Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 61879-61881 [2020-21608]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Proposed Rules 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): ■ Saab AB, Support and Services (Formerly Known as Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics): Docket No. FAA–2020–0855; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00909–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by November 16, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Saab AB, Support and Services Model SAAB 2000 airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing gear. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a report of inadvertently reversed connections of the outboard and inboard channel harnesses of the wheel speed transducers in the main landing gear (MLG) wheel axles. The FAA is issuing this AD to address inadvertently reversed connections of the outboard and inboard channel harnesses of the wheel speed transducers in the MLG wheel axles, which could lead to wrong inputs to the antiskid function, whenever activated, with consequent reduced braking capability, and possibly result in damage to the airplane and loss of control during landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0137, dated June 18, 2020 (‘‘EASA AD 2020–0137’’). jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0137 (1) Where EASA AD 2020–0137 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2020–0137 does not apply to this AD. (i) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:45 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 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 Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Saab AB, Support and Services’ EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. 61879 Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ACTION: Issued on September 23, 2020. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by the introduction of a new life limit for the centrifugal force bearing (CFB). This proposed AD would require determining the accumulated retirement index number (RIN) and removing each affected CFB from service before it accumulates 8,000 total RIN. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 16, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4; telephone 450–437–2862 or 800–363– 8023; fax 450–433–0272; or at https:// www.bellcustomer.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. [FR Doc. 2020–21544 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am] Examining the AD Docket BILLING CODE 4910–13–P You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0860; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, (j) Related Information (1) For information about EASA AD 2020– 0137, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; 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. You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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–2020–0855. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3220; email: shahram.daneshmandi@faa.gov. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0860; Product Identifier 2019–SW–005–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\01OCP1.SGM 01OCP1 61880 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Proposed Rules Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222– 5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0860; Product Identifier 2019–SW–005–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. Confidential Business Information CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222– 5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Discussion TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, issued Transport Canada AD CF–2019–03, dated January 31, 2019 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. TCCA advises that an airworthiness limitations schedule document introduces a new life limit for CFB part number (P/N) 429–310–003– 103, a component that was not previously included. Failure to observe the CFB life limit could result in excessive vibration and loss of control of the helicopter. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020– 0860. Other Related Service Information Bell Helicopter has issued Bell Model 429 Maintenance Planning Information BHT–429–MPI, Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, DMC–429–A–04–00–00–00A–288A–A, Issue 1, dated January 10, 2019. This service information describes new maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. FAA’s Determination This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all the relevant information and determining the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Proposed Requirements of This NPRM This proposed AD would require, for each CFB having P/N 429–310–003–103, determining the accumulated RIN and removing the CFB from service before it accumulates 8,000 total RIN. If the new life limit has not been reached, this proposed AD would require creating a component history card or equivalent record indicating the new life limit and removing the CFB from service before reaching the new life limit. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 85 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per helicopter Cost on U.S. operators 28 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,380 ...................... $42,576 ($10,644 per bearing × 4 blades) .................. $44,956 $3,821,260 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:45 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 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. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. E:\FR\FM\01OCP1.SGM 01OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Proposed Rules For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (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. 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–2020–0860; Product Identifier 2019–SW–005–AD. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, 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. (i) Related Information (e) Reason This AD was prompted by the introduction of a new life limit for the centrifugal force bearing (CFB). The FAA is issuing this AD to address a CFB remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. Failure to observe the CFB life limit could result in excessive vibration and loss of control of the helicopter. (1) Bell Model 429 Maintenance Planning Information BHT–429–MPI, Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, DMC– 429–A–04–00–00–00A–288A–A, Issue 1, dated January 10, 2019, 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 a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD CF–2019–03, dated January 31, 2019. This Transport Canada AD may be found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA– 2020–0860. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Issued on September 25, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (g) Required Actions For each CFB having part number 429– 310–003–103 (the affected CFB): Within 50 hours time-in-service, determine the [FR Doc. 2020–21608 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am] (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by November 16, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 57001 through 57351 inclusive. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 6200, Main rotor system. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS accumulated retirement index number (RIN). For purposes of this AD, count 1 RIN each time one or both engines are started. If any affected CFB has accumulated 8,000 or more total RIN, before further flight, remove the affected CFB from service. If any affected CFB has accumulated less than 8,000 total RIN, create a component history card or equivalent record indicating a life limit of 8,000 total RIN. Thereafter, continue to count RIN and record the life limit of the affected CFB on its component history card or equivalent record and remove the affected CFB from service before accumulating 8,000 total RIN. VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:45 Sep 30, 2020 Jkt 253001 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–0859; Product Identifier 2020–NM–084–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD– 100–1A10 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of failure of a certain fire detection and extinguishing (FIREX) control unit. This proposed AD would require replacing FIREX control units having a certain part number. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 16, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bombardier, Inc., 200 Coˆte Vertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 2A3, Canada; North America toll-free telephone 1–866–538– 1247 or direct-dial telephone 1–514– 855–2999; email ac.yul@ aero.bombardier.com; internet https:// www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 61881 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\01OCP1.SGM 01OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 191 (Thursday, October 1, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61879-61881]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21608]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0860; Product Identifier 2019-SW-005-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 certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by the introduction of a new 
life limit for the centrifugal force bearing (CFB). This proposed AD 
would require determining the accumulated retirement index number (RIN) 
and removing each affected CFB from service before it accumulates 8,000 
total RIN. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 
16, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, 
Quebec J7J 1R4; telephone 450-437-2862 or 800-363-8023; fax 450-433-
0272; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

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-
0860; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this AD, the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
Continued Operational Safety Branch,

[[Page 61880]]

Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0860; 
Product Identifier 2019-SW-005-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this NPRM because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Matt 
Fuller, AD Program Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, 
Airworthiness Products Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, issued Transport 
Canada AD CF-2019-03, dated January 31, 2019 (referred to after this as 
the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), 
to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bell Helicopter Textron 
Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. TCCA advises that an 
airworthiness limitations schedule document introduces a new life limit 
for CFB part number (P/N) 429-310-003-103, a component that was not 
previously included. Failure to observe the CFB life limit could result 
in excessive vibration and loss of control of the helicopter.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0860.

Other Related Service Information

    Bell Helicopter has issued Bell Model 429 Maintenance Planning 
Information BHT-429-MPI, Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, 
DMC-429-A-04-00-00-00A-288A-A, Issue 1, dated January 10, 2019. This 
service information describes new maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all the relevant information and determining the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on 
other products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require, for each CFB having P/N 429-310-
003-103, determining the accumulated RIN and removing the CFB from 
service before it accumulates 8,000 total RIN. If the new life limit 
has not been reached, this proposed AD would require creating a 
component history card or equivalent record indicating the new life 
limit and removing the CFB from service before reaching the new life 
limit.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 85 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                  Labor cost                              Parts cost               helicopter       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,380........  $42,576 ($10,644 per bearing x          $44,956       $3,821,260
                                                4 blades).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 61881]]

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (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.

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-2020-0860; 
Product Identifier 2019-SW-005-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by November 16, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 
429 helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 57001 
through 57351 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 6200, Main rotor 
system.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the introduction of a new life limit for 
the centrifugal force bearing (CFB). The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address a CFB remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. Failure 
to observe the CFB life limit could result in excessive vibration 
and loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    For each CFB having part number 429-310-003-103 (the affected 
CFB): Within 50 hours time-in-service, determine the accumulated 
retirement index number (RIN). For purposes of this AD, count 1 RIN 
each time one or both engines are started. If any affected CFB has 
accumulated 8,000 or more total RIN, before further flight, remove 
the affected CFB from service. If any affected CFB has accumulated 
less than 8,000 total RIN, create a component history card or 
equivalent record indicating a life limit of 8,000 total RIN. 
Thereafter, continue to count RIN and record the life limit of the 
affected CFB on its component history card or equivalent record and 
remove the affected CFB from service before accumulating 8,000 total 
RIN.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, AD Program 
Manager, Continued Operational Safety Branch, Airworthiness Products 
Section, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Unit, 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, 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Bell Model 429 Maintenance Planning Information BHT-429-MPI, 
Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, DMC-429-A-04-00-00-
00A-288A-A, Issue 1, dated January 10, 2019, 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 a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2019-03, dated January 31, 2019. This Transport Canada AD may be 
found in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-0860.

    Issued on September 25, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-21608 Filed 9-30-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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