Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 12291-12293 [2017-03954]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 40 / Thursday, March 2, 2017 / Rules and Regulations transporting the engine without subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop visit. (2) For the purposes of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, EFHs are those accumulated by the engine since the most recent accomplishment of any RR Service Bulletin (SB), NMSB, or Alert NMSB listed in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (h)(2)(v) of this AD: (i) Accomplishment of RR SB RB.211–73– F737, Revision 5, dated June 9, 2009, or earlier versions. (ii) Accomplishment of RR SB RB.211–73– F738, Revision 2, dated February 20, 2015, or earlier versions. (iii) Last inspection in accordance with RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AG797, Revision 2, dated June 13, 2012. (iv) Last inspection in accordance with RR NMSB RB.211–73–G723, Revision 1, dated January 31, 2012. (v) Last inspection in accordance with RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AG948, Revision 3, dated September 9, 2016. (i) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the initial inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if you performed these inspections before the effective date of this AD, using RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73– AG948, Revision 2, or earlier versions; RR NMSB RB.211–73–G723, Revision 1, or earlier versions; or RR Alert NMSB RB.211– 73–AG797, Revision 2, or earlier versions. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238– 7754; fax: 781–238–7199; email: Robert.Green@faa.gov. (2) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2016–0227, dated November 10, 2016, for more information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2012–0004. (3) RR SB RB.211–73–F737, Revision 5, dated June 9, 2009; SB RB.211–73–F738, Revision 2, dated February 20, 2015; RR NMSB RB.211–73–G723, Revision 1, dated January 31, 2012; and RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AG797, Revision 2, dated June 13, 2012, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be obtained from RR, using the contact information in paragraph (l)(3) of this AD. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 13:48 Mar 01, 2017 Jkt 241001 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 27, 2017. Colleen M. D’Alessandro, Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–04053 Filed 3–1–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Alert NonModification Service Bulletin RB.211–73– AG948, Revision 3, dated September 9, 2016. (ii) Reserved. (3) For RR service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; phone: 011–44–1332– 242424; fax: 011–44–1332–249936; email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil_ team.jsp. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. (5) You may view this service information 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. Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0154; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–069–AD; Amendment 39–18814; AD 2017–05–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206 helicopters. This AD requires removing certain tensiontorsion straps (TT straps) from service and is prompted by reports of corroded TT straps. These actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017. We must receive comments on this AD by May 1, 2017. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 12291 You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0154; 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 AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this final rule, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted from E:\FR\FM\02MRR1.SGM 02MRR1 12292 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 40 / Thursday, March 2, 2017 / Rules and Regulations adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments. Discussion On March 21, 2016, Transport Canada issued AD No. CF–2016–09 to correct an unsafe condition for BHTC Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, and 206L4 helicopters with TT straps with part number (P/N) 206–011–147–005, serial numbers BTFS–23868 through BTFS– 24277; and P/N 206–011–147–007, serial numbers BT–22719 through BT– 23437. Transport Canada advises that these TT straps may develop cracks in the urethane protective coating, which may result in internal corrosion of the TT straps and subsequent failure of the TT straps prior to their approved airworthiness life limit. Transport Canada further states that because this unsafe condition is limited in scope to these particular part-numbered TT straps, a revision to the airworthiness limitations schedule is unnecessary. To correct the unsafe condition, AD No. CF–2016–09 requires, within 25 hours air time, removing from service affected TT straps that have reached or exceeded 1,000 hours air time or 18 months in service, whichever occurs first from when the rotor hub containing the affected part is installed on the helicopter. pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES 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, Transport Canada, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by Transport Canada and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:48 Mar 01, 2017 Jkt 241001 Related Service Information Bell Helicopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206–13–130, Revision A, dated October 14, 2013, for Model 206A, 206B, and TH67 helicopters and ASB 206L–13–171, Revision A, dated October 14, 2013, for Model 206L series helicopters. Each ASB specifies removing the affected TT straps from service TT straps when they reach 1,000 hours or 18 months, whichever occurs first. AD Requirements For affected TT straps that have 1,000 or more hours time-in-service (TIS) or 18 or more months since installation, this AD requires removing the TT strap from service within 25 hours TIS. For all other affected TT straps, this AD requires removing the TT strap from service before accumulating 1,000 hours TIS or 18 months since installation, whichever occurs first. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 1,740 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, replacing a TT strap will require 3 work-hours, and required parts will cost $4,827, for a cost per helicopter of $5,082 and a cost of $8,842,680 for the U.S. fleet. According to BHTC’s service information, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by BHTC. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. FAA’s Justification and Determination of the Effective Date Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the actions required by this AD must be accomplished within 25 hours TIS, a very short interval for helicopters used in offshore operations. Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 We determined that 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, 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ E:\FR\FM\02MRR1.SGM 02MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 40 / Thursday, March 2, 2017 / 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): ■ 2017–05–04 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39–18814; Docket No. FAA–2017–0154; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–069–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, and 206L4 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tensiontorsion strap (TT strap) part number (P/N) 206–011–147–005 with a serial number BTFS–23868 through BTFS–24277 or P/N 206–011–147–007 with a serial number BT– 22719 through BT–23437 installed. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion of a TT strap. This condition could result in failure of the TT strap and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. this final rule, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD No. CF–2016–09, dated March 21, 2016. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–0154. online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Tension Torsion Strap. You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0155; 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email matthew.fuller@ faa.gov. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 17, 2017. Lance T. Gant, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–03954 Filed 3–1–17; 8:45 am] (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (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. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (e) Required Actions Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove from service any TT strap that has 1,000 or more hours TIS or 18 or more months since installation. Thereafter, remove from service any TT strap before accumulating 1,000 hours TIS or 18 months since installation, whichever occurs first. [Docket No. FAA–2017–0155; Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–051–AD; Amendment 39–18813; AD 2017–05–03] pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@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 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206–13–130, Revision A, dated October 14, 2013 for model 206A, 206B, and TH67 helicopters and ASB 206L–13–171, Revision A, dated October 14, 2013 for model 206L series helicopters, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this final rule. For service information identified in VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:48 Mar 01, 2017 Jkt 241001 12293 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model BO–105C, BO–105LS A–3, and BO–105S helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each main rotor blade (MRB) for debonding, and is prompted by a report of incorrect bonding of the shell to the MRB. These actions are intended to detect and prevent an unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017. We must receive comments on this AD by May 1, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Examining the AD Docket SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any E:\FR\FM\02MRR1.SGM 02MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 40 (Thursday, March 2, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12291-12293]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03954]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0154; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-069-AD; 
Amendment 39-18814; AD 2017-05-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206 helicopters. 
This AD requires removing certain tension-torsion straps (TT straps) 
from service and is prompted by reports of corroded TT straps. These 
actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017.
    We must receive comments on this AD by May 1, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0154; 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 AD, the economic evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.
    For service information identified in this final rule, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we 
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written 
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the 
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted 
from

[[Page 12292]]

adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written 
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should 
submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that 
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public 
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the 
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may 
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

    On March 21, 2016, Transport Canada issued AD No. CF-2016-09 to 
correct an unsafe condition for BHTC Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L1, 
206L3, and 206L4 helicopters with TT straps with part number (P/N) 206-
011-147-005, serial numbers BTFS-23868 through BTFS-24277; and P/N 206-
011-147-007, serial numbers BT-22719 through BT-23437. Transport Canada 
advises that these TT straps may develop cracks in the urethane 
protective coating, which may result in internal corrosion of the TT 
straps and subsequent failure of the TT straps prior to their approved 
airworthiness life limit. Transport Canada further states that because 
this unsafe condition is limited in scope to these particular part-
numbered TT straps, a revision to the airworthiness limitations 
schedule is unnecessary. To correct the unsafe condition, AD No. CF-
2016-09 requires, within 25 hours air time, removing from service 
affected TT straps that have reached or exceeded 1,000 hours air time 
or 18 months in service, whichever occurs first from when the rotor hub 
containing the affected part is installed on the helicopter.

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, Transport Canada, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
its AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information 
provided by Transport Canada and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs.

Related Service Information

    Bell Helicopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-13-130, 
Revision A, dated October 14, 2013, for Model 206A, 206B, and TH67 
helicopters and ASB 206L-13-171, Revision A, dated October 14, 2013, 
for Model 206L series helicopters. Each ASB specifies removing the 
affected TT straps from service TT straps when they reach 1,000 hours 
or 18 months, whichever occurs first.

AD Requirements

    For affected TT straps that have 1,000 or more hours time-in-
service (TIS) or 18 or more months since installation, this AD requires 
removing the TT strap from service within 25 hours TIS. For all other 
affected TT straps, this AD requires removing the TT strap from service 
before accumulating 1,000 hours TIS or 18 months since installation, 
whichever occurs first.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,740 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, 
replacing a TT strap will require 3 work-hours, and required parts will 
cost $4,827, for a cost per helicopter of $5,082 and a cost of 
$8,842,680 for the U.S. fleet.
    According to BHTC's service information, some of the costs of this 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by BHTC. 
Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that 
the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment 
prior to the adoption of this rule because the actions required by this 
AD must be accomplished within 25 hours TIS, a very short interval for 
helicopters used in offshore operations.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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

    We determined that 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, 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:


[[Page 12293]]


    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):

2017-05-04 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-
18814; Docket No. FAA-2017-0154; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-069-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 
206A, 206B, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, and 206L4 helicopters, certificated 
in any category, with a tension-torsion strap (TT strap) part number 
(P/N) 206-011-147-005 with a serial number BTFS-23868 through BTFS-
24277 or P/N 206-011-147-007 with a serial number BT-22719 through 
BT-23437 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion of a TT strap. 
This condition could result in failure of the TT strap and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 17, 2017.

(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 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove from service any 
TT strap that has 1,000 or more hours TIS or 18 or more months since 
installation. Thereafter, remove from service any TT strap before 
accumulating 1,000 hours TIS or 18 months since installation, 
whichever occurs first.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 
222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@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 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-13-130, 
Revision A, dated October 14, 2013 for model 206A, 206B, and TH67 
helicopters and ASB 206L-13-171, Revision A, dated October 14, 2013 
for model 206L series helicopters, which are not incorporated by 
reference, contain additional information about the subject of this 
final rule. For service information identified in this final rule, 
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, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
No. CF-2016-09, dated March 21, 2016. You may view the Transport 
Canada AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2017-0154.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Tension 
Torsion Strap.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 17, 2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-03954 Filed 3-1-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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