87 FR 227 pgs. 72899-72902 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Type: PRORULEVolume: 87Number: 227Pages: 72899 - 72902
Pages: 72899, 72900, 72901, 72902Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2022-25709 Filed 11-25-22; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
[top]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. This proposed AD would require determining if an affected TRDS is installed; repetitively inspecting the bond line for damage; repetitively performing a proof load test of the TRDS assembly; and depending on the results of the inspections or the proof load tests, removing an affected TRDS from service and replacing it with a serviceable TRDS. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing a TRDS unless it meets certain requirements, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES:
The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 12, 2023.
ADDRESSES:
You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; 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 NPRM, the Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference
• For Transport Canada material that is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR) in this NPRM, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca; internet tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find this IBR material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
• You may view this material 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.
Other Related Service Information: For Bell service information identified in this NPRM, 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 bellflight.com/support/contact-support. This service information is also available at the FAA contact information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES . Include "Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R" at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov , including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
[top] CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as "PROPIN." The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives that
Background
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33), to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3 and 206L-4 helicopters, all serial numbers.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report in which a Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206L-1 helicopter experienced loss of TR drive during a maintenance test flight, which was due to a failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the segmented TRDS assemblies.
The FAA is proposing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive bond of the TRDS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of TR drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. See Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires determining if a helicopter has an affected TRDS installed. If there is an affected TRDS installed, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires performing a repetitive detailed inspection of the bond line of the inboard end of the flange and, if there is damage, replacing the affected TRDS with a serviceable TRDS. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also requires performing a repetitive proof load test of the TRDS assembly and replacing any TRDS that fails the proof load test. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also prohibits installing a TRDS unless certain requirements are met.
This material 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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-20-139, Revision A, dated August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139 Rev A) for Model 206A, 206B, and TH-67 helicopters, and Bell ASB 206L-20-184, Revision C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C) for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This service information specifies procedures for repetitive detailed visual inspections and proof load tests of installed bonded TRDSs, and replacement of an affected bonded TRDS that fails a visual inspection or proof load test with a serviceable segmented bonded TRDS or a riveted TRDS. This service information also specifies that replacing all the bonded TRDS assemblies with riveted TRDS assemblies is a terminating action for the repetitive visual inspections and proof load tests.
The FAA reviewed Bell Helicopter Technical Bulletin (TB) No. 206-06-186, Revision B, dated September 7, 2007, and Bell Helicopter Textron TB No. 206L-02-207, Revision A, dated January 22, 2003, which both specify procedures for installing a riveted TRDS and rotor break disc; inspecting the aft short shaft and driveshaft assemblies; and stripping and painting the aft short shaft and driveshaft assemblies.
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 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 is proposing this AD after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as discussed under "Differences Between this Proposed AD, the Transport Canada AD, and the Service Information."
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to "Corrective Actions," compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled "Corrective Actions" in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33. Service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1488 after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD, the Transport Canada AD, and the Service Information
Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 specifies recording certain information in the event of a bond line failure and notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the findings, this proposed AD would not require recording any information or reporting any information to Bell Product Support Engineering.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 1,395 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 proposed AD.
Determining if an affected TRDS is installed would take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $59,985 for the U.S. fleet.
Inspecting the bond line and performing a proof load test would take about 1.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $128 per helicopter per inspection cycle.
Replacing an affected TRDS assembly would take about 12 work-hours and parts would cost up to $32,708 for an estimated cost of up to $33,728 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
[top] 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
The FAA 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 above, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 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
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:
Bell Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by January 12, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor Drive Shaft.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive bond of the TRDS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of TR drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33).
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires compliance in terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines "Affected TRDS," for this AD replace each instance of the text "affected TRDS," with " a TRDS with a part number (P/N) that is not one of the riveted TRDS P/Ns listed in the accomplishment instructions of Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-20-139, Revision A, dated August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139 Rev A) or Bell ASB 206L-20-184, Revision C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C) as applicable to your model helicopter."
(4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines "Serviceable part," for this AD replace each instance of the text "serviceable part," with "a riveted TRDS with a P/N that is listed in the accomplishment instructions of ASB 206-20-139 Rev A or ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C as applicable to your model helicopter; or an affected TRDS that has been inspected and proof load tested in accordance with the requirements of this AD within the past 300 hours TIS or within the last 12 months, whichever occurs first."
(5) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 specifies scrapping or discarding a part, this AD requires removing that part from service.
(6) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 specifies in the event of a bond line failure, recording the torque value at which it failed, the affected shaft position, part number, serial number, and which end failed, and notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the findings, this AD does not require recording any discrepancies or reporting any information to Bell Product Support Engineering.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(k) 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 (l) 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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
(m) 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) Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
[top] (3) For Transport Canada service information identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca. You may find the Transport Canada material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
(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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on November 18, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-25709 Filed 11-25-22; 8:45 am]
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