Airworthiness Directives; Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. (Previously Utah State University); California Department of Forestry; Firefly Aviation Helicopter Services (Previously Erickson Air-Crane Co.); Garlick Helicopters, Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC (Previously Western International Aviation, Inc.); International Helicopters, Inc.; Precision Helicopters, LLC; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; San Joaquin Helicopters (Previously Hawkins and Powers Aviation, Inc.); S.M.&T. Aircraft (Previously US Helicopters, Inc., UNC Helicopter, Inc., Southern Aero Corporation, and Wilco Aviation); Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter, Inc.; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. (Previously Jamie R. Hill and Southwest Florida Aviation); Tamarack Helicopters, Inc. (Previously Ranger Helicopter Services, Inc.); US Helicopter, Inc. (Previously UNC Helicopter, Inc.); West Coast Fabrication; and Williams Helicopter Corporation (Previously Scott Paper Co.) Model AH-1G, AH-1S, HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P Helicopters; and Southwest Florida Aviation Model UH-1B (SW204 and SW204HP) and UH-1H (SW205) Helicopters, 54135-54136 [2021-21050]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 187 / Thursday, September 30, 2021 / Proposed Rules (7) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install as a replacement part or as an original installation an externally-mounted hoist with a P/N identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this AD unless it has an improved overload clutch assembly with the number ‘‘4’’ as the first digit of the S/N. (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 Kristi Bradley, Aerospace Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov. (2) For Goodrich service information identified in this AD, contact Collins Aerospace; 2727 E Imperial Hwy., Brea, CA 92821; telephone (714) 984–1461. 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 European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2015–0226R5, Revision 5, dated July 23, 2020. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– 2020–1120. LOTTER on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Appendix 1 to AD ####–##–## Hoist Slip Load Test Results (Sample Format) Provide the following information by email to ASB.SIS-CA@utas.utc.com; or mail to Goodrich, Collins Aerospace; 2727 E Imperial Hwy., Brea, CA 92821. Helicopter Owner/Operator Name: Email Address: Telephone Number: Helicopter Model and Serial Number: Hoist Part Number: Hoist Serial Number: Time since Last Hoist Overhaul (months): Hoist Operating Hours: Hoist Cycles: Hoist Lifts: Date and Location Test was Accomplished: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:59 Sep 29, 2021 Jkt 253001 Point of Contact for Additional Information: Air Temperature: Gearbox Lubricant: Hoist Slip Load Test Value 1: Hoist Slip Load Test Value 2: Hoist Slip Load Test Value 3: Hoist Slip Load Test Value 4: Hoist Slip Load Test Value 5: Hoist Slip Load Test Averaged Test Value: Any notes or comments: Issued on September 22, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–21076 Filed 9–29–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0427; Project Identifier 2008–SW–72–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. (Previously Utah State University); California Department of Forestry; Firefly Aviation Helicopter Services (Previously Erickson Air-Crane Co.); Garlick Helicopters, Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC (Previously Western International Aviation, Inc.); International Helicopters, Inc.; Precision Helicopters, LLC; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; San Joaquin Helicopters (Previously Hawkins and Powers Aviation, Inc.); S.M.&T. Aircraft (Previously US Helicopters, Inc., UNC Helicopter, Inc., Southern Aero Corporation, and Wilco Aviation); Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter, Inc.; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. (Previously Jamie R. Hill and Southwest Florida Aviation); Tamarack Helicopters, Inc. (Previously Ranger Helicopter Services, Inc.); US Helicopter, Inc. (Previously UNC Helicopter, Inc.); West Coast Fabrication; and Williams Helicopter Corporation (Previously Scott Paper Co.) Model AH–1G, AH–1S, HH–1K, TH–1F, TH–1L, UH–1A, UH–1B, UH–1E, UH–1F, UH–1H, UH–1L, and UH–1P Helicopters; and Southwest Florida Aviation Model UH–1B (SW204 and SW204HP) and UH–1H (SW205) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal. AGENCY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 54135 that proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2002– 20–01, which applies to certain Model HH–1K, TH–1F, TH–1L, UH–1A, UH– 1B, UH–1E, UH–1F, UH–1H, UH–1L, and UH–1P helicopters; and Southwest Florida Aviation Model SW204, SW204HP, SW205, and SW205A–1 helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) for the Armed Forces of the United States. The NPRM would have required removing certain serial-numbered tension-torsion (TT) straps from service, reducing the retirement life for other TT straps, and establishing a retirement life in terms of calendar time in addition to hours timein-service (TIS) for certain other affected TT straps. The NPRM also would have added two model helicopters to the applicability of the AD. The NPRM was prompted by fatigue cracking in certain TT straps that have stainless steel filament windings and a determination that corrosion damage, which is related to calendar time, necessitated a calendar time retirement life for certain TT straps in addition to the retirement life based on hours TIS. The NPRM was also prompted by fatigue cracking in other TT straps with encased thin stainless steel plates. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has re-reviewed the available information and determined that the totality of the available information does not support issuance of a final rule. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn. DATES: As of September 30, 2021 the proposed rule, which was published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2010 (75 FR 20933), is withdrawn. ADDRESSES: 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–2010– 0427; 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 action, 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: Jurgen Priester, Aviation Safety Engineer, Delegation Oversight Section, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5159; email jurgen.e.priester@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\30SEP1.SGM 30SEP1 54136 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 187 / Thursday, September 30, 2021 / Proposed Rules Discussion The FAA issued an NPRM that proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by removing AD 2002–20–01, Amendment 39–12895 (67 FR 61771, October 2, 2002), which applies to restricted category Model HH–1K, TH–1F, TH–1L, UH–1A, UH–1B, UH–1E, UH–1F, UH– 1H, UH–1L, and UH–1P helicopters; and Southwest Florida Aviation Model SW204, SW204HP, SW205, and SW205A–1 helicopters, manufactured by BHTI for the Armed Forces of the United States. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2010 (75 FR 20933). The NPRM would have applied to Model AH–1G, AH–1S, HH– 1K, TH–1F, TH–1L, UH -A, UH–1B, UH–1E, UH–1F, UH–1H, UH–1L, and UH–1P helicopters with BHTI main rotor TT strap, part number (P/N) 204– 011–113–1, 204–012–112–1, 204–012– 112–5, 204–012–112–7, 204–012–122–1, 204–012–122–5, 204 310–101–101, or Bendix Energy Controls Co. P/N 2601139, 2601399, 2601400, or 2606650, installed; and Southwest Florida Aviation Model UH–1B (SW204 and SW204HP) and UH–1H (SW205) helicopters. The NPRM was prompted by fatigue cracking in certain TT straps that have stainless steel filament windings and a determination that corrosion damage, which is related to calendar time, necessitates a calendar time retirement life for certain TT straps in addition to the retirement life based on hours TIS. The NPRM was also prompted by fatigue cracking in other TT straps with encased thin stainless steel plates. The NPRM proposed to require removing certain serial-numbered TT straps from service, reducing the retirement life for other TT straps, and establishing a retirement life in terms of calendar time in addition to hours TIS for certain other affected TT straps. The NPRM also proposed to add two model helicopters to the applicability. The proposed actions were intended to prevent failure of a TT strap, loss of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. LOTTER on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has re-reviewed the available information and failure data used to justify issuance of the NPRM, and reviewed the service difficulty data produced since the NPRM was issued. Through that review, the FAA determined that there have not been any further reported problems with the affected part number TT straps since the NPRM was issued. Based on that review, the FAA concluded that the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:59 Sep 29, 2021 Jkt 253001 totality of the available information and the lack of additional reports does not support issuance of a final rule. The potential unsafe condition identified as the justification for issuance of the NPRM has not materialized. Therefore, the FAA has determined that AD action is not appropriate. Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes only such action and does not preclude the FAA from further rulemaking on this issue, nor does it commit the FAA to any course of action in the future. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM and received 38 comments. The FAA received comments from individual commenters as well as from organizations on a variety of topics, including the costs estimates, compliance times, and requests to withdraw the NPRM. You may examine the comments received in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2010–0427. The FAA acknowledges these comments to the NPRM. However, because the FAA is withdrawing the NPRM, the commenter’s requests are no longer necessary. FAA’s Conclusions Upon further consideration of the available information, the FAA has determined that the NPRM is unnecessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn. Regulatory Findings Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a final rule. This action therefore is not covered under Executive Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Withdrawal Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, Docket No. FAA–2010– 0427, which was published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2010 (75 FR 20933), is withdrawn. ■ Issued on September 23, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–21050 Filed 9–29–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0833; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00245–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020–18–04, which applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. AD 2020–18–04 requires a one-time health check of the slat power control unit (PCU) torque sensing unit (TSU), a detailed inspection of the slat transmission systems, corrective actions if necessary, and track 12 slat gear rotary actuator (SGRA) water drainage and vent plug cleaning. Since the FAA issued AD 2020–18–04, it has been determined that the one-time health check must be repetitive instead to monitor the TSU wear, and that the water drainage and vent plug cleaning is no longer required. This proposed AD would require repetitive health checks of the slat PCU TSU, a detailed visual inspection of the slat transmission systems, and corrective actions if necessary; as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. 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 15, 2021. 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 EASA material that will be incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerSUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30SEP1.SGM 30SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 187 (Thursday, September 30, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54135-54136]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21050]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0427; Project Identifier 2008-SW-72-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. 
(Previously Utah State University); California Department of Forestry; 
Firefly Aviation Helicopter Services (Previously Erickson Air-Crane 
Co.); Garlick Helicopters, Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; 
Hagglund Helicopters, LLC (Previously Western International Aviation, 
Inc.); International Helicopters, Inc.; Precision Helicopters, LLC; 
Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; San Joaquin Helicopters (Previously Hawkins 
and Powers Aviation, Inc.); S.M.&T. Aircraft (Previously US 
Helicopters, Inc., UNC Helicopter, Inc., Southern Aero Corporation, and 
Wilco Aviation); Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter, Inc.; 
Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. (Previously Jamie R. 
Hill and Southwest Florida Aviation); Tamarack Helicopters, Inc. 
(Previously Ranger Helicopter Services, Inc.); US Helicopter, Inc. 
(Previously UNC Helicopter, Inc.); West Coast Fabrication; and Williams 
Helicopter Corporation (Previously Scott Paper Co.) Model AH-1G, AH-1S, 
HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-
1P Helicopters; and Southwest Florida Aviation Model UH-1B (SW204 and 
SW204HP) and UH-1H (SW205) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that proposed to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 2002-20-01, 
which applies to certain Model HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-
1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P helicopters; and Southwest Florida 
Aviation Model SW204, SW204HP, SW205, and SW205A-1 helicopters, 
manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) for the Armed 
Forces of the United States. The NPRM would have required removing 
certain serial-numbered tension-torsion (TT) straps from service, 
reducing the retirement life for other TT straps, and establishing a 
retirement life in terms of calendar time in addition to hours time-in-
service (TIS) for certain other affected TT straps. The NPRM also would 
have added two model helicopters to the applicability of the AD. The 
NPRM was prompted by fatigue cracking in certain TT straps that have 
stainless steel filament windings and a determination that corrosion 
damage, which is related to calendar time, necessitated a calendar time 
retirement life for certain TT straps in addition to the retirement 
life based on hours TIS. The NPRM was also prompted by fatigue cracking 
in other TT straps with encased thin stainless steel plates. Since 
issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has re-reviewed the available information 
and determined that the totality of the available information does not 
support issuance of a final rule. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

DATES: As of September 30, 2021 the proposed rule, which was published 
in the Federal Register on April 22, 2010 (75 FR 20933), is withdrawn.

ADDRESSES: 

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-2010-
0427; 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 action, 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: Jurgen Priester, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Delegation Oversight Section, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5159; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 54136]]

Discussion

    The FAA issued an NPRM that proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by 
removing AD 2002-20-01, Amendment 39-12895 (67 FR 61771, October 2, 
2002), which applies to restricted category Model HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, 
UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P helicopters; and 
Southwest Florida Aviation Model SW204, SW204HP, SW205, and SW205A-1 
helicopters, manufactured by BHTI for the Armed Forces of the United 
States. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2010 
(75 FR 20933). The NPRM would have applied to Model AH-1G, AH-1S, HH-
1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH -A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P 
helicopters with BHTI main rotor TT strap, part number (P/N) 204-011-
113-1, 204-012-112-1, 204-012-112-5, 204-012-112-7, 204-012-122-1, 204-
012-122-5, 204 310-101-101, or Bendix Energy Controls Co. P/N 2601139, 
2601399, 2601400, or 2606650, installed; and Southwest Florida Aviation 
Model UH-1B (SW204 and SW204HP) and UH-1H (SW205) helicopters. The NPRM 
was prompted by fatigue cracking in certain TT straps that have 
stainless steel filament windings and a determination that corrosion 
damage, which is related to calendar time, necessitates a calendar time 
retirement life for certain TT straps in addition to the retirement 
life based on hours TIS. The NPRM was also prompted by fatigue cracking 
in other TT straps with encased thin stainless steel plates.
    The NPRM proposed to require removing certain serial-numbered TT 
straps from service, reducing the retirement life for other TT straps, 
and establishing a retirement life in terms of calendar time in 
addition to hours TIS for certain other affected TT straps. The NPRM 
also proposed to add two model helicopters to the applicability. The 
proposed actions were intended to prevent failure of a TT strap, loss 
of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has re-reviewed the available 
information and failure data used to justify issuance of the NPRM, and 
reviewed the service difficulty data produced since the NPRM was 
issued. Through that review, the FAA determined that there have not 
been any further reported problems with the affected part number TT 
straps since the NPRM was issued. Based on that review, the FAA 
concluded that the totality of the available information and the lack 
of additional reports does not support issuance of a final rule. The 
potential unsafe condition identified as the justification for issuance 
of the NPRM has not materialized. Therefore, the FAA has determined 
that AD action is not appropriate.
    Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes only such action and does not 
preclude the FAA from further rulemaking on this issue, nor does it 
commit the FAA to any course of action in the future.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM and 
received 38 comments. The FAA received comments from individual 
commenters as well as from organizations on a variety of topics, 
including the costs estimates, compliance times, and requests to 
withdraw the NPRM. You may examine the comments received in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2010-0427.
    The FAA acknowledges these comments to the NPRM. However, because 
the FAA is withdrawing the NPRM, the commenter's requests are no longer 
necessary.

FAA's Conclusions

    Upon further consideration of the available information, the FAA 
has determined that the NPRM is unnecessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is 
withdrawn.

Regulatory Findings

    Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed 
nor a final rule. This action therefore is not covered under Executive 
Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979).

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Withdrawal

0
Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, Docket No. FAA-2010-
0427, which was published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2010 (75 
FR 20933), is withdrawn.

    Issued on September 23, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-21050 Filed 9-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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