Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 16019-16021 [2020-05379]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 55 / Friday, March 20, 2020 / Proposed Rules
DAE.asp. 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 also be found in the AD docket
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0202.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Krista Greer, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
231–3221; email krista.greer@faa.gov.
Issued on March 10, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–05486 Filed 3–19–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0334; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–133–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
(BHTC) Model 429 helicopters. This
proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections of certain cyclic and
collective assembly bearings. This
proposed AD is prompted by reports
that precipitation can lead to reduced
effectiveness of the grease in the
bearings. The actions of this proposed
AD are intended to address an unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by May 19, 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:34 Mar 19, 2020
Jkt 250001
• 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–
0334; or in person at the Docket
Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(Transport Canada) AD, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
Office is listed above. 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. You
may view 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:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Safety Management Section,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
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 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.
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 proposed rulemaking. Before acting
on this proposal, the FAA will consider
all comments received on or before the
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Fmt 4702
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16019
closing date for comments. The FAA
will consider comments filed after the
comment period has closed if it is
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. The FAA may change
this proposal in light of the comments
received.
Discussion
Transport Canada, which is the
aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Canadian AD No. CF–2016–
11R2, dated October 18, 2017, to correct
an unsafe condition for BHTC Model
429 helicopters equipped with a
bellcrank assembly part number (P/N)
429–001–523–101, 429–001–523–103,
429–001–532–101 or 429–001–532–103.
Transport Canada advises that inservice reports show that bearings in the
roof-mounted flight control bellcranks
are adversely affected by precipitation.
Pooling can occur at the forward portion
of the roof, providing a source of
contamination for bearings in the roofmounted flight controls. Precipitation
may reduce the effectiveness of the
grease in the bearings, allowing
corrosion to occur, and resulting in
intermittent restrictions, such as
binding and roughness in the flight
controls, Transport Canada advises.
Transport Canada also advises that an
undetected corroded bearing could lead
to restrictions in the collective,
directional, or pitch control systems,
resulting in difficulty controlling the
helicopter.
Transport Canada consequently
requires within 12 months after the
helicopter was manufactured and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6
months, inspecting the flight controls
and replacing any discrepant bearings. If
the helicopter’s age exceeds 12 months,
Transport Canada requires the 12-month
inspection within 30 days. Transport
Canada also requires, within 30 days,
performing a functional check and
replacement, if applicable, of the
bearings if the most recent functional
check of the helicopter was performed
with the alternate procedure of using a
hydraulic test stand or if the inspection
method is unknown.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by the aviation authority of Canada and
are approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant the FAA’s bilateral
agreement with Canada, Transport
Canada, its technical representative, has
notified the FAA about the unsafe
condition described in its AD. The FAA
is proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that an unsafe condition is
E:\FR\FM\20MRP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 55 / Friday, March 20, 2020 / Proposed Rules
likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Bell Helicopter
Alert Service Bulletin 429–15–21,
Revision B, dated May 11, 2017 (ASB),
which specifies moving the cyclic stick
fore, aft, and laterally, and the collective
stick up and down from stop to stop to
detect deteriorated pivot bearings. The
ASB also specifies inspecting to
determine whether the bearings in the
collective, lateral, and longitudinal arm
assemblies rotate freely. If discrepant
arm bearings are found, the ASB
specifies contacting BHTC Product
Support Engineering to report the
findings and replacing the discrepant
parts with serviceable parts.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
within 12 months after the helicopter
was manufactured or 30 days after the
effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later, and thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 6 months:
• Disconnecting the forward ends of
the collective control tube, longitudinal
stability and control augmentation
system (SCAS) actuator, and lateral
SCAS actuator and stowing the
collective control tube and each SCAS
actuator to prevent binding.
• Slowly moving the cyclic fore/aft
and laterally, and the collective up/
down from stop to stop to determine if
there is any roughness. If there is any
roughness in the flight control system,
before further flight, replace the six
pivot bearings in the collective/lateral
bellcrank assembly and the longitudinal
bellcrank assembly.
• Inspecting each arm end bearing at
the end of the collective, lateral, and
longitudinal arm assemblies by rotating
each bearing and ensuring each bearing
rotates freely. If there is any binding in
any arm end bearing or on the
longitudinal bellcrank assembly, before
further flight, replace each arm end
bearing.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Transport Canada AD
Transport Canada provides
requirements if the most recent
functional procedure was performed
using a hydraulic test stand as an
alternate procedure. This AD provides
no such alternate procedure.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD
to be an interim action. If final action is
later identified, the FAA might consider
further rulemaking then.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:34 Mar 19, 2020
Jkt 250001
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD would affect 64 helicopters of U.S.
Registry and that labor costs average $85
per work-hour. Based on these
estimates, the FAA expects the
following costs:
• Inspecting the cyclic and the
collective for roughness would require 3
work-hours and no parts for a total cost
of $255 per helicopter, and $16,320 for
the U.S. fleet.
• Replacing six pivot bearings would
require 3 work-hours for a labor cost of
$255. Parts would cost $624 for a total
cost of $879 per helicopter.
• Replacing 3 arm end bearings
would require 3 work-hours for a labor
cost of $255. Parts would cost $135 for
a total cost of $390 per helicopter.
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
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. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; 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.
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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–2018–0334; Product
Identifier 2017–SW–133–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron
Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429
helicopters with a bellcrank assembly part
number (P/N) 429–001–523–101, 429–001–
523–103, 429–001–532–101 or 429–001–532–
103 installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as
precipitation in the forward portion of the
roof structure that can lead to pooling at the
bellcrank assembly and corrosion of the
bearings. This condition could result in
restrictions in the collective, directional or
pitch control systems, and subsequent loss of
helicopter control.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by May
19, 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
Within 12 months after the helicopter was
manufactured or 30 days after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months:
(1) Disconnect the forward ends of the
collective control tube, longitudinal stability
and control augmentation system (SCAS)
actuator, and lateral SCAS actuator. Stow the
collective control tube and each SCAS
actuator to prevent binding.
(2) Slowly move the cyclic stick fore/aft
and laterally, and the collective stick up/
down from stop to stop to determine if there
is any roughness. If there is any roughness in
the flight control system, before further flight,
replace all six pivot bearings, P/N MS27646–
41, in the collective lateral bellcrank
assembly and the longitudinal bellcrank
assembly.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 55 / Friday, March 20, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(3) Inspect the collective arm assembly P/
N 429–001–525–101, the lateral arm
assembly P/N 429–001–527–101, and the
longitudinal arm assembly P/N 429–001–
530–101, by rotating each bearing and
ensuring each bearing rotates freely. If there
is any binding in any arm end bearing or on
the longitudinal bellcrank assembly, before
further flight, replace each arm end bearing.
Copyright Office
37 CFR Parts 201 and 202
[Docket No. 2018–9]
Registration Modernization
U.S. Copyright Office, Library
of Congress.
ACTION: Statement of policy and
notification of inquiry; extension of
comment period.
AGENCY:
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(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-ASW-FTWAMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
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
(1) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin
429–15–21, Revision B, dated May 11, 2017,
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. You may view 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 Civil Aviation (Transport
Canada) AD No. CF–2016–11R2, dated
October 18, 2017. You may view the
Transport Canada AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in the AD
Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 2700, Flight Control System.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Issued on March 11, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–05379 Filed 3–19–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
SUMMARY: The U.S. Copyright Office is
extending the deadline for the
submission of written comments in
response to its March 3, 2020, statement
of policy and notification of inquiry
regarding registration modernization.
DATES: The comment period for the
notification of inquiry published March
3, 2020, at 85 FR 12704, is extended.
Written comments must be received no
later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on
June 1, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For reasons of government
efficiency, the Copyright Office is using
the regulations.gov system for the
submission and posting of public
comments in this proceeding. All
comments are therefore to be submitted
electronically through regulations.gov.
Specific instructions for submitting
comments are available on the
Copyright Office’s website at https://
www.copyright.gov/rulemaking/onlinepublication/. If electronic submission of
comments is not feasible due to lack of
access to a computer and/or the
internet, please contact the Office using
the contact information below for
special instructions.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Regan A. Smith, General Counsel and
Associate Register of Copyrights,
regans@copyright.gov; Robert J. Kasunic,
Associate Register of Copyrights and
Director of Registration Policy and
Practice, rkas@copyright.gov; Kevin
Amer, Deputy General Counsel, kamer@
copyright.gov; Erik Bertin, Deputy
Director of Registration Policy and
Practice, ebertin@copyright.gov; or
Jalyce E. Mangum, Attorney-Advisor,
jmang@copyright.gov. They can be
reached by telephone at 202–707–3000.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Following
an extensive public inquiry,1 on March
3, 2020, the U.S. Copyright Office issued
a statement of policy and notification of
inquiry announcing several intended
practice updates to be adopted with the
deployment of a new Enterprise
1 Registration Modernization, 83 FR 52336 (Oct.
17, 2018).
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17:34 Mar 19, 2020
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16021
Copyright System (ECS) and soliciting
further comment on additional
proposed reforms under consideration.
85 FR 12704 (Mar. 3, 2020).
To ensure that members of the public
have sufficient time to comment, and to
ensure that the Office has the benefit of
a complete record, the Office is
extending the deadline for the
submission of comments to no later than
11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 1,
2020.
Dated: March 13, 2020.
Regan A. Smith,
General Counsel and Associate Register of
Copyrights.
[FR Doc. 2020–05696 Filed 3–19–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1410–30–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R03–OAR–2019–0686; FRL–10006–
62–Region 3]
Approval and Promulgation of Air
Quality Implementation Plans;
Pennsylvania; Reasonably Available
Control Technology (RACT)
Determinations for Case-By-Case
Sources Under the 1997 and 2008 8Hour Ozone National Ambient Air
Quality Standards
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve
multiple state implementation plan
(SIP) revisions submitted by the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These
revisions were submitted by the
Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection (PADEP) to
establish and require reasonably
available control technology (RACT) for
26 major sources of volatile organic
compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides
(NOX) pursuant to the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania’s conditionally
approved RACT regulations. In this
rulemaking action, EPA is only
proposing to approve source-specific
(also referred to as ‘‘case-by-case’’)
RACT determinations for 19 of the 26
major sources submitted by PADEP.
These RACT evaluations were
submitted to meet RACT requirements
for the 1997 and 2008 8-hour ozone
national ambient air quality standards
(NAAQS). This action is being taken
under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
DATES: Written comments must be
received on or before April 20, 2020.
E:\FR\FM\20MRP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 55 (Friday, March 20, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16019-16021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05379]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0334; Product Identifier 2017-SW-133-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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429
helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of
certain cyclic and collective assembly bearings. This proposed AD is
prompted by reports that precipitation can lead to reduced
effectiveness of the grease in the bearings. The actions of this
proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 19,
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-2018-
0334; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(Transport Canada) AD, any comments received, and other information.
The street address for the Docket Operations Office is listed above.
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. You may view 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: David Hatfield, 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
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 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.
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 proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal,
the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the closing
date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the
comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the
comments received.
Discussion
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Canadian AD No. CF-2016-11R2, dated October 18, 2017, to correct
an unsafe condition for BHTC Model 429 helicopters equipped with a
bellcrank assembly part number (P/N) 429-001-523-101, 429-001-523-103,
429-001-532-101 or 429-001-532-103.
Transport Canada advises that in-service reports show that bearings
in the roof-mounted flight control bellcranks are adversely affected by
precipitation. Pooling can occur at the forward portion of the roof,
providing a source of contamination for bearings in the roof-mounted
flight controls. Precipitation may reduce the effectiveness of the
grease in the bearings, allowing corrosion to occur, and resulting in
intermittent restrictions, such as binding and roughness in the flight
controls, Transport Canada advises. Transport Canada also advises that
an undetected corroded bearing could lead to restrictions in the
collective, directional, or pitch control systems, resulting in
difficulty controlling the helicopter.
Transport Canada consequently requires within 12 months after the
helicopter was manufactured and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6
months, inspecting the flight controls and replacing any discrepant
bearings. If the helicopter's age exceeds 12 months, Transport Canada
requires the 12-month inspection within 30 days. Transport Canada also
requires, within 30 days, performing a functional check and
replacement, if applicable, of the bearings if the most recent
functional check of the helicopter was performed with the alternate
procedure of using a hydraulic test stand or if the inspection method
is unknown.
FAA's Determination
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its
technical representative, has notified the FAA about the unsafe
condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after
evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an
unsafe condition is
[[Page 16020]]
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-21,
Revision B, dated May 11, 2017 (ASB), which specifies moving the cyclic
stick fore, aft, and laterally, and the collective stick up and down
from stop to stop to detect deteriorated pivot bearings. The ASB also
specifies inspecting to determine whether the bearings in the
collective, lateral, and longitudinal arm assemblies rotate freely. If
discrepant arm bearings are found, the ASB specifies contacting BHTC
Product Support Engineering to report the findings and replacing the
discrepant parts with serviceable parts.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require within 12 months after the
helicopter was manufactured or 30 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6
months:
Disconnecting the forward ends of the collective control
tube, longitudinal stability and control augmentation system (SCAS)
actuator, and lateral SCAS actuator and stowing the collective control
tube and each SCAS actuator to prevent binding.
Slowly moving the cyclic fore/aft and laterally, and the
collective up/down from stop to stop to determine if there is any
roughness. If there is any roughness in the flight control system,
before further flight, replace the six pivot bearings in the
collective/lateral bellcrank assembly and the longitudinal bellcrank
assembly.
Inspecting each arm end bearing at the end of the
collective, lateral, and longitudinal arm assemblies by rotating each
bearing and ensuring each bearing rotates freely. If there is any
binding in any arm end bearing or on the longitudinal bellcrank
assembly, before further flight, replace each arm end bearing.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD
Transport Canada provides requirements if the most recent
functional procedure was performed using a hydraulic test stand as an
alternate procedure. This AD provides no such alternate procedure.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. If
final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further
rulemaking then.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 64 helicopters
of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based
on these estimates, the FAA expects the following costs:
Inspecting the cyclic and the collective for roughness
would require 3 work-hours and no parts for a total cost of $255 per
helicopter, and $16,320 for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing six pivot bearings would require 3 work-hours
for a labor cost of $255. Parts would cost $624 for a total cost of
$879 per helicopter.
Replacing 3 arm end bearings would require 3 work-hours
for a labor cost of $255. Parts would cost $135 for a total cost of
$390 per helicopter.
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 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. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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.
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-2018-0334;
Product Identifier 2017-SW-133-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC)
Model 429 helicopters with a bellcrank assembly part number (P/N)
429-001-523-101, 429-001-523-103, 429-001-532-101 or 429-001-532-103
installed, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as precipitation in the
forward portion of the roof structure that can lead to pooling at
the bellcrank assembly and corrosion of the bearings. This condition
could result in restrictions in the collective, directional or pitch
control systems, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by May 19, 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
Within 12 months after the helicopter was manufactured or 30
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months:
(1) Disconnect the forward ends of the collective control tube,
longitudinal stability and control augmentation system (SCAS)
actuator, and lateral SCAS actuator. Stow the collective control
tube and each SCAS actuator to prevent binding.
(2) Slowly move the cyclic stick fore/aft and laterally, and the
collective stick up/down from stop to stop to determine if there is
any roughness. If there is any roughness in the flight control
system, before further flight, replace all six pivot bearings, P/N
MS27646-41, in the collective lateral bellcrank assembly and the
longitudinal bellcrank assembly.
[[Page 16021]]
(3) Inspect the collective arm assembly P/N 429-001-525-101, the
lateral arm assembly P/N 429-001-527-101, and the longitudinal arm
assembly P/N 429-001-530-101, by rotating each bearing and ensuring
each bearing rotates freely. If there is any binding in any arm end
bearing or on the longitudinal bellcrank assembly, before further
flight, replace each arm end bearing.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(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 [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 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
(1) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-21, Revision
B, dated May 11, 2017, 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. You may view 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
Civil Aviation (Transport Canada) AD No. CF-2016-11R2, dated October
18, 2017. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2700, Flight
Control System.
Issued on March 11, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-05379 Filed 3-19-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
