Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 407 and 427 Helicopters, 56104-56106 [E9-26120]

Download as PDF 56104 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 209 / Friday, October 30, 2009 / Rules and Regulations EMB–120 Brasilia MRBR, MRB–HI–200: The initial compliance time is within 4,000 flight hours or 48 months after April 3, 2008, whichever occurs first. Thereafter those tasks must be accomplished at the repetitive interval specified in Section 6—‘‘Part E— Fuel System Limitations,’’ EMBRAER Temporary Revision No. 22–1, dated November 18, 2005, of the EMBRAER EMB– 120 Brasilia MRBR, MRB–HI–200. (4) After accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, no alternative inspections, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. New Information Explanation of CDCCL Requirements Note 2: Notwithstanding any other maintenance or operational requirements, components that have been identified as airworthy or installed on the affected airplanes before the revision of the ALS, as required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do not need to be reworked in accordance with the CDCCLs. However, once the ALS has been revised, future maintenance actions on these components must be done in accordance with the CDCCLs. FAA AD Differences srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with RULES Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:17 Oct 29, 2009 Jkt 220001 Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. (h) Refer to MCAI Brazilian Airworthiness Directive 2007–05–02, effective June 6, 2007; EMBRAER Temporary Revision No. 22–1, dated November 18, 2005, of the EMBRAER EMB–120 Brasilia MRBR, MRB–HI–200; and Section 6—‘‘Part D—Critical Design Configuration Control Limitation,’’ of the EMBRAER EMB–120 Brasilia MRBR, MRB– HI–200; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use EMBRAER Temporary Revision No. 22–1, dated November 18, 2005, of the EMBRAER EMB–120 Brasilia Maintenance Review Board Report, MRB–HI– 200; and pages 6.III.1 and 6.III.2, dated March 22, 2005, of Section 6—‘‘Part D—Critical Design Configuration Control Limitation,’’ of the EMBRAER EMB–120 Brasilia Maintenance Review Board Report, MRB–HI– 200; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of this service information on April 3, 2008 (73 FR 10655, February 28, 2008). (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), Technical Publications Section (PC 060), Av. Brigadeiro ˜ Faria Lima, 2170—Putim—12227–901 Sao Jose dos Campos—SP—Brasil; telephone: +55 12 3927–5852 or +55 12 3309–0732; fax: +55 12 3927–7546; e-mail: distrib@embraer.com.br; Internet: https:// www.flyembraer.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221 or 425–227–1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 22, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–26122 Filed 10–29–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Related Information PO 00000 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sfmt 4700 [Docket No. FAA–2009–1003; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–25–AD; Amendment 39– 16064; AD 2009–22–11] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 407 and 427 Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 407 and 427 helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the aviation authority of Canada. The MCAI AD states that, during a preflight check, it was observed that the swashplate link assembly bearing had moved in the lever race, making contact with the swashplate support. The MCAI also states that further investigation revealed that the bearing had not been staked correctly during manufacture. That condition, if not detected, could result in failure of a bearing, failure of the swashplate link assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD becomes effective on November 16, 2009. We must receive comments on this AD by December 29, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting your comments electronically. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101, telephone (817) 280–3391, fax (817) 280–6466, or at https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. E:\FR\FM\30OCR1.SGM 30OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 209 / Friday, October 30, 2009 / Rules and Regulations Examining the Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is stated in the ADDRESSES section of this AD. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5122, fax (817) 222–5961. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued AD No. CF–2009–14, dated April 15, 2009 to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 407 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 53000 through 53887, 53890 through 53916, 53918, 53920, 53921, 53923 through 53926, and 53928; and Model 427 helicopters, S/N 56001 through 56074, 58001, and 58002, with an anti-drive link assembly, part number (P/N) 406–010–432–101, that has a serial number prefix of ‘‘TI’’ or ‘‘TIFS.’’ Transport Canada states that during a preflight check, it was observed that the swashplate link assembly bearing had moved in the lever race, making contact with the swashplate support. Transport Canada also states that further investigation revealed that the bearing had not been staked correctly during manufacture and that this situation, if not corrected, could lead to loss of control of the helicopter. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI AD and any related service information in the AD docket. srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with RULES Related Service Information Bell has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 407–09–87, dated March 27, 2009, for the Model 407 helicopters and ASB No. 427–09–24, Revision A, dated March 30, 2009, for the Model 427 helicopters. The ASBs specify a onetime inspection of all anti-drive link assemblies, P/N 406–010–432–101 with a serial number prefix of ‘‘TI’’ or ‘‘TIFS,’’ to ensure that the bearing, P/N 406–310–403–101, is correctly and securely staked in the link assembly. The actions described in the MCAI AD are intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in the ASBs. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:17 Oct 29, 2009 Jkt 220001 FAA’s Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination These products have been approved by the aviation authority of Canada, and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Canada, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by Transport Canada and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD This AD differs from the MCAI AD as follows: • This AD requires compliance within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), the MCAI AD requires compliance within the next 10 flight hours, but no later than 30 days from the effective day of the MCAI AD, which was May 6, 2009; and • This AD does not apply to Model 427 helicopters with S/N 58001 or 58002 because those serial-numbered helicopters are not eligible for an FAA certificate of airworthiness. 56105 Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. However, we invite you to send us any written data, views, or arguments concerning this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section of this AD. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2009–1003; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–25–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD. FAA’s Determination of the Effective Date 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. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. We find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the structural integrity of the helicopter and the inspection must be performed within 10 hours TIS. Therefore, we have determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days. 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 Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect about 554 helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per helicopter to inspect and replace, if necessary, the bearing or the anti-drive link assembly. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $400 for a bearing or $3,517 for an anti-drive link assembly, per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators will be $1,992,738 ($3,597 per helicopter), assuming that all anti-drive link assemblies are replaced. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30OCR1.SGM 30OCR1 56106 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 209 / Friday, October 30, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 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, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: ■ 2009–22–11 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39–16064. Docket No. FAA–2009–1003; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–25–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on November 16, 2009. Other Affected ADs Applicability (c) This AD applies to the following model and serial-numbered helicopters with an anti-drive (swashplate) link assembly (link assembly), part number (P/N) 406–010–432– 101, that has a serial number (S/N) prefix of ‘‘TI’’ or ‘‘TIFS’’, certificated in any category: Model Serial Nos. 407 .............. 53000 through 53887, 53890 through 53916, 53918, 53920, 53921, 53923 through 53926, and 53928. 56001 through 56074. srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with RULES Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD states during a preflight check it was observed that the swashplate link assembly bearing had moved in the lever race, making contact with the swashplate support. The MCAI AD also states that further investigation revealed that the bearing had not been staked correctly during manufacture. That condition, if not detected, could result in failure of a bearing, failure of the link assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. VerDate Nov<24>2008 (f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD as follows: (1) This AD requires compliance within 10 hours TIS, the MCAI AD requires compliance within the next 10 flight hours, but no later than 30 days from the effective day of the MCAI AD, which was May 6, 2009; and (2) This AD does not apply to Model 427 helicopters, S/N 58001 or 58002, because those serial-numbered helicopters are not eligible for an FAA certificate of airworthiness. Other Information (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222– 5122, fax (817) 222–5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (b) None. 427 .............. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (e) Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), using a 10x or higher magnifying glass, inspect the link assembly and determine if the bearing, P/N 406–310–403–101, is correctly installed and properly staked in the link assembly. Also inspect to ensure that the bearing is not loose. (2) Before further flight, replace any bearing that is incorrectly installed or improperly staked in the link assembly. (3) Before further flight, replace the link assembly if the bearing is loose. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES § 39.13 Actions and Compliance 16:17 Oct 29, 2009 Jkt 220001 (h) The following documents contain related information: (1) Transport Canada AD No. CF–2009–14, dated April 15, 2009; (2) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 407–09–87, dated March 27, 2009; and (3) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 427–09–24, Revision A, dated March 30, 2009. Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code (i) JASC Code 6230: Main rotor/swashplate. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on October 20, 2009. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–26120 Filed 10–29–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0115; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–080–AD; Amendment 39–16067; AD 2007–26–08 R1] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Reims Aviation S.A. Model F406 Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are rescinding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. The existing AD resulted from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: On several occasions, leaks of the landing gear emergency blowdown bottle have been reported. Investigations revealed that the leakage was located on the nut manometer because of a design deficiency in the bottle head. If left uncorrected, the internal bottle pressure could not be maintained to an adequate level and could result in a malfunction, failing to extend landing gears during emergency situations. Since issuance of that AD, we have determined that the condition is not unsafe. DATES: This AD becomes effective December 4, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4144; fax: (816) 329–4090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2009 (74 FR 38140), Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30OCR1.SGM 30OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 209 (Friday, October 30, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56104-56106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-26120]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-1003; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-25-AD; 
Amendment 39-16064; AD 2009-22-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 
407 and 427 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 407 and 427 helicopters. This AD 
results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD 
issued by the aviation authority of Canada. The MCAI AD states that, 
during a preflight check, it was observed that the swashplate link 
assembly bearing had moved in the lever race, making contact with the 
swashplate support. The MCAI also states that further investigation 
revealed that the bearing had not been staked correctly during 
manufacture. That condition, if not detected, could result in failure 
of a bearing, failure of the swashplate link assembly, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on November 16, 2009.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 29, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101, telephone 
(817) 280-3391, fax (817) 280-6466, or at https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.

[[Page 56105]]

    Examining the Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations 
office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the economic evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is stated in the 
ADDRESSES section of this AD. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued AD No. CF-2009-14, dated April 15, 2009 to correct an unsafe 
condition for Bell Model 407 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 53000 
through 53887, 53890 through 53916, 53918, 53920, 53921, 53923 through 
53926, and 53928; and Model 427 helicopters, S/N 56001 through 56074, 
58001, and 58002, with an anti-drive link assembly, part number (P/N) 
406-010-432-101, that has a serial number prefix of ``TI'' or ``TIFS.'' 
Transport Canada states that during a preflight check, it was observed 
that the swashplate link assembly bearing had moved in the lever race, 
making contact with the swashplate support. Transport Canada also 
states that further investigation revealed that the bearing had not 
been staked correctly during manufacture and that this situation, if 
not corrected, could lead to loss of control of the helicopter. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI AD and any related 
service information in the AD docket.

Related Service Information

    Bell has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 407-09-87, dated 
March 27, 2009, for the Model 407 helicopters and ASB No. 427-09-24, 
Revision A, dated March 30, 2009, for the Model 427 helicopters. The 
ASBs specify a one-time inspection of all anti-drive link assemblies, 
P/N 406-010-432-101 with a serial number prefix of ``TI'' or ``TIFS,'' 
to ensure that the bearing, P/N 406-310-403-101, is correctly and 
securely staked in the link assembly. The actions described in the MCAI 
AD are intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that identified 
in the ASBs.

FAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada, and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with Canada, they have notified us of the 
unsafe condition described in the MCAI AD. We are issuing this AD 
because we evaluated all information provided by Transport Canada and 
determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop 
on other products of the same type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD

    This AD differs from the MCAI AD as follows:
     This AD requires compliance within 10 hours time-in-
service (TIS), the MCAI AD requires compliance within the next 10 
flight hours, but no later than 30 days from the effective day of the 
MCAI AD, which was May 6, 2009; and
     This AD does not apply to Model 427 helicopters with S/N 
58001 or 58002 because those serial-numbered helicopters are not 
eligible for an FAA certificate of airworthiness.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 554 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per 
helicopter to inspect and replace, if necessary, the bearing or the 
anti-drive link assembly. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. 
Required parts will cost about $400 for a bearing or $3,517 for an 
anti-drive link assembly, per helicopter. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators will be $1,992,738 
($3,597 per helicopter), assuming that all anti-drive link assemblies 
are replaced.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. We find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving 
notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the 
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the helicopter and the inspection must be 
performed within 10 hours TIS. Therefore, we have determined that 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send us any written data, views, or 
arguments concerning this AD. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section of this AD. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-
1003; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-25-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

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

[[Page 56106]]

    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, 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:

2009-22-11 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39-16064. 
Docket No. FAA-2009-1003; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-25-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on 
November 16, 2009.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following model and serial-numbered 
helicopters with an anti-drive (swashplate) link assembly (link 
assembly), part number (P/N) 406-010-432-101, that has a serial 
number (S/N) prefix of ``TI'' or ``TIFS'', certificated in any 
category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
407..............................  53000 through 53887, 53890 through
                                    53916, 53918, 53920, 53921, 53923
                                    through 53926, and 53928.
427..............................  56001 through 56074.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD 
states during a preflight check it was observed that the swashplate 
link assembly bearing had moved in the lever race, making contact 
with the swashplate support. The MCAI AD also states that further 
investigation revealed that the bearing had not been staked 
correctly during manufacture. That condition, if not detected, could 
result in failure of a bearing, failure of the link assembly, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
    (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), using a 10x or higher 
magnifying glass, inspect the link assembly and determine if the 
bearing, P/N 406-310-403-101, is correctly installed and properly 
staked in the link assembly. Also inspect to ensure that the bearing 
is not loose.
    (2) Before further flight, replace any bearing that is 
incorrectly installed or improperly staked in the link assembly.
    (3) Before further flight, replace the link assembly if the 
bearing is loose.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD

    (f) This AD differs from the MCAI AD as follows:
    (1) This AD requires compliance within 10 hours TIS, the MCAI AD 
requires compliance within the next 10 flight hours, but no later 
than 30 days from the effective day of the MCAI AD, which was May 6, 
2009; and
    (2) This AD does not apply to Model 427 helicopters, S/N 58001 
or 58002, because those serial-numbered helicopters are not eligible 
for an FAA certificate of airworthiness.

Other Information

    (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone 
(817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19.

Related Information

    (h) The following documents contain related information:
    (1) Transport Canada AD No. CF-2009-14, dated April 15, 2009;
    (2) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 407-09-87, dated 
March 27, 2009; and
    (3) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 427-09-24, 
Revision A, dated March 30, 2009.

Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code

    (i) JASC Code 6230: Main rotor/swashplate.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on October 20, 2009.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-26120 Filed 10-29-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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