Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 32201-32203 [2018-14701]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 134 / Thursday, July 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(n) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777–28–0078, Revision 3, dated
December 19, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June
29, 2018.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–14702 Filed 7–11–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0757; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–022–AD; Amendment
39–19327; AD 2018–14–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
serial numbered Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429
helicopters. This AD requires marking a
serial number on life-limited forward
spars and actuator fitting assemblies.
The actions of this AD are intended to
prevent an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 16,
2018.
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VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:03 Jul 11, 2018
Jkt 244001
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 AD, the
Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(Transport Canada) AD, any
incorporated-by-reference service
information, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–
5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
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:
Discussion
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of August 16, 2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited,
12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec
J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or
(800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or
at https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
You may review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0757.
On January 26, 2018, at 83 FR 3628,
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, 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.
The NPRM proposed to require
marking a serial number on life-limited
forward spars and actuator fitting
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
32201
assemblies. The proposed requirements
were intended to prevent the forward
spar or actuator fitting assembly from
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.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
CF–2017–02, dated January 16, 2017,
issued by Transport Canada, which is
the aviation authority for Canada, to
correct an unsafe condition for Bell
Model 429 helicopters, S/N 57150,
57168, 57176, 57210, 57211 through
57216, 57265, 57266, 57267, and 57287.
Transport Canada advises that forward
spars 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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD, but
we received no 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 the Transport Canada 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
these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the
Transport Canada AD
The Transport Canada AD requires
compliance within 12 months from its
effective date, unless already
accomplished. This AD requires
compliance within 800 hours time-inservice.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert
Service Bulletin 429–16–34, dated
November 10, 2016, which specifies
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12JYR1
32202
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 134 / Thursday, July 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
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
specifies airworthiness life limits and
inspection intervals for parts installed
on Model 429 helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
(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.
We estimate that this AD affects 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
requires 1 work-hour, and no parts are
needed. Based on these estimates, we
expect a total cost of $85 per helicopter
and $510 for the U.S. fleet.
Adoption of the Amendment
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.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
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:
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16:03 Jul 11, 2018
Jkt 244001
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):
■
2018–14–07 Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada Limited: Amendment 39–19327;
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) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 16,
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.
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Fmt 4700
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(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
(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 Docket No.
FAA–2017–0757.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 1100, Placards and Markings.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin
429–16–34, dated November 10, 2016.
E:\FR\FM\12JYR1.SGM
12JYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 134 / Thursday, July 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
Limited service information identified in this
AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or
(800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or at
https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 1,
2018.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–14701 Filed 7–11–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
rolls-royce.com; internet: www.rollsroyce.com. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Engine and
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
1118.
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–
1118; 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 final rule,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Docket Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1118; Product
Identifier 2017–NE–40–AD; Amendment 39–
19313; AD 2018–13–01]
John
Tallarovic, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago
ACO Branch, FAA, 2300 E. Devon Ave.,
Des Plaines, IL 60018; phone: 847–294–
8180; fax: 847–294–7834; email:
john.m.tallarovic@faa.gov.
RIN 2120–AA64
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
Corporation Turboshaft Engines
Discussion
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
14 CFR Part 39
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) model
250–C turboshaft engines. This AD was
prompted by several reports of engine
power loss, one of which resulted in a
fatal helicopter accident. This AD
requires removal of the power turbine
governor (PTG) bearing assembly, part
number (P/N) 2544198, and its
replacement with a bearing assembly
eligible for installation. We are issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 16,
2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Rolls-Royce Corporation, 450 South
Meridian Street, Mail Code NB–02–05,
Indianapolis, IN 46225; phone: 317–
230–3774; email: indy.pubs.services@
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:03 Jul 11, 2018
Jkt 244001
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Rolls-Royce
Corporation (RRC) model 250–C
turboshaft engines. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
February 1, 2018 (83 FR 4609). The
NPRM was prompted by several reports
of loss of engine power on certain RRC
model 250–C turboshaft engines
installed on single-engine helicopters.
One of these instances of power loss
resulted in a fatal helicopter accident on
May 4, 2016. The NPRM proposed to
require removal of the affected PTG
bearing assembly and replace it with a
bearing assembly with a new design. We
are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this final rule.
The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
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32203
Request To Specify the New Bearing
Assembly
The NTSB and Honeywell Aerospace
requested that the AD prohibit the
installation of bearing assembly, P/N
2544198, and specify the installation of
the new bearing assembly, P/N 2526146.
The NTSB expressed concern that
differences between the proposed AD
and the actions described in the
Honeywell SB and Rolls-Royce CEBs
could lead to the reinstallation of a
dual-spool bearing into an affected PTG.
We partially agree. We agree with the
request to prohibit the installation of
another bearing assembly, P/N 2544198,
because our intent is to remove them
from service. We disagree with the
request to specify the installation of the
new bearing assembly, P/N 2526146,
because of the possibility of a new
bearing P/N being introduced or the
specified P/N being discontinued in the
future. We added an installation
prohibition paragraph to this AD to
prohibit the installation of bearing
assembly, P/N 2544198.
Request To Re-Identify the PTG After
Changing the Bearing Assembly
The NTSB and Honeywell Aerospace
requested that the AD require reidentifying the PTG P/N after changing
the bearing assembly in accordance with
the related service information.
Honeywell Aerospace reasoned that
maintenance personnel and operators
could easily determine if the service
bulletin has been accomplished. This
increases the efficiency of operations
and reduces the potential for
misunderstandings about whether the
bearing assembly has been replaced.
We disagree. While re-identifying the
PTG after changing the bearing assembly
is helpful for maintenance personnel,
we are not requiring this action within
this AD. During the replacement of the
bearing assembly, P/N 2544198, the
related service information instructs
personnel to re-identify the PTG. We
did not change this AD.
Request To Reduce the Compliance
Time
Honeywell Aerospace requested that
we reduce the compliance time to 50
hours or within 90 days for PTGs that
have greater than 750 hours. The
commenter reasoned that the original
compliance schedule was established 10
years ago based on field experience at
that time. The fatal accident referenced
in the NPRM occurred on a PTG with
1,048.7 hours since new.
We disagree. The compliance time for
removing the bearing assembly, P/N
2544198, in this AD is based on Rolls-
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12JYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 134 (Thursday, July 12, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32201-32203]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14701]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0757; Product Identifier 2017-SW-022-AD; Amendment
39-19327; AD 2018-14-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
serial numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429
helicopters. This AD requires marking a serial number on life-limited
forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies. The actions of this AD
are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 16, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of August 16,
2018.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir,
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax
(450) 433-0272; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may
review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0757.
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 AD, the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (Transport Canada) AD, any
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
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:
Discussion
On January 26, 2018, at 83 FR 3628, 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, 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.
The NPRM proposed to require marking a serial number on life-
limited forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies. The proposed
requirements were intended to prevent the forward spar or actuator
fitting assembly from 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.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF-2017-02, dated January 16, 2017,
issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada,
to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, S/N
57150, 57168, 57176, 57210, 57211 through 57216, 57265, 57266, 57267,
and 57287. Transport Canada advises that forward spars 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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no 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
the Transport Canada 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 these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest
require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD
The Transport Canada AD requires compliance within 12 months from
its effective date, unless already accomplished. This AD requires
compliance within 800 hours time-in-service.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-16-34, dated
November 10, 2016, which specifies
[[Page 32202]]
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 specifies airworthiness life limits and
inspection intervals for parts installed on Model 429 helicopters.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 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 requires 1 work-hour,
and no parts are 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 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):
2018-14-07 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-
19327; 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) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 16, 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 Docket
No. FAA-2017-0757.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1100, Placards and
Markings.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-16-34, dated
November 10, 2016.
[[Page 32203]]
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited service
information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4;
telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 433-0272; or
at https://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 1, 2018.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14701 Filed 7-11-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
