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