Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 14606-14608 [2018-06640]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2018 / Proposed Rules
III. FHFA’s 2018 Regulatory Review;
Request for Comment
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Consistent with its Review Plan,
FHFA’s next regulatory review must
begin not later than five years after its
prior review, or by March or April 2018.
All current regulations—except, as
noted, rules of agency organization,
procedure, or practice, or regulations
adopted or substantially amended since
April 2016 (meaning, within the past
two years)—are subject to review.
Members of the public may comment on
recently adopted or amended
regulations, and FHFA will take those
comments into account as appropriate.
FHFA does not anticipate responding to
individual comments.
FHFA’s regulations are published in
Chapter XII of Title 12 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, except for those
regulations of predecessor agencies
which FHFA has not yet moved.4
FHFA’s regulations are also posted on
the FHFA internet website at https://
www.fhfa.gov.
FHFA hereby requests comment on its
regulations for purposes of improving
their effectiveness and reducing their
burden. Factors that FHFA’s Review
Plan identifies as relevant to the review,
and which FHFA suggests should guide
commenters, are:
(1) Legal or regulatory
developments—including new laws,
executive orders, or judicial decisions
that have been adopted since the
promulgation of a regulation—that make
a regulation inefficient, obsolete,
contrary to controlling legal precedent,
or unduly burdensome;
(2) Marketplace developments,
technological evolution, and related
changes that may have rendered a
regulation, in whole or in part,
inefficient, outmoded, or outdated;
4 FHFA currently administers three regulations
that are not rules of agency organization, procedure,
or practice that are located outside of Chapter XII.
These are a regulation of the former Federal
Housing Finance Board on Federal Home Loan
Bank Capital Requirements, at 12 CFR part 932; a
regulation of the former Office of Federal Housing
Enterprise Oversight on Enterprise Capital, at 12
CFR part 1750; and a regulation of the Department
of Housing and Urban Development on public-use
databases and public information provided by the
Enterprises, at 24 CFR part 81, subpart F. FHFA
proposed amending the Bank Capital Requirements
regulation in 2017 (82 FR 30776 (July 3, 2017)), and
is taking comments received on that proposal into
account to develop a final rule. FHFA will not delay
publication of that final rule based solely on this
regulatory review. The Enterprise Capital
Requirements regulation has been suspended. See
FHFA News Release, ‘‘FHFA Announces
Suspension of Capital Classifications’’ (Oct. 9,
2008). FHFA is currently developing a proposed
rule on public-use databases and public information
provided by the Enterprises and will solicit
comments when that notice of proposed rulemaking
is published.
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(3) The extent to which provisions of
the regulation are written in plain
language or need clarification;
(4) Compelling evidence that a
consolidation of two or more
regulations, elimination of a duplicative
regulation, or other revision to
regulatory requirements would facilitate
compliance by Fannie Mae, Freddie
Mac, the Banks, or OF with the
regulation, or would improve
supervision by FHFA of Fannie Mae,
Freddie Mac, the Banks, or OF; and
(5) Demonstration of a better
alternative method to effect a regulatory
purpose or requirement, supported by
compelling evidence of significantly
less intrusive means or of a substantially
more efficient method of accomplishing
the same supervisory purpose.
In accordance with FHFA’s Review
Plan, the 2018 regulatory review process
will be conducted by the FHFA Office
of General Counsel, which will review
all comments received. FHFA’s Office of
General Counsel consults with other
FHFA offices and divisions. A review
and report of findings and
recommendations will be provided to
the FHFA Director on a timely basis.
The report of findings and
recommendations will be privileged and
confidential. After receiving the report
of findings and recommendations, the
Director will determine what steps may
be necessary to relieve any unnecessary
burden, including amendment to or
repeal of existing regulations or
issuance of less formal guidance.
The 2018 FHFA regulatory review is
not a formal or informal rulemaking
proceeding under the Administrative
Procedure Act, and creates no right of
action against FHFA. FHFA’s
determination whether to conduct or
not to conduct a review of a regulation
and any determination, finding, or
recommendation resulting from any
review is not a final agency action and
therefore is not subject to judicial
review.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Dated: March 30, 2018.
Melvin L. Watt,
Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Examining the AD Docket
[FR Doc. 2018–06918 Filed 4–4–18; 8:45 am]
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Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0254; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–116–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 supersede
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–13–
03 for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters.
AD 2017–13–03 requires adding an
identification number to life-limited rod
ends that do not have a serial number
(S/N). Since we issued AD 2017–13–03,
an additional life-limited rod end was
identified that is affected by the same
unsafe condition. This proposed AD
would retain the requirements of AD
2017–13–03 and revise the Applicability
paragraph by adding that rod end. The
actions of this proposed AD are
intended to address an unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by June 4, 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.
SUMMARY:
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0254; 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2018 / Proposed Rules
(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 this referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@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.
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Discussion
We issued AD 2017–13–03,
Amendment 39–18933 (82 FR 28397,
June 22, 2017) (AD 2017–13–03) for Bell
Model 429 helicopters, S/N 57001
through 57260, with a pylon restraint
spring assembly (spring assembly)
forward rod end assembly (rod end) part
number (P/N) 427–010–210–105
installed. AD 2017–13–03 requires
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cleaning and marking each forward rod
end with the S/N of the spring
assembly. AD 2017–13–03 also prohibits
the installation of forward rod end P/N
427–010–210–105 on any helicopter
unless it has been marked. The
requirements of AD 2017–13–03 are
intended to prevent a forward rod end
from remaining in service after reaching
its life limit which could result in
failure of the forward rod end and
subsequent loss of control of a
helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2017–13–03 Was
Issued
Since we issued AD 2017–13–03, an
additional life-limited rod end P/N has
been identified that is affected by the
same unsafe condition. Aft rod end P/
N 427–010–210–105 also needs to be
marked with the S/N of the spring
assembly since it does not have a S/N.
Accordingly, Transport Canada,
which is the aviation authority for
Canada, issued AD No. CF–2015–15R1,
Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017, to
correct this unsafe condition for Bell
Model 429 helicopters, S/Ns 57001
through 57260. Transport Canada
advises that, per its regulations, lifelimited parts must be marked with their
P/N and S/N. Transport Canada further
states that spring assembly rod end
P/Ns 427–010–210–105 and –109 have a
life limit of 5,000 hours; however, they
are not serialized, causing difficulties in
tracking accumulated air time.
According to Transport Canada, this
condition could result in a rod end
remaining in service beyond its life
limit. Therefore, the Transport Canada
AD requires adding identification
markings on each spring assembly rod
end.
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 429–15–19, dated
February 26, 2015, for Model 429
helicopters. This service information
specifies procedures for permanently
marking each forward and aft rod end
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14607
with the S/N of the spring assembly.
This service information applies to
certain serial-numbered helicopters, as
subsequent helicopters will have these
actions performed during the
manufacturing process.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
We also reviewed Bell Helicopter
Maintenance Manual BHT–429–MM–1,
Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations
Schedule, Revision 26, approved
September 9, 2016, which 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 each forward and
aft rod end with the S/N of the spring
assembly. This proposed AD would also
prohibit installing forward rod end P/N
427–010–210–105 and aft rod end P/N
427–010–210–109 on any helicopter
unless it has been marked in accordance
with this proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 75 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators
may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this AD. Labor costs are
estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Marking the rod ends would take
about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,225 for
the U.S. fleet. Replacing a rod end that
has exceeded its life limit would take
about 3 work-hours and required parts
will cost about $4,100 for an estimated
cost of $4,355 per rod end.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2018 / Proposed Rules
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
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
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2017–13–03, Amendment 39–18933 (82
FR 28397, June 22, 2017), and adding
the following new AD:
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■
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited:
Docket No. FAA–2018–0254; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–116–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model 429 helicopters,
serial number 57001 through 57260, with a
pylon restraint spring assembly (spring
assembly) forward rod end assembly (rod
end) part number (P/N) 427–010–210–105 or
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aft rod end P/N 427–010–210–109 installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
rod end remaining in service after reaching
its life limit. This condition could result in
failure of a rod end and subsequent loss of
control of a helicopter.
(c) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017–13–03,
Amendment 39–18933 (82 FR 28397, June
22, 2017).
(d) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 4,
2018.
(e) 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.
(f) Required Actions
(1) Within 140 hours time-in-service, clean
and identify each rod end with the spring
assembly serial number in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
3. through 8., of Bell Helicopter Alert Service
Bulletin 429–15–19, dated February 26, 2015.
(2) Do not install a forward rod end P/N
427–010–210–105 or an aft rod end P/N 427–
010–210–109 on any helicopter unless it has
been marked with a serial number in
accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 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
(1) Bell Helicopter Maintenance Manual
BHT–429–MM–1, Chapter 4, Airworthiness
Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, approved
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 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–2015–15R1,
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Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017. 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: 5101, Standard Practices/Structures.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26,
2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–06640 Filed 4–4–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0217; Airspace
Docket No. 17–ASO–4]
Proposed Establishment of Class E
Airspace; Ellijay, GA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
establish Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
at Ellijay, GA, to accommodate new area
navigation (RNAV) global positioning
system (GPS) standard instrument
approach procedures (SIAPs) serving
Gilmer County Airport. Controlled
airspace is necessary for the safety and
management of instrument flight rules
(IFR) operations at this airport.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before May 21, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this rule
to: U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, West Bldg. Ground Floor,
Rm. W12–140, Washington, DC 20590;
telephone: 1–800–647–5527, or (202)
366–9826.You must identify the Docket
No. FAA–2017–0217; Airspace Docket
No. 17–ASO–4, at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit and
review received comments through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except federal holidays.
FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
publications/. For further information,
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14606-14608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06640]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0254; Product Identifier 2017-SW-116-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-13-
03 for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429
helicopters. AD 2017-13-03 requires adding an identification number to
life-limited rod ends that do not have a serial number (S/N). Since we
issued AD 2017-13-03, an additional life-limited rod end was identified
that is affected by the same unsafe condition. This proposed AD would
retain the requirements of AD 2017-13-03 and revise the Applicability
paragraph by adding that rod end. The actions of this proposed AD are
intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 4, 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-2018-
0254; 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
[[Page 14607]]
(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 this referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110;
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
We issued AD 2017-13-03, Amendment 39-18933 (82 FR 28397, June 22,
2017) (AD 2017-13-03) for Bell Model 429 helicopters, S/N 57001 through
57260, with a pylon restraint spring assembly (spring assembly) forward
rod end assembly (rod end) part number (P/N) 427-010-210-105 installed.
AD 2017-13-03 requires cleaning and marking each forward rod end with
the S/N of the spring assembly. AD 2017-13-03 also prohibits the
installation of forward rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 on any helicopter
unless it has been marked. The requirements of AD 2017-13-03 are
intended to prevent a forward rod end from remaining in service after
reaching its life limit which could result in failure of the forward
rod end and subsequent loss of control of a helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2017-13-03 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2017-13-03, an additional life-limited rod end
P/N has been identified that is affected by the same unsafe condition.
Aft rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 also needs to be marked with the S/N of
the spring assembly since it does not have a S/N.
Accordingly, Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for
Canada, issued AD No. CF-2015-15R1, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017, to
correct this unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, S/Ns
57001 through 57260. Transport Canada advises that, per its
regulations, life-limited parts must be marked with their P/N and S/N.
Transport Canada further states that spring assembly rod end P/Ns 427-
010-210-105 and -109 have a life limit of 5,000 hours; however, they
are not serialized, causing difficulties in tracking accumulated air
time. According to Transport Canada, this condition could result in a
rod end remaining in service beyond its life limit. Therefore, the
Transport Canada AD requires adding identification markings on each
spring assembly rod end.
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 429-15-19, dated
February 26, 2015, for Model 429 helicopters. This service information
specifies procedures for permanently marking each forward and aft rod
end with the S/N of the spring assembly. This service information
applies to certain serial-numbered helicopters, as subsequent
helicopters will have these actions performed during the manufacturing
process.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
We also reviewed Bell Helicopter Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1,
Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, approved
September 9, 2016, which 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 each forward
and aft rod end with the S/N of the spring assembly. This proposed AD
would also prohibit installing forward rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 and
aft rod end P/N 427-010-210-109 on any helicopter unless it has been
marked in accordance with this proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 75 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per
work-hour.
Marking the rod ends would take about 0.5 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,225 for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing a rod end that has exceeded its life limit would take about 3
work-hours and required parts will cost about $4,100 for an estimated
cost of $4,355 per rod end.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority
[[Page 14608]]
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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2017-13-03, Amendment 39-18933 (82 FR 28397, June 22, 2017), and adding
the following new AD:
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2018-0254;
Product Identifier 2017-SW-116-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model 429 helicopters, serial number 57001
through 57260, with a pylon restraint spring assembly (spring
assembly) forward rod end assembly (rod end) part number (P/N) 427-
010-210-105 or aft rod end P/N 427-010-210-109 installed,
certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a rod end remaining in
service after reaching its life limit. This condition could result
in failure of a rod end and subsequent loss of control of a
helicopter.
(c) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017-13-03, Amendment 39-18933 (82 FR 28397,
June 22, 2017).
(d) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 4, 2018.
(e) 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.
(f) Required Actions
(1) Within 140 hours time-in-service, clean and identify each
rod end with the spring assembly serial number in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3. through 8., of Bell
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-19, dated February 26,
2015.
(2) Do not install a forward rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 or an
aft rod end P/N 427-010-210-109 on any helicopter unless it has been
marked with a serial number in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 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.
(h) Additional Information
(1) Bell Helicopter Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1, Chapter 4,
Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, approved 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 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-2015-15R1, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017. 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: 5101, Standard
Practices/Structures.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06640 Filed 4-4-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
