Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Helicopters, 67022-67024 [2013-26563]

Download as PDF 67022 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 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): ■ 2013–20–17 Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH (ECD): Amendment 39–17623; Docket No. FAA–2013–0519; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–068–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to ECD Model BO105C (C– 2 and CB–2 Variants) and BO105S (CS–2 and CBS–2 Variants) helicopters with a third stage turbine wheel, part number 23065833, installed, 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 13, 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. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES (e) Required Actions Within 30 days: (1) For BO105C–2 and BO105CS–2 Variant helicopters, revise the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM), Section 2, Limitations Section, by inserting page 2–25 of ECD Flight Manual BO 105 C/CS, revision 5, dated March 12, 2010. (2) For BO105CB–2 and BO105CBS–2 Variant helicopters, revise the RFM, Section 2, Limitations Section, by inserting pages 2– 8 and 2–27 of ECD Flight Manual BO 105 CB/ CBS, revision 8, dated March 12, 2010. (3) Install a placard on the instrument panel next to the triple RPM indicator that states: MIN. CONTINUOUS 98% N2—MIN. TRANSIENT 95% N2. (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) ECD Alert Service Bulletin No. BO105– 60–110, Revision 1, dated March 3, 2010, VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:17 Nov 07, 2013 Jkt 232001 which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://www.eurocopter.com/ techpub. 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2010–0128, dated June 25, 2010. You may view the EASA 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 2–25 of Section 2, Limitations, of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Flight Manual BO 105 C/CS, Revision 5, dated March 12, 2010. (ii) Pages 2–8 and 2–27 of Section 2, Limitations, of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Flight Manual BO 105 CB/CBS, Revision 8, dated March 12, 2010. (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://www.eurocopter.com/ techpub. (4) You may review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (5) You may also 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 20, 2013. Scott A. Horn, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–26562 Filed 11–7–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0481; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–003–AD; Amendment 39–17653; AD 2013–22–21] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L–1, 206L–3, 206L–4, and 407 helicopters with an Apical Industries, Inc. (Apical) emergency float kit installed under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Number SR01535LA. This AD was prompted by an incident in which the floats installed on a helicopter failed to deploy. This AD requires inspecting, labeling, and replacing the float inflation hoses. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the emergency floatation gear to deploy during an emergency event. DATES: This AD is effective December 13, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 13, 2013. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Apical Industries, Inc., 2608 Temple Heights Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056–3512; telephone (760) 724–5300; fax: (760) 758–9612; or at www.apicalindustries.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the STC, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Venessa Stiger, Cabin Safety/ Mechanical & Environmental Systems, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5337; email venessa.stiger@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to add an AD that would apply to Bell Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L– 1, 206L–3, 206L–4, and 407 helicopters with an Apical emergency float kit installed under STC number SR01535LA. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 5, 2013 (78 FR 33770). The NPRM proposed to require inspecting each float inflation hose port fitting for correct installation and condition, labeling each port fitting, installing a port fitting adapter on each port fitting, and replacing each aft float hose. The NPRM was prompted by an incident in which the floats did not deploy evenly and the right-hand midfloat ruptured on a helicopter modified with an Apical emergency float kit. Subsequent investigation determined that the uneven deployment resulted from incorrect installation of the float inflation hoses on the port fitting at the base of the forward crosstube saddle. The NPRM was proposed to prevent failure of the emergency floats to inflate fully in an emergency. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 33770, June 5, 2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 265 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. Inspecting the float inflation hoses and installing the marking labels will require about 1 work hour, and required parts will cost about $2, for a cost per helicopter of $87, and a total VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:17 Nov 07, 2013 Jkt 232001 cost to U.S. operators of $23,055. Installing the port fitting adaptor and replacing the aft float hose assembly will require about 1 work hour, and required parts will cost about $165, for a cost per helicopter of $250. Thus, we estimate a total cost to U.S. operators of $89,305. If any fitting has excessive corrosion or damage, replacing the fitting will require about 1 work hour, and required parts will cost about $125, for a cost per helicopter of $210. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 67023 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): ■ 2013–22–21 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Amendment 39–17653; Docket No. FAA–2013–0481; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–003–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L– 1, 206L–3, 206L–4, and 407 helicopters with an Apical Industries, Inc. (Apical), emergency float kit installed under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Number SR01535LA, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrectly installed float inflation hoses, which could result in failure of the emergency floats to inflate fully during an emergency. (c) Effective Date This AD is effective December 13, 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 45 hours time-in-service: (i) Inspect each float inflation hose port fitting at the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) forward crosstube saddles for corrosion, damage, or a bend in the tubing greater than 5 degrees from their original position. (A) If there is corrosion that has penetrated the base material more than .010 inch, or damage that has removed more than .010 inch of base material, before further flight, replace the port fitting. (B) If there is a bend in the port fitting tubing greater than 5 degrees from the original position of the tube, bend the port fitting back to its original position to enable complete sealing of the port fitting adapter. (ii) Inspect the position of each float inflation hose for proper connection and routing to the LH and RH port fittings. If the position of any float inflation hose is not as shown in figure 2 of Apical Alert Service Bulletin No. SB2010–03, Revision C, dated December 21, 2011 (ASB SB2010–03), before further flight, correct the installation of the float inflation hose at the port fitting. (iii) Install a marking label on the LH and RH port fittings as shown in figures 3 and 4 E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1 67024 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations of ASB SB2010–03 and seal the marking label with clear shrink tubing. (2) Within 6 months: (i) Remove each hose connecting the aft float to the port fitting, part number (P/N) 602.1417 for Model 206A and 206B helicopters, P/N 602.1420 for Model 206L, 206L–1, 206L–3, and 206L–4 helicopters, or P/N 602.1413 for Model 407 helicopters, from each skid tube. (ii) Install a port fitting adaptor, P/N 614.8709, onto the straight line fitting on the LH and RH port fittings as depicted in figure 6 of ASB SB2010–03. (iii) Install an aft float hose, P/N 602.1430 for Model 206A and 206B helicopters, P/N 602.1431 for Model 206L, 206L–1, 206L–3, and 206L–4 helicopters, or P/N 602.1429 for Model 407 helicopters, to each port fitting adaptor and aft float. (3) Do not install a hose, P/N 602.1417 for Model 206A and 206B helicopters, P/N 602.1420 for Model 206L, 206L–1, 206L–3, and 206L–4 helicopters, or P/N 602.1413 for Model 407 helicopters, on any helicopter. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Venessa Stiger, Cabin Safety/Mechanical & Environmental Systems, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5337; email venessa.stiger@ 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 STC No. SR01535LA, amended February 2, 2007, may be found on the internet in the AD Docket at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2013–0481. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212: Emergency Flotation Section. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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) Apical Alert Service Bulletin No. SB2010–03, Revision C, dated December 21, 2011. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Apical service information identified in this AD, contact Apical Industries, Inc., 2608 Temple Heights Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056–3512; telephone (760) 724–5300; fax: (760) 758–9612; or at www.apicalindustries.com. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:17 Nov 07, 2013 Jkt 232001 (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 also 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 October 30, 2013. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–26563 Filed 11–7–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 71 [Docket FAA No. FAA–2013–0529; Airspace Docket No. 13–ANM–17] Establishment of Class E Airspace; Glasgow, MT Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; correction. received a comment in support of the rule from the NBAA for inclusion in FAA Docket No. FAA–2013–0529 prior to the closing of the comment period. However, the preamble incorrectly references that there were no comments to the proposal. This action corrects that statement. Correction to Final Rule Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, the description under the History heading, as published in the Federal Register of September 30, 2013 (78 FR 59807), Airspace Docket No. 13–ANM–17, FR Doc. 2013–23669, is corrected as follows: On page 59808, column 1, line 4, remove the words ‘‘No comments were received.’’, and add in their place ‘‘One comment was received from the National Business Aviation Association fully supporting the establishment of Class E en route airspace.’’. Issued in Seattle, Washington, on October 30, 2013. Clark Desing, Manager, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center. [FR Doc. 2013–26717 Filed 11–7–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration This action corrects a final rule published in the Federal Register of September 30, 2013, that establishes Class E airspace at the Glasgow VHF Omni-Directional Radio Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid, Glasgow, MT. A favorable comment from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) was received in the public Docket but was not referenced in the Final Rule. DATES: Effective date: 0901 UTC, December 12, 2013. 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: Eldon Taylor, Federal Aviation Administration, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057; telephone (425) 203–4537. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: History The FAA published a final rule in the Federal Register establishing Class E airspace at the Glasgow VOR/DME navigation aid, Glasgow, MT (78 FR 59807, September 30, 2013). The FAA PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0576; Airspace Docket No. 13–ANM–11] Modification of Class E Airspace; Prineville, OR Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action modifies Class E airspace at Prineville, OR, to accommodate Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Prineville Airport. This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also adjusts the geographic coordinates of the airport. SUMMARY: 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: Eldon Taylor, Federal Aviation DATES: E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 217 (Friday, November 8, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67022-67024]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26563]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0481; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-003-AD; 
Amendment 39-17653; AD 2013-22-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell 
Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-
3, 206L-4, and 407 helicopters with an Apical Industries, Inc. (Apical) 
emergency float kit installed under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
Number SR01535LA. This AD was prompted by an incident in which the 
floats installed on a helicopter failed to deploy. This AD requires 
inspecting, labeling, and replacing the float inflation hoses. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the emergency floatation gear to 
deploy during an emergency event.

DATES: This AD is effective December 13, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 13, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Apical Industries, Inc., 2608 Temple Heights Drive, Oceanside, CA 
92056-3512; telephone (760) 724-5300; fax: (760) 758-9612; or at 
www.apicalindustries.com. You may review copies of 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 Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the STC, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address 
for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor,

[[Page 67023]]

Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Venessa Stiger, Cabin Safety/
Mechanical & Environmental Systems, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5337; email 
venessa.stiger@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to add an AD that would apply to Bell Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 
206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, and 407 helicopters with an Apical emergency 
float kit installed under STC number SR01535LA. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on June 5, 2013 (78 FR 33770). The NPRM proposed 
to require inspecting each float inflation hose port fitting for 
correct installation and condition, labeling each port fitting, 
installing a port fitting adapter on each port fitting, and replacing 
each aft float hose. The NPRM was prompted by an incident in which the 
floats did not deploy evenly and the right-hand mid-float ruptured on a 
helicopter modified with an Apical emergency float kit. Subsequent 
investigation determined that the uneven deployment resulted from 
incorrect installation of the float inflation hoses on the port fitting 
at the base of the forward crosstube saddle. The NPRM was proposed to 
prevent failure of the emergency floats to inflate fully in an 
emergency.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 33770, June 5, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that an unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of 
the same type design and that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 265 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. Inspecting the float inflation hoses and installing the marking 
labels will require about 1 work hour, and required parts will cost 
about $2, for a cost per helicopter of $87, and a total cost to U.S. 
operators of $23,055. Installing the port fitting adaptor and replacing 
the aft float hose assembly will require about 1 work hour, and 
required parts will cost about $165, for a cost per helicopter of $250. 
Thus, we estimate a total cost to U.S. operators of $89,305.
    If any fitting has excessive corrosion or damage, replacing the 
fitting will require about 1 work hour, and required parts will cost 
about $125, for a cost per helicopter of $210.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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):

2013-22-21 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Amendment 39-17653; Docket 
No. FAA-2013-0481; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-003-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 
206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, and 407 helicopters with 
an Apical Industries, Inc. (Apical), emergency float kit installed 
under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Number SR01535LA, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as incorrectly installed 
float inflation hoses, which could result in failure of the 
emergency floats to inflate fully during an emergency.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 13, 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 45 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Inspect each float inflation hose port fitting at the left-
hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) forward crosstube saddles for 
corrosion, damage, or a bend in the tubing greater than 5 degrees 
from their original position.
    (A) If there is corrosion that has penetrated the base material 
more than .010 inch, or damage that has removed more than .010 inch 
of base material, before further flight, replace the port fitting.
    (B) If there is a bend in the port fitting tubing greater than 5 
degrees from the original position of the tube, bend the port 
fitting back to its original position to enable complete sealing of 
the port fitting adapter.
    (ii) Inspect the position of each float inflation hose for 
proper connection and routing to the LH and RH port fittings. If the 
position of any float inflation hose is not as shown in figure 2 of 
Apical Alert Service Bulletin No. SB2010-03, Revision C, dated 
December 21, 2011 (ASB SB2010-03), before further flight, correct 
the installation of the float inflation hose at the port fitting.
    (iii) Install a marking label on the LH and RH port fittings as 
shown in figures 3 and 4

[[Page 67024]]

of ASB SB2010-03 and seal the marking label with clear shrink 
tubing.
    (2) Within 6 months:
    (i) Remove each hose connecting the aft float to the port 
fitting, part number (P/N) 602.1417 for Model 206A and 206B 
helicopters, P/N 602.1420 for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters, or P/N 602.1413 for Model 407 helicopters, from each 
skid tube.
    (ii) Install a port fitting adaptor, P/N 614.8709, onto the 
straight line fitting on the LH and RH port fittings as depicted in 
figure 6 of ASB SB2010-03.
    (iii) Install an aft float hose, P/N 602.1430 for Model 206A and 
206B helicopters, P/N 602.1431 for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 
206L-4 helicopters, or P/N 602.1429 for Model 407 helicopters, to 
each port fitting adaptor and aft float.
    (3) Do not install a hose, P/N 602.1417 for Model 206A and 206B 
helicopters, P/N 602.1420 for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters, or P/N 602.1413 for Model 407 helicopters, on any 
helicopter.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Venessa 
Stiger, Cabin Safety/Mechanical & Environmental Systems, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone 
(562) 627-5337; email venessa.stiger@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

    STC No. SR01535LA, amended February 2, 2007, may be found on the 
internet in the AD Docket at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2013-0481.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212: Emergency 
Flotation Section.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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) Apical Alert Service Bulletin No. SB2010-03, Revision C, 
dated December 21, 2011.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Apical service information identified in this AD, 
contact Apical Industries, Inc., 2608 Temple Heights Drive, 
Oceanside, CA 92056-3512; telephone (760) 724-5300; fax: (760) 758-
9612; or at www.apicalindustries.com.
    (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 also 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 October 30, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26563 Filed 11-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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