Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Helicopters, 35306-35308 [2012-14401]

Download as PDF 35306 § 39.13 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 13, 2012 / Proposed Rules [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl: Docket No. FAA–2011–0816; Directorate Identifier 2011–CE–022–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by July 30, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam srl Model P2006T airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 001/US through S/N 88/US, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing Gear. (e) Reason This proposed AD was prompted by cracking, bulging, deformation, or oil leakage in the lower lid of the landing gear emergency accumulator, which could result in decreasing the airplane’s structural integrity and jeopardizing the landing gear emergency extension in case of system failure in normal mode. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 (f) Actions and Compliance Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, replace the landing gear (LG) emergency accumulator with a new emergency accumulator part number 26–9– 9500–000, following the instructions in Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam Service Bulletin SB 80–CS, dated January 2, 2012. (2) Within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) after compliance with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, inspect the LG emergency accumulator and the LG retraction/extension system for damage and leakage following the applicable instructions in Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM P2006T Aircraft Maintenance Manual Chapter 5, Inspection Program. (3) If any damage or leakage is found as a result of any inspection required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, before further flight, do the applicable corrective actions following the instructions in Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM P2006T Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Document No. 2006/ 045, 2nd Edition—Revision 1, dated April 27, 2011. (g) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, 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: Albert Mercado, Aerospace Engineer, VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:47 Jun 12, 2012 Jkt 226001 FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4119; fax: (816) 329– 4090; email: albert.mercado@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (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, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (h) Related Information Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2012–0043, dated March 19, 2012; Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam Service Bulletin SB 80–CS, dated January 2, 2012; Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM P2006T Aircraft Maintenance Manual Chapter 5, Inspection Program; and Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam P2006T Maintenance Manual, 2nd Edition, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2011, for related information. For service information related to this AD, contact Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM Airworthiness Office, Via Maiorise—81043 Capua (CE) Italy; telephone: +39 0823 620134; fax: +39 0823 622899; email: m.oliva@tecnam.com, p.violetti@tecnam.com; Internet: www.tecnam.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 7, 2012. John Colomy, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–14368 Filed 6–12–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0601; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–033–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 205A, 205A–1, and 205B helicopters with certain starter/generator power cable assemblies (power cable assemblies). This proposed AD is prompted by the determination that the power cable assembly connector (connector) can deteriorate, causing a short in the connector that may lead to a fire. This AD would require replacing the power cable assemblies and their associated parts, and performing continuity readings. We are proposing this AD to prevent a short in the connector that may lead to a fire in the starter/generator, smoke in the cockpit that reduces visibility, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 13, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUMMARY: Examining the AD 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 proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations E:\FR\FM\13JNP1.SGM 13JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 13, 2012 / Proposed Rules Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 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/. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Shaw, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email andy.shaw@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CT205–07–94–1. After the power cable assemblies and associated parts are replaced, the AD would require performing a continuity test at the power cable connections using a multimeter. This proposal is prompted by the determination that the connector can deteriorate, causing a short in the connector P81 (J81) pins. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fire in the starter/generator, smoke in the cockpit that could reduce visibility, and subsequent loss of structural integrity and helicopter control. Comments Invited Related Service Information We have reviewed BHTI Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 205–07–94, Revision A, dated December 8, 2008, for Model 205A and 205A–1 helicopters; and BHTI ASB No. 205B–08–50, dated December 8, 2008, for the Model 205B helicopter. These ASBs describe procedures for replacing the power cable assemblies and associated parts. The ASBs specify that operators can obtain a starter/ generator cable kit that contains the required replacement parts. We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Discussion We propose to adopt a new AD for the BHTI Model 205A, 205A–1, and 205B helicopters with power cable assemblies, part number (P/N) 205–075– 902–017 and P/N 205–075–911–007. The AD would require replacing the power cable assemblies with airworthy power cable assemblies, P/N 205–075– 265–103 and 205–075–265–105S, and replacing associated parts included in the starter/generator cable kit, P/N VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:47 Jun 12, 2012 Jkt 226001 FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within six months, replacing the power cable assemblies and associated parts with airworthy parts contained in the starter/generator kit, and performing a continuity test using a multimeter. The actions would be required to be accomplished by following specified portions of the ASBs described previously. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 31 helicopters of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 10 work-hours per helicopter to accomplish at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $12,654 for the power cable assembly replacement kit. Based on these figures, the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $13,504 per helicopter, or $418,624 for the fleet. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 35307 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. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this 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); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. 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 proposed 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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. E:\FR\FM\13JNP1.SGM 13JNP1 35308 § 39.13 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 114 / Wednesday, June 13, 2012 / Proposed Rules [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new Airworthiness Directive (AD): files/. You may review the information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI): Docket No. FAA–2012–0601; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–033–AD. (g) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2497, electrical power system wiring. (a) Applicability This AD applies to BHTI Model 205A, 205A–1, and 205B helicopters with starter/ generator power cable assemblies (power cable assemblies), part numbers (P/N) 205– 075–902–017 and P/N 205–075–911–007 installed, certificated in any category. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 25, 2012. Lance T. Gant, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–14401 Filed 6–12–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (b) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the determination that the power cable assembly connector (connector) can deteriorate, causing a short in the connector that may lead to a fire. We are issuing this AD to prevent a short in the connector that may lead to a fire in the starter/generator, smoke in the cockpit that reduces visibility, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. (c) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 (d) Required Actions Within six months, replace the power cable assemblies using the parts contained in starter/generator kit P/N CT205–07–94–1, perform a continuity test, and connect wires to the starter generator as follows: (1) For Model 205A and 205A–1 helicopters, follow the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2 through 16(c), of BHTI Alert Service Bulletin No. 205–07–94, Revision A, dated December 8, 2008. (2) For the Model 205B helicopters, follow the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2 through 16(c), of BHTI Alert Service Bulletin No. 205B–08–50, dated December 8, 2008. (e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Andy Shaw, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email andy.shaw@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (f) Additional Information For service information identified in this AD, contact 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/ VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:47 Jun 12, 2012 Jkt 226001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0561; Airspace Docket No. 12–AEA–7] Proposed Amendment of Restricted Area R–6601; Fort A.P. Hill, VA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to expand the vertical limits and time of designation of restricted area R–6601, Fort A.P. Hill, VA. The U. S. Army requested this action to provide the additional airspace needed to conduct training in high-angle weapons systems employment. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 30, 2012. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001; telephone: (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2012–0561 and Airspace Docket No. 12–AEA–7, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments on environmental and land use aspects to should be directed to: Director of Environmental and Natural Resources Division, Attn: Ms. Terry Banks, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort A.P. Hill, VA 22427; telephone: (804) 633– 8223. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA– 2012–0561 and Airspace Docket No. 12– AEA–7) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA Docket No. FAA–2012–0561 and Airspace Docket No. 12–AEA–7.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. Comments on environmental and land use aspects to should be directed to: Director of Environmental and Natural Resource Division, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort A.P. Hill, VA, 22427; telephone: 804–633–8223. All communications received on or before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s web page at https:// www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/ air_traffic/publications/ airspace_amendments/. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in E:\FR\FM\13JNP1.SGM 13JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 13, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35306-35308]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-14401]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0601; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-033-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 205A, 205A-1, and 205B 
helicopters with certain starter/generator power cable assemblies 
(power cable assemblies). This proposed AD is prompted by the 
determination that the power cable assembly connector (connector) can 
deteriorate, causing a short in the connector that may lead to a fire. 
This AD would require replacing the power cable assemblies and their 
associated parts, and performing continuity readings. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent a short in the connector that may lead to a fire in 
the starter/generator, smoke in the cockpit that reduces visibility, 
and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 13, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD 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 proposed AD, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations

[[Page 35307]]

Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
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/. You may review the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Shaw, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
andy.shaw@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for the BHTI Model 205A, 205A-1, and 
205B helicopters with power cable assemblies, part number (P/N) 205-
075-902-017 and P/N 205-075-911-007. The AD would require replacing the 
power cable assemblies with airworthy power cable assemblies, P/N 205-
075-265-103 and 205-075-265-105S, and replacing associated parts 
included in the starter/generator cable kit, P/N CT205-07-94-1. After 
the power cable assemblies and associated parts are replaced, the AD 
would require performing a continuity test at the power cable 
connections using a multimeter. This proposal is prompted by the 
determination that the connector can deteriorate, causing a short in 
the connector P81 (J81) pins. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in a fire in the starter/generator, smoke in the cockpit that 
could reduce visibility, and subsequent loss of structural integrity 
and helicopter control.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    We have reviewed BHTI Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 205-07-94, 
Revision A, dated December 8, 2008, for Model 205A and 205A-1 
helicopters; and BHTI ASB No. 205B-08-50, dated December 8, 2008, for 
the Model 205B helicopter. These ASBs describe procedures for replacing 
the power cable assemblies and associated parts. The ASBs specify that 
operators can obtain a starter/generator cable kit that contains the 
required replacement parts.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within six months, replacing the 
power cable assemblies and associated parts with airworthy parts 
contained in the starter/generator kit, and performing a continuity 
test using a multimeter. The actions would be required to be 
accomplished by following specified portions of the ASBs described 
previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 31 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 10 work-hours per 
helicopter to accomplish at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. 
Required parts would cost about $12,654 for the power cable assembly 
replacement kit. Based on these figures, the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators would be $13,504 per helicopter, or $418,624 for the 
fleet.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. 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 proposed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

[[Page 35308]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
Airworthiness Directive (AD):

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI): Docket No. FAA-2012-0601; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-033-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to BHTI Model 205A, 205A-1, and 205B helicopters 
with starter/generator power cable assemblies (power cable 
assemblies), part numbers (P/N) 205-075-902-017 and P/N 205-075-911-
007 installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the determination that the power cable 
assembly connector (connector) can deteriorate, causing a short in 
the connector that may lead to a fire. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent a short in the connector that may lead to a fire in the 
starter/generator, smoke in the cockpit that reduces visibility, and 
subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(d) Required Actions

    Within six months, replace the power cable assemblies using the 
parts contained in starter/generator kit P/N CT205-07-94-1, perform 
a continuity test, and connect wires to the starter generator as 
follows:
    (1) For Model 205A and 205A-1 helicopters, follow the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2 through 16(c), of BHTI 
Alert Service Bulletin No. 205-07-94, Revision A, dated December 8, 
2008.
    (2) For the Model 205B helicopters, follow the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 2 through 16(c), of BHTI Alert Service 
Bulletin No. 205B-08-50, dated December 8, 2008.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Andy Shaw, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
andy.shaw@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(f) Additional Information

    For service information identified in this AD, contact 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/. You may review the information at the 
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2497, electrical 
power system wiring.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 25, 2012.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-14401 Filed 6-12-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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