Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model Helicopters, 34958-34960 [2013-13797]

Download as PDF 34958 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 112 / Tuesday, June 11, 2013 / Proposed Rules exist and subsequently receives another weather report that indicates that conditions are below the minimum requirements, may continue the approach if the following conditions are met— * * * * * (d) A pilot may execute an instrument approach procedure, or continue the approach, at an airport when the visibility is reported to be less than the visibility minimums prescribed for that procedure if the aircraft is equipped with, and a pilot uses, an operable EFVS in accordance with § 91.176 of this chapter, and the certificate holder’s operations specifications for EFVS operations. PART 135—OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: COMMUTER AND ON DEMAND OPERATIONS AND RULES GOVERNING PERSONS ON BOARD SUCH AIRCRAFT 28. The authority citation for part 135 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 41706, 40113, 44701–44702, 44705, 44709, 44711–44713, 44715–44717, 44722, 45101–45105. instrument approach to an airport under paragraph (b) of this section, and receives a later weather report indicating that conditions have worsened to below the minimum requirements, may continue the approach if the following conditions, are met— * * * * * (j) A pilot may begin an instrument approach procedure, or continue the approach, at an airport when the visibility is reported to be less than the visibility minimums prescribed for that procedure if the aircraft is equipped with, and a pilot uses, an operable EFVS in accordance with § 91.176 of this chapter, and the certificate holder’s operations specifications for EFVS operations. Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 40103 and 44701(a)(5) in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2013. Margaret Gilligan, Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, AVS–1. [FR Doc. 2013–13454 Filed 6–10–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 29. Revise § 135.219 to read as follows; DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION § 135.219 IFR: Destination airport weather minimums. Federal Aviation Administration ■ wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Except as provided in the certificate holder’s operations specifications for EFVS operations, no person may take off an aircraft under IFR or begin an IFR or over-the-top operation unless the latest weather reports or forecasts, or any combination of them, indicate that weather conditions at the estimated time of arrival at the next airport of intended landing will be at or above authorized IFR landing minimums. ■ 30. Amend § 135.225 by: a. Revising paragraphs (a) introductory text and (c) introductory text; b. Amending paragraph (d) introductory text by removing the word ‘‘If’’ and adding in its place the words ‘‘Except as provided in paragraph (j) of this section, if’’; and c. Adding paragraph (j). The revisions and addition read as follows: § 135.225 IFR: Takeoff, approach and landing minimums. (a) Except to the extent permitted by paragraphs (b) and (j) of this section, no pilot may begin an instrument approach procedure to an airport unless— * * * * * (c) Except as provided in paragraph (j) of this section, a pilot who has begun the final approach segment of an VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:10 Jun 10, 2013 Jkt 229001 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0500; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–45–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the Bell Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. The AD currently requires reidentifying each affected part-numbered main rotor yoke (yoke) on its data plate, reducing the retirement life of the reidentified yoke, and revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual or the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICAs) accordingly. Since we issued the AD, we have discovered that the affected yokes do not have a data plate, making compliance with the part-marking requirements of the existing AD impossible. This proposed AD would retain the current requirements with the exception of the P/N marking location. PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of a yoke, failure of the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 12, 2013. 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. DATES: 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 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 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: Michael Kohner, ASW–170, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5170, fax (817) 222–5783, email 7-avs-asw170@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 E:\FR\FM\11JNP1.SGM 11JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 112 / Tuesday, June 11, 2013 / Proposed Rules 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. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Discussion On February 12, 2009, we issued AD 2009–05–09, Amendment 39–15833 (74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009), for Bell Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. The AD requires reidentifying each affected partnumbered yoke based on whether it was ever installed on a Model 412CF helicopter or on a Model 412 or 412EP helicopter with a slope landing kit. The AD also requires reducing the retirement life of each reidentified yoke from 5,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 4,500 hours TIS and revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual or ICAs accordingly. Finally, the AD requires recording each reidentified yoke P/N and the reduced retirement life on the component history card or equivalent record. The AD was prompted by a fatigue analysis that shows that the retirement life should be reduced on certain yokes. Those actions are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of a yoke, failure of the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued Since we issued AD 2009–05–09 (74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009), we have discovered that the affected yokes do not have a data plate, making compliance with the part-marking requirements of the existing AD impossible. Bell determined the new P/ N should be etched on the side of the yoke rather than on the data plate and issued Revision A to Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 412–08–128 for the VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:10 Jun 10, 2013 Jkt 229001 Bell Model 412 and 412EP helicopters (ASB 412–08–128A) and ASB No. 412CF–08–35 for the Bell Model 412CF helicopters (ASB 412CF–08–35A), both dated April 14, 2009. Bell also determined the etched surface on the side of the yoke would need to be treated with a chemical film and refinished after reidentifying the P/N to protect the yoke from corrosion. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other helicopters of these same type designs. Related Service Information ASB 412–08–128A and ASB 412CF– 08–35A contain procedures for reidentifying the yoke by using a vibrating stylus to etch a new P/N on the side of the yoke. These ASBs also specify recording the new P/N on the component history card and reducing the retirement life of the yoke. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would retain the current requirements of AD 2009–05–09 (74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009), with the exception of the P/N marking location. This proposed AD would require that the new P/N be etched on the side of the yoke instead of on the data plate as required by AD 2009–05–09. This action would also require treating the etched surface on the side of yoke with a chemical film and refinishing the yoke after reidentifying the P/N. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 115 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. It would take about 3 work hours to review and revise the records to reflect the new retirement life and reidentify the P/N at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Based on these estimates, the cost would be $255 per helicopter and $29,325 for the U.S. operator fleet. Replacing a yoke would take about 20 work hours and $50,196 for the required parts for a cost of $51,896 per helicopter. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 34959 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2009–05–09, Amendment 39–15833 (74 ■ E:\FR\FM\11JNP1.SGM 11JNP1 34960 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 112 / Tuesday, June 11, 2013 / Proposed Rules FR 11001, March 16, 2009), and adding the following new AD: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2013–0500; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–45–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model 412 and 412EP helicopters with a main rotor yoke assembly (yoke), part number (P/N) 412–010–101–123, –127, –129, or –133, installed; and Model 412CF helicopters with a yoke, P/N 412–010– 101–127 or –129, installed; certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as fatigue cracking of a yoke, failure of the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2009–05–09, Amendment 39–15833 (74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009). wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time, unless it has been accomplished previously. (e) Required Actions Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS): (1) Review the helicopter records to determine all of the helicopter models on which an affected yoke has been installed since its production and the hours TIS of each affected yoke. (2) If an affected part-numbered yoke is installed or has ever been installed on a Model 412CF helicopter or on a Model 412 or 412EP helicopter with a (BHT–412–SI–62) slope landing kit, P/N 412–704–012–101, installed, do the following: (i) Reidentify the P/N on the side of the yoke by using a vibrating stylus and etching two lines through the last three digits of the existing P/N and etching ‘‘137FM’’ adjacent to where you etched through the last three digits of the original P/N. This converts each affected yoke P/N to a new yoke P/N 412– 010–101–137FM. The serial number remains the same. Note 1 to paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD: The ‘‘FM’’ P/N suffix denotes a fieldmodified part. (ii) Treat the etched surface with chemical film, and apply primer and paint. (iii) Record the reidentified P/N on the applicable component history card or equivalent record. (3) If you cannot determine all the model helicopters on which an affected yoke has been installed since its production or whether it has ever been installed on a Model 412 or 412EP helicopter with a (BHT–412– SI–62) slope landing kit, P/N 412–704–012– 101, installed, perform the actions required by paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through (e)(2)(iii) of this AD. (4) For each reidentified yoke, P/N 412– 010–101–137FM, reduce the retirement life from 5,000 hours TIS to 4,500 hours TIS. Record the revised life limit on the VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:10 Jun 10, 2013 Jkt 229001 applicable component history card or equivalent record. (5) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable maintenance manual or the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by reducing the retirement life from 5,000 hours TIS to 4,500 hours TIS for each reidentified yoke, P/N 412–010–101– 137FM. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (f) Special Flight Permit Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model Helicopters Special flight permits will not be issued. (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, ASW–170, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5170, fax (817) 222– 5783; email 7-avs-asw-170@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under 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) Additional Information Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletins No. 412–08–128 and No. 412CF– 08–35, both Revision A and both dated April 14, 2009, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. 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 service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Main Rotor Head. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 3, 2013. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–13797 Filed 6–10–13; 8:45 am] 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0501; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–036–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the lower and upper front and rear fittings (fittings) that attach the upper fin to the fenestron for a crack. If there is a crack, this AD would require removing all four fittings from service. This proposed AD would also require, within a specified time, removing all fittings from service, and the fittings would not be eligible to be installed on any helicopter. This AD is prompted by the loss of an upper fin in flight. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack in the fittings to prevent loss of the upper fin and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 12, 2013. 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 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 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 proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\11JNP1.SGM 11JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 11, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34958-34960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-13797]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0500; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-45-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), 
Model Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for the Bell Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. 
The AD currently requires reidentifying each affected part-numbered 
main rotor yoke (yoke) on its data plate, reducing the retirement life 
of the reidentified yoke, and revising the Airworthiness Limitations 
section of the maintenance manual or the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness (ICAs) accordingly. Since we issued the AD, we have 
discovered that the affected yokes do not have a data plate, making 
compliance with the part-marking requirements of the existing AD 
impossible. This proposed AD would retain the current requirements with 
the exception of the P/N marking location. The actions specified in 
this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of a yoke, failure of 
the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 12, 2013.

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 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 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: Michael Kohner, ASW-170, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification 
Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 
222-5170, fax (817) 222-5783, email 7-avs-asw-170@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

[[Page 34959]]

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

    On February 12, 2009, we issued AD 2009-05-09, Amendment 39-15833 
(74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009), for Bell Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP 
helicopters. The AD requires reidentifying each affected part-numbered 
yoke based on whether it was ever installed on a Model 412CF helicopter 
or on a Model 412 or 412EP helicopter with a slope landing kit. The AD 
also requires reducing the retirement life of each reidentified yoke 
from 5,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 4,500 hours TIS and revising 
the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual or ICAs 
accordingly. Finally, the AD requires recording each reidentified yoke 
P/N and the reduced retirement life on the component history card or 
equivalent record. The AD was prompted by a fatigue analysis that shows 
that the retirement life should be reduced on certain yokes. Those 
actions are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of a yoke, failure of 
the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2009-05-09 (74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009), we 
have discovered that the affected yokes do not have a data plate, 
making compliance with the part-marking requirements of the existing AD 
impossible. Bell determined the new P/N should be etched on the side of 
the yoke rather than on the data plate and issued Revision A to Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 412-08-128 for the Bell Model 412 and 412EP 
helicopters (ASB 412-08-128A) and ASB No. 412CF-08-35 for the Bell 
Model 412CF helicopters (ASB 412CF-08-35A), both dated April 14, 2009. 
Bell also determined the etched surface on the side of the yoke would 
need to be treated with a chemical film and refinished after 
reidentifying the P/N to protect the yoke from corrosion.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other helicopters of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    ASB 412-08-128A and ASB 412CF-08-35A contain procedures for 
reidentifying the yoke by using a vibrating stylus to etch a new P/N on 
the side of the yoke. These ASBs also specify recording the new P/N on 
the component history card and reducing the retirement life of the 
yoke.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain the current requirements of AD 2009-
05-09 (74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009), with the exception of the P/N 
marking location. This proposed AD would require that the new P/N be 
etched on the side of the yoke instead of on the data plate as required 
by AD 2009-05-09. This action would also require treating the etched 
surface on the side of yoke with a chemical film and refinishing the 
yoke after reidentifying the P/N.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 115 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. It would take about 3 work hours to 
review and revise the records to reflect the new retirement life and 
reidentify the P/N at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Based 
on these estimates, the cost would be $255 per helicopter and $29,325 
for the U.S. operator fleet. Replacing a yoke would take about 20 work 
hours and $50,196 for the required parts for a cost of $51,896 per 
helicopter.

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

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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2009-05-09, Amendment 39-15833 (74

[[Page 34960]]

FR 11001, March 16, 2009), and adding the following new AD:

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0500; Directorate 
Identifier 2012-SW-45-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model 412 and 412EP helicopters with a main 
rotor yoke assembly (yoke), part number (P/N) 412-010-101-123, -127, 
-129, or -133, installed; and Model 412CF helicopters with a yoke, 
P/N 412-010-101-127 or -129, installed; certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as fatigue cracking of a 
yoke, failure of the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2009-05-09, Amendment 39-15833 (74 FR 
11001, March 16, 2009).

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time, unless it has been 
accomplished previously.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (1) Review the helicopter records to determine all of the 
helicopter models on which an affected yoke has been installed since 
its production and the hours TIS of each affected yoke.
    (2) If an affected part-numbered yoke is installed or has ever 
been installed on a Model 412CF helicopter or on a Model 412 or 
412EP helicopter with a (BHT-412-SI-62) slope landing kit, P/N 412-
704-012-101, installed, do the following:
    (i) Reidentify the P/N on the side of the yoke by using a 
vibrating stylus and etching two lines through the last three digits 
of the existing P/N and etching ``137FM'' adjacent to where you 
etched through the last three digits of the original P/N. This 
converts each affected yoke P/N to a new yoke P/N 412-010-101-137FM. 
The serial number remains the same.

    Note 1 to paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD: The ``FM'' P/N suffix 
denotes a field-modified part.

    (ii) Treat the etched surface with chemical film, and apply 
primer and paint.
    (iii) Record the reidentified P/N on the applicable component 
history card or equivalent record.
    (3) If you cannot determine all the model helicopters on which 
an affected yoke has been installed since its production or whether 
it has ever been installed on a Model 412 or 412EP helicopter with a 
(BHT-412-SI-62) slope landing kit, P/N 412-704-012-101, installed, 
perform the actions required by paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through 
(e)(2)(iii) of this AD.
    (4) For each reidentified yoke, P/N 412-010-101-137FM, reduce 
the retirement life from 5,000 hours TIS to 4,500 hours TIS. Record 
the revised life limit on the applicable component history card or 
equivalent record.
    (5) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
applicable maintenance manual or the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness by reducing the retirement life from 5,000 hours TIS 
to 4,500 hours TIS for each reidentified yoke, P/N 412-010-101-
137FM.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits will not be issued.

(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, 
ASW-170, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5170, fax (817) 222-5783; email 7-avs-asw-170@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under 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) Additional Information

    Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletins No. 412-
08-128 and No. 412CF-08-35, both Revision A and both dated April 14, 
2009, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional 
information about the subject of this AD. 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 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 
76137.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Main Rotor 
Head.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 3, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-13797 Filed 6-10-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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