Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 14786-14789 [2020-05244]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 51 / Monday, March 16, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2020–05–18 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
19868; Docket No. FAA–2019–0979;
Product Identifier 2019–NM–182–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 20, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and –1041 airplanes, certificated
in any category, as identified in European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2019–0265, dated October 25, 2019 (‘‘EASA
AD 2019–0265’’).
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(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of
incorrectly engaged lock washer tabs of the
main landing gear (MLG) forward pintle
bearing (FPB) at the forward face of the
trunnion block. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address absence of an engaged lock washer
tab at the bearing nut, which could cause an
unexpected rotation of the nut and loss of
torque, progressively allowing an axial
movement of the bearing housing. This
condition, if not detected and corrected,
could lead to collapse of a MLG, possibly
resulting in damage to the airplane and/or
injury to occupants.
16:35 Mar 13, 2020
Jkt 250001
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2019–0265.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0265
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0265 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0265 does not apply to this AD.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019–0265 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
§ 39.13
(f) Compliance
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@
faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA;
or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2019–0265 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (j)(2)
of this AD, RC procedures and tests must be
done to comply with this AD; any procedures
or tests that are not identified as RC are
recommended. Those procedures and tests
that are not identified as RC may be deviated
from using accepted methods in accordance
with the operator’s maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the
procedures and tests identified as RC can be
done and the airplane can be put back in an
airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
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(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax:
206–231–3218; email: kathleen.arrigotti@
faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019–0265, dated October 25,
2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA AD 2019–
0265, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49
221 89990 6017; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find
this EASA AD on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material 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. This material may
be found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0979.
(5) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@
nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on March 4, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–05264 Filed 3–13–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0221; Product
Identifier 2019–SW–042–AD; Amendment
39–19862; AD 2020–04–21]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 51 / Monday, March 16, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
(Bell Canada) Model 429 helicopters.
This AD requires inspecting a certain
part-numbered curvic coupling for
proper engagement and depending on
the inspection results, inspecting for
play, inspecting the curvic coupling
teeth, inspecting the flapping bearing
teeth, replacing parts, performing a
rigging check, and reporting
information. This AD was prompted by
a report of disengaged teeth of a curvic
coupling due to improper installation.
The actions of this AD are intended to
address an unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD becomes effective
March 31, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of March 31, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by May 15, 2020.
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.
DATES:
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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–2020–
0221; 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 AD, any service
information that is incorporated by
reference, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
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. You may
review the referenced service
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16:35 Mar 13, 2020
Jkt 250001
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–2020–
0221.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kristi Bradley, Aerospace Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5110; email
kristin.bradley@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
the FAA did not provide you with
notice and an opportunity to provide
your comments prior to it becoming
effective. However, the FAA invites you
to participate in this rulemaking by
submitting written comments, data, or
views. The FAA also invites comments
relating to the economic, environmental,
energy, or federalism impacts that
resulted from adopting this AD. The
most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the AD, 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 them only
one time. The FAA will file in the
docket all comments received, as well as
a report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this rulemaking during the
comment period. The FAA will consider
all the comments received and may
conduct additional rulemaking based on
those comments.
Discussion
Transport Canada, which is the
aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Emergency AD No. CF–2019–15,
dated April 26, 2019, to correct an
unsafe condition for Bell Canada Model
429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001
through 57363. Transport Canada
advises of a report of an improperly
installed curvic coupling part number
(P/N) 429–012–120–101. This was
discovered during installation of the tail
rotor (T/R) hub and blade assembly
when the teeth of the curvic coupling
rested on top of each other instead of
meshing together. Transport Canada
further advises that this condition may
result in loosening of the T/R assembly
and subsequent vibration and loss of
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14787
drive to the outboard T/R blades, which
will result in degraded directional
control. Therefore, the Transport
Canada Emergency AD requires
inspecting the T/R and correcting any
defective conditions, as well as
reporting any anomalies to Bell Canada.
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 the FAA’s bilateral
agreement with Canada, Transport
Canada, its technical representative, has
notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the Transport Canada AD.
The FAA is issuing this AD because it
has evaluated all information provided
by Transport Canada and determined
the unsafe condition exists and is likely
to exist or develop on other helicopters
of the same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Bell has issued Alert Service Bulletin
429–19–45, dated April 16, 2019, for
Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers
57001 through 57343, 57346 through
57349, 57352 through 57356, and 57362.
This service information specifies
inspecting the inboard and outboard
curvic coupling teeth for proper
engagement; inspecting for axial play
between the inboard and outboard hub
and blade assemblies; inspecting for
play between the curvic coupling teeth
and both inboard and outboard flapping
bearing teeth; inspecting the curvic
coupling teeth for damage; inspecting
the inboard and outboard flapping
bearing teeth for damage; installing a
serviceable T/R hub and blade
assembly; performing a rigging check of
the directional control system; and
reporting any anomalies to Bell Canada.
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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires inspecting the
curvic coupling teeth for proper
engagement with the inboard and
outboard flapping bearing teeth within
10 hours time-in-service (TIS).
If the teeth are not properly engaged,
this AD requires removing the T/R hub
and blade assembly and inspecting the
curvic coupling teeth and the inboard
and outboard flapping bearing teeth for
a crack, wear, mechanical damage, and
corrosion. Depending on the inspection
results, this AD requires replacing parts.
Then, with the T/R hub and blade
assembly installed, this AD requires
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 51 / Monday, March 16, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
performing a rigging check of the
directional control system.
If the teeth are properly engaged, this
AD requires inspecting for axial play
between both the inboard and outboard
T/R hub and blade assemblies. If there
is axial play, this AD requires
performing the inspections for a crack,
wear, mechanical damage, and
corrosion. If there is no axial play, this
AD requires inspecting for play between
the teeth of the curvic coupling and
both the inboard and outboard flapping
bearing teeth, and if play exists, this AD
requires performing the inspections for
a crack, wear, mechanical damage, and
corrosion.
Lastly, this AD requires emailing
information about the inspection results
that resulted in the replacement of parts
to Bell Canada.
Differences Between This AD and the
Transport Canada AD
The Transport Canada Emergency AD
requires reporting information within 3
days after the completion of the
inspection, whereas this AD allows a
compliance time of up to 10 days after
completion of the inspection instead.
This AD applies to fewer serial
numbered Model 429 helicopters, listed
in the applicability section, than the
Transport Canada Emergency AD
because certain serial numbered
helicopters will have complied with the
intent of this AD prior to delivery.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when
an agency finds good cause pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without
prior notice and comment. Because FAA
has determined that it has good cause to
adopt this rule without notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
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Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 88 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
The FAA estimates that operators may
incur the following costs in order to
comply with this AD. Labor costs are
estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Inspecting the curvic coupling teeth
and the flapping bearing teeth for proper
engagement requires about 0.5 workhours for an estimated cost of $43 per
helicopter and $3,784 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, removing and installing
the T/R hub and blade assembly to
inspect the curvic coupling teeth and
the inboard and outboard flapping
bearing teeth for a crack, wear,
mechanical damage, and corrosion
requires about 0.5 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter.
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Replacing a curvic coupling requires
about 0.5 work-hours and parts cost
about $4,141 for an estimated cost of
$4,184 per curvic coupling.
Replacing a flapping bearing requires
about 0.5 work-hours and parts cost
about $19,948 for an estimated cost of
$19,991 per flapping bearing.
If required, reporting information
takes about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to a penalty for failure to comply with
a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid
OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of
information is estimated to be
approximately 1 hour per response,
including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to:
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
Justification for Immediate Adoption
and Determination of the Effective Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.)
authorizes agencies to dispense with
notice and comment procedures for
rules when the agency, for ‘‘good
cause,’’ finds that those procedures are
‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest.’’ Under this
section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without
seeking comment prior to the
rulemaking.
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because the unsafe condition
requires corrective action within 10
hours TIS. Accordingly, notice and
opportunity for prior public comment
are impracticable and contrary to public
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interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the reasons
stated above, the FAA finds that good
cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)
for making this amendment effective in
less than 30 days.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA determined that 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, I certify
that this AD:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
and
2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 51 / Monday, March 16, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2020–04–21 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
Limited: Amendment 39–19862; Docket
No. FAA–2020–0221; Product Identifier
2019–SW–042–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters,
certificated in any category, with a serial
number 57001 through 57343 inclusive,
57346 through 57349 inclusive, 57352
through 57356 inclusive, and 57362, with a
curvic coupling part number 429–012–120–
101 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as an
improperly installed curvic coupling of the
tail rotor (T/R) hub and blade assembly. This
condition could result in loosening of the T/
R assembly, which could cause vibration and
loss of drive to the outboard T/R blades, and
subsequent degraded directional control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective March 31, 2020.
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(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 10 hours time-in-service, using
a light source, flap the inboard and outboard
T/R blades to inspect for proper engagement
of the inboard and outboard curvic coupling
teeth with the inboard and outboard flapping
bearing teeth as shown in Figure 2 of Bell
Alert Service Bulletin 429–19–45, dated
April 16, 2019 (ASB 429–19–45).
(i) If the teeth are not properly engaged,
before further flight, remove the T/R hub and
blade assembly and do the following:
Note to paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD:
Figure 1 of ASB 429–19–45 shows an
example of improperly engaged teeth.
(A) Inspect the inboard flapping bearing
teeth and the curvic coupling teeth that mate
to them for a crack, wear, mechanical
damage, and corrosion. If there is a crack,
wear, mechanical damage, or corrosion on
the teeth, before further flight, replace with
an airworthy part.
(B) Inspect the outboard flapping bearing
teeth and the curvic coupling teeth that mate
to them for a crack, wear, mechanical
damage, and corrosion. If there is a crack, or
wear, mechanical damage, or corrosion on
the teeth, before further flight, replace with
an airworthy part.
(C) With the T/R hub and blade assembly
installed, perform a rigging check of the
directional control system.
(ii) If the teeth are properly engaged, before
further flight, inspect for axial play between
both the inboard and outboard T/R hub and
blade assemblies.
(A) If there is axial play, remove the T/R
hub and blade assembly, and perform the
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Jkt 250001
actions required by paragraph (e)(1)(i)(A)
through (C) of this AD.
(B) If there is no axial play, inspect for play
between the teeth of the curvic coupling and
both the inboard and outboard flapping
bearing teeth by applying a lead/lag force to
the inboard and outboard T/R hub and blade
assemblies. If there is play, remove the T/R
hub and blade assembly, and perform the
actions required by paragraph (e)(1)(i)(A)
through (C) of this AD.
(2) Within 10 days after an inspection that
resulted in replacing any part as required by
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, email a
description of the inspection results that
includes a description of each replaced part
to: productsupport@bellflight.com. Include
the following information in the email
subject line: ‘‘ASB 429–19–45,’’ the
helicopter’s serial number, and the operator’s
name.
(f) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden
Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this
information collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per
response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed,
and completing and reviewing the collection
of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory.
Send comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection
of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden to: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
(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: Kristi Bradley, Aerospace
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5110; email 9-ASW-FTWAMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or sunder
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
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
The subject of this AD is addressed in the
Transport Canada Emergency AD No. CF–
2019–15, dated April 26, 2019. You may
view the Transport Canada Emergency AD on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
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14789
by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA–2020–0221.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6400, Tail Rotor System.
(j) 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 Alert Service Bulletin 429–19–45,
dated April 16, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Bell 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.
(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,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on March 6, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–05244 Filed 3–13–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0861; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–129–AD; Amendment
39–19864; AD 2020–05–14]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus SAS Model A320–214, –232, and
–271N airplanes, and Model A321–231
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report of a production line inspection
finding of damage on a main landing
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\16MRR1.SGM
16MRR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 51 (Monday, March 16, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14786-14789]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05244]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0221; Product Identifier 2019-SW-042-AD; Amendment
39-19862; AD 2020-04-21]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 14787]]
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell Canada) Model 429
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting a certain part-numbered curvic
coupling for proper engagement and depending on the inspection results,
inspecting for play, inspecting the curvic coupling teeth, inspecting
the flapping bearing teeth, replacing parts, performing a rigging
check, and reporting information. This AD was prompted by a report of
disengaged teeth of a curvic coupling due to improper installation. The
actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 31, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of March 31, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 15, 2020.
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-2020-
0221; 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 AD, any service information that is
incorporated by reference, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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. 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-2020-
0221.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Bradley, Aerospace 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
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and the FAA did not provide you with notice and an opportunity
to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, the
FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the AD, 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 them only one time. The FAA will file in the docket all comments
received, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the
comment period. The FAA will consider all the comments received and may
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Emergency AD No. CF-2019-15, dated April 26, 2019, to correct an
unsafe condition for Bell Canada Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers
57001 through 57363. Transport Canada advises of a report of an
improperly installed curvic coupling part number (P/N) 429-012-120-101.
This was discovered during installation of the tail rotor (T/R) hub and
blade assembly when the teeth of the curvic coupling rested on top of
each other instead of meshing together. Transport Canada further
advises that this condition may result in loosening of the T/R assembly
and subsequent vibration and loss of drive to the outboard T/R blades,
which will result in degraded directional control. Therefore, the
Transport Canada Emergency AD requires inspecting the T/R and
correcting any defective conditions, as well as reporting any anomalies
to Bell Canada.
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
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its
technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the Transport Canada AD. The FAA is issuing this AD
because it has evaluated all information provided by Transport Canada
and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of the same type designs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Bell has issued Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-45, dated April 16,
2019, for Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 through 57343,
57346 through 57349, 57352 through 57356, and 57362. This service
information specifies inspecting the inboard and outboard curvic
coupling teeth for proper engagement; inspecting for axial play between
the inboard and outboard hub and blade assemblies; inspecting for play
between the curvic coupling teeth and both inboard and outboard
flapping bearing teeth; inspecting the curvic coupling teeth for
damage; inspecting the inboard and outboard flapping bearing teeth for
damage; installing a serviceable T/R hub and blade assembly; performing
a rigging check of the directional control system; and reporting any
anomalies to Bell Canada.
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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires inspecting the curvic coupling teeth for proper
engagement with the inboard and outboard flapping bearing teeth within
10 hours time-in-service (TIS).
If the teeth are not properly engaged, this AD requires removing
the T/R hub and blade assembly and inspecting the curvic coupling teeth
and the inboard and outboard flapping bearing teeth for a crack, wear,
mechanical damage, and corrosion. Depending on the inspection results,
this AD requires replacing parts. Then, with the T/R hub and blade
assembly installed, this AD requires
[[Page 14788]]
performing a rigging check of the directional control system.
If the teeth are properly engaged, this AD requires inspecting for
axial play between both the inboard and outboard T/R hub and blade
assemblies. If there is axial play, this AD requires performing the
inspections for a crack, wear, mechanical damage, and corrosion. If
there is no axial play, this AD requires inspecting for play between
the teeth of the curvic coupling and both the inboard and outboard
flapping bearing teeth, and if play exists, this AD requires performing
the inspections for a crack, wear, mechanical damage, and corrosion.
Lastly, this AD requires emailing information about the inspection
results that resulted in the replacement of parts to Bell Canada.
Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD
The Transport Canada Emergency AD requires reporting information
within 3 days after the completion of the inspection, whereas this AD
allows a compliance time of up to 10 days after completion of the
inspection instead. This AD applies to fewer serial numbered Model 429
helicopters, listed in the applicability section, than the Transport
Canada Emergency AD because certain serial numbered helicopters will
have complied with the intent of this AD prior to delivery.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 88 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85
per work-hour.
Inspecting the curvic coupling teeth and the flapping bearing teeth
for proper engagement requires about 0.5 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,784 for the U.S. fleet.
If required, removing and installing the T/R hub and blade assembly
to inspect the curvic coupling teeth and the inboard and outboard
flapping bearing teeth for a crack, wear, mechanical damage, and
corrosion requires about 0.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $43
per helicopter.
Replacing a curvic coupling requires about 0.5 work-hours and parts
cost about $4,141 for an estimated cost of $4,184 per curvic coupling.
Replacing a flapping bearing requires about 0.5 work-hours and
parts cost about $19,948 for an estimated cost of $19,991 per flapping
bearing.
If required, reporting information takes about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.)
authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for
rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that those procedures
are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.''
Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a
final rule without seeking comment prior to the rulemaking.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because the unsafe condition requires corrective action within 10 hours
TIS. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds
that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this
amendment effective in less than 30 days.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA determined that 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, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866, and
2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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.
[[Page 14789]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2020-04-21 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-
19862; Docket No. FAA-2020-0221; Product Identifier 2019-SW-042-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model
429 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a serial number
57001 through 57343 inclusive, 57346 through 57349 inclusive, 57352
through 57356 inclusive, and 57362, with a curvic coupling part
number 429-012-120-101 installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as an improperly installed
curvic coupling of the tail rotor (T/R) hub and blade assembly. This
condition could result in loosening of the T/R assembly, which could
cause vibration and loss of drive to the outboard T/R blades, and
subsequent degraded directional control.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective March 31, 2020.
(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 10 hours time-in-service, using a light source, flap
the inboard and outboard T/R blades to inspect for proper engagement
of the inboard and outboard curvic coupling teeth with the inboard
and outboard flapping bearing teeth as shown in Figure 2 of Bell
Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-45, dated April 16, 2019 (ASB 429-19-
45).
(i) If the teeth are not properly engaged, before further
flight, remove the T/R hub and blade assembly and do the following:
Note to paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD: Figure 1 of ASB 429-19-
45 shows an example of improperly engaged teeth.
(A) Inspect the inboard flapping bearing teeth and the curvic
coupling teeth that mate to them for a crack, wear, mechanical
damage, and corrosion. If there is a crack, wear, mechanical damage,
or corrosion on the teeth, before further flight, replace with an
airworthy part.
(B) Inspect the outboard flapping bearing teeth and the curvic
coupling teeth that mate to them for a crack, wear, mechanical
damage, and corrosion. If there is a crack, or wear, mechanical
damage, or corrosion on the teeth, before further flight, replace
with an airworthy part.
(C) With the T/R hub and blade assembly installed, perform a
rigging check of the directional control system.
(ii) If the teeth are properly engaged, before further flight,
inspect for axial play between both the inboard and outboard T/R hub
and blade assemblies.
(A) If there is axial play, remove the T/R hub and blade
assembly, and perform the actions required by paragraph (e)(1)(i)(A)
through (C) of this AD.
(B) If there is no axial play, inspect for play between the
teeth of the curvic coupling and both the inboard and outboard
flapping bearing teeth by applying a lead/lag force to the inboard
and outboard T/R hub and blade assemblies. If there is play, remove
the T/R hub and blade assembly, and perform the actions required by
paragraph (e)(1)(i)(A) through (C) of this AD.
(2) Within 10 days after an inspection that resulted in
replacing any part as required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, email
a description of the inspection results that includes a description
of each replaced part to: [email protected]. Include the
following information in the email subject line: ``ASB 429-19-45,''
the helicopter's serial number, and the operator's name.
(f) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this
collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding
this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
(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:
Kristi Bradley, Aerospace 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 sunder 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
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
The subject of this AD is addressed in the Transport Canada
Emergency AD No. CF-2019-15, dated April 26, 2019. You may view the
Transport Canada Emergency AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA-2020-0221.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor
System.
(j) 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 Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-45, dated April 16, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Bell 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.
(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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on March 6, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-05244 Filed 3-13-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
