A-13134,
A-13199, A-13264, A-13366,
or *A-13539.
212-010-750-133........................... A-15602.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The * indicates the newly added serial-numbered blades.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The short compliance time of before further flight justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on
other helicopters of the same type designs. Therefore, we find that
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than
30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2011-1041 and
Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-109-AD at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 265 helicopters of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 67053]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost helicopter operators
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Inspect for S/N affectivity........... 2.0 hrs x $85 hr = $170. $ 0 $170 $45,050
Remove and replace blade.............. 6.0 hrs x $85 hr = $510. 38,000 38,510 1,347,850
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This cost estimate is based on the assumption that all affected
helicopters will be inspected, and 35 helicopters will have a blade
replaced. The manufacturer has indicated that some of the costs
associated with this AD may be covered under a warranty program, but
this AD has not considered this warranty program when calculating total
costs on U.S. operators.
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.
We are 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
(4) 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.
Adoption of 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 (AD):
2010-26-52 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Amendment 39-16821; Docket
No. FAA-2011-1041; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-109-AD; Supersedes
AD 2007-19-53, Amendment 39-15265, Docket No. FAA-2007-0180,
Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-37-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD is effective November 15, 2011 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency
AD 2010-26-52, issued on December 10, 2010, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
Other Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-19-53 (72 FR 65224, November 20,
2007).
Applicability
(c) Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and
412EP helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor
blade (blade) having a part number and serial number, as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part No. Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
204-011-702-015........................... AFS-12703, AFS-12893, AFS-
23525, or AFS-23573.
204-011-702-121........................... A-22020.
212-010-750-105........................... *A-11923.
212-010-750-105FM......................... A-10090, A-10836, *A-10857,
A-11207, A-11332, *A-11617,
*A-11828, *A-12043, or *A-
12091.
212-010-750-113........................... A-14953, A-15090, or CS-
12702.
212-010-750-113FM......................... A-12240, *A-12286, A-12296,
*A-12398, A-12640, A-12670,
A-12789, A-13033, *A-13088,
A-13096, *A-13106, A-13134,
A-13199, A-13264, A-13366,
or *A-13539.
212-010-750-133........................... A-15602.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: The * indicates the newly added serial-numbered blades.
.Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by another incident in which the blade
tip weight separated from a blade during flight, causing vibration.
This incident led to the determination that additional blades could
be affected and should be added to the applicability. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of the blade tip
weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
Compliance
(e) Before further flight, unless accomplished previously.
(f) Replace any affected blade with an airworthy blade. An
airworthy blade is one that has a part number and a serial number
that is not listed in the Applicability section of this AD.
Note 2: Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 204-
07-61, Revision A, dated September 19, 2007, contains additional
information about the subject of this AD. Bell Alert Service
Bulletin No. 205-07-95, No. 205B-07-46, No. 212-07-125, No. 412CF-
07-30, and No. 412-07-123, all Revision B and all dated November 22,
2010, also contain additional information about the subject of this
AD. These Alert Service Bulletins are not incorporated by reference.
Special Flight Permit
(g) Special flight permits will not be issued.
[[Page 67054]]
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 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 Rotorcraft Certification Office, send
it to the attention of the person identified in the Additional
Information section of this AD.
Note 3: Before using any approved AMOC, we request that you
notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
Additional Information
(i)(1) For more information about this AD, contact: Martin R.
Crane, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft
Certification Office, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222-5170; fax (817) 222-5783; email: 7-AVS-ASW-170@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact: Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101,
telephone (817) 280-3391, fax (817) 280-6466, or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas during normal business hours.
Subject
(j) The Joint Aircraft System Component Code is: 6410 Tail Rotor
Blade.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 21, 2011.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-27769 Filed 10-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P