Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters, 31535-31537 [2017-14231]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 129 / Friday, July 7, 2017 / Proposed Rules
in each year that finance owneroccupied single-family properties.
(d) Very low-income families housing
goal. The percentage share of each
Enterprise’s total purchases of purchase
money mortgages on owner-occupied
single-family housing that consists of
mortgages for very low-income families
shall meet or exceed either:
(1) The share of such mortgages in the
market as defined in paragraph (b) of
this section in each year; or
(2) The benchmark level, which for
2018, 2019 and 2020 shall be 6 percent
of the total number of purchase money
mortgages purchased by that Enterprise
in each year that finance owneroccupied single-family properties.
(e) Low-income areas housing goal.
The percentage share of each
Enterprise’s total purchases of purchase
money mortgages on owner-occupied
single-family housing that consists of
mortgages for families in low-income
areas shall meet or exceed either:
(1) The share of such mortgages in the
market as defined in paragraph (b) of
this section in each year; or
(2) A benchmark level which shall be
set annually by FHFA notice based on
the benchmark level for the low-income
areas housing subgoal, plus an
adjustment factor reflecting the
additional incremental share of
mortgages for moderate-income families
in designated disaster areas in the most
recent year for which such data is
available.
(f) Low-income areas housing subgoal.
The percentage share of each
Enterprise’s total purchases of purchase
money mortgages on owner-occupied
single-family housing that consists of
mortgages for families in low-income
census tracts or for moderate-income
families in minority census tracts shall
meet or exceed either:
(1) The share of such mortgages in the
market as defined in paragraph (b) of
this section in each year; or
(2) The benchmark level, which for
2018, 2019 and 2020 shall be 15 percent
of the total number of purchase money
mortgages purchased by that Enterprise
in each year that finance owneroccupied single-family properties.
(g) Refinancing housing goal. The
percentage share of each Enterprise’s
total purchases of refinancing mortgages
on owner-occupied single-family
housing that consists of refinancing
mortgages for low-income families shall
meet or exceed either:
(1) The share of such mortgages in the
market as defined in paragraph (b) of
this section in each year; or
(2) The benchmark level, which for
2018, 2019 and 2020 shall be 21 percent
of the total number of refinancing
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:19 Jul 06, 2017
Jkt 241001
mortgages purchased by that Enterprise
in each year that finance owneroccupied single-family properties.
■ 4. Revise § 1282.13 to read as follows:
§ 1282.13 Multifamily special affordable
housing goal and subgoals.
(a) Multifamily housing goal and
subgoals. An Enterprise shall be in
compliance with a multifamily housing
goal or subgoal if its performance under
the housing goal or subgoal meets or
exceeds the benchmark level for the goal
or subgoal, respectively.
(b) Multifamily low-income housing
goal. The benchmark level for each
Enterprise’s purchases of mortgages on
multifamily residential housing
affordable to low-income families shall
be at least 315,000 dwelling units
affordable to low-income families in
multifamily residential housing
financed by mortgages purchased by the
Enterprise in each year for 2018, 2019,
and 2020.
(c) Multifamily very low-income
housing subgoal. The benchmark level
for each Enterprise’s purchases of
mortgages on multifamily residential
housing affordable to very low-income
families shall be at least 60,000 dwelling
units affordable to very low-income
families in multifamily residential
housing financed by mortgages
purchased by the Enterprise in each
year for 2018, 2019, and 2020.
(d) Small multifamily low-income
housing subgoal. The benchmark level
for each Enterprise’s purchases of
mortgages on small multifamily
properties affordable to low-income
families shall be at least 10,000 dwelling
units affordable to low-income families
in small multifamily properties financed
by mortgages purchased by the
Enterprise in each year for 2018, 2019,
and 2020.
§ 1282.15
[Amended]
5. Amend § 1282.15 as follows:
a. In paragraph (e)(2) remove the
phrase ‘‘based on the most recent
decennial census’’; and
■ b. Revise paragraph (g).
The revision reads as follows:
■
■
§ 1282.15
General counting requirements.
*
*
*
*
*
(g) Application of median income. For
purposes of determining an area’s
median income under §§ 1282.17
through 1282.19 and the definitions in
§ 1282.1, the area is:
(1) The metropolitan area, if the
property which is the subject of the
mortgage is in a metropolitan area; and
(2) In all other areas, the county in
which the property is located, except
that where the State non-metropolitan
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
31535
median income is higher than the
county’s median income, the area is the
State non-metropolitan area.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 6. Amend § 1282.21 by revising
paragraph (b)(3), to read as follows:
§ 1282.21
Housing plans.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) * * *
(3) Describe the specific actions that
the Enterprise will take in a time period
determined by the Director to improve
the Enterprise’s performance under the
housing goal; and
*
*
*
*
*
Dated: June 28, 2017.
Melvin L. Watt,
Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency.
[FR Doc. 2017–14286 Filed 7–6–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8070–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0667; Directorate
Identifier 2016–SW–053–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
(Bell) Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell
Model 407 helicopters. This proposed
AD would require repetitive inspections
of the tail rotor (TR) driveshaft segment
assemblies and a torque check of the TR
adapter retention nuts. This proposed
AD is prompted by a report of an inflight failure of the TR drive system. The
proposed actions are intended to detect
and correct an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 5, 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.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07JYP1.SGM
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31536
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 129 / Friday, July 7, 2017 / Proposed Rules
• 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–
0667; 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 proposed 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 proposed 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:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Comments Invited
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 might result
from adopting the proposals in this
document. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, 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 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 proposed rulemaking.
Before acting on this proposal, we will
consider all comments we receive on or
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:19 Jul 06, 2017
Jkt 241001
before the closing date for comments.
We will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. We may change this
proposal in light of the comments we
receive.
Discussion
Transport Canada, which is the
aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Canadian AD No. CF–2016–21,
dated July 7, 2016 (AD CF–2016–21), to
correct an unsafe condition for Bell
Model 407 helicopters. Transport
Canada advises that a Model 407
helicopter experienced in-flight failure
of the TR drive system, which resulted
in loss of directional control. The
helicopter landed safely with
substantial damage to the TR segmented
shaft and adapter splines, coupling, and
hanger bearings. According to Transport
Canada, the splines connecting the
adapter part number (P/N) 406–040–
328–105 to the shaft assembly P/N 407–
040–330–107 were ‘‘severely worn and
no longer capable of performing their
function.’’ The investigation further
revealed other Model 407 helicopters
with the same axial and radial play or
looseness of some splined connections.
AD CF–2016–21 states that these parts
should be clamped together with
threaded fasteners with no detectable
looseness. Transport Canada advises
that undetected looseness at the splined
connection could result in wear of the
parts and eventual loss of directional
control of the helicopter.
For these reasons, AD CF–2016–21
requires a repetitive inspection of the
TR driveshaft assemblies for play and a
one-time torque verification of the TR
adapter retention nuts.
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 proposing
this AD because we evaluated all known
relevant information and determined
that an unsafe condition is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the
same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Bell Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) 407–16–113, dated
February 12, 2016 (ASB 407–16–113),
which specifies procedures for
inspecting the TR driveshaft assemblies
for noticeable rotational or axial play
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
between each adapter and TR
driveshaft. ASB 407–16–113 also
specifies procedures for performing a
torque check of each TR adapter
retention nut on the four TR driveshaft
segments.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
inspecting each TR driveshaft segment
assembly for rotational and axial play
between the adapter and the TR
driveshaft and determining the
installation torque of each adapter
retention nut. For helicopters with 4,000
or more hours time-in-service (TIS), the
driveshaft assembly inspection would
be required within 50 hours TIS. For
helicopters with less than 4,000 hours
TIS, the driveshaft assembly inspection
would be required within 100 hours
TIS. Thereafter, these inspections would
be required at intervals not to exceed
330 hours TIS. The torque verification
of the adapter retention nuts would be
a one-time inspection.
• If there is play or looseness in the
TR driveshaft, the proposed AD would
require correcting the discrepant
splined fitting before further flight.
• The proposed AD would also
require replacing the adapter retention
nut anytime the adapter is re-assembled.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 667 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators
may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this proposed AD. At an
average labor rate of $85 per hour,
inspecting the TR driveshaft segments
and adapters for play would require
about 1 work-hour, for a cost per
helicopter of $85, and a total cost of
$56,695 to the U.S. fleet per inspection
cycle. Determining the torque of the four
adapter retention nuts would require
about 3 work-hours for a cost per
helicopter of $255 and a total cost of
$170,085 to the U.S. fleet.
If required, repairing a worn
driveshaft adapter would require about
3 work-hours, and required parts would
cost about $1,259, for a cost per
helicopter of $1,514.
Replacing an adapter retention nut
would require about 1 work-hour, and
required parts cost are negligible, for a
cost of $85 per helicopter and $56,695
for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 129 / Friday, July 7, 2017 / Proposed Rules
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
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We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would 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
this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
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 proposed 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
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18:19 Jul 06, 2017
Jkt 241001
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):
■
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
(Bell): Docket No. FAA–2017–0667;
Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–053–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Model 407
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
loose tail rotor (TR) driveshaft splined
connection, which if not corrected could
result in wear in the splines, failure of the TR
drive system, and subsequent loss of
directional control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September
5, 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
For helicopters with less than 4,000 hours
time-in-service (TIS), within 100 hours TIS,
and for helicopters with 4,000 or more hours
TIS, within 50 hours TIS:
(1) Inspect each TR driveshaft segment
assembly for rotational and axial play
between the adapter and the TR driveshaft at
the four positions depicted in Figure 1 of Bell
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 407–16–113,
dated February 12, 2016 (ASB 407–16–113).
If there is any axial or rotational play, remove
the adapter from the TR driveshaft segment
assembly and inspect the adapter, washers,
and TR driveshaft for damage. Replace the
adapter retention nut and apply a torque of
30 to 50 inch-pounds (5.7 to 7.9 Nm).
Replace any part with damage or repair the
part if the damage is within the maximum
repair damage limitations.
(2) Determine the torque of each TR
adapter retention nut at each of the four
segment assembly positions depicted in
Figure 1 of Bell ASB 407–16–113. If the
torque is less than 30 inch-pounds (5.7 Nm),
remove the adapter from the TR driveshaft
segment assembly and inspect the adapter,
washers, and TR driveshaft for damage.
Replace the adapter retention nut and apply
a torque of 30 to 50 inch-pounds (5.7 to 7.9
Nm). Replace any part with damage or repair
the part if the damage is within the
maximum repair damage limitations.
(3) Repeat the actions specified in
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD at intervals not to
exceed 330 hours TIS.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
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Frm 00026
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
31537
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASWFTW-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.
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
Transport Canada AD No. CF–2016–21, dated
July 7, 2016. You may view the Transport
Canada AD on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6510 Tail Rotor Drive Shaft.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 27,
2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–14231 Filed 7–6–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
31 CFR Part 1010
RIN 1506–AB38
Proposal of Special Measure Against
Bank of Dandong as a Financial
Institution of Primary Money
Laundering Concern
Financial Crimes Enforcement
Network (FinCEN), Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
FinCEN is issuing a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), pursuant
to section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act,
to prohibit the opening or maintaining
of a correspondent account in the
United States for, or on behalf of, Bank
of Dandong.
DATES: Written comments on the notice
of proposed rulemaking must be
submitted on or before September 5,
2017.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by 1506–AB38, by any of the
following methods:
• Federal E-rulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07JYP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 129 (Friday, July 7, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31535-31537]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14231]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0667; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-053-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
(Bell) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Bell Model 407 helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections of the tail rotor (TR) driveshaft segment assemblies and a
torque check of the TR adapter retention nuts. This proposed AD is
prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of the TR drive system.
The proposed actions are intended to detect and correct an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 5,
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.
[[Page 31536]]
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-
0667; 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 proposed 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 proposed 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: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
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 might
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 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 proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay.
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.
Discussion
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Canadian AD No. CF-2016-21, dated July 7, 2016 (AD CF-2016-21),
to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 407 helicopters.
Transport Canada advises that a Model 407 helicopter experienced in-
flight failure of the TR drive system, which resulted in loss of
directional control. The helicopter landed safely with substantial
damage to the TR segmented shaft and adapter splines, coupling, and
hanger bearings. According to Transport Canada, the splines connecting
the adapter part number (P/N) 406-040-328-105 to the shaft assembly P/N
407-040-330-107 were ``severely worn and no longer capable of
performing their function.'' The investigation further revealed other
Model 407 helicopters with the same axial and radial play or looseness
of some splined connections. AD CF-2016-21 states that these parts
should be clamped together with threaded fasteners with no detectable
looseness. Transport Canada advises that undetected looseness at the
splined connection could result in wear of the parts and eventual loss
of directional control of the helicopter.
For these reasons, AD CF-2016-21 requires a repetitive inspection
of the TR driveshaft assemblies for play and a one-time torque
verification of the TR adapter retention nuts.
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 proposing this AD because we evaluated all known
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 407-16-113, dated
February 12, 2016 (ASB 407-16-113), which specifies procedures for
inspecting the TR driveshaft assemblies for noticeable rotational or
axial play between each adapter and TR driveshaft. ASB 407-16-113 also
specifies procedures for performing a torque check of each TR adapter
retention nut on the four TR driveshaft segments.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require inspecting each TR driveshaft
segment assembly for rotational and axial play between the adapter and
the TR driveshaft and determining the installation torque of each
adapter retention nut. For helicopters with 4,000 or more hours time-
in-service (TIS), the driveshaft assembly inspection would be required
within 50 hours TIS. For helicopters with less than 4,000 hours TIS,
the driveshaft assembly inspection would be required within 100 hours
TIS. Thereafter, these inspections would be required at intervals not
to exceed 330 hours TIS. The torque verification of the adapter
retention nuts would be a one-time inspection.
If there is play or looseness in the TR driveshaft, the
proposed AD would require correcting the discrepant splined fitting
before further flight.
The proposed AD would also require replacing the adapter
retention nut anytime the adapter is re-assembled.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 667 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this proposed AD. At an average labor rate of
$85 per hour, inspecting the TR driveshaft segments and adapters for
play would require about 1 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85,
and a total cost of $56,695 to the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
Determining the torque of the four adapter retention nuts would require
about 3 work-hours for a cost per helicopter of $255 and a total cost
of $170,085 to the U.S. fleet.
If required, repairing a worn driveshaft adapter would require
about 3 work-hours, and required parts would cost about $1,259, for a
cost per helicopter of $1,514.
Replacing an adapter retention nut would require about 1 work-hour,
and required parts cost are negligible, for a cost of $85 per
helicopter and $56,695 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
[[Page 31537]]
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 proposed 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell): Docket No. FAA-2017-
0667; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-053-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Model 407 helicopters, certificated in
any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a loose tail rotor (TR)
driveshaft splined connection, which if not corrected could result
in wear in the splines, failure of the TR drive system, and
subsequent loss of directional control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 5, 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
For helicopters with less than 4,000 hours time-in-service
(TIS), within 100 hours TIS, and for helicopters with 4,000 or more
hours TIS, within 50 hours TIS:
(1) Inspect each TR driveshaft segment assembly for rotational
and axial play between the adapter and the TR driveshaft at the four
positions depicted in Figure 1 of Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
407-16-113, dated February 12, 2016 (ASB 407-16-113). If there is
any axial or rotational play, remove the adapter from the TR
driveshaft segment assembly and inspect the adapter, washers, and TR
driveshaft for damage. Replace the adapter retention nut and apply a
torque of 30 to 50 inch-pounds (5.7 to 7.9 Nm). Replace any part
with damage or repair the part if the damage is within the maximum
repair damage limitations.
(2) Determine the torque of each TR adapter retention nut at
each of the four segment assembly positions depicted in Figure 1 of
Bell ASB 407-16-113. If the torque is less than 30 inch-pounds (5.7
Nm), remove the adapter from the TR driveshaft segment assembly and
inspect the adapter, washers, and TR driveshaft for damage. Replace
the adapter retention nut and apply a torque of 30 to 50 inch-pounds
(5.7 to 7.9 Nm). Replace any part with damage or repair the part if
the damage is within the maximum repair damage limitations.
(3) Repeat the actions specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD
at intervals not to exceed 330 hours TIS.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, 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.
(h) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD No.
CF-2016-21, dated July 7, 2016. You may view the Transport Canada AD
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510 Tail Rotor
Drive Shaft.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 27, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-14231 Filed 7-6-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P