Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category Helicopters, 51127-51129 [2013-20249]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 20, 2013 / Proposed Rules
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
The ASB specifies replacing any
defective cable assembly within 100
hours TIS or by January 31, 2013; the
proposed AD specifies replacing the
cable assembly within 100 hours TIS.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 9 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators
may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this AD. At an average
labor rate of $85 per hour, inspecting
the barrel assembly would require about
1 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of
$85 and a total cost of $765 for the fleet.
If required, replacing a defective cable
assembly would require about 8 workhours, and required parts would cost
about $625, for a cost per helicopter of
$1,305.
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.
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
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);
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:51 Aug 19, 2013
Jkt 229001
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 adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell)
Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2013–
0735; Directorate Identifier 2013–SW–
014–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Model 204B
helicopters with a cable assembly, part
number (P/N) 205–001–720–001 installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as an
incorrectly machined body on the cable
assembly, which could prevent the barrel
assembly from fully engaging in the body
cavity. This condition could result in
disengagement of the cable from the barrel,
failure of the tail rotor pitch control, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 21,
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 25 hours time in service (TIS),
inspect each cable assembly to determine if
there is a false cut on the body of the barrel
assembly, as depicted in Figure 1 of Bell
Alert Service Bulletin No. 204B–12–68, dated
October 10, 2012.
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
51127
(2) If there is a false cut, before the first
flight of each day, inspect the cable assembly
for separation of the barrel assembly from the
body. If there is any separation, before further
flight, replace the cable assembly.
(3) Within 100 hours TIS, replace the cable
assembly with an airworthy cable assembly
that does not have a false cut in the body.
Replacing the cable assembly is terminating
action for the inspections required by
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification
Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Helene Gandy,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5413;
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.
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6720: Tail Rotor Control System.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 12,
2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–20248 Filed 8–19–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0736; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–013–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various
Restricted Category Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for various
restricted category helicopters,
originally manufactured by Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), model
numbers HH–1K, TH–1F, TH–1L, UH–
1A, UH–1B, UH–1E, UH–1F, UH–1H,
UH–1L, and UH–1P. The current type
certificate holders include but are not
limited to Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc.;
AST, Inc.; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.;
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\20AUP1.SGM
20AUP1
51128
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 20, 2013 / Proposed Rules
Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.;
Hagglund Helicopters, LLC;
International Helicopters, Inc.; JJASPP
Engineering Services, LLC; Northwest
Rotorcraft, LLC; OAS Parts LLC;
Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Robinson
Air Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development
Corporation; San Joaquin Helicopters;
Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter,
Inc.; Southwest Florida Aviation
International, Inc.; Tamarack
Helicopters, Inc; and Southwest Florida
Aviation, Inc. This proposed AD would
require inspecting the tail rotor (T/R)
cable assembly for an incorrectly
machined body. This proposed AD is
prompted by a report from Bell that a
defective body on the cable prevents the
barrel assembly from fully engaging in
the body cavity. The proposed actions
are intended to prevent disengagement
of the cable from the barrel, failure of
the T/R pitch control, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 21, 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.
2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
Worth, Texas 76137.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Helene Gandy, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222–5413; 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
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.
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Examining the AD Docket
Discussion
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 the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
We received a report from Bell that a
number of cable assemblies, part
number (P/N) 205–001–720–001, were
manufactured with a defective body, P/
N 205–001–742–001. Bell states the
bodies were incorrectly machined with
a ‘‘false cut,’’ preventing the barrel
assembly, P/N 0301245, from fully
engaging with the body cavity. This
condition, combined with a failure of
the lockwire securing the barrel and the
cable, could result in disengagement of
the cable, T/R pitch control failure in a
fixed position, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:51 Aug 19, 2013
Jkt 229001
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 helicopters of
the same type design.
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Related Service Information
We reviewed Bell Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. UH–1H–12–08,
dated August 28, 2012, which describes
procedures for inspecting the barrel
assembly to determine if an incorrectly
machined body is installed. If an
incorrectly machined body is installed,
the ASB specifies replacing the cable
assembly. The ASB further specifies
inspecting the barrel assembly and cable
connection daily until the cable
assembly is replaced.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require,
within 25 hours time in service (TIS),
inspecting the cable assemblies to
determine if an incorrectly machined
body is installed. If an incorrectly
machined body is installed, the
proposed AD would require replacing
the cable assembly within 50 hours TIS.
Until the cable assembly is replaced,
this proposed AD would require
inspecting the assembly for separation
daily.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
The ASB specifies inspecting the
barrel assembly at the next daily
inspection; the proposed AD specifies
inspecting within 25 hours TIS. The
ASB also specifies replacing any
defective cable assembly at the next
phase inspection, within 50 hours TIS,
or by December 31, 2012; the proposed
AD specifies replacing the cable
assembly within 50 hours TIS.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 716 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators
may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this AD. At an average
labor rate of $85 per hour, inspecting
the barrel assembly would require about
1 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of
$85 and a total cost of $60,860 for the
fleet. If required, replacing a defective
cable assembly would require about 8
work-hours, and required parts would
cost about $625, for a cost per helicopter
of $1,305.
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:
E:\FR\FM\20AUP1.SGM
20AUP1
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 20, 2013 / Proposed Rules
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 proposed
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:
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
■
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):
■
Various Restricted Category Helicopters:
Docket No. FAA–2013–0736; Directorate
Identifier 2013–SW–013–AD.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:51 Aug 19, 2013
Jkt 229001
51129
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to various restricted
category helicopters originally manufactured
by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Model HH–
1K, TH–1F, TH–1L, UH–1A, UH–1B, UH–1E,
UH–1F, UH–1H, UH–1L, and UH–1P; current
type certificate holders include but are not
limited to Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc.; AST,
Inc.; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.; Global
Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund
Helicopters, LLC; International Helicopters,
Inc.; JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC;
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; OAS Parts LLC;
Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Robinson Air
Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development
Corporation; San Joaquin Helicopters; Smith
Helicopters; Southern Helicopter, Inc.;
Southwest Florida Aviation International,
Inc.; Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.; and
Southwest Florida Aviation, Inc., with a
cable assembly, part number 205–001–720–
001 installed, certificated in any category.
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.
(b) Unsafe Condition
Fish and Wildlife Service
This AD defines the unsafe condition as an
incorrectly machined body on the cable
assembly, which could prevent the barrel
assembly from fully engaging in the body
cavity. This condition could result in
disengagement of the cable from the barrel,
failure of the tail rotor pitch control, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 21,
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 25 hours time in service (TIS),
inspect each cable assembly to determine if
there is a false cut on the body of the barrel
assembly, as depicted in Figure 1 of Bell
Alert Service Bulletin No. UH–1H–12–08,
dated August 28, 2012.
(2) If there is a false cut, before the first
flight of each day, inspect the cable assembly
for separation of the barrel assembly from the
body. If there is any separation, before further
flight, replace the cable assembly.
(3) Within 50 hours TIS, replace the cable
assembly with an airworthy cable assembly
that does not have a false cut in the body of
the barrel assembly. Replacing the cable
assembly is terminating action for the
inspections required by paragraph (e)(2) of
this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification
Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Helene Gandy,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft
Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate,
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5413;
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
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6720: Tail Rotor Control System.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 12,
2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–20249 Filed 8–19–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
50 CFR Part 17
[Docket No. FWS–R2–ES–2012–0035;
4500030113]
RIN 1018–AY22
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; 6-Month Extension of Final
Determination for the Listing of the
Georgetown Salamander and Salado
Salamander
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of
comment period.
AGENCY:
We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), announce a
6-month extension of the final
determination of whether to list the
Georgetown salamander (Eurycea
naufragia) and Salado salamander
(Eurycea chisholmensis) as endangered
or threatened species, and we reopen
the comment period on the proposed
rule to list these species. We are taking
this action based on our finding that
there is substantial disagreement
regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of
the available data relevant to our
determination regarding the proposed
listing rule, making it necessary to
solicit additional information by
reopening the comment period for 30
days.
SUMMARY:
The comment period for the
proposed rule published August 22,
2012, at 77 FR 50768, is reopened. We
will consider all comments received or
postmarked on or before September 19,
2013. If you comment using the Federal
eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES),
you must submit your comment by
11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing
date.
DATES:
E:\FR\FM\20AUP1.SGM
20AUP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 20, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51127-51129]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20249]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0736; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-013-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
various restricted category helicopters, originally manufactured by
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), model numbers HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-
1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P. The current
type certificate holders include but are not limited to Arrow Falcon
Exporters Inc.; AST, Inc.; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.;
[[Page 51128]]
Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC;
International Helicopters, Inc.; JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC;
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; OAS Parts LLC; Richards Heavylift Helo,
Inc.; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; San
Joaquin Helicopters; Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter, Inc.;
Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.; Tamarack Helicopters,
Inc; and Southwest Florida Aviation, Inc. This proposed AD would
require inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) cable assembly for an
incorrectly machined body. This proposed AD is prompted by a report
from Bell that a defective body on the cable prevents the barrel
assembly from fully engaging in the body cavity. The proposed actions
are intended to prevent disengagement of the cable from the barrel,
failure of the T/R pitch control, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 21,
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 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: Helene Gandy, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5413;
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 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 received a report from Bell that a number of cable assemblies,
part number (P/N) 205-001-720-001, were manufactured with a defective
body, P/N 205-001-742-001. Bell states the bodies were incorrectly
machined with a ``false cut,'' preventing the barrel assembly, P/N
0301245, from fully engaging with the body cavity. This condition,
combined with a failure of the lockwire securing the barrel and the
cable, could result in disengagement of the cable, T/R pitch control
failure in a fixed position, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
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 helicopters of the same type
design.
Related Service Information
We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. UH-1H-12-08,
dated August 28, 2012, which describes procedures for inspecting the
barrel assembly to determine if an incorrectly machined body is
installed. If an incorrectly machined body is installed, the ASB
specifies replacing the cable assembly. The ASB further specifies
inspecting the barrel assembly and cable connection daily until the
cable assembly is replaced.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require, within 25 hours time in service
(TIS), inspecting the cable assemblies to determine if an incorrectly
machined body is installed. If an incorrectly machined body is
installed, the proposed AD would require replacing the cable assembly
within 50 hours TIS. Until the cable assembly is replaced, this
proposed AD would require inspecting the assembly for separation daily.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The ASB specifies inspecting the barrel assembly at the next daily
inspection; the proposed AD specifies inspecting within 25 hours TIS.
The ASB also specifies replacing any defective cable assembly at the
next phase inspection, within 50 hours TIS, or by December 31, 2012;
the proposed AD specifies replacing the cable assembly within 50 hours
TIS.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 716 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per
hour, inspecting the barrel assembly would require about 1 work-hour,
for a cost per helicopter of $85 and a total cost of $60,860 for the
fleet. If required, replacing a defective cable assembly would require
about 8 work-hours, and required parts would cost about $625, for a
cost per helicopter of $1,305.
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:
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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 proposed
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
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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]
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2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2013-
0736; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-013-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to various restricted category helicopters
originally manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Model HH-
1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-
1P; current type certificate holders include but are not limited to
Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc.; AST, Inc.; Bell Helicopter Textron,
Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC;
International Helicopters, Inc.; JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC;
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; OAS Parts LLC; Richards Heavylift Helo,
Inc.; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
San Joaquin Helicopters; Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter,
Inc.; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.; Tamarack
Helicopters, Inc.; and Southwest Florida Aviation, Inc., with a
cable assembly, part number 205-001-720-001 installed, certificated
in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as an incorrectly machined
body on the cable assembly, which could prevent the barrel assembly
from fully engaging in the body cavity. This condition could result
in disengagement of the cable from the barrel, failure of the tail
rotor pitch control, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 21, 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 25 hours time in service (TIS), inspect each cable
assembly to determine if there is a false cut on the body of the
barrel assembly, as depicted in Figure 1 of Bell Alert Service
Bulletin No. UH-1H-12-08, dated August 28, 2012.
(2) If there is a false cut, before the first flight of each
day, inspect the cable assembly for separation of the barrel
assembly from the body. If there is any separation, before further
flight, replace the cable assembly.
(3) Within 50 hours TIS, replace the cable assembly with an
airworthy cable assembly that does not have a false cut in the body
of the barrel assembly. Replacing the cable assembly is terminating
action for the inspections required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Helene Gandy,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone (817) 222-5413; 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.
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720: Tail Rotor
Control System.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 12, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20249 Filed 8-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P