Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 34844-34846 [2017-15552]

Download as PDF 34844 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 143 / Thursday, July 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations rudder control cable replacement and the aileron and rudder control cables were rigged as specified in any applicable Bombardier aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) revision earlier than the revision date shown in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (h)(2)(v) of this AD or the AMM revision date is unknown: Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD. (i) Bombardier GL 700 AMM, Revision 67, dated August 6, 2015 (for Model BD–700– 1A10 airplanes). (ii) Bombardier GL XRS AMM, Revision 45, dated August 6, 2015 (for Model BD–700– 1A10 airplanes). (iii) Bombardier GL 6000 AMM, Revision 15, dated August 6, 2015 (for Model BD–700– 1A10 airplanes). (iv) Bombardier GL 5000 AMM, Revision 48, August 6, 2015 (for Model BD–700–1A11 airplanes). (v) Bombardier GL 5000 GVFD AMM, Revision 15, August 6, 2015 (for Model BD– 700–1A11 airplanes). (3) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD: Within 30 months since the date of issuance of the original Canadian airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original Canadian export certificate of airworthiness, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES (i) No Alternative Actions and Intervals Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, after the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. (j) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York ACO, ANE–170, 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 manager of the ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516–228–7300; fax: 516–794– 5531. 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, New York ACO, ANE–170, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Jul 26, 2017 Jkt 241001 the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. (k) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian AD CF–2016–06 R1, dated July 25, 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–2016–9304. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Cesar A. Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE–171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7318; fax 516–794–5531; email: Cesar.Gomez@faa.gov. (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. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Temporary Revision (TR) 5–2–10, dated November 24, 2015, to Section 5–10–40, of Bombardier Global Express XRS BD–700 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (ii) TR 5–2–15, dated November 24, 2015, to Section 5–10–40, of Bombardier Global 6000 GL 6000 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (iii) TR 5–2–15, dated November 24, 2015, to Section 5–10–40, of Bombardier Global 5000 GL 5000 Featuring Global Vision Flight Deck—Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (iv) TR 5–2–16, dated November 24, 2015, to Section 5–10–40, of Bombardier Global 5000 BD–700 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (v) TR 5–2–47, dated November 24, 2015, to Section 5–10–40, of Bombardier Global Express BD–700 Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (3) For service information identified in ˆ this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´ Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone: 514–855–5000; fax: 514– 855–7401; email: thd.crj@ aero.bombardier.com; Internet: https:// www.bombardier.com. 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. (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. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 2017. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–14589 Filed 7–26–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0174; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–059–AD; Amendment 39–18973; AD 2017–15–13] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This AD requires reducing the life limit of certain landing gear parts and is prompted by a stress analysis. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective August 31, 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. SUMMARY: 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– 0174; 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 (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. E:\FR\FM\27JYR1.SGM 27JYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 143 / Thursday, July 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 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: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Discussion On March 7, 2017, at 82 FR 12753, 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. The NPRM proposed to require reducing the life limit of certain landing gear parts by requiring the removal from service of any part that has reached or exceeded its new life limit before further flight. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a landing gear part, failure of a landing gear skid, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during takeoff or landing. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF–2014–28, dated August 19, 2014, issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises that Bell has reduced the life limits of several landing gear components and accordingly revised the airworthiness limitations schedule for Model 429 helicopters. The reduced life limits resulted from a stress analysis completed by Bell after the introduction of the Model 429 helicopter to service. While the reduced life limits were originally published in Revision 9 of the Bell Model 429 maintenance manual, Transport Canada AD No. CF–2014–28 requires inserting the new airworthiness limitations schedule in Revision 10 of the Bell Model 429 maintenance manual. Transport Canada states that failure to replace those components prior to the established airworthiness life could result in an unsafe condition. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Jul 26, 2017 Jkt 241001 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 We reviewed Bell Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT–429–MM–1, Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 9, dated January 6, 2012, which specifies airworthiness life limits and inspection intervals for parts installed on Model 429 helicopters. Revision 9 reduced the life limits for the skid tube assemblies, forward crosstube assembly, and aft crosstube assembly. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 71 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. Calculating the life limit will take about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and $1,491 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing a skid tube assembly will take about 2 work-hours and parts will cost about $7,050 for an estimated replacement cost of $7,220. Replacing a forward cross tube assembly will take about 1.5 work-hours and parts will cost about $5,880 for an estimated replacement cost of $6,008. Replacing an aft tube assembly will take about 1.5 work-hours and parts will cost $6,710 for an estimated replacement cost of $6,838. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 34845 Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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): ■ 2017–15–13 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39–18973; Docket No. FAA–2017–0174; Directorate Identifier 2014–SW–059–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a landing gear part remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could result in failure of a landing gear part, failure of a landing gear skid, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during takeoff or landing. E:\FR\FM\27JYR1.SGM 27JYR1 34846 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 143 / Thursday, July 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective August 31, 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 Before further flight, determine the accumulated retirement index number (RIN) for each part and remove it from service if it has reached or exceeded its life limit as follows. Thereafter, remove each part from service on or before reaching its life limit. For purposes of this AD, a run-on landing is defined as a landing with forward ground travel of the helicopter greater than 3 feet (0.91 m) with weight on skids. (1) For Skid Tube Assembly part number (P/N) 429–700–101, 429–700–102, and 429– 030–586–107: 16,000 RIN. Count 1 RIN for each landing; count 81 RIN for each run-on landing; and count 117 RIN for each autorotation landing. (2) For Forward Crosstube Assembly P/N 429–712–101: 10,000 RIN. Count 1 RIN for each landing; count 50 RIN for each run-on landing; and count 118 RIN for each autorotation landing. (3) Aft Crosstube Assembly P/N 429–723– 108: 30,000 RIN. Count 1 RIN for each landing; count 32 RIN for each run-on landing; and count 186 RIN for each autorotation landing. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD 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 429 Maintenance Manual BHT– 429–MM–1, Volume 1, Chapter 4, Revision 9, dated January 6, 2012, 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 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–2014–28, dated VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Jul 26, 2017 Jkt 241001 August 19, 2014. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2017–0174. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3200, Landing Gear System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 18, 2017. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–15552 Filed 7–26–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0395; Directorate Identifier 2017–CE–011–AD; Amendment 39–18966; AD 2017–15–06] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes that would supersede AD 97– 10–05. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks in the main landing gear (MLG) fitting at the pintle to cylinder interface, which could cause failure of the MLG during takeoff and landing. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective August 31, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of August 31, 2017. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– 0395; or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. For the British Aerospace Jetstream Series 3100 and 3200 service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd, Business Support Team—Technical Publications, Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom; phone: +44 1292 675207; fax: +44 1292 675704; email: RApublications@baesystems.com; Internet: https://www.regionalservices.com/spares_and_support/ support/aircraft-technical-publications/. For the Heroux Devtek service information identified in this AD, contact Heroux Devtek Product Support, Unit 1, Pembroke Court, Chancellor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1TG, England; phone: +44 01928 530530; fax: +44 01928 579454; email: technical_support@herouxdevtek.com; Internet: https://www.herouxdevtek.com/ aog-product-support. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329– 4148. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA–2017– 0395. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Rudolph, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329– 4059; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: doug.rudolph@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jetstream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream Model 3201 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 28, 2017 (82 FR 19646), and proposed to supersede AD 97–10–05, Amendment 39–10017 (62 FR 28318; May 23, 1997). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states: Cracks were found during early fatigue testing and in service on the main landing gear (MLG) main fitting at the pintle to cylinder interface. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to structural failure of E:\FR\FM\27JYR1.SGM 27JYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 143 (Thursday, July 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34844-34846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15552]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0174; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-059-AD; 
Amendment 39-18973; AD 2017-15-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited

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 reducing the life limit of certain landing gear parts and is 
prompted by a stress analysis. The actions of this AD are intended to 
address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 31, 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.

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-
0174; 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 (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.

[[Page 34845]]


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 March 7, 2017, at 82 FR 12753, 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. The NPRM proposed to require reducing the life limit of 
certain landing gear parts by requiring the removal from service of any 
part that has reached or exceeded its new life limit before further 
flight. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a 
landing gear part, failure of a landing gear skid, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter during takeoff or landing.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF-2014-28, dated August 19, 2014, 
issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, serial 
numbers 57001 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises that Bell has 
reduced the life limits of several landing gear components and 
accordingly revised the airworthiness limitations schedule for Model 
429 helicopters. The reduced life limits resulted from a stress 
analysis completed by Bell after the introduction of the Model 429 
helicopter to service. While the reduced life limits were originally 
published in Revision 9 of the Bell Model 429 maintenance manual, 
Transport Canada AD No. CF-2014-28 requires inserting the new 
airworthiness limitations schedule in Revision 10 of the Bell Model 429 
maintenance manual. Transport Canada states that failure to replace 
those components prior to the established airworthiness life could 
result in an unsafe condition.

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

    We reviewed Bell Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1, Chapter 
4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 9, dated January 6, 
2012, which specifies airworthiness life limits and inspection 
intervals for parts installed on Model 429 helicopters. Revision 9 
reduced the life limits for the skid tube assemblies, forward crosstube 
assembly, and aft crosstube assembly.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 71 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. 
Calculating the life limit will take about 0.25 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and $1,491 for the U.S. fleet. 
Replacing a skid tube assembly will take about 2 work-hours and parts 
will cost about $7,050 for an estimated replacement cost of $7,220. 
Replacing a forward cross tube assembly will take about 1.5 work-hours 
and parts will cost about $5,880 for an estimated replacement cost of 
$6,008. Replacing an aft tube assembly will take about 1.5 work-hours 
and parts will cost $6,710 for an estimated replacement cost of $6,838.

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;
    (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):

2017-15-13 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-
18973; Docket No. FAA-2017-0174; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-059-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 
429 helicopters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a landing gear part 
remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. This condition could 
result in failure of a landing gear part, failure of a landing gear 
skid, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter during 
takeoff or landing.

[[Page 34846]]

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 31, 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

    Before further flight, determine the accumulated retirement 
index number (RIN) for each part and remove it from service if it 
has reached or exceeded its life limit as follows. Thereafter, 
remove each part from service on or before reaching its life limit. 
For purposes of this AD, a run-on landing is defined as a landing 
with forward ground travel of the helicopter greater than 3 feet 
(0.91 m) with weight on skids.
    (1) For Skid Tube Assembly part number (P/N) 429-700-101, 429-
700-102, and 429-030-586-107: 16,000 RIN. Count 1 RIN for each 
landing; count 81 RIN for each run-on landing; and count 117 RIN for 
each autorotation landing.
    (2) For Forward Crosstube Assembly P/N 429-712-101: 10,000 RIN. 
Count 1 RIN for each landing; count 50 RIN for each run-on landing; 
and count 118 RIN for each autorotation landing.
    (3) Aft Crosstube Assembly P/N 429-723-108: 30,000 RIN. Count 1 
RIN for each landing; count 32 RIN for each run-on landing; and 
count 186 RIN for each autorotation landing.

(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 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1, Volume 1, Chapter 
4, Revision 9, dated January 6, 2012, 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 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-2014-28, dated August 19, 2014. You may view the Transport 
Canada AD on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2017-0174.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3200, Landing Gear 
System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 18, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-15552 Filed 7-26-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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