86 FR 234 pgs. 69998-70000 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters
Type: RULEVolume: 86Number: 234Pages: 69998 - 70000
Pages: 69998, 69999, 70000Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; Project Identifier 2019-SW-009-AD; Amendment 39-21825; AD 2021-24-04]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2021-26605 Filed 12-8-21; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; Project Identifier 2019-SW-009-AD; Amendment 39-21825; AD 2021-24-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 505 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the determination that reducing the pressure altitude limitations for certain fuel types is necessary. This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
This AD is effective January 13, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of January 13, 2022.
ADDRESSES:
[top] For service information identified in this final rule, contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-433-0272; email productsupport@bellflight.com; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view the referenced 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. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0783.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; 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 Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The street 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:
Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email rao.edupuganti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 505 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 20, 2021 (86 FR 52109). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing RFM for your helicopter. Incorporating the RFM revision may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. This is an exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
The NPRM was prompted by Canadian AD CF-2019-08, dated March 5, 2019 (Canadian AD CF-2019-08), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters serial numbers 65011 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises of the need to reduce the altitude limitations for Jet B and JP-4 wide-cut fuels following unsatisfactory performance of the engine at the original higher altitude limitations with these wide-cut fuels. This condition, if not addressed, could result in low fuel pressure, engine flame-out, or engine power interruption (a change in any engine performance parameter-including but not limited to gas generator speed, power turbine speed, main gas temperature, or output torque-outside its normal limits for the prevailing operating conditions).
Accordingly, Canadian AD CF-2019-08 requires revising the RFM to reflect the reduced altitude operating limitations for Jet B and JP-4 wide-cut fuels.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs.
Conclusion
These 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, its technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant data 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 505 Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25, 2018, which specifies limitations, normal and emergency procedures, performance data, weight and balance information, and provides a list of approved optional equipment supplements. This revision of the service information includes an updated figure of the fuel operating envelope showing the reduced pressure altitude limitations for Jet B and JP-4 fuels.
This service information 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.
Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD
Canadian AD CF-2019-08 requires updating the RFM to Bell 505 RFM BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3 or later revisions approved by Transport Canada, whereas this AD requires revising the Limitations Section of the RFM for your helicopter by replacing the existing Figure 1-6. with Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 505 RFM BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25, 2018.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 73 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.
Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter would take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter or $3,139 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
[top] Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
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:
2021-24-04 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-21825; Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; Project Identifier 2019-SW-009-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 505 helicopters having serial number 65011 and subsequent, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7300, Engine fuel and control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the determination that reducing the pressure altitude limitations for certain fuel types is necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address unsatisfactory flight performance of the engine above pressure altitude limitations for Jet B and JP-4 fuels. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in low fuel pressure, engine flame-out, or engine power interruption.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations Section of the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by replacing Figure 1-6. with Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 505 Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25, 2018 (BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3). Using a different document with information identical to that in Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3 is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD. The action required by this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) 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 (i)(1) 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email rao.edupuganti@faa.gov.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD CF-2019-08, dated March 5, 2019. You may view the Transport Canada AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0783.
(j) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 505 Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-433-0272; email productsupport@bellflight.com; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support.
(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.
(5) You may view this service information 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 November 12, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26605 Filed 12-8-21; 8:45 am]
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