Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Helicopters, 7645-7647 [2013-02238]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 23 / Monday, February 4, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Hector Hernandez, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337;
telephone: (404) 474–5587; fax: (404) 474–
5606; email: hector.hernandez@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Piper Aircraft, Inc. Mandatory Service
Bulletin No. 1245A dated November 28,
2012.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Piper Aircraft, Inc. service
information identified in this AD, contact
Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero
Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (772) 567–
4361; Internet: https://www.piper.com/pages/
publications.cfm.
(4) You may view this service information
at 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.
(5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January
22, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–02075 Filed 2–1–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model
412 and 412EP helicopters. This AD
requires creating a component history
card or equivalent record and begin
counting and recording the number of
accumulated landings for each high aft
crosstube assembly (crosstube). Also,
this AD requires installing ‘‘caution’’
decals regarding towing of a helicopter
at or above 8,900 pounds. This AD also
requires confirming the crosstube is
within the horizontal deflection limits
and replacing it if it is not. This AD also
requires a recurring fluorescent
penetrant inspection (FPI) of each
crosstube and upper center support for
a crack, any corrosion, nick, scratch,
dent, or any other damage. This AD
requires repairing damaged crosstubes
and upper center supports that are
within acceptable limits, reworking
crosstubes by bonding on abrasion
strips, and replacing each unairworthy
crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
This AD was prompted by analysis of
the crosstubes conducted as a result of
recent field failures and corrosion
problems of the affected crosstubes. The
actions are intended to prevent failure
of a crosstube, collapse of the landing
gear, and subsequent loss of control of
the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective March 11,
2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of March 11, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482,
Fort Worth, Texas 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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
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, any
incorporated-by-reference service
information, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations Office (phone: 800–
647–5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations
Office, M–30, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0082; Directorate
Identifier 2010–SW–036–AD; Amendment
39–17318; AD 2013–01–04]
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RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc., Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell
SUMMARY:
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16:02 Feb 01, 2013
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7645
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5170; email
7-avs-asw-170@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On February 3, 2012, at 77 FR 5427,
the Federal Register published our
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM),
which proposed to amend 14 CFR part
39 to include an AD that would apply
to Bell Model 412 and 412EP
helicopters. That NPRM proposed to
require counting and recording the
number of accumulated landings for
each crosstube on a component history
card or equivalent record and installing
CAUTION decals regarding towing a
helicopter that weighs at or above 8,900
pounds. The NPRM also proposed to
require confirming that the crosstube is
within the horizontal deflection limits
and replacing it if it is not. Also, the
NPRM proposed to require a recurring
FPI of each crosstube and upper center
support for a crack, any corrosion, a
nick, scratch, dent, or other damage,
repairing each damaged crosstube and
upper center support if there is damage
within acceptable limits, reworking
each crosstube by bonding abrasion
strips, and replacing each unairworthy
crosstube.
The affected crosstubes are the older
non-anodized configuration and have
had a service history of corrosion
problems. In response to reports of field
failures, Bell has completed a load level
survey, material coupon testing, and
additional analysis of the crosstubes.
The results indicate that fatigue damage
can occur during towing and landing.
The proposed requirements were
intended to prevent failure of a
crosstube, collapse of the landing gear,
and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
Comments
After our NPRM (77 FR 5427,
February 3, 2012) was published, we
received comments from one
commenter.
Request
One commenter objected to the
proposal because of ‘‘continual noise,
pollution and aggravation as a result of
low flying planes.’’ The commenter
expressed concern about additional
airplanes operating at lower altitudes for
longer periods of time over her home
near Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, Georgia.
We find that this comment does not
pertain to the NPRM (77 FR 5427,
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 23 / Monday, February 4, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
February 3, 2012) regarding Bell Model
412 and 412EP helicopters, and believe
the comment was attached to the NPRM
in error. We find the comment does not
warrant extending the comment period
or withdrawing the proposed action.
FAA’s Determination
We have reviewed the relevant
information, considered the comment
received, and determined that an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of these
same type designs and that air safety
and the public interest require adopting
the AD requirements as proposed.
Related Service Information
We have reviewed Bell Helicopter
Alert Service Bulletin No. 412–09–135,
dated August 25, 2009 (ASB). The ASB
specifies, within 6 months after
receiving the ASB, for each affected
crosstube, a recurring 12 month/2500
landing FPI, a recurring 12 month/2500
landing deflection check, and use of a
towing retention kit per BHT–412–SI–58
Gross Weight Towing Kit Provisions and
Puller Equipment for helicopters that
weigh 8900 pounds or higher.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
115 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We
estimate that operators may incur the
following costs in order to comply with
this AD. It will take about 1 work-hour
to create a component history card or
equivalent record and begin to
determine and record the number of
accumulated landings; 0.5 work-hour to
install caution decals on the pilot and
co-pilot side of each helicopter; 0.5
work-hour to measure the horizontal
deflection of each crosstube; 3 workhours to inspect and prepare the area
and do an FPI on each crosstube; 4
work-hours to rework a crosstube,
assuming 5 will need to be reworked;
and 2 work-hours to replace a crosstube,
assuming 3 will need to be replaced.
The average labor rate is $85 per workhour and required parts for a
replacement crosstube will cost about
$9,315 per helicopter. Based on these
figures, we estimate the total cost
impact of this AD on U.S. operators to
be $79,030.
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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.
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16:02 Feb 01, 2013
Jkt 229001
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
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
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 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:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2013–01–04 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.:
Amendment 39–17318; Docket No.
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
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FAA–2012–0082; Directorate Identifier
2010–SW–036–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron,
Inc. (Bell), Model 412 and 412EP helicopters
with a high aft crosstube assembly
(crosstube), part number (P/N) 412–050–011–
101, –103, –105, –107; or 412–050–045–105,
installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
failure and corrosion of the affected
crosstubes. This condition could result in
collapse of the landing gear and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective March 11, 2013.
(d) 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.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS):
(i) For each crosstube, create a component
history card or equivalent record. Begin to
count and record the number of accumulated
landings for each crosstube. For the purposes
of this AD, a landing would be counted
anytime the helicopter lifts off into the air
and then lands again with any further
reduction of the collective after the landing
gear touches the ground.
(ii) Install CAUTION decals, P/N 212–070–
600–143, on the pilot and co-pilot sides of
each helicopter as depicted in Figure 3 of
Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
412–09–135, dated August 25, 2009 (ASB),
and by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part III—Towing, paragraph 1.,
of the ASB.
(2) Within 6 months and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 12 months or 2,500
landings, whichever occurs first, determine
the horizontal deflection of each crosstube
from the centerline of the helicopter (BL 0.0)
to the outside edge of each skid tube. Before
further flight, replace any crosstube that
exceeds any maximum allowable deflection
limit contained in the maintenance manual.
(3) Within 6 months and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 12 months or 2,500
landings, whichever occurs first:
(i) Remove and disassemble the landing
gear assembly to prepare each crosstube for
a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
Part I, paragraphs 1. through 9., of the ASB.
Note 1 to paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this AD:
Abrasion strip, P/N 206–050–301–111; lower
center support, P/N 412–050–007–101, with
the incorporated Larson L101 abrasion strip;
and lower center support, P/N 604–026–003,
if installed on any crosstube, P/N 412–050–
045–105, or reworked crosstubes, P/N 412–
050–011–101, –103, –105, or –107, are only
removed if required by following the
instructions in the ASB (see items 2, 5, and
6 in Figure 1 of the ASB).
(ii) Clean and prepare the crosstube for the
FPI by removing the sealant and paint in the
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area depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
Part I, ‘‘Cleaning and Preparation,’’
paragraphs 1. through 5., of the ASB.
(iii) Perform an FPI of each crosstube and
upper center support, P/N 412–050–006–101,
for a crack, any corrosion, a nick, scratch,
dent, or any other damage by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part I,
‘‘Inspection,’’ paragraphs 1. through 3. of the
ASB. Use Table 2 in the ASB to determine
the appropriate Inspection Criteria Table to
use in the maintenance manual, which list
the maximum repair damage limits for each
crosstube P/N applicable to this AD.
(iv) Repair the crosstube or upper center
support if there is any corrosion, a nick,
scratch, dent, or any other damage that is
within the maximum repair damage limits,
before further flight, or replace the crosstube
with an airworthy crosstube.
Note 2 to paragraph (e)(3)(iv) of this AD:
The repair procedures are specified in the
Component Repair and Overhaul Manual.
(v) If there is a crack or other damage
beyond any of the maximum repair damage
limits, before further flight, replace the
crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
(4) Before further flight, after completing
paragraph (e)(3) of this AD, rework each
crosstube P/N 412–050–011–101, –103, –105,
or –107 by applying the bonding procedures
and abrasion strips on the under side of the
crosstubes at BL 0.0 and BL 14 by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I,
‘‘Rework of Crosstubes,’’ paragraphs 1.
through 10. of the ASB. Record on the
component history card or equivalent record
an ‘‘FM’’ to the end of the part number
sequence of each crosstube that has been
reworked (for example, 412–050–011–
107FM). Omit the Larson L101 abrasion strip
at BL 0.0 on each crosstube when installing
lower center support, P/N 604–026–003 (see
item 6 in Figure 1 of the ASB).
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(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits for inspections only
may be issued under 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location
where the requirements of this AD can be
accomplished.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification
Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Kohner,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5170;
email 7-avs-asw-170@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.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3210, Main Landing Gear.
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(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin
No. 412–09–135, dated August 25, 2009.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Bell Helicopter service information
identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter
Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth,
Texas 76101; telephone (817) 280–3391; fax
(817) 280–6466; or at https://
www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 9,
2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–02238 Filed 2–1–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
7647
the trunnions and upper and lower pins
for gouges, scratches, and corrosion, and
replacing the trunnions if necessary;
and adding serial numbers and new part
numbers to certain trunnions, and upper
and lower pins. This AD also requires
revising the maintenance program to
incorporate the information specified in
certain temporary revisions of the
limitations section. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct cracking,
gouges, scratches, and corrosion of the
HSTA attachment pins and trunnions,
which could result in failure of these
pins and trunnions and consequent
disconnection of the horizontal
stabilizer and subsequent loss of
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
March 11, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of March 11, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems
Branch, ANE–171, FAA, New York
Aircraft Certification Office, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–
7318; fax (516) 794–5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
14 CFR Part 39
Discussion
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0639; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–005–AD; Amendment
39–17329; AD 2013–02–08]
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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 June 20, 2012 (77 FR 36948).
That NPRM proposed to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified
products. The Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
states:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Bombardier, Inc. Model CL–600–2B19
(Regional Jet Series 100 & 440)
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report that the safe life limit and
inspection requirements for the
horizontal stabilizer trim actuator
(HSTA) attachment pins and trunnions
were not listed in the Airworthiness
Limitations Section of the maintenance
program. This AD requires inspecting
During a review of the Horizontal
Stabilizer Trim Actuator (HSTA) system, it
was discovered that the safe life limits and
the inspection requirements for the HSTA
attachment pins and trunnions were not
listed in the Airworthiness Limitations
Section of the Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness. Also, the HSTA attachment
pins and trunnions were not serialized
making it impossible to keep accurate records
of the life of these parts. Failure of these pins
and trunnions will lead to a disconnect of the
horizontal stabilizer and subsequent loss of
the aeroplane.
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 23 (Monday, February 4, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7645-7647]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02238]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0082; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-036-AD;
Amendment 39-17318; AD 2013-01-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.,
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 412 and 412EP helicopters. This
AD requires creating a component history card or equivalent record and
begin counting and recording the number of accumulated landings for
each high aft crosstube assembly (crosstube). Also, this AD requires
installing ``caution'' decals regarding towing of a helicopter at or
above 8,900 pounds. This AD also requires confirming the crosstube is
within the horizontal deflection limits and replacing it if it is not.
This AD also requires a recurring fluorescent penetrant inspection
(FPI) of each crosstube and upper center support for a crack, any
corrosion, nick, scratch, dent, or any other damage. This AD requires
repairing damaged crosstubes and upper center supports that are within
acceptable limits, reworking crosstubes by bonding on abrasion strips,
and replacing each unairworthy crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
This AD was prompted by analysis of the crosstubes conducted as a
result of recent field failures and corrosion problems of the affected
crosstubes. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a crosstube,
collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective March 11, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of March 11, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 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.
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 AD, any incorporated-by-reference
service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received,
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-
140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Kohner, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5170;
email 7-avs-asw-170@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On February 3, 2012, at 77 FR 5427, the Federal Register published
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Bell Model 412 and
412EP helicopters. That NPRM proposed to require counting and recording
the number of accumulated landings for each crosstube on a component
history card or equivalent record and installing CAUTION decals
regarding towing a helicopter that weighs at or above 8,900 pounds. The
NPRM also proposed to require confirming that the crosstube is within
the horizontal deflection limits and replacing it if it is not. Also,
the NPRM proposed to require a recurring FPI of each crosstube and
upper center support for a crack, any corrosion, a nick, scratch, dent,
or other damage, repairing each damaged crosstube and upper center
support if there is damage within acceptable limits, reworking each
crosstube by bonding abrasion strips, and replacing each unairworthy
crosstube.
The affected crosstubes are the older non-anodized configuration
and have had a service history of corrosion problems. In response to
reports of field failures, Bell has completed a load level survey,
material coupon testing, and additional analysis of the crosstubes. The
results indicate that fatigue damage can occur during towing and
landing. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of
a crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
Comments
After our NPRM (77 FR 5427, February 3, 2012) was published, we
received comments from one commenter.
Request
One commenter objected to the proposal because of ``continual
noise, pollution and aggravation as a result of low flying planes.''
The commenter expressed concern about additional airplanes operating at
lower altitudes for longer periods of time over her home near
Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, Georgia. We find that this comment does not
pertain to the NPRM (77 FR 5427,
[[Page 7646]]
February 3, 2012) regarding Bell Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, and
believe the comment was attached to the NPRM in error. We find the
comment does not warrant extending the comment period or withdrawing
the proposed action.
FAA's Determination
We have reviewed the relevant information, considered the comment
received, and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely
to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and
that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD
requirements as proposed.
Related Service Information
We have reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 412-09-
135, dated August 25, 2009 (ASB). The ASB specifies, within 6 months
after receiving the ASB, for each affected crosstube, a recurring 12
month/2500 landing FPI, a recurring 12 month/2500 landing deflection
check, and use of a towing retention kit per BHT-412-SI-58 Gross Weight
Towing Kit Provisions and Puller Equipment for helicopters that weigh
8900 pounds or higher.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 115 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in
order to comply with this AD. It will take about 1 work-hour to create
a component history card or equivalent record and begin to determine
and record the number of accumulated landings; 0.5 work-hour to install
caution decals on the pilot and co-pilot side of each helicopter; 0.5
work-hour to measure the horizontal deflection of each crosstube; 3
work-hours to inspect and prepare the area and do an FPI on each
crosstube; 4 work-hours to rework a crosstube, assuming 5 will need to
be reworked; and 2 work-hours to replace a crosstube, assuming 3 will
need to be replaced. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour and
required parts for a replacement crosstube will cost about $9,315 per
helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $79,030.
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
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 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:
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2013-01-04 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Amendment 39-17318; Docket
No. FAA-2012-0082; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-036-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model
412 and 412EP helicopters with a high aft crosstube assembly
(crosstube), part number (P/N) 412-050-011-101, -103, -105, -107; or
412-050-045-105, installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure and corrosion of
the affected crosstubes. This condition could result in collapse of
the landing gear and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective March 11, 2013.
(d) 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.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS):
(i) For each crosstube, create a component history card or
equivalent record. Begin to count and record the number of
accumulated landings for each crosstube. For the purposes of this
AD, a landing would be counted anytime the helicopter lifts off into
the air and then lands again with any further reduction of the
collective after the landing gear touches the ground.
(ii) Install CAUTION decals, P/N 212-070-600-143, on the pilot
and co-pilot sides of each helicopter as depicted in Figure 3 of
Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 412-09-135, dated August
25, 2009 (ASB), and by following the Accomplishment Instructions,
Part III--Towing, paragraph 1., of the ASB.
(2) Within 6 months and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12
months or 2,500 landings, whichever occurs first, determine the
horizontal deflection of each crosstube from the centerline of the
helicopter (BL 0.0) to the outside edge of each skid tube. Before
further flight, replace any crosstube that exceeds any maximum
allowable deflection limit contained in the maintenance manual.
(3) Within 6 months and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12
months or 2,500 landings, whichever occurs first:
(i) Remove and disassemble the landing gear assembly to prepare
each crosstube for a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) by
following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 1.
through 9., of the ASB.
Note 1 to paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this AD: Abrasion strip, P/N
206-050-301-111; lower center support, P/N 412-050-007-101, with the
incorporated Larson L101 abrasion strip; and lower center support,
P/N 604-026-003, if installed on any crosstube, P/N 412-050-045-105,
or reworked crosstubes, P/N 412-050-011-101, -103, -105, or -107,
are only removed if required by following the instructions in the
ASB (see items 2, 5, and 6 in Figure 1 of the ASB).
(ii) Clean and prepare the crosstube for the FPI by removing the
sealant and paint in the
[[Page 7647]]
area depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part I, ``Cleaning and Preparation,'' paragraphs 1.
through 5., of the ASB.
(iii) Perform an FPI of each crosstube and upper center support,
P/N 412-050-006-101, for a crack, any corrosion, a nick, scratch,
dent, or any other damage by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part I, ``Inspection,'' paragraphs 1. through 3. of
the ASB. Use Table 2 in the ASB to determine the appropriate
Inspection Criteria Table to use in the maintenance manual, which
list the maximum repair damage limits for each crosstube P/N
applicable to this AD.
(iv) Repair the crosstube or upper center support if there is
any corrosion, a nick, scratch, dent, or any other damage that is
within the maximum repair damage limits, before further flight, or
replace the crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
Note 2 to paragraph (e)(3)(iv) of this AD: The repair procedures
are specified in the Component Repair and Overhaul Manual.
(v) If there is a crack or other damage beyond any of the
maximum repair damage limits, before further flight, replace the
crosstube with an airworthy crosstube.
(4) Before further flight, after completing paragraph (e)(3) of
this AD, rework each crosstube P/N 412-050-011-101, -103, -105, or -
107 by applying the bonding procedures and abrasion strips on the
under side of the crosstubes at BL 0.0 and BL 14 by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, ``Rework of Crosstubes,''
paragraphs 1. through 10. of the ASB. Record on the component
history card or equivalent record an ``FM'' to the end of the part
number sequence of each crosstube that has been reworked (for
example, 412-050-011-107FM). Omit the Larson L101 abrasion strip at
BL 0.0 on each crosstube when installing lower center support, P/N
604-026-003 (see item 6 in Figure 1 of the ASB).
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits for inspections only may be issued under
14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location
where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Kohner,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222-5170; email 7-avs-asw-170@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.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3210, Main Landing
Gear.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 412-09-135, dated
August 25, 2009.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Bell Helicopter service information identified in this
AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth,
Texas 76101; telephone (817) 280-3391; fax (817) 280-6466; or at
https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 9, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-02238 Filed 2-1-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
