Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 3628-3630 [2018-01194]

Download as PDF 3628 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 18 Friday, January 26, 2018 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0757; Product Identifier 2017–SW–022–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429 helicopters. This proposed AD would require marking a serial number on lifelimited forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 27, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS 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– 0757; or in person at Docket Operations VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:24 Jan 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 Docket Operations (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: Helene Gandy, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5413; email helene.gandy@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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD No. CF–2017–02, dated January 16, 2017, to correct an unsafe condition for BHTC Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 57150, 57168, 57176, 57210, 57211 through 57216, 57265, 57266, 57267, and 57287. Transport Canada advises that forward spars part number (P/N) 429–031–213– 103 and 429–031–213–104 and actuator fitting assembly P/N 429–031–222–101 and 429–031–222–102 have life limits of 30,000 and 19,000 Retirement Index Numbers, respectively. However, Transport Canada states these parts are not serialized and therefore their accumulated usage is difficult to track, which creates a risk that these parts could remain in service beyond their life limits. This condition could result in failure of the part. 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 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429–16–34, dated November 10, 2016, which specifies procedures for permanently marking each forward spar and actuator fitting assembly with the serial number of the helicopter. 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 Helicopter Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT– 429–MM–1, Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, dated September 9, 2016, which E:\FR\FM\26JAP1.SGM 26JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 18 / Friday, January 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules specifies airworthiness life limits and inspection intervals for parts installed on Model 429 helicopters. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require cleaning and marking the helicopter’s serial number on each forward spar P/N 429–031–213–103 and 429–031– 213–104 and on each actuator fitting assembly P/N 429–031–222–101 and 429–031–222–102. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing any affected part on any helicopter unless is has been marked in accordance with this proposed AD. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD The Transport Canada AD requires compliance within 12 months from its effective date, unless already accomplished. This proposed AD would require compliance within 800 hours time in service. 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. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 6 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. We estimate that marking the forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies would require 1 workhour and no parts would be needed. Based on these estimates, we expect a total cost of $85 per helicopter and $510 for the U.S. fleet. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 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. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:24 Jan 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 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: 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA–2017–0757; Product Identifier 2017–SW–022–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 57150, 57168, 57176, 57210 through 57216, 57265, 57266, 57267, and 57287, with a forward spar part number (P/N) 429–031–213–103 or 429–031–213–104 or actuator fitting assembly P/N 429–031– 222–101 or 429–031–222–102 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a forward spar or actuator fitting assembly remaining in service after reaching its life limit. This condition could result in failure of a forward spar or actuator fitting assembly and subsequent collapse of the landing gear. Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by March 27, 2018. (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 800 hours time-in-service, clean and identify each forward spar and actuator fitting assembly with the helicopter serial number in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3 through 5 and with reference to Figure 1 of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429– 16–34, dated November 10, 2016. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a forward spar P/N 429–031–213– 103 or 429–031–213–104 or actuator fitting assembly P/N 429–031–222–101 or 429–031– 222–102 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 Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Helene Gandy, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5413; 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 [Amended] ■ PO 00000 3629 Sfmt 4702 (1) Bell Helicopter Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT–429–MM–1, Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, dated September 9, 2016, 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–2017–02, dated January 16, 2017. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1100, Placards and Markings. E:\FR\FM\26JAP1.SGM 26JAP1 3630 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 18 / Friday, January 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 12, 2018. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–01194 Filed 1–25–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0036; Product Identifier 2017–SW–015–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (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, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817) 280–3391; fax (817) 280–6466; 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: Rory Rieger, Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO Branch, AIR–7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5193; email rory.rieger@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) Model 212, Model 412, and Model 412EP helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing the emergency flotation system (EFS) tube assembly. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of an EFS tube assembly failure. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these helicopters. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 27, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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. Examining the AD Docket Discussion You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0036; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any We propose to adopt a new AD for Bell Model 212, Model 412, and Model 412EP helicopters with an EFS tube assembly part number (P/N) 412–073– 820–101 with a date of manufacture before July 28, 2016. This proposed AD is prompted by a report from Bell that an EFS tube assembly separated from the valve during a 2-year inflation test. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:24 Jan 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 A subsequent investigation found that excessive sleeve preset force during manufacturing caused cracks in the sleeve of the tube assembly, which may result in the EFS float failing to deploy. Bell determined that only those EFS tube assemblies with P/N 412–073–820– 101 that were shipped prior to July 28, 2016, were subject to this manufacturing defect. Bell states that because this manufacturing defect is difficult to detect, affected EFS tube assemblies in service must be replaced. The affected parts were associated with a single Bell supplier that is no longer manufacturing the tube assembly. Accordingly, this proposed AD would require replacing the EFS tube assemblies and would prohibit installing an affected EFS tube assembly on any helicopter. We are proposing this AD to prevent installing a cracked EFS tube assembly, which could result in failure of the EFS floats to deploy during an emergency water landing. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Related Service Information We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 212–11–143 and ASB 412–11–147, both Revision C and dated December 22, 2016. Each ASB describes and illustrates procedures to replace the tube assembly within 600 flight hours or by March 31, 2017. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS), replacing any EFS tube assembly P/N 412–073–820–101 that was manufactured before July 28, 2016. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing an EFS tube assembly P/N 412–073–820–101 that was manufactured before July 28, 2016 on any helicopter. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information The ASBs require compliance within 600 flight hours or by March 31, 2017; this proposed AD would require compliance within 300 hours TIS. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 250 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 E:\FR\FM\26JAP1.SGM 26JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 18 (Friday, January 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3628-3630]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01194]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 18 / Friday, January 26, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 3628]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0757; Product Identifier 2017-SW-022-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain serial numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) 
Model 429 helicopters. This proposed AD would require marking a serial 
number on life-limited forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies. 
The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 27, 2018.

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

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0757; or in person at Docket Operations 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 Docket 
Operations (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: Helene Gandy, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5413; email [email protected].

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-2017-02, dated January 16, 2017, to correct 
an unsafe condition for BHTC Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers (S/
N) 57150, 57168, 57176, 57210, 57211 through 57216, 57265, 57266, 
57267, and 57287. Transport Canada advises that forward spars part 
number (P/N) 429-031-213-103 and 429-031-213-104 and actuator fitting 
assembly P/N 429-031-222-101 and 429-031-222-102 have life limits of 
30,000 and 19,000 Retirement Index Numbers, respectively. However, 
Transport Canada states these parts are not serialized and therefore 
their accumulated usage is difficult to track, which creates a risk 
that these parts could remain in service beyond their life limits. This 
condition could result in failure of the part.

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 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-16-34, dated 
November 10, 2016, which specifies procedures for permanently marking 
each forward spar and actuator fitting assembly with the serial number 
of the helicopter.
    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 Helicopter Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-
429-MM-1, Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, 
dated September 9, 2016, which

[[Page 3629]]

specifies airworthiness life limits and inspection intervals for parts 
installed on Model 429 helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require cleaning and marking the 
helicopter's serial number on each forward spar P/N 429-031-213-103 and 
429-031-213-104 and on each actuator fitting assembly P/N 429-031-222-
101 and 429-031-222-102. This proposed AD would also prohibit 
installing any affected part on any helicopter unless is has been 
marked in accordance with this proposed AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD

    The Transport Canada AD requires compliance within 12 months from 
its effective date, unless already accomplished. This proposed AD would 
require compliance within 800 hours time in service.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 6 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. We 
estimate that marking the forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies 
would require 1 work-hour and no parts would be needed. Based on these 
estimates, we expect a total cost of $85 per helicopter and $510 for 
the U.S. fleet.

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: Docket No. FAA-2017-0757; 
Product Identifier 2017-SW-022-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 
429 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 57150, 57168, 57176, 57210 
through 57216, 57265, 57266, 57267, and 57287, with a forward spar 
part number (P/N) 429-031-213-103 or 429-031-213-104 or actuator 
fitting assembly P/N 429-031-222-101 or 429-031-222-102 installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a forward spar or 
actuator fitting assembly remaining in service after reaching its 
life limit. This condition could result in failure of a forward spar 
or actuator fitting assembly and subsequent collapse of the landing 
gear.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 27, 2018.

(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 800 hours time-in-service, clean and identify each 
forward spar and actuator fitting assembly with the helicopter 
serial number in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3 through 5 and with reference to Figure 1 of Bell 
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-16-34, dated November 10, 
2016.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a 
forward spar P/N 429-031-213-103 or 429-031-213-104 or actuator 
fitting assembly P/N 429-031-222-101 or 429-031-222-102 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 Section, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Helene Gandy, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5413; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Helicopter Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1, 
Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, dated 
September 9, 2016, 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-2017-02, dated January 16, 2017. You may view the Transport 
Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD 
Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1100, Placards and 
Markings.


[[Page 3630]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 12, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-01194 Filed 1-25-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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