[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 92 (Monday, May 13, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27869-27872]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-11240]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0400; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-48-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
(Bell) Model Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Bell
[[Page 27870]]
Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230,
407, 427, and 430 helicopters. This proposed AD would require
inspecting each bearing to determine if it has been properly staked and
replacing the bearing or assembly if it has not been staked properly.
This proposed AD is prompted by bearings not being staked as required
and migrating out of their proper position, which may limit the
functionality of the affected part. The proposed actions are intended
to prevent failure of a bearing and the assembly in which it is
installed and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 12, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 proposed AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir,
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax
(450) 433-0272, or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may
review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
Worth, Texas 76137.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay.
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.
Discussion
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Canadian AD No. CF-2009-32, dated July 24, 2009, to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified Bell model helicopters. Transport
Canada advises that some bearings may not have been staked as required,
which may limit the proper functioning of the affected part. Bell, the
helicopter manufacturer, received two reports stating that a bearing
migrated out of a flight control lever. Investigation revealed that,
although the inspection witness mark was applied to the part, the
bearing had not been staked during manufacturing. Affected parts were
associated with a single Bell supplier. Review of the supplier's
manufacturing and quality process indicates inspection of additional
parts is necessary.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada has notified us
of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are proposing this AD
because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that
an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters
of these same type designs.
Related Service Information
Bell has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-09-122 for
Model 206A/B series; No. 206L-09-156 for Model 206L series; No. 222-09-
107 for Model 222 and 222B; No. 222U-09-78 for Model 222U; No. 230-09-
39 for Model 230; No. 407-09-88 for Model 407; No. 427-09-25 for Model
427; and No. 430-09-42, for Model 430, all dated April 7, 2009. The
ASBs specify inspecting for parts that contain bearings that have not
been staked.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require using a 10X or higher power
magnifying glass or a boroscope to inspect each bearing in each
affected part to determine if each bearing has been properly staked.
This proposed AD would only require parts that contain a serial number
with a prefix of ``TI'' or ``TIFS,'' or parts without a serial number
even if the part has a supplier marking with a circle around a ``T.M.''
over a ``1,'' to be inspected. If you cannot access the part to
determine if the bearing is properly staked, this proposed AD would
require removing the part from the helicopter to inspect it.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 2,601
helicopters of U.S. registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per
work-hour, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in
order to comply with this AD. It would take about 1 to 5 work-hours per
helicopter, depending on the model, to inspect for properly staked
bearings. Replacing a bearing would require about 2 work-hours and
would cost $3,306 for required parts. Based on an average inspection
time of 2 work-hours, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD to
inspect the helicopters would be $170 per helicopter and $442,170 for
the U.S. operator fleet. Replacing a bearing would cost $3,476 per
helicopter.
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.
[[Page 27871]]
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 product(s) identified in this
rulemaking action.
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
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed 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):
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2013-0400;
Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-48-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-
4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters as follows,
certificated in any category.
(1) Model 206A, Model 206B helicopters converted from Model
206A, and Model 206B with Bellcrank Assembly, part-number (P/N) 206-
001-526-001 or 206-001-538-009; Idler Link Assembly, P/N 206-010-
336-109; or Link Assembly, P/N 206-031-589-001, installed.
(2) Model 206L, Model 206L-1, Model 206L-3, and Model 206L-4
with Idler Assembly, P/N 206-001-549-101; Bellcrank Assembly, P/N
206-001-552-001; or Link Assembly, P/N 206-010-336-109, installed.
(3) Model 222 and Model 222B with
(i) Cyclic Link Assembly, P/N 222-010-419-110; or
(ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-
001 or 222-001-736-005, installed.
(4) Model 222U with
(i) Cyclic Link Assembly, P/N 222-010-419-110; or
(ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-
001 or 222-001-736-005, installed.
(5) Model 230 with
(i) Fitting Assembly Engine Bipod Mount, P/N 230-060-113-101,
230-060-113-102, 230-060-114-101, or 230-060-114-102; Cyclic Link
Assembly P/N 222-010-419-110; or
(ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-
001, or 222-001-736-005, installed.
(6) Model 407 with
(i) Bearing and Liner Assembly, P/N 406-010-417-101; Cyclic
Mixer Follower Assembly, P/N 407-001-325-101; Bellcrank Assembly, P/
N 407-001-524-105, 407-001-524-109, 407-001-526-105, 407-001-526-
109, 407-001-528-101, or 407-001-528-105; or
(ii) Beam Assembly, P/N 407-001-723-101, installed.
(7) Model 427 with Swashplate Lateral Link Assembly (upper and
lower bearing), P/N 427-001-021-101; Swashplate Longitudinal Link
Assembly (upper and lower bearing), P/N 427-001-022-101;
Transmission Mounted Longitudinal Bellcrank Assembly (pivot
bearing), P/N 427-001-521-105/-109; Transmission Mounted Lateral
Bellcrank Assembly (pivot bearing), P/N 427-001-520-109/-113; or
Bearing and Liner (lower drive link bearing), P/N 406-010-417-109,
installed.
(8) Model 427 with Tail Rotor Actuator Output Idler, P/N 427-
001-723-101, installed.
(9) Model 430 with
(i) Fitting Assembly Engine Bipod Mount, P/N 230-060-113-101,
230-060-113-102, 230-060-114-101, or 230-060-114-102; Bearing
Assembly M/R Rotating Controls, P/N 430-010-449-101; Rod End
Assembly Lift link, P/N 430-010-204-101 or 430-010-204-103, or
(ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-
001, or 222-001-736-005, installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as bearings that may not
have been staked as required and may migrate out of their proper
position and limit the functionality of the affected part. This
condition could result in failure of a bearing and the lever
assembly in which it is installed and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 12, 2013.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Perform each action required by this AD within the
compliance time for each part listed in the applicability paragraph
of this AD as follows: (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(6)(i), (a)(7), and
(a)(8), within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever
occurs first; (a)(3)(i), (a)(4)(i), (a)(5)(i), and (a)(9)(i), within
5 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first; (a)(3)(ii),
(a)(4)(ii), (a)(5)(ii), and (a)(9)(ii) within 150 hours TIS or 12
months, whichever occurs first; and (a)(6)(ii) within 300 hours TIS
or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
(2) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass or using a
boroscope, inspect each bearing and determine if the bearing has
been properly staked for each part that contains a part serial
number with a prefix of either ``TI'' or ``TIFS.''
(i) If a part does not contain a serial number, inspect the
bearing of that part even if that part contains a supplier marking.
(ii) If you cannot access the bearing while the part is
installed on the helicopter to make a determination as to whether
the bearing in
[[Page 27872]]
the part is properly staked, remove the part and inspect the bearing
using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass or using a boroscope.
(iii) If you find a part that is not properly staked, replace
the bearing or the assembly with an airworthy bearing or assembly
before further flight.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to Sharon Miles, ASW-111, Aviation
Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance
Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817)
222-5110, email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
(1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-09-122 for Models
206A and 206B; No. 206L-09-156 for Models 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and
206L-4; No. 222-09-107 for Models 222 and 222B; No. 222U-09-78 for
Model 222U; No. 230-09-39 for Model 230; No. 407-09-88 for Model
407; No. 427-09-25 for Model 427; and No. 430-09-42 for Model 430,
all dated April 7, 2009, which are not incorporated by reference,
contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For
service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450)
433-0272, or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review
the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD
No. CF-2009-32, dated July 24, 2009.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code: 6700 Rotorcraft
Flight Controls and 6710 Main Rotor Control.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 26, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-11240 Filed 5-10-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P