Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206L, L-1, L-3, L-4, and 407 Helicopters, 39570-39572 [E8-14719]
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39570
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 133 / Thursday, July 10, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
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, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration
amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
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:
I
2008–14–01 Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada: Amendment 39–15596. Docket
No. FAA–2008–0039; Directorate
Identifier 2006–SW–13–AD.
Applicability: The following model
helicopters, certificated in any category:
Model No.
Serial Nos.
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES
222 .....................
222B ...................
222U ...................
230 .....................
430 .....................
47006
47131
47501
23001
49001
through
through
through
through
through
47089.
47156.
47574.
23038.
49101.
Compliance: Required within 50 hours
time-in-service, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent interruption of the fuel supply
caused by failure of the fuel switch, which
could result in loss of engine power and
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16:54 Jul 09, 2008
Jkt 214001
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter,
accomplish the following:
(a) Rewire the No. 1 and No. 2 engines’ fuel
valve switch, part number 10648BH1–1, and
test the fuel valve switches and the ignitor
system, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions in Bell
Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin (TB)
No. 222–03–171, Part 1, applicable to Model
222 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 47006–
47038, and Part 2, applicable to Model 222
helicopters, S/N 47039–47089, and Model
222B helicopters, S/N 47131–47156; TB No.
222U–03–96, applicable to Model 222U
helicopters; TB No. 230–03–35, applicable to
Model 230 helicopters; and TB No. 430–03–
33, applicable to Model 430 helicopters. All
of the technical bulletins are dated June 11,
2003.
(b) 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, Safety
Management Group, ATTN: George Schwab,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Directorate, FAA, Fort Worth, Texas 76193–
0110, telephone (817) 222–5114, fax (817)
222–5961, for information about previously
approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) The rewiring and testing shall be done
in accordance with the specified portions of
Bell Helicopter Textron Technical Bulletin
No. 222–03–171, No. 222U–03–96, No. 230–
03–35, and No. 430–03–33, all dated June 11,
2003. The Director of the Federal Register
approved this incorporation by reference in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained 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. Copies may be inspected at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
(d) This amendment becomes effective on
August 14, 2008.
Note: The subject of this AD is addressed
in Transport Canada (Canada) AD CF–2006–
03, dated February 28, 2006.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 12,
2008.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–14718 Filed 7–9–08; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0258; Directorate
Identifier 2007–SW–22–AD; Amendment 39–
15601; AD 2008–14–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Model
206L, L–1, L–3, L–4, and 407
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
specified Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada (BHTC) helicopters. This AD
results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority to
identify and correct an unsafe condition
on an aviation product. The Aviation
Authority of Canada with whom we
have a bilateral agreement states in the
MCAI: ‘‘Horizontal stabilizers part
numbers 206–023–119–167 and 407–
023–801–109 may have manufacturing
flaws on the inside surface of the upper
and/or lower skin at the tailboom
attachment inserts. These flaws may
result in cracking of the skin and failure
of the horizontal stabilizer.’’
The manufacturer’s service
information states that in addition to
cracks, the horizontal stabilizer may
have deformation or debonding around
and between the inserts. We are issuing
this AD to require actions to correct the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on
August 14, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of August 14, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
regulations.gov or in person at the
Docket Operations office, U.S.
Department of Transportation, M–30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
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 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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 133 / Thursday, July 10, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Examining the AD Docket: The AD
docket contains the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM), the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address
and operating hours for the Docket
Operations office (telephone (800) 647–
5527) are in the ADDRESSES section of
this AD. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after they are
received.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations
and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas
76193–0111, telephone (817) 222–5122,
fax (817) 222–5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the BHTC Model Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Models
206L, L–1, L–3, L–4, and 407
helicopters on February 28, 2008. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 7, 2008 (73 FR
12303). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states: ‘‘Horizontal
stabilizers part numbers 206–023–119–
167 and 407–023–801–109 may have
manufacturing flaws on the inside
surface of the upper and/or lower skin
at the tailboom attachment inserts.
These flaws may result in cracking of
the skin and failure of the horizontal
stabilizer.’’
The manufacturer’s service
information states that in addition to
cracks, the horizontal stabilizer may
have deformation or debonding around
and between the inserts.
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI and any related
service information in the AD docket.
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES
Comments
By publishing the NPRM, we gave the
public an opportunity to participate in
developing this AD. However, we
received no comment on the NPRM or
on our determination of the cost to the
public. Therefore, based on our review
and evaluation of the available data, we
have determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
as proposed, except for correcting a
typographical error in the preamble.
Under the heading, ‘‘Relevant Service
Information,’’ we have corrected the
name of the manufacturer issuing the
service bulletins to BHTC rather than
Transport Canada. This change will
neither increase the economic burden
on any operator nor increase the scope
of the AD.
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16:54 Jul 09, 2008
Jkt 214001
39571
Relevant Service Information
BHTC has issued Alert Service
Bulletin No. 206L–06–141 and No. 407–
06–72, both dated September 12, 2006.
The actions described in the MCAI are
intended to correct the same unsafe
condition as that identified in the
service information.
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
product(s) identified in this rulemaking
action.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI AD
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance.
However, we have changed the alternate
compliance time from May 9, 2007, to
within 30 days, and we have not
mandated replacing the horizontal
stabilizer by a certain date. In making
this change, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI.
Differences are highlighted in the
‘‘Differences Between the FAA AD and
the MCAI’’ section in the proposed AD.
Regulatory Findings
Costs of Compliance
We estimate this AD will affect 59
horizontal stabilizers (27–206L and 32–
407 models) on about 1156 products of
U.S. registry and will take about:
• 2.5 work hours to determine if the
affected part is installed on the
helicopter,
• 4 work hours to perform the initial
and 600-hour recurring inspection, and
• 8 work hours to remove and replace
an affected part.
The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour and required parts cost about
$20,173 for the Model 206L series and
$25,669 for the Model 407 helicopters.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be
$1,663,519, assuming the entire fleet is
examined for the affected part; 59
helicopters with the affected parts
undergo the initial inspection; 30
helicopters with the affected part
undergo one recurring 600-hour
inspection; and all 59 affected parts are
replaced.
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
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Fmt 4700
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We determined that 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.
Therefore, I certify this AD:
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 an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
I
2008–14–06 Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada: Amendment 39–15601, Docket
No. FAA–2008–0258; Directorate
Identifier 2007–SW–22–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective on August 14, 2008.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Models 206L, 206L–
1, 206L–3, and 206L–4 helicopters with
E:\FR\FM\10JYR1.SGM
10JYR1
39572
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 133 / Thursday, July 10, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
horizontal stabilizer, part number (P/N) 206–
023–119–167, and Model 407 helicopters
with horizontal stabilizer, P/N 407–023–801–
109, installed, certificated in any category.
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
‘‘Horizontal stabilizers part numbers 206–
023–119–167 and 407–023–801–109 may
have manufacturing flaws on the inside
surface of the upper and/or lower skin at the
tailboom attachment inserts. These flaws may
result in cracking of the skin and failure of
the horizontal stabilizer.’’
The manufacturer’s service information
states that in addition to cracks, the
horizontal stabilizer may have deformation or
debonding around and between the inserts.
This AD requires actions that are intended to
address all these unsafe conditions.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Within the next 100 hours time-inservice (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs
first, unless done previously.
(1) Determine whether you have an
affected serial numbered horizontal stabilizer
installed by removing the elevators from the
horizontal stabilizer. Access the horizontal
stabilizer identification tag containing the
horizontal stabilizer serial number as shown
in Figure 1 and remove the elevators by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
Part I, of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
(BHTC) Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
206L–06–141, dated September 12, 2006,
applicable to the Model 206L series
helicopter (206L ASB) or BHTC ASB No.
407–06–72, dated September 12, 2006,
applicable to the Model 407 helicopters (407
ASB).
(2) If the serial number on the
identification tag is a serial number listed in
Table 1 of the 206L ASB or 407 ASB, inspect
the horizontal stabilizer as follows:
(i) Using a 10× or higher magnifying glass,
inspect the horizontal stabilizer for a crack or
deformation around the areas of the inserts.
Also, using a tap test method, inspect for
debonding between the inserts by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, of
either the 206L ASB or 407 ASB, as
applicable.
(ii) If you find a crack, deformation, or
debonding, replace the horizontal stabilizer
with an airworthy horizontal stabilizer that
does not have a serial number listed in Table
1 of the 206L ASB or 407 ASB. Replace the
horizontal stabilizer by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, of
either the 206L ASB or the 407 ASB, as
applicable.
(iii) If you do not find a crack, deformation,
or debonding, thereafter, at intervals not to
exceed 600 hours TIS or during each annual
inspection, whichever occurs first, repeat the
inspection required by paragraph (e)(2)(i) of
this AD.
(f) Replacing any horizontal stabilizer
containing a serial number listed in Table 1
of 206L ASB or 407 ASB with a horizontal
stabilizer that does not contain such a serial
number by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part III, of either the 206L ASB
or 407 ASB, as applicable, constitutes
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16:54 Jul 09, 2008
Jkt 214001
terminating actions for the requirements of
this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
AD
(g) The MCAI requires compliance ‘‘within
the next 100 hours air time but no later than
9 May 2007.’’ This AD requires compliance
within the next 100 hours TIS or 30 days,
whichever occurs first, unless done
previously. Also, the MCAI requires
replacing the horizontal stabilizer by
September 30, 2008, and we have not
mandated a compliance time for replacing
the horizontal stabilizer.
Other Information
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN Sharon Miles, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort
Worth, Texas 76193–0111, telephone (817)
222–5122, fax (817) 222–5961.
Related Information
(i) MCAI Transport Canada AD No. CF–
2007–03, dated March 27, 2007, contains
related information.
Air Transport Association of America (ATA)
Tracking Code
(j) ATA Code 5510: Horizontal Stabilizer
Structure.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the specified portions of
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service
Bulletin No. 206L–06–141 or No. 407–06–72,
both dated September 12, 2006, to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact 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.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76193; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/
cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on June 19,
2008.
Judy I. Carl,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–14719 Filed 7–9–08; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0256; Directorate
Identifier 2007–SW–01–AD; Amendment 39–
15597; AD 2008–14–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Agusta
S.p.A. Model AB 139 and AW 139
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta
S.p.A. Model AB 139 and AW 139
helicopters. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), the Technical Agent for Italy,
with which we have a bilateral
agreement, which indicates that the
Agusta AB 139’s and AW 139’s Fuselage
Frame 5700 middle section is prone to
fatigue damage. The actions are
intended to detect cracks in the fuselage
frame structure and to prevent structural
failure in this area.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on
August 14, 2008.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of
August 14, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
regulations.gov or in person at the
Docket Operations office, U.S.
Department of Transportation, M–30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
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 AD from Agusta,
21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA)
Italy, Via Giovanni Agusta 520,
telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39
(0331) 229605–222595.
Examining the AD Docket: The AD
docket contains the NPRM, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address and operating hours for
the Docket Operations office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) are in the ADDRESSES
section of this AD. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
they are received.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer,
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 133 (Thursday, July 10, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39570-39572]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-14719]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0258; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-22-AD;
Amendment 39-15601; AD 2008-14-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model
206L, L-1, L-3, L-4, and 407 Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) helicopters. This AD
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The Aviation Authority of Canada with
whom we have a bilateral agreement states in the MCAI: ``Horizontal
stabilizers part numbers 206-023-119-167 and 407-023-801-109 may have
manufacturing flaws on the inside surface of the upper and/or lower
skin at the tailboom attachment inserts. These flaws may result in
cracking of the skin and failure of the horizontal stabilizer.''
The manufacturer's service information states that in addition to
cracks, the horizontal stabilizer may have deformation or debonding
around and between the inserts. We are issuing this AD to require
actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 14, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 14,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations office, U.S.
Department of Transportation, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 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 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.
[[Page 39571]]
Examining the AD Docket: The AD docket contains the Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address and operating hours
for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) are in the
ADDRESSES section of this AD. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after they are received.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group,
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-
5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that
would apply to the BHTC Model Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Models
206L, L-1, L-3, L-4, and 407 helicopters on February 28, 2008. That
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 7, 2008 (73 FR
12303). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states: ``Horizontal stabilizers part
numbers 206-023-119-167 and 407-023-801-109 may have manufacturing
flaws on the inside surface of the upper and/or lower skin at the
tailboom attachment inserts. These flaws may result in cracking of the
skin and failure of the horizontal stabilizer.''
The manufacturer's service information states that in addition to
cracks, the horizontal stabilizer may have deformation or debonding
around and between the inserts.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI and any
related service information in the AD docket.
Comments
By publishing the NPRM, we gave the public an opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. However, we received no comment on
the NPRM or on our determination of the cost to the public. Therefore,
based on our review and evaluation of the available data, we have
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD as proposed, except for correcting a typographical error in the
preamble. Under the heading, ``Relevant Service Information,'' we have
corrected the name of the manufacturer issuing the service bulletins to
BHTC rather than Transport Canada. This change will neither increase
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Relevant Service Information
BHTC has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L-06-141 and No. 407-
06-72, both dated September 12, 2006. The actions described in the MCAI
are intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in
the service information.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. However, we have changed the
alternate compliance time from May 9, 2007, to within 30 days, and we
have not mandated replacing the horizontal stabilizer by a certain
date. In making this change, we do not intend to differ substantively
from the information provided in the MCAI.
Differences are highlighted in the ``Differences Between the FAA AD
and the MCAI'' section in the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate this AD will affect 59 horizontal stabilizers (27-206L
and 32-407 models) on about 1156 products of U.S. registry and will
take about:
2.5 work hours to determine if the affected part is
installed on the helicopter,
4 work hours to perform the initial and 600-hour recurring
inspection, and
8 work hours to remove and replace an affected part.
The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour and required parts cost
about $20,173 for the Model 206L series and $25,669 for the Model 407
helicopters. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on
U.S. operators to be $1,663,519, assuming the entire fleet is examined
for the affected part; 59 helicopters with the affected parts undergo
the initial inspection; 30 helicopters with the affected part undergo
one recurring 600-hour inspection; and all 59 affected parts are
replaced.
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 product(s) identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that 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.
Therefore, I certify this AD:
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 an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2008-14-06 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39-15601,
Docket No. FAA-2008-0258; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-22-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on
August 14, 2008.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Models 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4
helicopters with
[[Page 39572]]
horizontal stabilizer, part number (P/N) 206-023-119-167, and Model
407 helicopters with horizontal stabilizer, P/N 407-023-801-109,
installed, certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states: ``Horizontal stabilizers part numbers 206-023-119-167 and
407-023-801-109 may have manufacturing flaws on the inside surface
of the upper and/or lower skin at the tailboom attachment inserts.
These flaws may result in cracking of the skin and failure of the
horizontal stabilizer.''
The manufacturer's service information states that in addition
to cracks, the horizontal stabilizer may have deformation or
debonding around and between the inserts. This AD requires actions
that are intended to address all these unsafe conditions.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days,
whichever occurs first, unless done previously.
(1) Determine whether you have an affected serial numbered
horizontal stabilizer installed by removing the elevators from the
horizontal stabilizer. Access the horizontal stabilizer
identification tag containing the horizontal stabilizer serial
number as shown in Figure 1 and remove the elevators by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, of Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada (BHTC) Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206L-06-141, dated
September 12, 2006, applicable to the Model 206L series helicopter
(206L ASB) or BHTC ASB No. 407-06-72, dated September 12, 2006,
applicable to the Model 407 helicopters (407 ASB).
(2) If the serial number on the identification tag is a serial
number listed in Table 1 of the 206L ASB or 407 ASB, inspect the
horizontal stabilizer as follows:
(i) Using a 10x or higher magnifying glass, inspect the
horizontal stabilizer for a crack or deformation around the areas of
the inserts. Also, using a tap test method, inspect for debonding
between the inserts by following the Accomplishment Instructions,
Part II, of either the 206L ASB or 407 ASB, as applicable.
(ii) If you find a crack, deformation, or debonding, replace the
horizontal stabilizer with an airworthy horizontal stabilizer that
does not have a serial number listed in Table 1 of the 206L ASB or
407 ASB. Replace the horizontal stabilizer by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, of either the 206L ASB or the
407 ASB, as applicable.
(iii) If you do not find a crack, deformation, or debonding,
thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS or during each
annual inspection, whichever occurs first, repeat the inspection
required by paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD.
(f) Replacing any horizontal stabilizer containing a serial
number listed in Table 1 of 206L ASB or 407 ASB with a horizontal
stabilizer that does not contain such a serial number by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, of either the 206L ASB or
407 ASB, as applicable, constitutes terminating actions for the
requirements of this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD
(g) The MCAI requires compliance ``within the next 100 hours air
time but no later than 9 May 2007.'' This AD requires compliance
within the next 100 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first,
unless done previously. Also, the MCAI requires replacing the
horizontal stabilizer by September 30, 2008, and we have not
mandated a compliance time for replacing the horizontal stabilizer.
Other Information
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort
Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-
5961.
Related Information
(i) MCAI Transport Canada AD No. CF-2007-03, dated March 27,
2007, contains related information.
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code
(j) ATA Code 5510: Horizontal Stabilizer Structure.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the specified portions of Bell Helicopter
Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L-06-141 or No. 407-06-
72, both dated September 12, 2006, to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 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.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76193; or at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on June 19, 2008.
Judy I. Carl,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-14719 Filed 7-9-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
