Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 49909-49912 [2021-19049]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
cracks would take about 0.5 work-hours
for an estimated cost of $43 per
inspection cycle.
Installing each plastic bushing,
coating with compound, re-installing
the bellcrank, and applying torque
would take about 0.5 work-hours and
parts would cost about $10 for an
estimated cost of $53 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 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.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
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:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:15 Sep 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
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:
■
2021–19–04 He´licopte`res Guimbal:
Amendment 39–21722; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0498; Project Identifier
2019–SW–072–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective October 12, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to He´licopte`res Guimbal
(HG) Model Cabri G2 helicopters, certificated
in any category, with any metal bushings
installed on the main rotor (M/R) swashplate
guide bellcrank and without plastic bushing
part number HG22–1001 or HG modification
16–009.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6700, Rotorcraft Flight Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
cracks on the M/R scissor link. The FAA is
issuing this AD to replace the metal bushings
installed on the M/R swashplate guide
bellcrank with plastic bushings. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
failure of the M/R swashplate guide bellcrank
and reduced control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or
2 months, whichever occurs first after the
effective date of this AD:
(i) Disconnect the bellcrank from the
swashplate guide by removing each bolt and,
ensuring that the bellcrank remains attached
to the flight control rod, remove each metal
bushing from service using a bushing
disassembly tool.
(ii) Visually inspect the lug bore area for
any corrosion and any cracks. If there is any
corrosion or any cracks, before further flight,
remove the swashplate guide from service or
repair it using an FAA-approved method. If
there is no corrosion and no cracks, install
plastic bushing part number HG22–1001,
coat plastic bushing with isolation
compound, re-install the bellcrank, torque
each bolt to 7.5 Nm–9 Nm (5.5 ft-lbs–6.6 ftlbs), and install cotter pins.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install any metal bushing on any
helicopter.
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
49909
(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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Ave, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228–7330; email
andrea.jimenez@faa.gov.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019–0185, dated July 30, 2019.
You may view the EASA AD on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2021–0498.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on August 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–19037 Filed 9–3–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0497; Project
Identifier 2019–SW–043–AD; Amendment
39–21711; AD 2021–18–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron
Canada Limited Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
three reports of unexpected forces or
uncommanded inputs to the directional
(yaw) control system. This AD requires
revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM
07SER1
49910
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 12,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact Bell
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de
l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4,
Canada; 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 information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
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Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0497; 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, 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:
Mitch Soth, Flight Test Engineer,
Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–
5110; email mitch.soth@faa.gov.
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 Textron Canada Limited
Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers
57001 and subsequent. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
July 7, 2021 (86 FR 35692). In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter by adding procedures in
Section 2, Normal Procedures, under 2–
4. INTERIOR AND PRESTART CHECK,
2–5. ENGINE START, and 2–8.
TAKEOFF; Section 3, Emergency and
Malfunction Procedures, under 3–9.
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL
SYSTEM; and Section 4, Performance,
under 4–2. POWER ASSURANCE
CHECK. The owner/operator (pilot) may
revise the existing RFM for your
helicopter, and the owner/operator must
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:15 Sep 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
enter compliance with the applicable
paragraphs of the AD into the aircraft
records in accordance with § 43.9(a)(1)
through (4) and § 91.417(a)(2)(v). This is
an exception to the FAA’s standard
maintenance regulations.
The NPRM was prompted by
Transport Canada Emergency AD CF–
2019–16, dated May 6, 2019 (Transport
Canada AD CF–2019–16), issued by
Transport Canada, which is the aviation
authority for Canada to correct an
unsafe condition for Bell Helicopter
Textron Canada Limited (now Bell
Textron Canada Limited) Model 429
helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and
subsequent. Transport Canada advises
of three reports of unexpected forces or
uncommanded inputs to the directional
(yaw) control system during ground
operations. Investigation revealed that a
yaw trim runaway can occur while the
automatic pedal trim function is
operating. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in loss of control
of the helicopter. Accordingly,
Transport Canada AD CF–2019–16
requires revising Bell RFM BHT–429–
FM–1 by incorporating revision 14,
dated April 18, 2019.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from
an individual who supported the NPRM
without change.
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, its technical representative, has
notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA reviewed
the relevant data, considered the
comment 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.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Section 2—Normal
Procedures, Section 3—Emergency and
Malfunction Procedures, and Section
4—Performance, of Bell RFM BHT–429–
FM–1, Revision 14, dated April 18,
2019. This revision of the service
information adds a procedure to reduce
the risk of trim runaway during start
sequence, cautions to reduce the risk of
uncommanded control movement
during engine start and takeoff and resetting force trim detent instructions
during engine start and takeoff, and an
emergency procedure to assist flight
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
crew to recognize trim runaway and
response instructions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 120 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.
Revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter takes about 0.50 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $43 per
helicopter and $5,160 for the U.S. fleet.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
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,
E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM
07SER1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada
Limited Model 429 helicopters, certificated
in any category, serial numbers 57001 and
subsequent.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6720, Tail Rotor Control System.
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 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:
■
2021–18–10 Bell Textron Canada Limited:
Amendment 39–21711; Docket No.
FAA–2021–0497; Project Identifier
2019–SW–043–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective October 12, 2021.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by three reports of
unexpected forces or uncommanded inputs
to the directional (yaw) control system. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent yaw trim
runaway. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, 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) Within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD, revise the existing Rotorcraft
Flight Manual for your helicopter as follows:
(b) Affected ADs
None.
49911
(i) In Section 2, Normal Procedures, under
2–4. INTERIOR AND PRESTART CHECK,
add the following as item 25: ‘‘25. Depress
the cyclic force TRIM REL button and
collective FORCE REL button (4-axis only) to
center actuators and extinguish any active
out of detent indications.’’
(ii) In Section 2, Normal Procedures, under
2–5. ENGINE START and under 2–8.
TAKEOFF, add the following above item 1:
‘‘CAUTION: WHEN MANIPULATING
FLIGHT CONTROLS WITH FORCE TRIM
SELECTED ON, DO NOT RELEASE
AFFECTED FLIGHT CONTROL UNTIL THE
OUT OF DETENT INDICATION
EXTINGUISHES. THE FLIGHT CONTROLS
MAY BE RESET BY DEPRESSING THE
CYCLIC FORCE TRIM REL BUTTON AND
COLLECTIVE FORCE REL BUTTON (4–AXIS
ONLY) UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT
INDICATION EXTINGUISHES.’’
(iii) In Section 3, Emergency and
Malfunction Procedures, under 3–9.
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM,
add the information in Figure 1 to paragraph
(g)(1)(iii) of this AD as item 3–9–D:
3-9-D. TRIM RUNAWAY
• INDICATIONS:
Flight controls -
Uncommanded movement.
Flight control forces - High in axis of uncommanded movement,
normal in other axes.
Out of detent indication for affected axis
• PROCEDURE:
1. Cyclic force TRIM REL and/or collective FORCE REL button
(4-axis only) - Depress until the out of detent indication extinguishes.
2. Flight controls - Do not release flight control if out of detent
indication is present.
3. Force TRIM switch- OFF; check TRM OFF illuminates on PFD.
4. IfIMC, land as soon as practical. IfVMC, continue flight in SCAS.
(iv) In Section 4, Performance, under 4–2.
POWER ASSURANCE CHECK, add the
following above the instructions for
performing a power assurance check:
‘‘CAUTION: WHEN MANIPULATING
FLIGHT CONTROLS WITH FORCE TRIM
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:15 Sep 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
SELECTED ON, DO NOT RELEASE
AFFECTED FLIGHT CONTROL UNTIL THE
OUT OF DETENT INDICATION
EXTINGUISHES. THE FLIGHT CONTROLS
MAY BE RESET BY DEPRESSING THE
CYCLIC FORCE TRIM REL BUTTON AND
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
COLLECTIVE FORCE REL BUTTON (4–AXIS
ONLY) UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT
INDICATION EXTINGUISHES.’’
(2) Using a document with information
identical to the information in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD is acceptable for compliance
E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM
07SER1
ER07SE21.000</MATH>
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Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(l )(iii)
49912
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
with the actions required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD.
(3) The actions required by paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD may be performed
by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least
a private pilot certificate and must be entered
into the aircraft records showing compliance
with this AD in accordance with § 43.9(a)(1)
through (4) and § 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record
must be maintained as required by § 91.417,
§ 121.380, or § 135.439.
(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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Mitch Soth, Flight Test Engineer,
Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
mitch.soth@faa.gov.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
Transport Canada Emergency AD CF–2019–
16, dated May 6, 2019. You may view the
Transport Canada AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2021–0497.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on August 26, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–19049 Filed 9–3–21; 8:45 am]
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0381; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01656–E; Amendment
39–21694; AD 2021–17–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type
Certificate Previously Held by RollsRoyce plc) Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
(RRD) Trent XWB–75, Trent XWB–79,
Trent XWB–79B, and Trent XWB–84
model turbofan engines. This AD was
prompted by reports of cracks in the
intermediate-pressure compressor (IPC)
rotor 1 (R1) blades installed on certain
Trent XWB model turbofan engines.
This AD requires initial and repetitive
borescope inspections (BSIs) of the
affected IPC R1 blades and, depending
on the results of the inspections,
replacement of all 34 IPC R1 blades. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 12,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of October 12, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate
Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby,
DE24 8BJ, United Kingdom; phone: +44
(0)1332 242424; fax: +44 (0)1332
249936; website: https://www.rollsroyce.com/contact-us.aspx. You may
view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (781) 238–
7759. It is also available at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0381.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0381; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:15 Sep 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, the mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI), 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:
Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238–7088; fax: (781) 238–7199;
email: kevin.m.clark@faa.gov.
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 certain RRD Trent XWB–75,
Trent XWB–79, Trent XWB–79B, and
Trent XWB–84 model turbofan engines.
The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on May 28, 2021 (86 FR 28716).
The NPRM was prompted by reports of
cracks in the IPC R1 blades installed on
certain Trent XWB model turbofan
engines. The NPRM proposed to require
initial and repetitive BSIs of the affected
IPC R1 blades and, depending on the
results of the inspections, replacement
of all 34 IPC R1 blades with parts
eligible for installation. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
The European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA
AD 2020–0277, dated December 11,
2020 (referred to after this as ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to address the unsafe condition
on these products. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported of finding
cracked IPC R1 blades on certain Trent XWB
engines that were close to their first planned
refurbishment shop visit.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to blade failure and consequent engine inflight shut-down (IFSD), possibly resulting in
reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition
and avoid dual engine IFSD, Rolls-Royce
issued the inspection NMSB to provide
inspection instructions and the NMSB to
provide information on threshold and
intervals.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of
the affected parts and, depending on
findings, accomplishment of applicable
corrective action(s).
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0381.
E:\FR\FM\07SER1.SGM
07SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 7, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49909-49912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19049]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0497; Project Identifier 2019-SW-043-AD; Amendment
39-21711; AD 2021-18-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by three reports of unexpected forces or uncommanded inputs to
the directional (yaw) control system. This AD requires revising the
existing Rotorcraft Flight
[[Page 49910]]
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 12, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J1R4, Canada; 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 information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0497; 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, 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: Mitch Soth, Flight Test Engineer,
Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, 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 Textron Canada
Limited Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 7, 2021 (86 FR 35692).
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the existing RFM for
your helicopter by adding procedures in Section 2, Normal Procedures,
under 2-4. INTERIOR AND PRESTART CHECK, 2-5. ENGINE START, and 2-8.
TAKEOFF; Section 3, Emergency and Malfunction Procedures, under 3-9.
AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM; and Section 4, Performance, under 4-2.
POWER ASSURANCE CHECK. The owner/operator (pilot) may revise the
existing RFM for your helicopter, and the owner/operator must enter
compliance with the applicable paragraphs of the AD into the aircraft
records in accordance with Sec. 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and Sec.
91.417(a)(2)(v). This is an exception to the FAA's standard maintenance
regulations.
The NPRM was prompted by Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2019-16,
dated May 6, 2019 (Transport Canada AD CF-2019-16), issued by Transport
Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada to correct an unsafe
condition for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron
Canada Limited) Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and
subsequent. Transport Canada advises of three reports of unexpected
forces or uncommanded inputs to the directional (yaw) control system
during ground operations. Investigation revealed that a yaw trim
runaway can occur while the automatic pedal trim function is operating.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of
the helicopter. Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF-2019-16 requires
revising Bell RFM BHT-429-FM-1 by incorporating revision 14, dated
April 18, 2019.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from an individual who supported the
NPRM without change.
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, its
technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the
comment 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.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Section 2--Normal Procedures, Section 3--Emergency
and Malfunction Procedures, and Section 4--Performance, of Bell RFM
BHT-429-FM-1, Revision 14, dated April 18, 2019. This revision of the
service information adds a procedure to reduce the risk of trim runaway
during start sequence, cautions to reduce the risk of uncommanded
control movement during engine start and takeoff and re-setting force
trim detent instructions during engine start and takeoff, and an
emergency procedure to assist flight crew to recognize trim runaway and
response instructions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 120 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.
Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter takes about 0.50
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $5,160 for
the U.S. fleet.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
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,
[[Page 49911]]
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:
2021-18-10 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-21711; Docket
No. FAA-2021-0497; Project Identifier 2019-SW-043-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 12, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429
helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 57001 and
subsequent.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor
Control System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by three reports of unexpected forces or
uncommanded inputs to the directional (yaw) control system. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent yaw trim runaway. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, 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) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual for your helicopter as
follows:
(i) In Section 2, Normal Procedures, under 2-4. INTERIOR AND
PRESTART CHECK, add the following as item 25: ``25. Depress the
cyclic force TRIM REL button and collective FORCE REL button (4-axis
only) to center actuators and extinguish any active out of detent
indications.''
(ii) In Section 2, Normal Procedures, under 2-5. ENGINE START
and under 2-8. TAKEOFF, add the following above item 1: ``CAUTION:
WHEN MANIPULATING FLIGHT CONTROLS WITH FORCE TRIM SELECTED ON, DO
NOT RELEASE AFFECTED FLIGHT CONTROL UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT
INDICATION EXTINGUISHES. THE FLIGHT CONTROLS MAY BE RESET BY
DEPRESSING THE CYCLIC FORCE TRIM REL BUTTON AND COLLECTIVE FORCE REL
BUTTON (4-AXIS ONLY) UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT INDICATION
EXTINGUISHES.''
(iii) In Section 3, Emergency and Malfunction Procedures, under
3-9. AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM, add the information in Figure
1 to paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this AD as item 3-9-D:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07SE21.000
(iv) In Section 4, Performance, under 4-2. POWER ASSURANCE
CHECK, add the following above the instructions for performing a
power assurance check: ``CAUTION: WHEN MANIPULATING FLIGHT CONTROLS
WITH FORCE TRIM SELECTED ON, DO NOT RELEASE AFFECTED FLIGHT CONTROL
UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT INDICATION EXTINGUISHES. THE FLIGHT CONTROLS
MAY BE RESET BY DEPRESSING THE CYCLIC FORCE TRIM REL BUTTON AND
COLLECTIVE FORCE REL BUTTON (4-AXIS ONLY) UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT
INDICATION EXTINGUISHES.''
(2) Using a document with information identical to the
information in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD is acceptable for
compliance
[[Page 49912]]
with the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(3) The actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD
may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a
private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft
records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with Sec.
43.9(a)(1) through (4) and Sec. 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be
maintained as required by Sec. 91.417, Sec. 121.380, or Sec.
135.439.
(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 Mitch Soth,
Flight Test Engineer, Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada
Emergency AD CF-2019-16, dated May 6, 2019. You may view the
Transport Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
in Docket No. FAA-2021-0497.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on August 26, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19049 Filed 9-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
