Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters, 65206-65208 [2013-24035]
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65206
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146–100A,
–200A, and –300A airplanes; and Model
Avro 146–RJ70A, 146–RJ85A, and 146–
RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any
category, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a
cracked pick-up bracket of the forward
outboard pylon of the number 1 engine due
to stress corrosion. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracking of the pick-up
bracket, which could result in the engine
pylon separating from the wing, with
consequent damage to the airplane and
reduced controllability.
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) Repetitive Inspections
(1) Within the initial compliance time
specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii)
of this AD, as applicable, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 24 months: Do a
special detailed inspection with a videoscope
of the flanges of the Rib 10 forward pylon
pick-up bracket of each engine pylon for
cracking, corrosion, and other defects, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57–
073, Revision 1, dated January 27, 2012; or
Revision 2, dated March 8, 2012.
(i) Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD, except as provided by paragraph
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(ii) For airplanes on which a maintenance
records check positively determines that both
forward pylon pick-up brackets have been
replaced since first flight of the airplane:
Within 20 months after the effective date of
this AD.
(2) If, during any inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any cracking,
corrosion or other defect of any Rib 10
forward pylon pick-up bracket is found:
Before further flight, repair or replace the
bracket as specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or
(g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Repair a bracket in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection
Service Bulletin ISB.57–073, Revision 1,
dated January 27, 2012; or Revision 2, dated
March 8, 2012.
(ii) Replace a bracket using a method
approved by either the Manager,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its
delegated agent).
(3) Repairing or replacing a Rib 10 forward
pylon pick-up bracket, as required by
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, does not
terminate the repetitive inspections required
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:19 Oct 30, 2013
Jkt 232001
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if the
actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service
Bulletin ISB.57–073, dated September 6,
2010, which is not incorporated by reference
in this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 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 International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–
1149. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2012–0136, dated July 20, 2012, for
related information. You may examine the
MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0631-0002.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference may
be obtained at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.
(k) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57–073,
Revision 1, dated January 27, 2012.
(ii) BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57–073,
Revision 2, dated March 8, 2012.
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited, Customer Information Department,
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire,
KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom;
telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44 1292
675704; email RApublications@
baesystems.com; Internet https://
www.baesystems.com/Businesses/
RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
(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
17, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–25627 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–2013–0491; Directorate
Identifier 2008–SW–012–AD; Amendment
39–17609; AD 2013–20–03]
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 430 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.
DATES: This AD is effective December 5,
2013.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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.
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 34290, 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 430 helicopters, serial number
49001 through 49111. The NPRM
proposed to require installing a placard
on the instrument panel and revising
the Operating Limitations section of the
Model 430 RFM to limit steady-state
operation between speeds of 71% and
91%. 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–2005–25, dated July 5, 2005, issued
by Transport Canada Civil Aviation
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:19 Oct 30, 2013
Jkt 232001
(TCCA), which is the aviation authority
for Canada. TCCA issued AD No. CF–
2005–25 to correct an unsafe condition
for Model 430 helicopters. TCCA
advises that several failures of third
stage turbine wheels used in Rolls
Royce 250–C30S and 250–C47B engines
and that a similar turbine wheel is
installed on the 250–C40B engine used
by Bell on Model 430 helicopters.
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 71% and 91% 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. 430–
05–34, dated June 10, 2005 (ASB 430–
05–34).
Comments
After our NPRM (78 FR 34290, 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.
PO 00000
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65207
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 430–05–34,
which contains procedures for installing
a placard on the instrument panel and
for inserting the RFM changes into the
flight manual.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
37 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Based on
an average labor rate of $85 per hour, we
estimate that operators will incur the
following costs in order to comply with
this AD. Amending the RFM requires
about 0.5 work-hour, for a cost per
helicopter of about $43 and a cost to
U.S. operators of $1,591. Installing the
decal requires 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 $1,369. Based on these
estimates, the total cost of this AD will
be $80 per helicopter and $2,960 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:
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2013–20–03 Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada Limited (Bell): Amendment 39–
17609; Docket No. FAA–2013–0491;
Directorate Identifier 2008–SW–012–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Model 430
helicopters, serial number 49001 through
49111, 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.
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES
(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 430 Rotorcraft Flight
Manual by inserting Section 1, Limitations,
page 1–7, of Bell BHT–430–FM–1, revision
18, dated September 1, 2009.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:19 Oct 30, 2013
Jkt 232001
(2) Install placard part number 230–075–
213–113, or equivalent, on the instrument
panel directly below the pilot audio select
panel.
(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. 430–05–
34, dated June 10, 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–2005–25, dated July 5, 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) Page 1–7 of Section 1, Limitations, of
Bell Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT–430–FM–
1, revision 18, dated September 1, 2009.
(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.
PO 00000
Frm 00064
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September
18, 2013.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–24035 Filed 10–30–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2012–1174; Airspace
Docket No. 12–AAL–12]
Modification of Class D and E
Airspace; Kenai, AK
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action modifies Class D
and E airspace at Kenai Municipal
Airport, Kenai, AK. Controlled airspace
is necessary to accommodate aircraft
using the new Area Navigation (RNAV)
Global Positioning System (GPS)
standard instrument approach
procedures at the airport. A minor
adjustment is made to the geographic
coordinates of the airport. Additionally,
language establishing dates and times of
use of the procedures was inadvertently
omitted from the description for the
Class E airspace designated as an
extension, and is included in this rule.
This action, initiated by the biennial
review of the Kenai airspace area,
enhances the safety and management of
aircraft operations at the airport.
DATES: Effective date, 0901 UTC,
February 6, 2014. The Director of the
Federal Register approves this
incorporation by reference action under
1 CFR Part 51, subject to the annual
revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and
publication of conforming amendments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Richard Roberts, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support
Group, Western Service Center, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057;
telephone (425) 203–4517.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
History
On June 10, 2013, the FAA published
in the Federal Register a notice of
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65206-65208]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24035]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0491; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-012-AD;
Amendment 39-17609; AD 2013-20-03]
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 430 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.
DATES: This AD is effective December 5, 2013.
[[Page 65207]]
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.
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 34290, 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 430 helicopters,
serial number 49001 through 49111. The NPRM proposed to require
installing a placard on the instrument panel and revising the Operating
Limitations section of the Model 430 RFM to limit steady-state
operation between speeds of 71% and 91%. 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-2005-25, dated July 5, 2005,
issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada. TCCA issued AD No. CF-2005-25 to correct an
unsafe condition for Model 430 helicopters. TCCA advises that several
failures of third stage turbine wheels used in Rolls Royce 250-C30S and
250-C47B engines and that a similar turbine wheel is installed on the
250-C40B engine used by Bell on Model 430 helicopters. 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 71% and 91%
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. 430-05-34, dated June 10, 2005 (ASB 430-05-34).
Comments
After our NPRM (78 FR 34290, 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 430-05-34, which contains procedures for
installing a placard on the instrument panel and for inserting the RFM
changes into the flight manual.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 37 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per hour, we estimate
that operators will incur the following costs in order to comply with
this AD. Amending the RFM requires about 0.5 work-hour, for a cost per
helicopter of about $43 and a cost to U.S. operators of $1,591.
Installing the decal requires 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 $1,369. Based on these estimates, the total cost of this AD will be
$80 per helicopter and $2,960 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:
[[Page 65208]]
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2013-20-03 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell): Amendment
39-17609; Docket No. FAA-2013-0491; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-
012-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Model 430 helicopters, serial number
49001 through 49111, 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 430
Rotorcraft Flight Manual by inserting Section 1, Limitations, page
1-7, of Bell BHT-430-FM-1, revision 18, dated September 1, 2009.
(2) Install placard part number 230-075-213-113, or equivalent,
on the instrument panel directly below the pilot audio select panel.
(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. 430-05-34, dated June 10,
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-2005-25, dated July 5, 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) Page 1-7 of Section 1, Limitations, of Bell Rotorcraft
Flight Manual BHT-430-FM-1, revision 18, dated September 1, 2009.
(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 18, 2013.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-24035 Filed 10-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P