Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters, 5249-5251 [2014-01466]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (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: (f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the procedures specified in Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A017, Revision 2, dated December 9, 2010; Revision 1, dated January 27, 2010; and Revision 0, dated September 28, 2007, are considered acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. 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): ■ 2014–02–04 Eurocopter France Helicopters: Amendment 39–17732; Docket No. FAA–2013–0501; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–036–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model EC 155B and EC155B1 helicopters with lower front fitting part number (P/N) 365A23–4240–01, upper front fitting P/N 365A23–4242–01, lower rear fitting P/N 365A23–4241–01, or upper rear fitting P/N 365A23–4243–01 (fittings), installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a fitting. This condition could result in loss of the upper fin during flight and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective March 7, 2014. (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 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 55 hours TIS: (i) Using an appropriate light source and a 10x or higher power magnifying glass, inspect each front (item c) and rear (item d) VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:58 Jan 30, 2014 Jkt 232001 upper fitting and each front (item e) and rear (item f) lower fitting for a crack as depicted in Detail A of Figure 1 of Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A017, Revision 2, dated December 9, 2010 (ASB). Inspect the hatched area as depicted in Details B, C, and D of Figure 2 of the ASB. A high-resolution (more than 2 million pixels) digital camera or dye-penetrant inspection may be used to facilitate the crack inspection. (ii) If there is a crack in any fitting, before further flight, remove all four fittings from service. (2) Within 180 hours TIS, remove the fittings from service. (3) Do not install lower front fitting P/N 365A23–4240–01, upper front fitting P/N 365A23–4242–01, lower rear fitting P/N 365A23–4241–01, and upper rear fitting P/N 365A23–4243–01 on any helicopter. (g) Special flight permits Special flight permits will not be issued. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone 817–222– 5110; email robert.grant@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) Additional Information (1) Eurocopter Service Bulletin No. 53–029, Revision 1, dated March 10, 2011, 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 the referenced 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 AD No. 2011–0108, dated June 7, 2011, which can be found in Docket No. FAA–2013–0501 on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5249 (j) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5530 Vertical Stabilizer Structure. (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 the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Eurocopter Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 05A017, Revision 2, dated December 9, 2010. (ii) Reserved. (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 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/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 16, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–01461 Filed 1–30–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0525; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–063–AD; Amendment 39–17730; AD 2014–02–02] 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 206L, L–1, L–3, and L–4 helicopters. This AD requires measuring each main rotor (M/R) blade spar space to determine whether it is oversized and reidentifying the M/R blade and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\31JAR1.SGM 31JAR1 5250 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2014 / Rules and Regulations reducing the life limit of the blade if the spar spacer is oversized. This AD was prompted by the manufacture of certain blades with an oversized spar spacer and the determination to reduce the life limits of those blades. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective March 7, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of March 7, 2014. 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. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD 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 Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) 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: Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5110, email sharon.y.miles@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On June 20, 2013, at 78 FR 37152, 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 206L, L–1, L–3, and L–4 helicopters. The NPRM proposed measuring the M/R blade spar spacer. If a blade is fitted with an oversized spacer, the NPRM proposed reidentifying the blade, reducing the life VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:58 Jan 30, 2014 Jkt 232001 limit for the blade from 3,600 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 2,300 hours TIS, and making an entry on the component history card or equivalent record. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF–2011–43, dated November 10, 2011, issued by TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 206L, L–1, L–3, and L–4 helicopters. TCCA advises that, during manufacturing, some M/R blades were inadvertently fitted with oversized spar spacers, which reduces the life of the blades from 3600 to 2300 hours ‘‘air time.’’ As a result, TCCA has mandated procedures to reidentify blades that have oversized spar spacers with new part numbers and reduce the life limit for such blades. Comments After our NPRM (78 FR 37152, June 30, 2013), was published, we received comments from one commenter. Request The one commenter stated that Bell has released Revision A of Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206L–09–163, dated April 19, 2012, and requested that both the original ASB and Revision A be included in the final AD. We agree that the AD should reference Revision A of the ASB. This revision only updates Bell’s warranty information and does not change the technical aspects or the corrective actions. Thus, performing the actions in either the original ASB or Revision A before the effective date of this AD would constitute prior compliance with this AD. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by TCCA 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 these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed with the change previously described. Also, under paragraph (f) of the NPRM, the TCCA AD is incorrectly referenced as No. ‘‘CF–2011–41.’’ We PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 have corrected paragraph (f) in this AD to correctly identify the TCCA AD as ‘‘CF–2011–43.’’ These changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of this AD. Differences Between this AD and the TCCA AD TCCA requires compliance time within 100 hours air time or 30 days. This AD requires compliance within 100 hours TIS. Related Service Information Bell issued ASB No. 206L–09–163, dated November 13, 2009, which specifies inspecting certain M/R blades for oversized spar spacers and reidentifying and reducing the life limit of any blade with an oversized spar spacer from 3600 to 2300 flight hours. On April 19, 2012, Bell issued ASB No. 206L–09–163, Revision A, dated April 19, 2012, to update the warranty information. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 688 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. It will take about 2.5 work hours to measure the spar spacer and reidentify the blade at $85 per work hour for a total cost of $213 per helicopter. According to Bell’s service information some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost to affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Bell. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. 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 E:\FR\FM\31JAR1.SGM 31JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 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); (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: 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES 2014–02–02 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39–17730; Docket No. FAA–2013–0525; Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–063–AD. 17:58 Jan 30, 2014 Jkt 232001 (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective March 7, 2014. (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) Actions Required Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS): (1) For each M/R blade with an S/N listed in Table 1 of the ASB, measure the M/R blade spar spacer by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II A), paragraphs 1 through 3, of the ASB. If the spar spacer measures more than 1.018 inches (25.86 millimeters), reidentify the blade by following Part II A, paragraph 5.a. and Table 3, of the ASB. (2) For each M/R blade with an S/N listed in Table 2 of the ASB, measure the M/R blade spar spacer by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II B, paragraphs 1 through 3, of the ASB. If the spar spacer measures more than 1.018 inches (25.86 millimeters), reidentify the blade by following Part II B, paragraph 5 and Table 4, of the ASB. (3) For each reidentified blade, reduce the life limit from 3,600 hours TIS to 2,300 hours TIS, and make an entry on the component history card or equivalent record. (4) Before further flight, remove any blade that exceeds the new retirement life of 2,300 hours TIS. (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) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L–09–163, Revision A, dated April 19, 2012. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Bell Helicopter 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/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 15, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–01466 Filed 1–30–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222–5110, email sharon.y.miles@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. Federal Aviation Administration (g) Additional Information (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model 206L, L–1, L–3, and L–4 helicopters with a main rotor (M/R) blade, part number (P/N) 206–015–001–115, –117, –119, or –121, with a serial number (S/ N) listed in Table 1 or 2 of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin [No. 206L–09–163, Revision A, dated April 19, 2012 (ASB), certificated in any category. VerDate Mar<15>2010 This AD defines the unsafe condition as the manufacture of an M/R blade with an oversized spar spacer. This condition could result in failure of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES § 39.13 (b) Unsafe Condition 5251 The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD CF–2011–43, dated November 10, 2011. You may view the TCCA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2013–0525. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210 Main Rotor Blades. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0679; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–015–AD; Amendment 39–17733; AD 2014–02–05] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350C, AS350D, and AS350D1 helicopters. This AD requires measuring the distance between the end of the main rotor collective pitch lever (collective) locking stud (locking stud) and the locking strip and repairing the locking stud if the clearance is insufficient. This SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\31JAR1.SGM 31JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 21 (Friday, January 31, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5249-5251]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-01466]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0525; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-063-AD; 
Amendment 39-17730; AD 2014-02-02]
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 Bell 
Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 helicopters. This AD requires measuring 
each main rotor (M/R) blade spar space to determine whether it is 
oversized and reidentifying the M/R blade and

[[Page 5250]]

reducing the life limit of the blade if the spar spacer is oversized. 
This AD was prompted by the manufacture of certain blades with an 
oversized spar spacer and the determination to reduce the life limits 
of those blades. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure 
of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective March 7, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of March 7, 2014.

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 Transport Canada Civil 
Aviation (TCCA) 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: Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5110, email 
sharon.y.miles@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On June 20, 2013, at 78 FR 37152, 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 206L, L-1, 
L-3, and L-4 helicopters. The NPRM proposed measuring the M/R blade 
spar spacer. If a blade is fitted with an oversized spacer, the NPRM 
proposed reidentifying the blade, reducing the life limit for the blade 
from 3,600 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 2,300 hours TIS, and making 
an entry on the component history card or equivalent record. The 
proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of an M/R blade 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF-2011-43, dated November 10, 
2011, issued by TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, to 
correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 
helicopters. TCCA advises that, during manufacturing, some M/R blades 
were inadvertently fitted with oversized spar spacers, which reduces 
the life of the blades from 3600 to 2300 hours ``air time.'' As a 
result, TCCA has mandated procedures to reidentify blades that have 
oversized spar spacers with new part numbers and reduce the life limit 
for such blades.

Comments

    After our NPRM (78 FR 37152, June 30, 2013), was published, we 
received comments from one commenter.

Request

    The one commenter stated that Bell has released Revision A of Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206L-09-163, dated April 19, 2012, and 
requested that both the original ASB and Revision A be included in the 
final AD.
    We agree that the AD should reference Revision A of the ASB. This 
revision only updates Bell's warranty information and does not change 
the technical aspects or the corrective actions. Thus, performing the 
actions in either the original ASB or Revision A before the effective 
date of this AD would constitute prior compliance with this AD.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by TCCA 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 these same type designs and that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed with 
the change previously described. Also, under paragraph (f) of the NPRM, 
the TCCA AD is incorrectly referenced as No. ``CF-2011-41.'' We have 
corrected paragraph (f) in this AD to correctly identify the TCCA AD as 
``CF-2011-43.'' These changes are consistent with the intent of the 
proposals in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden on any 
operator nor increase the scope of this AD.

Differences Between this AD and the TCCA AD

    TCCA requires compliance time within 100 hours air time or 30 days. 
This AD requires compliance within 100 hours TIS.

Related Service Information

    Bell issued ASB No. 206L-09-163, dated November 13, 2009, which 
specifies inspecting certain M/R blades for oversized spar spacers and 
reidentifying and reducing the life limit of any blade with an 
oversized spar spacer from 3600 to 2300 flight hours. On April 19, 
2012, Bell issued ASB No. 206L-09-163, Revision A, dated April 19, 
2012, to update the warranty information.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 688 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. It will take about 2.5 work hours to measure 
the spar spacer and reidentify the blade at $85 per work hour for a 
total cost of $213 per helicopter.
    According to Bell's service information some of the costs of this 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost to affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Bell. Accordingly, 
we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

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

[[Page 5251]]

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);
    (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):

    2014-02-02 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-
17730; Docket No. FAA-2013-0525; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-063-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 helicopters 
with a main rotor (M/R) blade, part number (P/N) 206-015-001-115, -
117, -119, or -121, with a serial number (S/N) listed in Table 1 or 
2 of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin [No. 206L-09-163, 
Revision A, dated April 19, 2012 (ASB), certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as the manufacture of an M/
R blade with an oversized spar spacer. This condition could result 
in failure of an M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 7, 2014.

(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) Actions Required

    Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (1) For each M/R blade with an S/N listed in Table 1 of the ASB, 
measure the M/R blade spar spacer by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part II A), paragraphs 1 through 3, of the ASB. If the 
spar spacer measures more than 1.018 inches (25.86 millimeters), 
reidentify the blade by following Part II A, paragraph 5.a. and 
Table 3, of the ASB.
    (2) For each M/R blade with an S/N listed in Table 2 of the ASB, 
measure the M/R blade spar spacer by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part II B, paragraphs 1 through 3, of the ASB. If the 
spar spacer measures more than 1.018 inches (25.86 millimeters), 
reidentify the blade by following Part II B, paragraph 5 and Table 
4, of the ASB.
    (3) For each reidentified blade, reduce the life limit from 
3,600 hours TIS to 2,300 hours TIS, and make an entry on the 
component history card or equivalent record.
    (4) Before further flight, remove any blade that exceeds the new 
retirement life of 2,300 hours TIS.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Sharon Miles, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-
5110, email sharon.y.miles@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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada Civil 
Aviation (TCCA) AD CF-2011-43, dated November 10, 2011. You may view 
the TCCA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2013-0525.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210 Main Rotor 
Blades.

 (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) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L-09-163, 
Revision A, dated April 19, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Bell Helicopter 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 January 15, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-01466 Filed 1-30-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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