Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters, 65200-65202 [2013-24030]

Download as PDF 65200 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight Controls. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of movement of the rudder pedals being impeded due to corrosion of the trunnion shaft of the RFTU. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any sign of rough movement or seizure of the trunnion shaft and its bushing, which could cause a rudder control jam or a large and rapid alternating rudder input leading to a structural failure of the vertical fin. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES (f) Compliance You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. (g) Inspection, Replacement, and Lubrication Within 200 flight hours or two months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Inspect the RTFU to determine whether the serial number is in the range from S/N 0008 through 0509 inclusive without a suffix ‘B,’ in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–60, dated July 12, 2012. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the serial number of the RFTU can be conclusively determined from that review. (1) If the RFTU’s serial number is not in the range from S/N 0008 through 0509 inclusive, or if the serial number has a suffix ‘B,’ no further action is required for this paragraph. (2) If the RFTU’s serial number is in the range from S/N 0008 through 0509 inclusive, including those with a suffix ‘A,’ but not including those with suffix ‘B’: Within 200 flight hours or 2 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, perform an operational check of the RFTU for any sign of rough movement or seizure of the trunnion or center shaft, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–60, dated July 12, 2012. (i) If rough movement or seizure of the RFTU trunnion or center shaft is found: Before further flight, replace the RFTU with a new or serviceable RFTU, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–60, dated July 12, 2012. (ii) If no rough movement or seizure of the RFTU trunnion or center shaft is found: Before further flight, lubricate the RFTU, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–60, dated July 12, 2012. Repeat the lubrication of the RFTU at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours or 3 months, whichever occurs first, until the RFTU is replaced with a unit that has a serial number outside the affected range or a serial number with a suffix ‘B.’ (h) Replacement For airplanes having an RFTU identified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: Except as VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD, within 5,000 flight hours or 3 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace all affected RFTUs with units that have a serial number outside the range from S/Ns 0008 through 0509 inclusive, or that have a serial number with a suffix ‘B,’ in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–60, dated July 12, 2012. Installing replacement RFTUs having conformal bushings terminates the repetitive lubrication requirements of paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD for the affected RTFU. (i) Parts Installation Limitation As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an RFTU P/N 399500– 1007 with a serial number from S/N 0008 through 0509 inclusive, including serial numbers with suffix ‘A,’ on any airplane, except that RFTUs having a serial number with suffix ‘B’ may be installed. (j) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516– 794–5531. 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (k) Related Information Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF–2012–02R1, dated October 12, 2012, for related information, which can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/ #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-0594-0006. (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) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–60, dated July 12, 2012. PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (ii) Reserved. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416–375–4000; fax 416–375–4539; email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://www.bombardier.com. (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (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 Renton, Washington, on October 18, 2013. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–25629 Filed 10–30–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0490; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–004–AD; Amendment 39–17611; AD 2013–20–05] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Model 407 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard beneath the NR/NP dual tachometer and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-state operations. These actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective December 5, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations of a certain document listed in this AD as of December 5, 2013. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; 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. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES 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, the foreign authority’s AD, any incorporated-byreference 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: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email chinh.vuong@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On June 7, 2013, at 78 FR 34286, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Bell Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers 53000 through 53644. The NPRM proposed to require installing a placard on the instrument panel below the NR/ NP dual tachometer and revising the Operating Limitations section of the Model 407 RFM to limit steady-state operation between speeds of 68.4% to 87.1%. The proposed requirements were intended to alert pilots to avoid certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF–2004–09R1, dated July 4, 2005, issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 authority for Canada. TCCA issued AD No. CF–2004–09R1 to correct an unsafe condition for Model 407 helicopters. TCCA advises that several failures of third stage turbine wheels used in Rolls Royce 250–C30S and 250–C47B engines, and three of these failures have occurred to the 250–C47B engine used by Bell on the Model 407. According to TCCA, Rolls Royce has determined that detrimental vibrations can occur within a particular range of turbine speeds, and may be a contributing factor to these failures. Bell has revised the operating limitations of the RFM and provided a corresponding decal on the instrument panel to inform pilots to avoid steadystate operations between 68.4% and 87.1% turbine speeds. The TCCA AD requires amending the RFM, advising pilots of the change, and installing a decal as described in Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 407– 05–67, dated June 8, 2005 (ASB 407–05– 67). Comments After our NPRM (78 FR 34286, June 7, 2013) was published, we received comments from one commenter. Request Rolls-Royce Corporation requested that in addition to requiring the placard on the instrument panel, we allow operators the option to temporarily mark the Nr/Np gauge with colored tape, to provide a more visual aide to the pilot for the speed avoidance zone. We disagree. Marking the glass surface of the gauge can create parallax issues when viewing the avoidance ranges on the gauge, resulting in erroneous readings. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Canada, TCCA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the TCCA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by TCCA, reviewed the relevant information, considered the comment received, and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the TCCA AD The TCCA AD requires compliance within 10 calendar days, while this AD requires compliance within 30 days. PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 65201 Related Service Information Bell has issued ASB 407–05–67, which contains procedures for installing a placard on the instrument panel below the main rotor RPM (Nr)/power turbine RPM (Np) dual tachometer and for inserting the RFM changes into the flight manual. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 472 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per hour, we estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Amending the RFM will require about 0.5 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of about $43 and a cost to U.S. operators of $20,296. Installing the decal will require about 0.2 workhour and required parts cost $20, for a cost per helicopter of $37 and a cost to U.S. operators of $17,464. Based on these estimates, the total cost of this AD will be $80 per helicopter and $37,760 for the U.S. operator fleet. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters 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); E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1 65202 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations (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): ■ 2013–20–05 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell): Amendment 39– 17611; Docket No. FAA–2013–0490; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–004–AD. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a third stage turbine vibration, which could result in turbine failure, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective December 5, 2013. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES (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 Within 30 days: (1) Revise the Operating Limitations section of the Model 407 Rotorcraft Flight Manual by inserting Section 1, Limitations, pages 1–6 and 1–14, of Bell BHT–407–FM– 1, revision 3, dated April 26, 2005. (2) Remove placard part number (P/N) 230–075–213–105, if installed. (3) Install placard P/N 230–075–213–111, or equivalent, directly below the NR/NP dual tachometer. 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 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. (g) Additional Information (1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 407–05– 67, dated June 8, 2005, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433– 0272; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com/ files/. You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD No. CF–2004–09R1, dated July 4, 2005. You may view the TCCA AD on the internet in the AD Docket at https://www.regulations.gov. 14 CFR Part 39 (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7250: Turbine Section. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers 53000 through 53644, certificated in any category. VerDate Mar<15>2010 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email chinh.vuong@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. (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) Pages 1–6 and 1–14 of Section 1, Limitations, of Bell Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT–407–FM–1, Revision 3, dated April 26, 2005. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Bell service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433– 0272; 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 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 20, 2013. Scott A. Horn, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–24030 Filed 10–30–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2013–0492; Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–013–AD; Amendment 39–17608; AD 2013–20–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 230 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard on the instrument panel and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-state operations. These actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. SUMMARY: This AD is effective December 5, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of December 5, 2013. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; 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. DATES: E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65200-65202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24030]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0490; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-004-AD; 
Amendment 39-17611; AD 2013-20-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
(Bell) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bell Model 407 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard 
beneath the NR/NP dual tachometer and revising the limitations section 
of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by several 
incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were 
caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-
state operations. These actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid 
certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure 
of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective December 5, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference

[[Page 65201]]

of a certain document listed in this AD as of December 5, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, 
Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 
433-0272; 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, the foreign authority's 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: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
chinh.vuong@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On June 7, 2013, at 78 FR 34286, the Federal Register published our 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Bell Model 407 helicopters, 
serial numbers 53000 through 53644. The NPRM proposed to require 
installing a placard on the instrument panel below the NR/NP dual 
tachometer and revising the Operating Limitations section of the Model 
407 RFM to limit steady-state operation between speeds of 68.4% to 
87.1%. The proposed requirements were intended to alert pilots to avoid 
certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure 
of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF-2004-09R1, dated July 4, 2005, 
issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada. TCCA issued AD No. CF-2004-09R1 to correct an 
unsafe condition for Model 407 helicopters. TCCA advises that several 
failures of third stage turbine wheels used in Rolls Royce 250-C30S and 
250-C47B engines, and three of these failures have occurred to the 250-
C47B engine used by Bell on the Model 407. According to TCCA, Rolls 
Royce has determined that detrimental vibrations can occur within a 
particular range of turbine speeds, and may be a contributing factor to 
these failures. Bell has revised the operating limitations of the RFM 
and provided a corresponding decal on the instrument panel to inform 
pilots to avoid steady-state operations between 68.4% and 87.1% turbine 
speeds.
    The TCCA AD requires amending the RFM, advising pilots of the 
change, and installing a decal as described in Bell Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. 407-05-67, dated June 8, 2005 (ASB 407-05-67).

Comments

    After our NPRM (78 FR 34286, June 7, 2013) was published, we 
received comments from one commenter.

Request

    Rolls-Royce Corporation requested that in addition to requiring the 
placard on the instrument panel, we allow operators the option to 
temporarily mark the Nr/Np gauge with colored 
tape, to provide a more visual aide to the pilot for the speed 
avoidance zone.
    We disagree. Marking the glass surface of the gauge can create 
parallax issues when viewing the avoidance ranges on the gauge, 
resulting in erroneous readings.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with Canada, TCCA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the TCCA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by TCCA, reviewed the relevant information, 
considered the comment received, and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the 
same type design and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the TCCA AD

    The TCCA AD requires compliance within 10 calendar days, while this 
AD requires compliance within 30 days.

Related Service Information

    Bell has issued ASB 407-05-67, which contains procedures for 
installing a placard on the instrument panel below the main rotor RPM 
(Nr)/power turbine RPM (Np) dual tachometer and for inserting the RFM 
changes into the flight manual.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 472 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per hour, we estimate 
that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with 
this AD. Amending the RFM will require about 0.5 work-hour, for a cost 
per helicopter of about $43 and a cost to U.S. operators of $20,296. 
Installing the decal will require about 0.2 work-hour and required 
parts cost $20, for a cost per helicopter of $37 and a cost to U.S. 
operators of $17,464. Based on these estimates, the total cost of this 
AD will be $80 per helicopter and $37,760 for the U.S. operator fleet.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters 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);

[[Page 65202]]

    (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):

2013-20-05 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell): Amendment 
39-17611; Docket No. FAA-2013-0490; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-
004-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers 
53000 through 53644, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a third stage turbine 
vibration, which could result in turbine failure, engine power loss, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 5, 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

    Within 30 days:
    (1) Revise the Operating Limitations section of the Model 407 
Rotorcraft Flight Manual by inserting Section 1, Limitations, pages 
1-6 and 1-14, of Bell BHT-407-FM-1, revision 3, dated April 26, 
2005.
    (2) Remove placard part number (P/N) 230-075-213-105, if 
installed.
    (3) Install placard P/N 230-075-213-111, or equivalent, directly 
below the NR/NP dual tachometer.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Chinh Vuong, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email chinh.vuong@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) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 407-05-67, dated June 8, 
2005, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional 
information about the subject of this AD. For service information 
identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 
Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone 
(450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 433-0272; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review a copy of the service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD No. CF-2004-09R1, dated July 4, 2005. You 
may view the TCCA AD on the internet in the AD Docket at https://www.regulations.gov.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7250: Turbine 
Section.

(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) Pages 1-6 and 1-14 of Section 1, Limitations, of Bell 
Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-407-FM-1, Revision 3, dated April 26, 
2005.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Bell service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, 
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; 
fax (450) 433-0272; 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 September 20, 2013.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-24030 Filed 10-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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