Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters, 33091-33094 [2021-13193]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 119 / Thursday, June 24, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using the applicable service
information in paragraphs (i)(1) through (6)
of this AD.
(1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–
1A11–27–041, dated July 23, 2020.
(2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
083, dated July 23, 2020.
(3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
5012, dated July 23, 2020.
(4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
5503, dated July 23, 2020.
(5) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
6012, dated July 23, 2020.
(6) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
6503, dated July 23, 2020.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York ACO
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
responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the certification office,
send it to ATTN: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. Before
using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards 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, New York ACO Branch,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA); or Bombardier Inc.’s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the
DAO-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: 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 current
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 as required by
this AD. Send comments regarding this
burden estimate or any other aspect of this
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Jun 23, 2021
Jkt 253001
33091
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.
Issued on April 27, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
(k) Related Information
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) TCCA AD
CF–2020–29, dated August 21, 2020, for
related information. This MCAI may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0093.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Siddeeq Bacchus, Aerospace
Engineer, Mechanical Systems and
Administrative Services Section, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7362; fax 516–794–5531; email 9avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
(3) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(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) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–1A11–
27–041, Revision 1, dated December 7, 2020.
(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
083, Revision 1, dated December 7, 2020.
(iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
5012, Revision 1, dated December 7, 2020.
(iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
5503, Revision 1, dated December 7, 2020.
(v) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
6012, Revision 1, dated December 7, 2020.
(vi) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–27–
6503, Revision 1, dated December 7, 2020.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 200 CoˆteVertu 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.
(4) 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.
(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.
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
[FR Doc. 2021–13118 Filed 6–23–21; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0267; Project
Identifier 2017–SW–110–AD; Amendment
39–21620; AD 2021–13–15]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron
Canada Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bell Helicopter
Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell
Textron Canada Limited (type certificate
previously held by Bell Helicopter
Textron Canada Limited) (Bell) Model
429 helicopters. This AD was prompted
by the identification of certain parts
needing life limits and certification
maintenance requirement (CMR) tasks.
This AD requires establishing life limits
and CMR tasks for various parts.
Depending on the results of the CMR
tasks, this AD requires corrective action.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 29,
2021.
SUMMARY:
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact Bell
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de
l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4,
Canada; telephone 1–450–437–2862 or
1–800–363–8023; fax 1–450–433–0272;
email productsupport@bellflight.com; or
at https://www.bellflight.com/support/
contact-support. 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.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0267; 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
E:\FR\FM\24JNR1.SGM
24JNR1
33092
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 119 / Thursday, June 24, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
final rule, the Transport Canada AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
Fuller, AD Program Manager, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222–5110; email
matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Bell Model 429 helicopters,
serial numbers 57001 and subsequent.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on April 8, 2021 (86 FR 18218).
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require establishing a life limit for
certain part-numbered tail rotor
outboard flapping bearings and a certain
part-numbered hoist kit cable cutter
cartridge. The NPRM also proposed to
require establishing recurring CMR tasks
for a certain part-numbered wheeled
landing gear system, float/life raft kit,
and hoist kit, and depending on the
results of the CMR tasks, corrective
action. The NPRM was prompted by
Canadian AD CF–2017–16, dated May
17, 2017, issued by Transport Canada,
which is the aviation authority of
Canada, to correct an unsafe condition
for Bell Model 429 helicopters, serial
numbers 57001 and subsequent.
Transport Canada advises that Bell has
established life limits and CMR tasks for
various parts and accordingly revised
Chapter 4—Airworthiness Limitations
Schedule of Bell Helicopter 429
Maintenance Manual BHT–429–MM–1
to Revision 26, dated September 9, 2016
(BHT–429–MM–1). Transport Canada
states that failure to replace life-limited
parts or perform CMR tasks as specified
could result in an unsafe condition.
Accordingly, the Transport Canada
AD requires updating the maintenance
schedule for the parts affected with the
airworthiness life limits and CMR tasks
in Revision 26 of BHT–429–MM–1.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from
one commenter. The commenter was
Bell. The following presents the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Jun 23, 2021
Jkt 253001
comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA’s response to each comment.
Request To Change the Compliance
Time of the Hoist Cable Anti-Foul
Assembly Operational Check
Bell requested changing the
compliance time of the hoist cable antifoul assembly operational check from
before the first flight of the day
involving a hoist operation to after the
last flight of the day. Bell requested this
change to avoid the potential to suspend
critical operations in order to
accomplish the check and any required
corrective maintenance because
according to Bell, hoist equipment
serves an essential service and may be
required for critical missions with
minimal notice. Bell further stated that
this task was established based on the
system safety assessment for the Bell
Model 429 helicopter hoist installation
and exposure based on a daily check
after the last flight was considered in
that assessment to conservatively meet
acceptable reliability targets for its
Major hazard classification.
The FAA disagrees with the request to
change the compliance time to after the
last flight of the day. The compliance
time of before the first flight of the day
is standard practice in rotorcraft AD
actions for enforceability purposes.
However, this wording does not imply
that the operational check and
corrective action must be done on the
same calendar day as the first flight of
the day involving a hoist operation. In
light of this, the FAA has made no
changes based on this request.
Conclusion
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 has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD.
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety requires
adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
helicopters. Except, since issuance of
the NPRM, Bell has updated its contact
information to obtain service
documentation by changing its website
address and adding an email address.
This final rule reflects those changes
and this AD is otherwise adopted as
proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes increase the economic burden
on any operator.
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Chapter 4—
Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of
BHT–429–MM–1. This service
information specifies airworthiness life
limits, inspection intervals, and CMR
requirements for parts installed on
Model 429 helicopters. Revision 26 of
this service information establishes life
limits for a certain part-numbered tail
rotor flapping outboard bearing and
hoist kit cartridge cable cutter and CMR
requirements for a certain partnumbered wheeled landing gear system,
float/life raft kit, and hoist kit.
Additionally, the FAA reviewed
Chapter 96–47—600-Pound External
Hoist Electrical System—Operational
Check, of Bell 429 Maintenance Manual
Supplement For 600-Pound External
Hoist Kit, BHT–429–MMS–4, Revision
1, dated March 14, 2014. This service
information specifies inspection
procedures and corrective action for
various components of the hoist system.
Lastly, the FAA reviewed Testing and
Fault Isolation, pages 101–117/118,
Cleaning, pages 401–405/406, and
Scheduled Maintenance, pages 609–
611/612, of Goodrich Rescue Hoist
System Component Maintenance
Manual 25–00–38–1, dated July 15,
2009, for rescue hoist assembly part
number 44316–12–102. This service
information specifies maintenance
procedures and lists replacement parts
for this part-numbered Goodrich rescue
hoist assembly.
Differences Between This AD and the
Transport Canada AD
This AD requires corrective action for
failed CMR tasks, whereas the Transport
Canada AD does not. The Transport
Canada AD requires accomplishing an
operational check of the hoist cable antifoul assembly daily after the last flight,
whereas this AD requires this action
before the first flight of the day
involving a hoist operation instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 110 helicopters of U.S. Registry.
Labor rates are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. Based on these numbers, the
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD.
Replacing a tail rotor outboard
flapping bearing takes about 4 workhours and parts cost about $7,500 for an
estimated cost of $7,840 per helicopter
and $862,400 for the U.S. fleet, per
replacement cycle. Replacing a hoist kit
cable cutter cartridge takes about 3
work-hours and parts cost about $5,200
for an estimated cost of $5,455 per
helicopter and $600,050 for the U.S.
fleet, per replacement cycle.
E:\FR\FM\24JNR1.SGM
24JNR1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 119 / Thursday, June 24, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
Performing a functional check of the
wheeled landing gear system takes
about 4 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $340 per helicopter and $37,400
for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing
a functional check of the float/life raft
kit takes about 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter
and $18,700 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle.
Performing an operational check of
the hoist kit cable anti-foul assembly
takes about 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter
and $18,700 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle.
Cleaning, visually inspecting, and
lubricating the rescue hoist cable takes
about 2 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $170 per helicopter and $18,700
for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing
an operational check of the hoist kit
speed limit switches and the electrical
system takes about 0.5 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and
$4,730 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle.
Performing a functional check of the
cable cutter cartridge electrical system
takes about 3 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $255 per helicopter
and $28,050 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle.
The FAA has no way of determining
the estimated costs to do allowable
repairs based on the results of the CMR
tasks. If required, replacing the float/life
raft takes about 2 work-hours and parts
cost about $5,000 for an estimated cost
of $5,170 per float/life raft. Replacing
the anti-foul assembly takes about 3
work-hours and parts cost about $1,500
for an estimated cost of $1,755 per antifoul assembly. Replacing a rescue hoist
cable takes about 3 work-hours and
parts cost about $3,150 for an estimated
cost of $3,405 per rescue hoist cable.
Overhauling a rescue hoist assembly
costs about $83,000 and it takes about
8 work-hours to remove and reinstall
the hoist for a labor cost of $680, for a
total estimated cost of $83,680 per
helicopter, per overhaul cycle.
Alternatively, replacing a hoist takes
about 8 work-hours and parts cost about
$200,000 for an estimated cost of
$200,680 per helicopter, per
replacement cycle.
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Jun 23, 2021
Jkt 253001
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on helicopters identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) 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 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2021–13–15 Bell Textron Canada Limited
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited):
Amendment 39–21620; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0267; Project Identifier
2017–SW–110–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective July 29, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
33093
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada
Limited (type certificate previously held by
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited)
Model 429 helicopters, certificated in any
category, serial numbers 57001 and
subsequent.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3200, Landing Gear Systems, and 2560,
Emergency Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by parts remaining
in service beyond their fatigue life or beyond
maintenance intervals required by the
certification maintenance requirements
(CMRs) of the Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness. The FAA is issuing this AD
to prevent failure of a part, which could
result in loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before further flight after the effective
date of this AD, remove from service any part
that has reached or exceeded its life limit as
follows. Thereafter, remove from service each
part on or before reaching its life limit as
follows:
(i) Tail rotor outboard flapping bearing part
number (P/N) 429–312–103–117 and 429–
312–103–119: 15,000 total hours time-inservice (TIS).
(ii) Hoist kit cable cutter cartridge P/N
42315–281: 5 years since date of
manufacture.
(2) Before further flight after the effective
date of this AD, perform the following CMR
tasks for any part that has reached or
exceeded its CMR interval as follows.
Thereafter, perform the following CMR tasks
for each part on or before reaching its CMR
interval as follows:
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2): Chapter 4—
Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of Bell
Helicopter 429 Maintenance Manual BHT–
429–MM–1 to Revision 26, dated September
9, 2016, contains additional information
about the CMR tasks.
(i) Wheeled Landing Gear System P/N 429–
705–001–101: 800 hours TIS or 1 year,
whichever occurs first, perform a functional
check of the Emergency Gear Release. If the
functional check fails, before further flight,
repair in accordance with FAA-approved
procedures.
(ii) Float/Life Raft Kit P/N 429–706–069–
101: 1,600 hours TIS, perform a functional
check of the float/life raft kit electrical
system to determine if there are any dormant
failures including: Manual inflation switch,
water immersion switch, auto-activation
relay, manual activation relay, raft activation
relay, test activation relay, and the fuse disc
elements. If there is a failure, before next
flight over water, replace the float/life raft.
(iii) Hoist Kit P/N 429–706–001–101:
(A) Before the first flight of the day
involving a hoist operation, perform an
operational check of the hoist cable anti-foul
E:\FR\FM\24JNR1.SGM
24JNR1
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
33094
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 119 / Thursday, June 24, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
assembly. If the operational check fails,
before next flight involving a hoist operation,
repair or replace the anti-foul assembly.
(B) 3 hoist operating hours, clean, visually
inspect the rescue hoist cable for damage,
which may be indicated by a broken wire,
kink, bird caging, flattened area, abrasion, or
necking. If there is any damage, before
further flight, replace the rescue hoist cable.
If there is no damage, before further flight,
lubricate the rescue hoist cable. For purposes
of this AD, hoist operating hours are counted
anytime the hoist motor is operating.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(B): Bell
Helicopter service information refers to hoist
operating hours as hoisting hours.
(C) 800 hours TIS or 1 year, whichever
occurs first, perform an operational check of
the speed limit switches and perform an
operational check of the 600-pound external
hoist electrical system to inspect operation of
the HOIST HOT caution light. If an
operational check fails, before next flight
involving a hoist operation, repair in
accordance with FAA-approved procedures
or replace the hoist.
(D) 2,200 hours TIS or 111 hoist operating
hours, whichever occurs first, perform a
functional check of the cable cutter cartridge
electrical system to inspect for correct
functioning of the cable cutter switches (hoist
pendant, pilot cyclic, and copilot cyclic) and
associated wiring. If a functional check fails,
before next flight involving a hoist operation,
repair in accordance with FAA-approved
procedures or replace the hoist.
(E) 111 hoist operating hours, overhaul or
replace the hoist.
Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1–450–
437–2862 or 1–800–363–8023; fax 1–450–
433–0272; email productsupport@
bellflight.com; or at https://
www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support.
You may view this referenced service
information at the 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.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
Transport Canada AD CF–2017–16, dated
May 17, 2017. You may view the Transport
Canada AD at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2021–0267.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
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 manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
RIN 2120–AA64
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–
5110; email matthew.fuller@faa.gov.
(2) Chapter 4—Airworthiness Limitations
Schedule of Bell Helicopter 429 Maintenance
Manual BHT–429–MM–1 to Revision 26,
dated September 9, 2016, which is not
incorporated by reference, contains
additional information about the subject of
this AD. For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bell Textron Canada
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Jun 23, 2021
Jkt 253001
Issued on June 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–13193 Filed 6–23–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
This AD is effective July 29,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of July 29, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For material incorporated
by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this IBR 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.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
1178.
DATES:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
1178; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1178; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01325–T; Amendment
39–21545; AD 2021–10–12]
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020–09–
14, which applied to certain Airbus SAS
Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes.
AD 2020–09–14 required revising the
existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to
define a liquid-prohibited zone on the
flight deck and provide procedures
following liquid spillage on the center
pedestal. AD 2020–09–14 also required
installing a removable integrated control
panel (ICP) cover on the flight deck and
further revising the AFM to include
instructions for ICP cover use. This AD
requires installing a new, water-resistant
ICP, which allows removing the ICP
protective cover and the AFM revisions,
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. This
AD was prompted by development of a
new, water-resistant ICP. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2020–0203,
dated September 23, 2020 (EASA AD
2020–0203) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or the MCAI), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS
Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2020–09–14,
Amendment 39–19910 (85 FR 30601,
May 20, 2020) (AD 2020–09–14). AD
2020–09–14 applied to certain Airbus
SAS Model A350–941 and –1041
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
E:\FR\FM\24JNR1.SGM
24JNR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33091-33094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13193]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0267; Project Identifier 2017-SW-110-AD; Amendment
39-21620; AD 2021-13-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited)
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This
AD was prompted by the identification of certain parts needing life
limits and certification maintenance requirement (CMR) tasks. This AD
requires establishing life limits and CMR tasks for various parts.
Depending on the results of the CMR tasks, this AD requires corrective
action. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 29, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax
1-450-433-0272; email [email protected]; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0267; 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
[[Page 33092]]
final rule, the Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Bell Model 429
helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on April 8, 2021 (86 FR 18218). In the NPRM, the
FAA proposed to require establishing a life limit for certain part-
numbered tail rotor outboard flapping bearings and a certain part-
numbered hoist kit cable cutter cartridge. The NPRM also proposed to
require establishing recurring CMR tasks for a certain part-numbered
wheeled landing gear system, float/life raft kit, and hoist kit, and
depending on the results of the CMR tasks, corrective action. The NPRM
was prompted by Canadian AD CF-2017-16, dated May 17, 2017, issued by
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority of Canada, to correct
an unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers
57001 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises that Bell has
established life limits and CMR tasks for various parts and accordingly
revised Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of Bell
Helicopter 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1 to Revision 26, dated
September 9, 2016 (BHT-429-MM-1). Transport Canada states that failure
to replace life-limited parts or perform CMR tasks as specified could
result in an unsafe condition.
Accordingly, the Transport Canada AD requires updating the
maintenance schedule for the parts affected with the airworthiness life
limits and CMR tasks in Revision 26 of BHT-429-MM-1.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from one commenter. The commenter was
Bell. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the
FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Change the Compliance Time of the Hoist Cable Anti-Foul
Assembly Operational Check
Bell requested changing the compliance time of the hoist cable
anti-foul assembly operational check from before the first flight of
the day involving a hoist operation to after the last flight of the
day. Bell requested this change to avoid the potential to suspend
critical operations in order to accomplish the check and any required
corrective maintenance because according to Bell, hoist equipment
serves an essential service and may be required for critical missions
with minimal notice. Bell further stated that this task was established
based on the system safety assessment for the Bell Model 429 helicopter
hoist installation and exposure based on a daily check after the last
flight was considered in that assessment to conservatively meet
acceptable reliability targets for its Major hazard classification.
The FAA disagrees with the request to change the compliance time to
after the last flight of the day. The compliance time of before the
first flight of the day is standard practice in rotorcraft AD actions
for enforceability purposes. However, this wording does not imply that
the operational check and corrective action must be done on the same
calendar day as the first flight of the day involving a hoist
operation. In light of this, the FAA has made no changes based on this
request.
Conclusion
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 has
notified the FAA about the unsafe condition described in its AD. The
FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these helicopters. Except, since issuance of the NPRM, Bell has
updated its contact information to obtain service documentation by
changing its website address and adding an email address. This final
rule reflects those changes and this AD is otherwise adopted as
proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes increase the economic burden
on any operator.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of
BHT-429-MM-1. This service information specifies airworthiness life
limits, inspection intervals, and CMR requirements for parts installed
on Model 429 helicopters. Revision 26 of this service information
establishes life limits for a certain part-numbered tail rotor flapping
outboard bearing and hoist kit cartridge cable cutter and CMR
requirements for a certain part-numbered wheeled landing gear system,
float/life raft kit, and hoist kit.
Additionally, the FAA reviewed Chapter 96-47--600-Pound External
Hoist Electrical System--Operational Check, of Bell 429 Maintenance
Manual Supplement For 600-Pound External Hoist Kit, BHT-429-MMS-4,
Revision 1, dated March 14, 2014. This service information specifies
inspection procedures and corrective action for various components of
the hoist system.
Lastly, the FAA reviewed Testing and Fault Isolation, pages 101-
117/118, Cleaning, pages 401-405/406, and Scheduled Maintenance, pages
609-611/612, of Goodrich Rescue Hoist System Component Maintenance
Manual 25-00-38-1, dated July 15, 2009, for rescue hoist assembly part
number 44316-12-102. This service information specifies maintenance
procedures and lists replacement parts for this part-numbered Goodrich
rescue hoist assembly.
Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD
This AD requires corrective action for failed CMR tasks, whereas
the Transport Canada AD does not. The Transport Canada AD requires
accomplishing an operational check of the hoist cable anti-foul
assembly daily after the last flight, whereas this AD requires this
action before the first flight of the day involving a hoist operation
instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 110 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Replacing a tail rotor outboard flapping bearing takes about 4
work-hours and parts cost about $7,500 for an estimated cost of $7,840
per helicopter and $862,400 for the U.S. fleet, per replacement cycle.
Replacing a hoist kit cable cutter cartridge takes about 3 work-hours
and parts cost about $5,200 for an estimated cost of $5,455 per
helicopter and $600,050 for the U.S. fleet, per replacement cycle.
[[Page 33093]]
Performing a functional check of the wheeled landing gear system
takes about 4 work-hours for an estimated cost of $340 per helicopter
and $37,400 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing a functional
check of the float/life raft kit takes about 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $18,700 for the U.S. fleet,
per cycle.
Performing an operational check of the hoist kit cable anti-foul
assembly takes about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per
helicopter and $18,700 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Cleaning,
visually inspecting, and lubricating the rescue hoist cable takes about
2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $18,700
for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing an operational check of the
hoist kit speed limit switches and the electrical system takes about
0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $4,730
for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing a functional check of the
cable cutter cartridge electrical system takes about 3 work-hours for
an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter and $28,050 for the U.S.
fleet, per cycle.
The FAA has no way of determining the estimated costs to do
allowable repairs based on the results of the CMR tasks. If required,
replacing the float/life raft takes about 2 work-hours and parts cost
about $5,000 for an estimated cost of $5,170 per float/life raft.
Replacing the anti-foul assembly takes about 3 work-hours and parts
cost about $1,500 for an estimated cost of $1,755 per anti-foul
assembly. Replacing a rescue hoist cable takes about 3 work-hours and
parts cost about $3,150 for an estimated cost of $3,405 per rescue
hoist cable. Overhauling a rescue hoist assembly costs about $83,000
and it takes about 8 work-hours to remove and reinstall the hoist for a
labor cost of $680, for a total estimated cost of $83,680 per
helicopter, per overhaul cycle. Alternatively, replacing a hoist takes
about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $200,000 for an estimated cost
of $200,680 per helicopter, per replacement cycle.
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 helicopters identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-13-15 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously
Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-21620;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0267; Project Identifier 2017-SW-110-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 29, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate
previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 429
helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 57001 and
subsequent.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3200, Landing Gear
Systems, and 2560, Emergency Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by parts remaining in service beyond their
fatigue life or beyond maintenance intervals required by the
certification maintenance requirements (CMRs) of the Instructions
for Continued Airworthiness. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
failure of a part, which could result in loss of control of the
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD,
remove from service any part that has reached or exceeded its life
limit as follows. Thereafter, remove from service each part on or
before reaching its life limit as follows:
(i) Tail rotor outboard flapping bearing part number (P/N) 429-
312-103-117 and 429-312-103-119: 15,000 total hours time-in-service
(TIS).
(ii) Hoist kit cable cutter cartridge P/N 42315-281: 5 years
since date of manufacture.
(2) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD,
perform the following CMR tasks for any part that has reached or
exceeded its CMR interval as follows. Thereafter, perform the
following CMR tasks for each part on or before reaching its CMR
interval as follows:
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2): Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations
Schedule of Bell Helicopter 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1 to
Revision 26, dated September 9, 2016, contains additional
information about the CMR tasks.
(i) Wheeled Landing Gear System P/N 429-705-001-101: 800 hours
TIS or 1 year, whichever occurs first, perform a functional check of
the Emergency Gear Release. If the functional check fails, before
further flight, repair in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
(ii) Float/Life Raft Kit P/N 429-706-069-101: 1,600 hours TIS,
perform a functional check of the float/life raft kit electrical
system to determine if there are any dormant failures including:
Manual inflation switch, water immersion switch, auto-activation
relay, manual activation relay, raft activation relay, test
activation relay, and the fuse disc elements. If there is a failure,
before next flight over water, replace the float/life raft.
(iii) Hoist Kit P/N 429-706-001-101:
(A) Before the first flight of the day involving a hoist
operation, perform an operational check of the hoist cable anti-foul
[[Page 33094]]
assembly. If the operational check fails, before next flight
involving a hoist operation, repair or replace the anti-foul
assembly.
(B) 3 hoist operating hours, clean, visually inspect the rescue
hoist cable for damage, which may be indicated by a broken wire,
kink, bird caging, flattened area, abrasion, or necking. If there is
any damage, before further flight, replace the rescue hoist cable.
If there is no damage, before further flight, lubricate the rescue
hoist cable. For purposes of this AD, hoist operating hours are
counted anytime the hoist motor is operating.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(B): Bell Helicopter service
information refers to hoist operating hours as hoisting hours.
(C) 800 hours TIS or 1 year, whichever occurs first, perform an
operational check of the speed limit switches and perform an
operational check of the 600-pound external hoist electrical system
to inspect operation of the HOIST HOT caution light. If an
operational check fails, before next flight involving a hoist
operation, repair in accordance with FAA-approved procedures or
replace the hoist.
(D) 2,200 hours TIS or 111 hoist operating hours, whichever
occurs first, perform a functional check of the cable cutter
cartridge electrical system to inspect for correct functioning of
the cable cutter switches (hoist pendant, pilot cyclic, and copilot
cyclic) and associated wiring. If a functional check fails, before
next flight involving a hoist operation, repair in accordance with
FAA-approved procedures or replace the hoist.
(E) 111 hoist operating hours, overhaul or replace the hoist.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation 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 manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Matt Fuller, AD
Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
[email protected].
(2) Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of Bell
Helicopter 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1 to Revision 26, dated
September 9, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service
information identified in this AD, contact Bell Textron Canada
Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada;
telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-433-0272;
email [email protected]; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view this
referenced service information at the 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.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD
CF-2017-16, dated May 17, 2017. You may view the Transport Canada AD
at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0267.
Issued on June 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13193 Filed 6-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
