Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 34074-34076 [2018-15305]

Download as PDF 34074 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 139 / Thursday, July 19, 2018 / Proposed Rules (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by September 17, 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 the following compliance times, replace each screw P/N NAS1351–5H12P installed on an MLG shock absorber with a screw P/N 1652A0001–01. Re-identify the MLG assembly using black permanent ink by marking an ‘‘R’’ at the end of the S/N of the MLG assembly and cover with a transparent coating. For purposes of this AD, a ‘‘landing’’ is counted any time the helicopter lifts off into the air and then lands again regardless of the duration of the landing and regardless of whether the engine is shut down: (i) For MLG assemblies with 26,800 or more landings, within 100 hours time-inservice (TIS). (ii) For MLG assemblies with between 22,000 and 26,799 landings, within 300 hours TIS or before the MLG assembly accumulates 27,200 landings, whichever occurs first. (iii) For MLG assemblies with less than 22,000 landings, within 1,200 hours TIS or before the MLG assembly accumulates 23,200 landings, whichever occurs first. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an MLG assembly with a P/N and S/N listed in Table 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD on any helicopter unless the screw has been replaced and the MLG assembly reidentified as described in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. (f) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS (h) Additional Information (1) Finmeccanica Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–397, dated April 7, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate 16:14 Jul 18, 2018 Jkt 244001 (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3200 Landing Gear System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 9, 2018. Scott A. Horn, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–15304 Filed 7–18–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0647; Product Identifier 2017–SW–083–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: (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: David Hatfield, 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2016–0077, dated April 19, 2016. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This proposed AD would revise the life limit for the nose landing gear (NLG) assembly. This proposed AD is prompted by revised airworthiness limitations determined by Bell. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 17, 2018. SUMMARY: 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 ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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– 0647; 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: 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 E:\FR\FM\19JYP1.SGM 19JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 139 / Thursday, July 19, 2018 / Proposed Rules public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD No. CF–2016–07, dated March 4, 2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters with wheeled landing gear. Transport Canada advises that Bell has replaced the airworthiness limitations for the NLG main fitting to bell crank bolt part number (P/N) M084–20H125– 101 and NLG main fitting P/N M084– 20H011–107 with an airworthiness limitation for the next higher assembly, NLG assembly P/N 429–336–100–101. According to Transport Canada, the NLG assembly’s life limit is reduced to 50,000 retirement index number (RIN) or 4,500 hours time-in-service (TIS). Transport Canada advises that failure to replace components prior to established airworthiness limitations could result in an unsafe condition. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 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 helicopters of the same type design. Related Service Information We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 429–15–24, Revision A, dated September 23, 2015, which specifies updating the Bell 429 maintenance manual with Revision 24 to incorporate the revised airworthiness limitations for the NLG assembly, NLG main fitting to bellcrank bolt, and the NLG main fitting. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would revise the life limit of the NLG assembly by requiring, before further flight, removing from service any NLG assembly P/N 429–336–100–101 that has reached or exceeded 4,500 hours TIS or 50,000 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jul 18, 2018 Jkt 244001 RIN. Thereafter, this proposed AD would require removing from service each NLG assembly P/N 429–336–100– 101 before it accumulates 4,500 hours TIS or 50,000 RIN, whichever occurs first. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD The Transport Canada AD applies to certain serial-numbered helicopters, whereas this proposed AD would apply to all Bell Model 429 helicopters with the affected NLG assembly installed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect less than 75 helicopters of U.S. Registry (as this proposed AD would not apply to Bell Model 429 helicopters with skid landing gear). At an average labor rate of $85 per hour, replacing a NLG assembly would require 10 work-hours, and required parts would cost $104,648, for a cost of $105,498 per helicopter and up to $7,912,350 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; PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 34075 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA–2018–0647; Product Identifier 2017–SW–083–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters with a nose landing gear (NLG) assembly part number (P/N) 429–336–100–101 installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as fatigue failure of an NLG assembly, which could result in subsequent damage to and loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by September 17, 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 Before further flight, remove from service any NLG assembly P/N 429–336–100–101 that has reached or exceeded 4,500 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 50,000 retirement index number (RIN). Thereafter, remove from service each NLG assembly P/N 429–336– 100–101 before accumulating 4,500 hours E:\FR\FM\19JYP1.SGM 19JYP1 34076 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 139 / Thursday, July 19, 2018 / Proposed Rules TIS or 50,000 RIN, whichever occurs first. For purposes of this AD, for every normal retraction or extension of the wheeled landing gear system, add one RIN. Notification; withdrawal of petition. ACTION: (f) 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. (g) Additional Information (1) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 429–15–24, Revision A, dated September 23, 2015, 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–2016–07, dated March 4, 2016. 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: 3200 Nose Landing Gear. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 9, 2018. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–15305 Filed 7–18–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carissa Doody, Center for Veterinary Medicine (HFV–228), Food and Drug Administration, 7519 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855, 240–402–6283, Carissa.doody@fda.hhs.gov. In a notice of petition published in the Federal Register on January 6, 2015 (80 FR 422), FDA announced that a food additive petition (FAP 2290) had been filed by Humic Products Trade Assn., P.O. Box 963, Spring Green, WI 53588. The petition proposed to amend part 573 Food Additives Permitted in Feed and Drinking Water of Animals (21 CFR part 573), to provide for the safe use of humate, fluvic acid, and humic substances as a source of iron in animal feed. Humic Products Trade Assn., has now withdrawn the petition without prejudice to a future filing in accordance with 21 CFR 571.7. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BILLING CODE 4164–01–P Food and Drug Administration, HHS. Jkt 244001 Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Railroad Roadway Work Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. ACTION: Proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: Humic Product Trade Association; Withdrawal of Food Additive Petition (Animal Use) 16:14 Jul 18, 2018 RIN 1218–AD07 For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, found in brackets in the heading of this document, into the ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts; and/or go to the Dockets Management Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. ADDRESSES: [Docket No. FDA–2014–F–2307] VerDate Sep<11>2014 [Docket ID: OSHA–2015–0012] AGENCY: 21 CFR Part 573 AGENCY: 29 CFR Part 1926 The food additive petition published on January 6, 2015 (80 FR 422), was withdrawn on April 19, 2018. [FR Doc. 2018–15394 Filed 7–18–18; 8:45 am] Food and Drug Administration Occupational Safety and Health Administration DATES: Dated: July 13, 2018. Leslie Kux, Associate Commissioner for Policy. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the withdrawal, without prejudice to a future filing, of a food additive petition (FAP 2290) proposing that the food additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of humate, fluvic acid, and humic substances as a source of iron in animal feed. SUMMARY: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration published its final rule for cranes and derricks in construction on August 9, 2010. The final rule set out new requirements to enhance worker safety around cranes and derricks. On October 7, 2010, the Association of American Railroads (‘‘AAR’’) filed a petition for review in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia challenging certain requirements affecting railroad roadway work. Subsequently OSHA and AAR reached a settlement agreement under which OSHA agreed to undertake rulemaking to propose expanding several exemptions and to issue clarifications affecting work on or along railroad tracks. These exemptions and clarifications, which would not apply to bridge work, would exempt entirely one type of railroad equipment from OSHA’s crane standard; would exempt railroad equipment operators from the certification requirements in the standard; and would include several provisions relating to safety devices, work-area controls, out-of-level work, dragging loads sideways, equipment modifications, and manufacturer requirements. OSHA believes this proposal, if promulgated, would maintain safety and health protections for workers while reducing employers’ compliance burdens. DATES: Submit comments to this proposed rule, public hearing requests, and other information no later than September 17, 2018. Each submission must bear a postmark or provide other evidence of the date of submission. ADDRESSES: Submit comments, hearing requests, and other materials, identified with this docket, Docket No. OSHA– 2015–0012, using any of the following methods: Electronically: Submit comments and attachments, as well as hearing requests and other information, electronically via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the E:\FR\FM\19JYP1.SGM 19JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 139 (Thursday, July 19, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34074-34076]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15305]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0647; Product Identifier 2017-SW-083-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 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. 
This proposed AD would revise the life limit for the nose landing gear 
(NLG) assembly. This proposed AD is prompted by revised airworthiness 
limitations determined by Bell. The actions of this proposed AD are 
intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 17, 
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-
0647; 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: 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

[[Page 34075]]

public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. 
Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we 
receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider 
comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to 
do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal 
in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Canadian AD No. CF-2016-07, dated March 4, 2016, to correct an 
unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters with wheeled landing 
gear. Transport Canada advises that Bell has replaced the airworthiness 
limitations for the NLG main fitting to bell crank bolt part number (P/
N) M084-20H125-101 and NLG main fitting P/N M084-20H011-107 with an 
airworthiness limitation for the next higher assembly, NLG assembly P/N 
429-336-100-101. According to Transport Canada, the NLG assembly's life 
limit is reduced to 50,000 retirement index number (RIN) or 4,500 hours 
time-in-service (TIS). Transport Canada advises that failure to replace 
components prior to established airworthiness limitations could result 
in an unsafe condition.

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 helicopters of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 429-15-24, Revision A, 
dated September 23, 2015, which specifies updating the Bell 429 
maintenance manual with Revision 24 to incorporate the revised 
airworthiness limitations for the NLG assembly, NLG main fitting to 
bellcrank bolt, and the NLG main fitting.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would revise the life limit of the NLG assembly by 
requiring, before further flight, removing from service any NLG 
assembly P/N 429-336-100-101 that has reached or exceeded 4,500 hours 
TIS or 50,000 RIN. Thereafter, this proposed AD would require removing 
from service each NLG assembly P/N 429-336-100-101 before it 
accumulates 4,500 hours TIS or 50,000 RIN, whichever occurs first.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD

    The Transport Canada AD applies to certain serial-numbered 
helicopters, whereas this proposed AD would apply to all Bell Model 429 
helicopters with the affected NLG assembly installed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect less than 75 
helicopters of U.S. Registry (as this proposed AD would not apply to 
Bell Model 429 helicopters with skid landing gear). At an average labor 
rate of $85 per hour, replacing a NLG assembly would require 10 work-
hours, and required parts would cost $104,648, for a cost of $105,498 
per helicopter and up to $7,912,350 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-2018-0647; 
Product Identifier 2017-SW-083-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 
429 helicopters with a nose landing gear (NLG) assembly part number 
(P/N) 429-336-100-101 installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as fatigue failure of an 
NLG assembly, which could result in subsequent damage to and loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 17, 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

    Before further flight, remove from service any NLG assembly P/N 
429-336-100-101 that has reached or exceeded 4,500 hours time-in-
service (TIS) or 50,000 retirement index number (RIN). Thereafter, 
remove from service each NLG assembly P/N 429-336-100-101 before 
accumulating 4,500 hours

[[Page 34076]]

TIS or 50,000 RIN, whichever occurs first. For purposes of this AD, 
for every normal retraction or extension of the wheeled landing gear 
system, add one RIN.

(f) 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.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. 429-15-24, 
Revision A, dated September 23, 2015, 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-2016-07, dated March 4, 2016. 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: 3200 Nose Landing 
Gear.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 9, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-15305 Filed 7-18-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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