Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L Series Helicopters, 35836-35840 [06-5599]
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35836
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 71, No. 120
Thursday, June 22, 2006
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
10 CFR Part 440
RIN 1904–AB56
Weatherization Assistance Program for
Low-Income Persons
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
mstockstill on PROD1PC68 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Department of Energy
(DOE) is proposing to amend the
regulations for the Weatherization
Assistance Program for Low-Income
Persons to incorporate statutory changes
resulting from the passage of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005. Specifically, DOE
proposes to: define renewable energy
systems eligible for funding in the
Weatherization Assistance Program,
establish criteria for performance and
quality standards for eligible renewable
energy systems, establish procedures for
submission of and action on
manufacturer petitions for Secretarial
determinations of eligibility of
renewable energy technologies and
systems, and establish a ceiling for
funding of renewable energy systems in
the Weatherization Assistance Program.
DATES: Public comments on this
proposed rule will be accepted until
July 24, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by RIN 1904–AB56, by any of
the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• E-Mail:
Weatherization.rules@ee.doe.gov.
Include RIN 1904–AB56 in the subject
line of the message.
• Mail: Weatherization Assistance
Program, U.S. Department of Energy,
Mail Stop EE2K, 5E–066, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585.
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You may obtain copies of this notice
of proposed rulemaking and review
comments received by DOE by visiting
the DOE Freedom of Information
Reading Room, Department of Energy,
Room 1E–190, Forrestal Building, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586–3142,
between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Atcheson, Weatherization Assistance
Program, U.S. Department of Energy,
Mail Stop EE–2K, 5E–066, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586–0771.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR)
proposes to amend the program
regulations for the Weatherization
Assistance Program for Low-Income
Persons, which is authorized by Title
IV, Part A, of the Energy Conservation
and Production Act, as amended (Act),
42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq. The proposed
amendments are necessitated by certain
changes in the Weatherization
Assistance Program mandated in the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109–
58) (EPACT 2005). The proposed rule
would define renewable energy systems
eligible for funding in the
Weatherization Assistance Program,
establish criteria for performance and
quality standards for eligible renewable
energy systems, establish procedures for
submission of and action on
manufacturer petitions for Secretarial
determinations of eligibility of
renewable energy technologies and
systems, and establish a new ceiling for
funding of renewable energy systems in
the Weatherization Assistance Program.
Today, DOE is also publishing,
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal
Register, a direct final rule that makes
the amendments to the Weatherization
Assistance Program for Low-Income
Persons that are being proposed in this
NOPR. As explained in the preamble of
the direct final rule, DOE considers
these amendments not to be
controversial and unlikely to generate
any significant adverse or critical
comments. If no significant adverse or
critical comments are received on the
direct final rule, the direct final rule
will become effective on the date
specified in that rule, and there will be
no further action on this proposal. If
significant adverse or critical comments
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are timely received on the direct final
rule, DOE will withdraw the direct final
rule. The public comments will then be
addressed in a subsequent final rule
based on the rule proposed in this
NOPR (which is the same as the rule set
forth in the direct final rule). Because
DOE will not institute a second
comment period on this proposed rule,
any persons interested in commenting
should do so during this comment
period.
For further supplemental information,
the detailed description of the proposed
rule, and the proposed rule
amendments, see the information
provided in the notice of direct final
rulemaking in this Federal Register.
Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved
publication of today’s notice of
proposed rulemaking, as well as the
accompanying direct final rule.
List of Subjects 10 CFR Part 440
Administrative practice and
procedure, Aged, Energy conservation,
Grant programs—energy, Grant
programs—housing and community
development, Housing standards,
Indians, Individuals with disabilities,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Weatherization.
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 9, 2006.
Douglas L. Faulkner,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. E6–9857 Filed 6–21–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25084; Directorate
Identifier 2005–SW–38–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L
Series Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This document proposes
adopting a new airworthiness directive
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 120 / Thursday, June 22, 2006 / Proposed Rules
(AD) for the Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada (BHTC) Model 206L series
helicopters. This proposal would
require inspecting the fuel low-level
detector switch unit (switch unit) to
determine if it is a certain serialnumbered switch unit that may fail to
indicate a low fuel condition. If the
serial number is missing or unreadable,
the mounting flange of the switch unit
is not colored red or the purchase date
is within a certain range or cannot be
determined, this proposal would require
an operational test. The AD would also
require replacing before further flight
each affected switch unit with an
airworthy switch unit that is not listed
in the applicability of the AD. This
proposal is prompted by the
manufacturer’s discovery that eight
switch units may have a manufacturing
flaw that could cause them to hang in
the high position and fail to indicate a
low fuel condition. The actions
specified by this proposed AD are
intended to prevent failure of the switch
unit to indicate a low fuel condition that
could lead to fuel exhaustion and a
subsequent forced landing.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before August 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD:
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically;
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically;
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
US Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590;
• Fax: 202–493–2251; or
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information
identified in this proposed AD from Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue
de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4,
telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–
8023, fax (450) 433–0272.
You may examine the comments to
this proposed AD in the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety
Management Group, Fort Worth, Texas
76193–0112, telephone (817) 222–5116,
fax (817) 222–5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written
data, views, or arguments regarding this
proposed AD. Send your comments to
the address listed under the caption
ADDRESSES. Include the docket number
‘‘FAA–2006–25084, Directorate
Identifier 2005–SW–38–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
the proposed AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in
light of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed
rulemaking. Using the search function
of our docket Web site, you can find and
read the comments to any of our
dockets, including the name of the
individual who sent or signed the
comment. You may review the DOT’s
complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11,
2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit
https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the docket that
contains the proposed AD, any
comments, and other information in
person at the Docket Management
System (DMS) Docket Office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647–
5227) is located at the plaza level of the
Department of Transportation Nassif
Building in Room PL–401 at 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after the DMS receives
them.
Discussion
Transport Canada, the airworthiness
authority for Canada, notified the FAA
that an unsafe condition may exist on
BHTC Model 206L series helicopters.
Transport Canada advises that eight low
fuel level detectors of listed serial
numbers may have been installed on
Model 206L series helicopters. These
detectors could hang in the high
position and fail to indicate the low fuel
condition. Transport Canada advises
removing from service switch unit, part
number 206–063–613–003, serial
numbers 1413, 1414, 1415, 1424, 1428,
1430, 1432, and 1433.
BHTC has issued Alert Service
Bulletin No. 206L–04–132, Revision A,
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35837
dated October 4, 2004 (ASB). The ASB
specifies determining whether any of
eight specified, serial-numbered
detector switch units are installed
because they may fail to indicate a low
fuel condition. If the serial number is
missing or unreadable, the ASB
specifies inspecting the switch unit to
determine if it is an affected switch unit.
The ASB also specifies removing each
affected switch unit. Transport Canada
classified this ASB as mandatory and
issued AD No. CF–2004–24, dated
November 24, 2004, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these
helicopters in Canada.
These helicopter models are
manufactured in Canada and are type
certificated for operation in the United
States under the provisions of 14 CFR
21.29 and the applicable bilateral
agreement. Pursuant to the applicable
bilateral agreement, Transport Canada
has kept us informed of the situation
described above. We have examined the
findings of Transport Canada, reviewed
all available information, and
determined that AD action is necessary
for products of these type designs that
are certificated for operation in the
United States.
This previously described unsafe
condition is likely to exist or develop on
other helicopters of these same type
designs registered in the United States.
Therefore, the proposed AD would
require, on or before the next 100-hour
time-in-service inspection, determining
whether the low fuel level detector
switch unit has a S/N listed in the
applicability of this AD. If the serial
number is missing or unreadable, this
proposal would also require
determining whether it is an affected
switch unit. This AD would also
require, before further flight, replacing
each affected switch unit with an
airworthy switch unit that is not listed
in the applicability of this AD.
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 719 helicopters of U.S.
registry and would take about:
• 1⁄2 work hour to determine the
serial number,
• 4 work hours to do a test of the low
fuel caution system,
• 4 work hours to replace an affected
switch per helicopter at $65 per work
hour, and
• $426 to replace each switch unit.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the total cost impact of the proposed AD
on U.S. operators to be $91,480,
assuming 10 percent of the fleet switch
units (72) are replaced.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
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35838
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 120 / Thursday, June 22, 2006 / Proposed Rules
implications under Executive Order
13132. Additionally, 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 that the 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); 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.
We prepared a draft economic
evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the
DMS to examine the draft economic
evaluation.
Authority for This Rulemaking
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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
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15:29 Jun 21, 2006
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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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the
authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend part
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations
(14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
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Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by
adding a new airworthiness directive to
read as follows:
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Docket No.
FAA–2006–25084; Directorate Identifier
2005–SW–38–AD.
Applicability
Model 206L series helicopters, with low
fuel level detector switch unit (switch unit),
part number 206–063–613–003, serial
numbers 1413, 1414, 1415, 1424, 1428, 1430,
1432, and 1433, installed, certificated in any
category.
Compliance
Required as indicated, unless
accomplished previously.
To prevent failure of the switch unit to
indicate a low fuel condition that could lead
to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced
landing, do the following:
(a) On or before the next 100-hour time-inservice inspection, determine whether the
installed switch unit has a serial number
listed in the applicability section of this AD.
If the installed switch unit is one of the listed
switch units, before further flight, replace it
with an airworthy switch unit that has a
serial number other than those listed in the
applicability section of this AD. See Figure
1 of this AD for the location of the serial
number.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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35839
EP22JN06.000</GPH>
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 120 / Thursday, June 22, 2006 / Proposed Rules
35840
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 120 / Thursday, June 22, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Note 1: Bell Helicopter Textron Alert
Service Bulletin No. 206L–04–132, Revision
A, dated October 4, 2004, pertains to the
subject of this AD.
(b) If the switch unit serial number is
missing or unreadable, determine the color of
the switch unit mounting flange.
(1) If the mounting flange color is red, the
switch unit is not affected by this AD.
(2) If the mounting flange color is other
than red; the purchase date of the switch unit
is between April 19 and July 26, 2004, or
cannot be established; and the serial number
cannot be identified, do an operational test.
If the switch unit passes the operational test,
this AD requires no further action. If the
switch unit fails the operational test, before
further flight, replace the switch unit with an
airworthy switch unit that does not have a
serial number listed in the applicability
section of this AD.
(c) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Chinh
Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth,
Texas 76193–0112, telephone (817) 222–
5116, fax (817) 222–5961, for information
about previously approved alternative
methods of compliance.
Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: This document proposes
adopting a new airworthiness directive
(AD) for the specified restricted category
type-certificated helicopters. The AD
would require a review of the helicopter
records to determine the Commercial
and Government Entity (CAGE) code of
the tail rotor (T/R) slider. If the T/R
slider is FAA approved or has a certain
legible CAGE code, this AD would
require no further action. If you cannot
determine whether the T/R slider is
FAA approved and it has no stamped
CAGE code, an illegible stamped CAGE
code, or an affected CAGE code, the AD
would also require, before further flight
and at specified intervals, magnaflux
inspecting the T/R slider for a crack. If
a crack is found, the AD would require,
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed
in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF–2004–
24, dated November 24, 2004.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 12,
2006.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–5599 Filed 6–21–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–C
before further flight, replacing the T/R
slider with an airworthy T/R slider. The
AD would also require replacing the
T/R slider with an airworthy T/R slider
on or before accumulating 1,000 hours
time-in-service (TIS) or on or before 12
months, whichever occurs first. This
proposal is prompted by two accidents
attributed to sub-standard T/R sliders
that failed during flight. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are
intended to prevent failure of a T/R
slider, loss of T/R control, and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before August 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD:
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically;
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically;
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590;
• Fax: 202–493–2251; or
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may examine the comments to
this proposed AD in the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kreg
Voorhies, Aerospace Engineer, Denver
Aircraft Certification Office (ANM–
100D), 26805 E. 68th Ave., Room 214,
Denver, Colorado 80249, telephone
(303) 342–1092, fax (303) 342–1088.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written
data, views, or arguments regarding this
proposed AD. Send your comments to
the address listed under the caption
ADDRESSES. Include the docket number
‘‘FAA–2006–25097, Directorate
Identifier 2005–SW–19–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
the proposed AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in
light of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to
https://dms.dot.gov, including any
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25097; Directorate
Identifier 2005–SW–19–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Arrow
Falcon Exporters, Inc. (Previously Utah
State University); Firefly Aviation
Helicopter Services (Previously
Erickson Air-Crane Co.); California
Department of Forestry; Garlick
Helicopters, Inc.; Global Helicopter
Technology, Inc.; Hagglund
Helicopters, LLC (Previously Western
International Aviation, Inc.);
International Helicopters, Inc.;
Precision Helicopters, LLC; Robinson
Air Crane, Inc.; San Joaquin
Helicopters (Previously Hawkins and
Powers Aviation, Inc.); S.M.&T. Aircraft
(Previously US Helicopters, Inc., UNC
Helicopter, Inc., Southern Aero
Corporation, and Wilco Aviation);
Smith Helicopters; Southern
Helicopter, Inc.; Southwest Florida
Aviation International, Inc. (Previously
Jamie R. Hill and Southwest Florida
Aviation); Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.
(Previously Ranger Helicopter
Services, Inc.); US Helicopter, Inc.
(Previously UNC Helicopter, Inc.); West
Coast Fabrication; and Williams
Helicopter Corporation (Previously
Scott Paper Co.) Model HH–1K, TH–1F,
TH–1L, UH–1A, UH–1B, UH–1E, UH–1F,
UH–1H, UH–1L, and UH–1P
Helicopters; and Southwest Florida
Aviation Model SW204, SW204HP,
SW205, and SW205A–1 Helicopters
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AGENCY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 120 (Thursday, June 22, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35836-35840]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-5599]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25084; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-38-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model
206L Series Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive
[[Page 35837]]
(AD) for the Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206L series
helicopters. This proposal would require inspecting the fuel low-level
detector switch unit (switch unit) to determine if it is a certain
serial-numbered switch unit that may fail to indicate a low fuel
condition. If the serial number is missing or unreadable, the mounting
flange of the switch unit is not colored red or the purchase date is
within a certain range or cannot be determined, this proposal would
require an operational test. The AD would also require replacing before
further flight each affected switch unit with an airworthy switch unit
that is not listed in the applicability of the AD. This proposal is
prompted by the manufacturer's discovery that eight switch units may
have a manufacturing flaw that could cause them to hang in the high
position and fail to indicate a low fuel condition. The actions
specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the
switch unit to indicate a low fuel condition that could lead to fuel
exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically;
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically;
Mail: Docket Management Facility; US Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590;
Fax: 202-493-2251; or
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450)
433-0272.
You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket
on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Fort Worth, Texas
76193-0112, telephone (817) 222-5116, fax (817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address listed
under the caption ADDRESSES. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
25084, Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-38-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the search
function of our docket Web site, you can find and read the comments to
any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent or
signed the comment. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477-78), or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the proposed AD, any
comments, and other information in person at the Docket Management
System (DMS) Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-
647-5227) is located at the plaza level of the Department of
Transportation Nassif Building in Room PL-401 at 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Washington, DC. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
Transport Canada, the airworthiness authority for Canada, notified
the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on BHTC Model 206L series
helicopters. Transport Canada advises that eight low fuel level
detectors of listed serial numbers may have been installed on Model
206L series helicopters. These detectors could hang in the high
position and fail to indicate the low fuel condition. Transport Canada
advises removing from service switch unit, part number 206-063-613-003,
serial numbers 1413, 1414, 1415, 1424, 1428, 1430, 1432, and 1433.
BHTC has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L-04-132, Revision A,
dated October 4, 2004 (ASB). The ASB specifies determining whether any
of eight specified, serial-numbered detector switch units are installed
because they may fail to indicate a low fuel condition. If the serial
number is missing or unreadable, the ASB specifies inspecting the
switch unit to determine if it is an affected switch unit. The ASB also
specifies removing each affected switch unit. Transport Canada
classified this ASB as mandatory and issued AD No. CF-2004-24, dated
November 24, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
helicopters in Canada.
These helicopter models are manufactured in Canada and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the
applicable bilateral agreement, Transport Canada has kept us informed
of the situation described above. We have examined the findings of
Transport Canada, reviewed all available information, and determined
that AD action is necessary for products of these type designs that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
This previously described unsafe condition is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of these same type designs registered in
the United States. Therefore, the proposed AD would require, on or
before the next 100-hour time-in-service inspection, determining
whether the low fuel level detector switch unit has a S/N listed in the
applicability of this AD. If the serial number is missing or
unreadable, this proposal would also require determining whether it is
an affected switch unit. This AD would also require, before further
flight, replacing each affected switch unit with an airworthy switch
unit that is not listed in the applicability of this AD.
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 719 helicopters of
U.S. registry and would take about:
\1/2\ work hour to determine the serial number,
4 work hours to do a test of the low fuel caution system,
4 work hours to replace an affected switch per helicopter
at $65 per work hour, and
$426 to replace each switch unit.
Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $91,480, assuming 10 percent of the
fleet switch units (72) are replaced.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
[[Page 35838]]
implications under Executive Order 13132. Additionally, 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 that the 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); 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.
We prepared a draft economic evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the DMS to examine the draft economic
evaluation.
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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2006-25084;
Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-38-AD.
Applicability
Model 206L series helicopters, with low fuel level detector
switch unit (switch unit), part number 206-063-613-003, serial
numbers 1413, 1414, 1415, 1424, 1428, 1430, 1432, and 1433,
installed, certificated in any category.
Compliance
Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent failure of the switch unit to indicate a low fuel
condition that could lead to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced
landing, do the following:
(a) On or before the next 100-hour time-in-service inspection,
determine whether the installed switch unit has a serial number
listed in the applicability section of this AD. If the installed
switch unit is one of the listed switch units, before further
flight, replace it with an airworthy switch unit that has a serial
number other than those listed in the applicability section of this
AD. See Figure 1 of this AD for the location of the serial number.
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[[Page 35839]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22JN06.000
[[Page 35840]]
Note 1: Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L-
04-132, Revision A, dated October 4, 2004, pertains to the subject
of this AD.
(b) If the switch unit serial number is missing or unreadable,
determine the color of the switch unit mounting flange.
(1) If the mounting flange color is red, the switch unit is not
affected by this AD.
(2) If the mounting flange color is other than red; the purchase
date of the switch unit is between April 19 and July 26, 2004, or
cannot be established; and the serial number cannot be identified,
do an operational test. If the switch unit passes the operational
test, this AD requires no further action. If the switch unit fails
the operational test, before further flight, replace the switch unit
with an airworthy switch unit that does not have a serial number
listed in the applicability section of this AD.
(c) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
ATTN: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas
76193-0112, telephone (817) 222-5116, fax (817) 222-5961, for
information about previously approved alternative methods of
compliance.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada
(Canada) AD CF-2004-24, dated November 24, 2004.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 12, 2006.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-5599 Filed 6-21-06; 8:45 am]
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