Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP Helicopters, 11295-11297 [E7-4525]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 48 / Tuesday, March 13, 2007 / Proposed Rules credit in a Federal Reserve Bank account or in the Treasury Account, General. If FNS requires only a portion of the face value of the bond or irrevocable letter of credit to satisfy a claim, the entire bond or irrevocable letter of credit will be negotiated, and the remaining amount returned to the firm. * * * * * PART 279—ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDICIAL REVIEW—FOOD RETAILERS AND FOOD WHOLESALERS § 278.7 Determination and disposition of claims—retail food stores and wholesale food concerns. 6. In § 279.1, revise paragraph (a)(6) to read as follows: * cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS violations such as the sale of common nonfood items in amounts normally found in a shopping basket, and FNS had not previously advised the firm of the possibility that violations were occurring and of the possible consequences of violating the regulations; or (ii) The firm has accepted food stamp benefits in payment for items sold to a household on credit. * * * * * 5. In § 278.7, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows: § 279.1 * * * * (b) Forfeiture of a collateral bond or draw down on an irrevocable letter of credit. If FNS establishes a claim against an authorized firm which has previously been sanctioned, collection of the claim may be through total or partial forfeiture of the collateral bond or draw down of the irrevocable letter of credit. If FNS determines that forfeiture or a draw down is required for collection of the claim, FNS shall take one or more of the following actions, as appropriate. (1) Determine the amount of the bond to be forfeited or irrevocable letter of credit drawn down on the basis of the loss to the Government through violations of the Act, and this Part, as detailed in a letter of charges to the firm; (2) Send written notification by method of proof of delivery to the firm and the bonding agent or commercial bank of FNS’ determination regarding forfeiture or draw down of all or a specified part of the collateral bond or irrevocable letter of credit and the reasons for the forfeiture or draw down action; (3) Advise the firm and the bonding agent or commercial bank of the firm’s right to administrative review of the claim determination; (4) Advise the firm and the bonding agent or commercial bank that if payment of the current claim is not received directly from the firm, FNS shall obtain full payment through forfeiture of the bond or draw down of the irrevocable letter of credit; (5) Proceed with collection on the bond or irrevocable letter of credit on the amount forfeited or drawn down if a request for review is not filed by the firm within the period established in § 279.5 of this chapter, or if such review is unsuccessful; and (6) Upon the expiration of time permitted for the filing of a request for administrative and/or judicial review, deposit the bond or irrevocable letter of VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:00 Mar 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 Jurisdiction and authority. * * * * * (a) * * * (6) Forfeiture of part or all of a collateral bond or a draw down of part or all of a letter of credit under § 278.1 of this chapter, if the request for review is made by the authorized firm. FNS shall not accept requests for review made by a bonding company or agent or commercial bank. * * * * * 7. In § 279.4, revise the last sentence in paragraph (a) to read as follows: § 279.4 Action upon receipt of a request for review. (a) * * * If the administrative action in question involves the denial of a claim brought by a firm against FNS, or the forfeiture of a collateral bond or the draw down on a irrevocable letter of credit, the designated reviewer shall direct the firm not be approved for participation, not be paid any part of the disputed claim, or not be reimbursed for any bond forfeiture or irrevocable letter of credit withdrawal, as appropriate until the designated reviewer has made a determination. * * * * * Dated: March 1, 2007. Nancy Montanez Johner, Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. [FR Doc. E7–4520 Filed 3–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 11295 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27496; Directorate Identifier 2005–SW–37–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 205A, 205A–1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) helicopters. That AD currently requires inspecting each affected tail rotor blade (blade) forward tip weight retention block (tip block) and the aft tip closure (tip closure) for adhesive bond voids, and removing any blade with an excessive void from service. That AD also requires modifying certain blades by installing shear pins and tip closure rivets. This action would contain the same requirements but would expand the applicability to include other part and serial-numbered blades. This AD would also clarify the requirement to reidentify the modified blade by adding ‘‘FM’’ after the part number and would require dynamically balancing the tail rotor. The existing AD was prompted by five occurrences of missing tip blocks or tip closures resulting in minor to substantial damage. This proposal was prompted by the determination that the AD should apply to other affected part and serial-numbered blades. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent loss of a tip block or tip closure, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Comments must be received on or before May 14, 2007. 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 DATES: E:\FR\FM\13MRP1.SGM 13MRP1 11296 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 48 / Tuesday, March 13, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101, telephone (817) 280–3391, fax (817) 280–6466. 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: Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Fort Worth, Texas 76193–0170, telephone (817) 222–5447, fax (817) 222–5783. 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–2007–27496, Directorate Identifier 2005–SW–37–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. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:39 Mar 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 On April 22, 2002, we issued AD 2002–09–04, Amendment 39–12737 (67 FR 22349, May 3, 2002), to require inspecting the tip block and the tip closure for adhesive bonding voids, and removing any blade with an excessive void from service. The AD also required modifying certain blades by installing shear pins and tip closure rivets in the tip area of the affected blades. That action was prompted by five occurrences of missing tip blocks or tip closures resulting in minor to substantial damage. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent loss of a tip block or tip closure, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Since issuing that AD, Bell has issued further revisions to Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) Nos. 205–00–80, 205B– 00–34, 212–00–111, 412–00–106, and 412CF–00–13, Revision A, dated December 20, 2000. The revisions add blades with a serial number (S/N) A or AFS–11530 to 13594, 13603 to 13618, and changed the ‘‘effectivity’’ of the blades. The latest revision, Revision D, dated March 18, 2005, provides an alternate fastener for the blade tip closure rivets installation. The revised ASB also states that blades with S/N A or AFS–11926, 13351, 13367, 13393, 13400, 13402, 13515, 13540, 13568, 13595 to 13602, and 13619 and subsequent will have the intent of the ASBs accomplished before delivery. The previously described unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Therefore, the proposed AD would supersede AD 2002–09–04 to expand the applicability for the blade part and serial number. The proposed AD would also clarify the requirement to re-identify the modified blade by adding ‘‘FM’’ after the part number and would also require dynamically balancing the tail rotor. Because blades with a S/N with a prefix of ‘‘A’’ or ‘‘AFS’’ and a number 11926, 13351, 13367, 13393, 13400, 13402, 13515, 13540, 13568, 13595 to 13602, and 13619 and subsequent will have the modification required by this AD accomplished before delivery, we would exclude them from the applicability of this AD. We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 281 helicopters of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 take about 3 work hours per helicopter to inspect certain blades, install the shear pins and tip closure rivets, reidentify the modified blades, and dynamically balance the blade assembly at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required supplies would cost about $35 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $77,275. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 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. E:\FR\FM\13MRP1.SGM 13MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 48 / Tuesday, March 13, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39–12737 (67 FR 22349, May 3, 2002), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as follows: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2007–27496; Directorate Identifier 2005–SW–37–AD. Supersedes AD 2002– 09–04, Amendment 39–12737, Docket No. 2001–SW–37–AD. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS Applicability Model 205A, 205A–1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters with a tail rotor blade (blade), part number 212–010– 750–009 through –129, all serial numbers except serial numbers with a prefix of ‘‘A’’ or ‘‘AFS’’ and the number 11926, 13351, 13367, 13393, 13400, 13402, 13515, 13540, 13568, 13595 through 13602, 13619, and subsequent assigned numbers, installed, certificated in any category. Compliance Within 100 hours time-in-service, unless accomplished previously. To prevent loss of the forward tip weight retention block (tip block) or aft tip closure (tip closure), loss of the blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Inspect the tip block and tip closure for voids. Remove from service any blade with a void in excess of that allowed by the Component Repair and Overhaul Manual limitations. (b) Inspect the tip block attachment countersink screws in four locations to determine if the head of each countersunk screw is flush with the surface of the abrasion strip. The locations of these four screws are depicted on Figure 1 of Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletins 205–00–80, 205B–00–34, 212–00– 111, 412–00–106, and 412CF–00–13, all Revision D, all dated March 18, 2005 (ASB). If any of these screws are set below the surface of the abrasion strip or are covered with filler material, install shear pins by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part A, Shear Pin Installation paragraphs, of the ASB appropriate for your model helicopter. (c) Install the aft tip closure rivets, reidentify the modified blade by adding an ‘‘FM,’’ and dynamically balance the tail rotor hub assembly by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, Aft Tip VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:43 Mar 12, 2007 Jkt 211001 Closure Rivet Installation paragraphs, of the ASB appropriate for your model helicopter. (d) 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 Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort Worth, Texas 76193– 0170, telephone (817) 222–5447, fax (817) 222–5783, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 28, 2007. S. Frances Cox, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–4525 Filed 3–12–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27495; Directorate Identifier 2005–SW–14–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1; EC–130B4; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters. This proposal would require, within the next 30 days, modifying the collective hold-down strap (strap) and thereafter inspecting it at specified intervals to ensure the rubber grommet is resting against the console or replacing the strap with an ECF designed strap that has a torsional spring at the lower end of the strap. This proposal is prompted by reports of two accidents occurring while the pilots were performing an autorotation. The pilots were unable to arrest the descent of the helicopter using collective blade pitch due to the collective stick locking in the down position when the collective was lowered during the maneuver. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent inadvertent locking of a collective stick in flight and the flight crew not being aware of the locked condition leading to a subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 14, 2007. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 11297 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. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vince Massey, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, Systems and Equipment Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056, telephone (425) 917–6475, fax (425) 917–6590. 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–2007–27495, Directorate Identifier 2005–SW–14AD’’ 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. E:\FR\FM\13MRP1.SGM 13MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 13, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11295-11297]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-4525]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27496; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-37-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 
205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) 
helicopters. That AD currently requires inspecting each affected tail 
rotor blade (blade) forward tip weight retention block (tip block) and 
the aft tip closure (tip closure) for adhesive bond voids, and removing 
any blade with an excessive void from service. That AD also requires 
modifying certain blades by installing shear pins and tip closure 
rivets. This action would contain the same requirements but would 
expand the applicability to include other part and serial-numbered 
blades. This AD would also clarify the requirement to re-identify the 
modified blade by adding ``FM'' after the part number and would require 
dynamically balancing the tail rotor. The existing AD was prompted by 
five occurrences of missing tip blocks or tip closures resulting in 
minor to substantial damage. This proposal was prompted by the 
determination that the AD should apply to other affected part and 
serial-numbered blades. The actions specified by this proposed AD are 
intended to prevent loss of a tip block or tip closure, loss of a 
blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 14, 2007.

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

[[Page 11296]]

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, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 
76101, telephone (817) 280-3391, fax (817) 280-6466.
    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: Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0170, telephone (817) 222-5447, fax (817) 222-
5783.

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-2007-
27496, Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-37-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

    On April 22, 2002, we issued AD 2002-09-04, Amendment 39-12737 (67 
FR 22349, May 3, 2002), to require inspecting the tip block and the tip 
closure for adhesive bonding voids, and removing any blade with an 
excessive void from service. The AD also required modifying certain 
blades by installing shear pins and tip closure rivets in the tip area 
of the affected blades. That action was prompted by five occurrences of 
missing tip blocks or tip closures resulting in minor to substantial 
damage. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent loss of a 
tip block or tip closure, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.
    Since issuing that AD, Bell has issued further revisions to Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) Nos. 205-00-80, 205B-00-34, 212-00-111, 412-00-
106, and 412CF-00-13, Revision A, dated December 20, 2000. The 
revisions add blades with a serial number (S/N) A or AFS-11530 to 
13594, 13603 to 13618, and changed the ``effectivity'' of the blades. 
The latest revision, Revision D, dated March 18, 2005, provides an 
alternate fastener for the blade tip closure rivets installation. The 
revised ASB also states that blades with S/N A or AFS-11926, 13351, 
13367, 13393, 13400, 13402, 13515, 13540, 13568, 13595 to 13602, and 
13619 and subsequent will have the intent of the ASBs accomplished 
before delivery.
    The previously described unsafe condition is likely to exist or 
develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Therefore, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 2002-09-04 to expand the applicability 
for the blade part and serial number. The proposed AD would also 
clarify the requirement to re-identify the modified blade by adding 
``FM'' after the part number and would also require dynamically 
balancing the tail rotor. Because blades with a S/N with a prefix of 
``A'' or ``AFS'' and a number 11926, 13351, 13367, 13393, 13400, 13402, 
13515, 13540, 13568, 13595 to 13602, and 13619 and subsequent will have 
the modification required by this AD accomplished before delivery, we 
would exclude them from the applicability of this AD.
    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 281 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 3 work hours per 
helicopter to inspect certain blades, install the shear pins and tip 
closure rivets, re-identify the modified blades, and dynamically 
balance the blade assembly at an average labor rate of $80 per work 
hour. Required supplies would cost about $35 per helicopter. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $77,275.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
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.

[[Page 11297]]

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 removing Amendment 39-12737 (67 FR 
22349, May 3, 2002), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
to read as follows:

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2007-27496; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-37-AD. Supersedes AD 2002-09-04, 
Amendment 39-12737, Docket No. 2001-SW-37-AD.

Applicability

    Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters 
with a tail rotor blade (blade), part number 212-010-750-009 through 
-129, all serial numbers except serial numbers with a prefix of 
``A'' or ``AFS'' and the number 11926, 13351, 13367, 13393, 13400, 
13402, 13515, 13540, 13568, 13595 through 13602, 13619, and 
subsequent assigned numbers, installed, certificated in any 
category.

Compliance

    Within 100 hours time-in-service, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent loss of the forward tip weight retention block (tip 
block) or aft tip closure (tip closure), loss of the blade, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Inspect the tip block and tip closure for voids. Remove from 
service any blade with a void in excess of that allowed by the 
Component Repair and Overhaul Manual limitations.
    (b) Inspect the tip block attachment countersink screws in four 
locations to determine if the head of each countersunk screw is 
flush with the surface of the abrasion strip. The locations of these 
four screws are depicted on Figure 1 of Bell Helicopter Textron, 
Inc. Alert Service Bulletins 205-00-80, 205B-00-34, 212-00-111, 412-
00-106, and 412CF-00-13, all Revision D, all dated March 18, 2005 
(ASB). If any of these screws are set below the surface of the 
abrasion strip or are covered with filler material, install shear 
pins by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part A, Shear Pin 
Installation paragraphs, of the ASB appropriate for your model 
helicopter.
    (c) Install the aft tip closure rivets, re-identify the modified 
blade by adding an ``FM,'' and dynamically balance the tail rotor 
hub assembly by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, 
Aft Tip Closure Rivet Installation paragraphs, of the ASB 
appropriate for your model helicopter.
    (d) 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 Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0170, telephone (817) 222-5447, fax (817) 
222-5783, for information about previously approved alternative 
methods of compliance.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 28, 2007.
S. Frances Cox,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-4525 Filed 3-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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