[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 192 (Friday, October 3, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59695-59697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23582]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0489; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-003-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening
of comment period.
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SUMMARY: We are revising and reopening the comment period for an
earlier notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for certain Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 206L-3 and 206L-4
helicopters. The NPRM proposes to require installing a placard and
revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM).
The NPRM was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine
turbine wheel failures caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine
speeds during steady-state operations. This action proposes to revise
the NPRM by adding certain Model 206L1 helicopters to the
applicability, excluding certain Model 206L3 and 206L4 helicopters from
the applicability, and changing the procedures for updating the RFM.
Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in
the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the
chance to comment on these proposed changes.
DATES: We must receive comments on this SNPRM by December 2, 2014.
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 foreign
authority's 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: James Blyn, 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
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to add an airworthiness
directive (AD) that would apply to certain Bell Model 206L-3 and 206L-4
helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 7,
2013 (78 FR 34282). The NPRM proposed to require installing a placard
on the instrument panel below the dual tachometer and revising the
Operating Limitations section of the Model 206L3 and 206L4 RFMs by
inserting pages that limit steady-state operations between speeds of
71.8% and 91.5%.
The NPRM was prompted by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD
No. CF-2005-28R1, dated June 14, 2007, to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Model 206L-3 and 206L-4 helicopters. TCCA, which is the
aviation authority for Canada, advises of several failures of third
stage turbine wheels used in Rolls-Royce 250-C30S and 250-C47B engines.
According to TCCA, Rolls-Royce determined that detrimental vibrations
can occur within a particular range of turbine speeds, and may be a
contributing factor to these failures. Bell has revised the RFM and
provided a corresponding decal to inform pilots to avoid steady-state
operations between 71.8% and 91.5% turbine speeds. The TCCA AD requires
amending the RFMs, advising pilots of the change, and installing a
decal as described in Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206L-05-
134, dated June 8, 2005, or later revisions.
[[Page 59696]]
Actions Since Previous NPRM was Issued
Since we issued the NPRM (78 FR 34282, June 7, 2013), we determined
that Bell Model 206L1 helicopters with Engine Upgrade Kit Part Number
(P/N) 206-706-520 installed should be included in the applicability.
Engine Upgrade Kit P/N 206-706-520 replaces the Rolls-Royce 250-C28B
engine with a Rolls-Royce 250-C30P engine. The condition causing the
failures of third stage turbine wheels used in Rolls-Royce 250-C30S and
250-C-47B engines could also exist in Rolls-Royce 250-C30P engines.
Lastly, we have determined that Bell Model 206L3 and 206L4 helicopters
having Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engines installed under Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) number SR00036SE are exempt from the requirements of
the proposed AD because that engine is not affected by the unsafe
condition. This SNPRM also changes the procedures for modifying the RFM
Limitations Section from inserting revised pages to making pen and ink
changes.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the previous NPRM
(78 FR 34282, June 7, 2013), and we received a comment from one
commenter.
Request
Rolls-Royce Corporation requested that in addition to requiring the
placard on the instrument panel, we allow operators the option to
temporarily mark the Nr/Np gauge with colored
tape to provide a more visual aide to the pilot for the speed avoidance
zone.
We disagree. Marking the glass surface of the gauge can create
parallax issues when viewing the avoidance ranges on the gauge,
resulting in erroneous readings.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this SNPRM because we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist
or develop on other products of these same type designs. Certain
changes described above expand the scope of the original NPRM (78 FR
34282, June 7, 2013). As a result, we have determined that it is
necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional
opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.
Related Service Information
Bell issued ASB No. 206L-05-134, Revision A, dated April 9, 2007,
which describes procedures for installing a placard on the instrument
panel below the main rotor RPM (Nr)/power turbine RPM (N2) dual
tachometer and for inserting the RFM changes into the flight manual.
Revision A of the ASB was issued to exclude Bell Model 206L-3 and 206L-
4 helicopters with 250-C20R engines installed under STC No. SR00036SE
from the requirements of the ASB.
Proposed Requirements of the SNPRM
This proposed AD would require installing a placard on the
instrument panel below the NR/N2 dual tachometer and also requires
revising the Operating Limitations section of the Model 206L3 and 206L4
RFMs to limit steady-state operations between speeds of 71.8% and
91.5%.
Differences Between This Supplemental NPRM and the TCCA AD
The TCCA AD requires compliance within 10 calendar days; this
proposed AD would require compliance within 30 days. This proposed AD
would be applicable to Model 206L-1 helicopters with Engine Upgrade Kit
P/N 206-706-520 installed because the same unsafe condition exits on
this model, and the TCCA AD is not.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 616 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this AD. Based on an average labor rate of $85
per hour, amending the RFM would require about 0.5 work-hour, for a
cost per helicopter of about $43 and a cost to U.S. operators of
$26,488. Installing the decal would require about 0.2 work-hour, and
required parts would cost $20, for a cost per helicopter of $37 and a
cost to U.S. operators of $22,792. Based on these estimates, the total
cost of this proposed AD would be $80 per helicopter and $49,280 for
the 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.
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 proposes to amend 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. Amend Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell): Docket No. FAA-2013-
0489; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-003-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to the following helicopters, certificated in
any category:
(1) Bell Model 206L-1 with an Engine Upgrade Kit Part Number (P/
N) No. 206-706-520-101 installed;
[[Page 59697]]
(2) Bell Model 206L-3, serial number (S/N) 51001 through 51612,
except those with a Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engine installed under
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SR00036SE; and
(3) Bell Model 206L-4, S/N 52001 through 52313, except those
with a Rolls-Royce 250-C20R engine installed under STC No.
SR00036SE.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a third stage turbine
vibration, which could result in turbine failure, engine power loss,
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 2, 2014.
(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
Within 30 days:
(1) Install placard P/N 230-075-213-117, or equivalent, on the
instrument panel directly below the dual tachometer.
(2) Revise the Operating Limitations section of the Rotorcraft
Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting a copy of this AD into the RFM or
by making pen and ink changes as follows:
(i) In the Power Plant section, beneath the Power Turbine RPM
header, add: Avoid continuous operations 71.8% to 91.5%.
(ii) In the Placards and Decals section, add: AVOID CONT OPS
71.8% TO 91.5% N2'' with the location identification ``Location:
Instrument Panel.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
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 No. 206L-05-134, Revision A,
dated April 9, 2007, which is not incorporated by reference,
contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For
service information identified in this 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 a
copy of the 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
Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD No. CF-2005-28R1, dated June 14, 2007. You
may view the TCCA AD at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA-2013-0489.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7250, Turbine
Section.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 17, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23582 Filed 10-2-14; 8:45 am]
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