Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 28397-28399 [2017-12799]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 119 / Thursday, June 22, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
(h) Repair of Bore Holes and Bolt
Replacement
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):
■
2017–13–02 Dassault Aviation:
Amendment 39–18932; Docket No.
FAA–2016–9504; Directorate Identifier
2016–NM–107–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 27, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Dassault Aviation
Model FALCON 7X airplanes, certificated in
any category, serial numbers (S/Ns) 2, 5, and
8 through 182 inclusive; except S/Ns 141,
148, 149, 157, 159, 166, 170, 171, 174, 175,
and 177 through 180 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports that
during the assembly of structural elements on
some airplanes, lack of established
procedures and tools caused boring and
torqueing defects to be present at some
locations on the foot of frame (FR) 36 and
FR39. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct defects in the bore holes at FR36 and
FR39 that could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection of Bore Holes
At the applicable time identified in
paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, remove
the sheer bolts at FR36 and FR39, left hand
and right hand, as identified in Dassault
Service Bulletin 7X–379, dated February 29,
2016, and do a detailed visual inspection of
the bore holes for defects, in accordance with
Dassault Service Bulletin 7X–379, dated
February 29, 2016.
(1) For airplanes with S/Ns 2 and 5: Before
exceeding 4,100 flight cycles after the date of
release to service after the first C-Check or
within 3 months from the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) For airplanes other than those
identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD:
Before exceeding 4,100 flight cycles since the
date of issuance of the original certificate of
airworthiness or the original export
certificate of airworthiness or within 3
months from the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:41 Jun 21, 2017
Jkt 241001
(1) If, during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, any defect is found,
before further flight, repair the affected areas,
and replace the bolts at FR36 and FR39, in
accordance with Dassault Service Bulletin
7X–379, dated February 29, 2016; except
where Dassault Service Bulletin 7X–379,
dated February 29, 2016, specifies to contact
Dassault Aviation for instructions, before
further flight, repair using a method
approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or Dassault Aviation’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
(2) If, during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, no defect is found,
before further flight, replace the bolts at FR36
and FR39, in accordance with Dassault
Service Bulletin 7X–379, dated February 29,
2016.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–1137; fax 425–227–1149.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
EASA; or Dassault Aviation’s EASA DOA. If
approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2016–0116, dated
June 16, 2016, for related information. This
MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–
2016–9504.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–1137; fax 425–227–1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Dassault Service Bulletin 7X–379, dated
February 29, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Dassault Falcon Jet
Corporation, Teterboro Airport, P.O. Box
2000, South Hackensack, NJ 07606;
telephone 201–440–6700; Internet https://
www.dassaultfalcon.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 12,
2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–12808 Filed 6–21–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0078; Directorate
Identifier 2015–SW–026–AD; Amendment
39–18933; AD 2017–13–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
(j) Related Information
PO 00000
28397
Sfmt 4700
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
(Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This AD
requires adding an identification
number to life-limited rod ends that do
not have a serial number (S/N). The
actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
DATES:
This AD is effective July 27,
2017.
E:\FR\FM\22JNR1.SGM
22JNR1
28398
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 119 / Thursday, June 22, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of July 27, 2017.
ADDRESSES: 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. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0078.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
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–
0078; 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, 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: 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:
Discussion
On February 17, 2017, at 82 FR 10976,
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 429 helicopters, S/N
57001 through 57260, with a pylon
restraint spring assembly (spring
assembly) forward rod end (rod end)
part number (P/N) 427–010–210–105
installed. The NPRM proposed to
require cleaning and marking each rod
end with the S/N of the spring
assembly. The NPRM also proposed
prohibiting the installation of rod end P/
N 427–010–210–105 on any helicopter
unless it has been marked in accordance
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:41 Jun 21, 2017
Jkt 241001
with the proposed requirements. The
proposed requirements were intended to
prevent a rod end from remaining in
service after reaching its life limit. This
condition could result in failure of a rod
end and subsequent loss of control of a
helicopter.
Transport Canada, which is the
aviation authority for Canada, has
issued AD No. CF–2015–15, dated June
25, 2015, to correct an unsafe condition
for Bell Model 429 helicopters, S/Ns
57001 through 57260. Transport Canada
advises that, per its regulations, lifelimited parts must be marked with their
P/N and S/N. Transport Canada further
states that the spring assembly rod end
P/N 427–010–210–105 has a life limit of
5,000 hours; however, it is not
serialized, causing difficulties in
tracking its accumulated air time.
According to Transport Canada, this
condition could result in a rod end
remaining in service beyond its life
limit. Therefore, the Transport Canada
AD requires adding identification
markings on each spring assembly rod
end.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we did not receive any comments on the
NPRM.
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 the same
type design and that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
requirements as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Bell Helicopter has issued Alert
Service Bulletin 429–15–19, dated
February 26, 2015. This service
information specifies procedures for
permanently marking each forward and
aft rod end with the S/N of the spring
assembly. This service information
applies to certain serial-numbered
helicopters, as subsequent helicopters
will have these actions performed
during the manufacturing process.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
We also reviewed Bell Model 429
Maintenance Manual BHT–429–MM–1,
Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations
Schedule, Revision 24, approved June
12, 2015, which specifies airworthiness
life limits and inspection intervals for
parts installed on Model 429
helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
70 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We
estimate that operators may incur the
following costs in order to comply with
this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85
per work-hour. Marking the rod ends
will take about 0.5 work-hour for a total
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and
$3,010 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing a rod
end that has exceeded its life limit will
take about 3 work-hours and required
parts will cost about $4,100 for an
estimated replacement cost of $4,355
per rod end.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
helicopters identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
E:\FR\FM\22JNR1.SGM
22JNR1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 119 / Thursday, June 22, 2017 / 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:
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):
■
2017–13–03 Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada Limited: Amendment 39–18933;
Docket No. FAA–2017–0078; Directorate
Identifier 2015–SW–026–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model 429 helicopters,
serial number 57001 through 57260, with a
pylon restraint spring assembly (spring
assembly) forward rod end (rod end) part
number (P/N) 427–010–210–105 installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
rod end remaining in service after reaching
its life limit. This condition could result in
failure of a rod end and subsequent loss of
control of a helicopter.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective July 27, 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
(1) Within 140 hours time-in-service, clean
and identify each forward rod end with the
spring assembly serial number in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 3 through 5, and 7 through 8, of
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:41 Jun 21, 2017
Jkt 241001
Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429–
15–19, dated February 26, 2015.
(2) Do not install a forward rod end P/N
427–010–210–105 on any helicopter unless it
has been marked with a serial number in
accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(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 Model 429 Maintenance Manual
BHT–429–MM–1, Chapter 4, Airworthiness
Limitations Schedule, Revision 24, approved
June 12, 2015, which is not incorporated by
reference, contains additional information
about the subject of this AD. For service
information identified in this AD, contact
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited,
12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec
J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800)
363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or at https://
www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may
review the referenced 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–2015–15 dated
June 25, 2015. You may view the Transport
Canada AD on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2017–0078.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5101, Standard Practices/Structures.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin
429–15–19, dated February 26, 2015.
(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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
28399
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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 June 2,
2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–12799 Filed 6–21–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0061; Directorate
Identifier 2016–SW–005–AD; Amendment
39–18934; AD 2017–13–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus
Helicopters) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2
(including configuration C–2e) and
MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters. This AD
requires replacing the main rotor (M/R)
blade vibration absorbers. This AD was
prompted by a report of strong M/R
blade vibrations on a Model MBB–BK
117 C–2 helicopter. The actions of this
AD are intended to prevent an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 27,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of July 27, 2017.
ADDRESSES: 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/website/en/
ref/Technical-Support_73.html. You
may review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\22JNR1.SGM
22JNR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 119 (Thursday, June 22, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28397-28399]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12799]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0078; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-026-AD;
Amendment 39-18933; AD 2017-13-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This AD
requires adding an identification number to life-limited rod ends that
do not have a serial number (S/N). The actions of this AD are intended
to address an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 27, 2017.
[[Page 28398]]
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of July 27, 2017.
ADDRESSES: 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. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0078.
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-
0078; 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, 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: 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:
Discussion
On February 17, 2017, at 82 FR 10976, 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 429
helicopters, S/N 57001 through 57260, with a pylon restraint spring
assembly (spring assembly) forward rod end (rod end) part number (P/N)
427-010-210-105 installed. The NPRM proposed to require cleaning and
marking each rod end with the S/N of the spring assembly. The NPRM also
proposed prohibiting the installation of rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 on
any helicopter unless it has been marked in accordance with the
proposed requirements. The proposed requirements were intended to
prevent a rod end from remaining in service after reaching its life
limit. This condition could result in failure of a rod end and
subsequent loss of control of a helicopter.
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued AD No. CF-2015-15, dated June 25, 2015, to correct an unsafe
condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, S/Ns 57001 through 57260.
Transport Canada advises that, per its regulations, life-limited parts
must be marked with their P/N and S/N. Transport Canada further states
that the spring assembly rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 has a life limit
of 5,000 hours; however, it is not serialized, causing difficulties in
tracking its accumulated air time. According to Transport Canada, this
condition could result in a rod end remaining in service beyond its
life limit. Therefore, the Transport Canada AD requires adding
identification markings on each spring assembly rod end.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.
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 the same type
design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD requirements as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Bell Helicopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-19, dated
February 26, 2015. This service information specifies procedures for
permanently marking each forward and aft rod end with the S/N of the
spring assembly. This service information applies to certain serial-
numbered helicopters, as subsequent helicopters will have these actions
performed during the manufacturing process.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
We also reviewed Bell Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1,
Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 24, approved
June 12, 2015, which specifies airworthiness life limits and inspection
intervals for parts installed on Model 429 helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 70 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in
order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Marking the rod ends will take about 0.5 work-hour for a
total estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,010 for the U.S.
fleet. Replacing a rod end that has exceeded its life limit will take
about 3 work-hours and required parts will cost about $4,100 for an
estimated replacement cost of $4,355 per rod end.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
[[Page 28399]]
(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):
2017-13-03 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-
18933; Docket No. FAA-2017-0078; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-026-
AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model 429 helicopters, serial number 57001
through 57260, with a pylon restraint spring assembly (spring
assembly) forward rod end (rod end) part number (P/N) 427-010-210-
105 installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a rod end remaining in
service after reaching its life limit. This condition could result
in failure of a rod end and subsequent loss of control of a
helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective July 27, 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
(1) Within 140 hours time-in-service, clean and identify each
forward rod end with the spring assembly serial number in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3 through 5, and 7
through 8, of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-19,
dated February 26, 2015.
(2) Do not install a forward rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 on any
helicopter unless it has been marked with a serial number in
accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(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 Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1, Chapter 4,
Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 24, approved June 12,
2015, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional
information about the subject of this AD. For service information
identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone
(450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 433-0272; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review the referenced 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-2015-15 dated June 25, 2015. You may view the Transport
Canada AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket
No. FAA-2017-0078.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5101, Standard
Practices/Structures.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-19, dated
February 26, 2015.
(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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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 June 2, 2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12799 Filed 6-21-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P