Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 73708-73712 [2021-28089]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 28, 2021 / Proposed Rules
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2021–1020; Project Identifier AD–2021–
00864–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by February 11,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, –300ER, and
777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0123 RB,
dated July 8, 2021.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of the
loss of the nuts at all four fastener locations
common to the outboard flap inboard support
rear spar attachment fittings, which affects
the retention feature of the fasteners and
leaves the fasteners susceptible to migrating
out of the joint. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the resulting inability of the
outboard flap support to sustain limit load,
and potential loss of the outboard flap. Loss
of the fastener retention feature in the rear
spar attachment may lead to a severed joint
at the forward attachment point, leading to
separation of the support fitting, which could
cause damage and consequent reduced
controllability and reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this
AD: At the applicable times specified in the
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0123 RB,
dated July 8, 2021, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0123 RB,
dated July 8, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777–57A0123, dated July 8, 2021,
which is referred to in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0123 RB,
dated July 8, 2021.
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(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time columns
of the tables in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph
of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777–
57A0123 RB, dated July 8, 2021, use the
phrase ‘‘the original issue date of
Requirements Bulletin 777–57A0123 RB,’’
this AD requires using the effective date of
this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 777–57A0123 RB, dated July 8,
2021, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the
repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Luis Cortez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: (206) 231–3958; email:
Luis.A.Cortez-Muniz@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced 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.
Issued on December 2, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–28181 Filed 12–27–21; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–1078; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01574–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron
Canada Limited Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bell Textron Canada Limited
Model 429 helicopters. This proposed
AD was prompted by in-service reports
of the loss of display and subsequent
recovery of certain display units (DUs).
This proposed AD would require
revising the existing rotorcraft flight
manual supplement (RFMS) for your
helicopter and disabling the traffic alert
and collision avoidance system (TCAS)
POP–UP feature for certain DUs. 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 February 11,
2022.
SUMMARY:
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 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, 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 this
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.
ADDRESSES:
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 28, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–1078; 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
NPRM, the Transport Canada AD, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section,
FAA, Operational Safety Branch, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
NY 11590; telephone (516) 228–7323;
email Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–1078; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01574–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
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placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program
Management Section, FAA, Operational
Safety Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228–7323; email
Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada, which is the
aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF–2020–
18R1, dated November 27, 2020
(Transport Canada AD CF–2020–18R1),
to correct an unsafe condition for Bell
Textron Canada Limited Model 429
helicopters, serial numbers 57001
through 57369, 57371, and 57373.
Transport Canada advises that it has
received in-service reports of the loss of
display and subsequent recovery of the
DU manufactured by Rogerson Kratos
(RK). During an instrument flight rules
approach, a Bell Textron Canada
Limited Model 429 helicopter lost its
center DU display, which then rebooted,
and subsequently lost its right-hand side
(RHS) DU display, which then also
rebooted. Investigation revealed that the
DUs’ power cycle occurred while in
Map-Mode, which was caused by the
RK DUs’ limited processing capability
for excessive null waypoints generated
by the Garmin GTN 750/650 GPS/NAV/
COMM/MFD.
Transport Canada also advises that
the use of Map-Mode to the center DU
should be limited only for Bell Textron
Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters
equipped with RK DUs and Garmin
GTN 750/650 main software version
6.21 or later and that the use of MapMode should be prohibited on both the
RHS DU and left-hand side DU, if
installed. In addition, Transport Canada
advises that a new emergency and
malfunction procedure in the event of
center DU failure should be
implemented.
If not addressed, a DU power cycle
occurring during flight and consequent
momentary loss of display information
on the primary flight display and other
DUs could result in the unexpected loss
of display of important flight parameters
to the pilots, including attitude,
approach, airspeed, altitude, flight
director information, navigation system
cues, as well as engine and rotor drive
system indications.
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Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service
Bulletin 429–20–51, Revision B, dated
July 17, 2021, which specifies
procedures for disabling the TCAS
POP–UP feature for certain DUs. This
material is reasonably available because
the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination
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 is
proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and
determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other helicopters of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
revising the existing RFMS for your
helicopter and disabling the TCAS
POP–UP feature for certain DUs.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Transport Canada AD
Transport Canada AD CF–2020–18R1
requires operators to ‘‘advise all flight
crews’’ of the changes introduced by the
RFMS revision. However, this proposed
AD would not specifically require that
action. 14 CFR 91.9 requires that no
person may operate a civil aircraft
without complying with the operating
limitations specified in the RFMS.
Therefore, including a requirement in
this AD to operate the helicopter
according to the revised RFMS would be
redundant and unnecessary. Further,
compliance with such a requirement in
an AD would be impracticable to
demonstrate or track on an ongoing
basis; therefore, a requirement to
operate the helicopter in such a manner
would be unenforceable. The flight
manual supplement changes proposed
in this AD would also apply to the
emergency and malfunction procedures
section of the existing RFMS for your
helicopter. FAA regulations mandate
compliance only with the operating
limitations section of the flight manual.
Nonetheless, the FAA recommends that
flight crews of the helicopters listed in
the applicability operate in accordance
with the revised emergency and
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 246 / Tuesday, December 28, 2021 / Proposed Rules
malfunction procedures specified in this
proposed AD.
This proposed AD would also propose
to require disabling the TCAS POP–UP
feature for certain DUs, which is not
required in Transport Canada AD CF–
2020–18R1. The FAA has coordinated
this requirement with Transport
Canada, and Transport Canada stated
that it is planning to include this action
in a future rulemaking action.
Costs of Compliance
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The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 88
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 proposed AD.
Revising the RFMS for your helicopter
takes about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and
$7,480 for the U.S. fleet.
Disabling the TCAS POP–UP feature
for your helicopter takes about 0.5 workhours for an estimated cost of $43 per
helicopter and $3,784 for the U.S. fleet.
(b) Affected ADs
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify
this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada
Limited Model 429 helicopters, certificated
in any category, serial numbers 57001
through 57369 inclusive, 57371, and 57373.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 3100, Indicating/Recording System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
This AD was prompted by in-service
reports of the loss of display and subsequent
recovery of certain display units (DUs). The
FAA is issuing this AD to address a DU
power cycle occurring during flight and
consequent momentary loss of display
information on the primary flight display and
other DUs, which if not addressed, could
result in the unexpected loss of display of
important flight parameters to the pilots,
including attitude, approach, airspeed,
altitude, flight director information,
navigation system cues, as well as engine and
rotor drive system indications.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The Proposed Amendment
(f) Compliance
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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:
■
Bell Textron Canada Limited: Docket No.
FAA–2021–1078; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–01574–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by February 11,
2022.
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Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual
Supplement (RFMS)
Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD: Revise the Types of Operation—
Limitations (section 1–3–A.) of the existing
RFMS for your helicopter to include the
information in the ‘‘Limitations’’ procedure
specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this
AD, revise the Configuration (section 1–5.) of
the existing RFMS for your helicopter to
include the information in the
‘‘Configuration’’ specified in figure 2 to
paragraph (g) of this AD, and revise the
Emergency and Malfunction Procedures
(section 3) of the existing RFMS for your
helicopter to include the information in the
‘‘CENTER DU FAILURE’’ specified in figure
3 to paragraph (g) of this AD.
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73711
Figure 1 to paragraph (g) - Limitations procedure revision
1-3-A. LIMITATIONS
Safe Taxi® and Chart View, if installed, shall not be used as primary means for flight
crews to orient themselves on the airport surface.
Use of the GTN for primary navigation for latitudes above 89.00°N and below 89.00°S
is not authorized.
Use of MAP mode on the Pilot and Co-pilot (if installed) Rogerson Kratos (RK) DU is
prohibited. Use of MAP mode may cause a power cycle of the DU.
MAP mode on the center RK DU shall not be selected during a DME Arc approach, as
this may cause a power cycle of the DU.
MAP mode on the center RK DU shall not be selected during search pattern
operations. Excessive search pattern legs in DU MAP mode may cause a power cycle
of the DU.
The SD card or Flight Stream 510 (MMC) shall be present in each unit at all times.
Demo mode shall not be used in flight.
Figure 2 to paragraph (g) - Configuration revision
1-5. CONFIGURATION
Garmin GTN 750/650 main software shall be Version 4.00 with GPS software 5.00 or
main software 6.21 with GPS software 5.2, or main software 6.62 with GPS software
5.2.
Flight Stream 510, if installed, shall be version 2.32 or later.
Both GTN units shall have the same software versions.
TCAS POP-UP mode shall be DISABLED on the Rogerson Kratos (RK) DU.
Figure 3 to paragraph (g) - Emergency and Malfunction Procedures revision
3-14-B. CENTER DU FAILURE
•
INDICATIONS:
DU screen momentarily goes blank.
•
PROCEDURE:
NOTE
MAP mode on center DU is defaulted ON with Weather Radar (if installed).
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Pilot and Co-pilot (if installed) DU goes into composite mode.
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Center DU - Deselect MAP mode.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): The information
in the ‘‘CENTER DU FAILURE’’ specified in
figure 3 to paragraph (g) of this AD can be
found in Bell 429 Rotorcraft Flight Manual
Supplement BHT–429–FMS–19, Revisions 3,
4, 5, and 6.
Issued on December 16, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
(h) Disabling the Traffic Alert and Collision
Avoidance System (TCAS) POP-UP Feature
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Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD: Disable the TCAS POP–UP mode,
including those helicopters equipped with
the TCAS kit, in the parameter setup page on
all RK DUs, in accordance with paragraph 3.
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bell
Alert Service Bulletin 429–20–51, Revision
B, dated July 17, 2021.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, FAA,
Operational Safety Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228–7323; email
Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov.
(2) 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 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–2020–18R1, dated
November 27, 2020. You may view the
Transport Canada AD on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2021–1078.
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[FR Doc. 2021–28089 Filed 12–27–21; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0962; Project
Identifier AD–2021–00997–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
(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 (j)(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.
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Select flight mode, as desired.
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model
777–200 and –300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of three incidents involving in-flight fan
blade failures on certain Pratt &
Whitney engines (‘‘fan blades’’ are also
known as ‘‘1st-stage low-pressure
compressor (LPC) blades’’—these terms
are used interchangeably in this
proposed AD). This proposed AD would
require installation of debris shields on
the thrust reverser (T/R) inner wall at
the left and right sides of the lower
bifurcation, inspection of the fan cowl
doors for moisture ingression, repetitive
functional checks of the hydraulic
pump shutoff valves to ensure they
close in response to the fire handle
input, and corrective actions if
necessary. 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 January 27,
2022.
SUMMARY:
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.
ADDRESSES:
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• 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 Boeing service information
identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention:
Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57,
Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone
562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. For Pratt &
Whitney service information identified
in this NPRM contact Pratt & Whitney
Division, 400 Main Street, East Hartford,
CT 06118; phone: 860–565–0140; email:
help24@prattwhitney.com; website:
https://connect.prattwhitney.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0962; 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
NPRM, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James Laubaugh, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–
231–3622; email: james.laubaugh@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0962; Project Identifier AD–
2021–00997–T’’ at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
E:\FR\FM\28DEP1.SGM
28DEP1
EP28DE21.026</GPH>
Pilot/Copilot DU -
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 246 (Tuesday, December 28, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73708-73712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28089]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1078; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01574-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. This
proposed AD was prompted by in-service reports of the loss of display
and subsequent recovery of certain display units (DUs). This proposed
AD would require revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual
supplement (RFMS) for your helicopter and disabling the traffic alert
and collision avoidance system (TCAS) POP-UP feature for certain DUs.
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 February
11, 2022.
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 between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 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.
[[Page 73709]]
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1078; 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 NPRM, the
Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, FAA, Operational Safety Branch, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7323; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1078; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01574-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section,
FAA, Operational Safety Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2020-18R1, dated November 27, 2020
(Transport Canada AD CF-2020-18R1), to correct an unsafe condition for
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001
through 57369, 57371, and 57373. Transport Canada advises that it has
received in-service reports of the loss of display and subsequent
recovery of the DU manufactured by Rogerson Kratos (RK). During an
instrument flight rules approach, a Bell Textron Canada Limited Model
429 helicopter lost its center DU display, which then rebooted, and
subsequently lost its right-hand side (RHS) DU display, which then also
rebooted. Investigation revealed that the DUs' power cycle occurred
while in Map-Mode, which was caused by the RK DUs' limited processing
capability for excessive null waypoints generated by the Garmin GTN
750/650 GPS/NAV/COMM/MFD.
Transport Canada also advises that the use of Map-Mode to the
center DU should be limited only for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model
429 helicopters equipped with RK DUs and Garmin GTN 750/650 main
software version 6.21 or later and that the use of Map-Mode should be
prohibited on both the RHS DU and left-hand side DU, if installed. In
addition, Transport Canada advises that a new emergency and malfunction
procedure in the event of center DU failure should be implemented.
If not addressed, a DU power cycle occurring during flight and
consequent momentary loss of display information on the primary flight
display and other DUs could result in the unexpected loss of display of
important flight parameters to the pilots, including attitude,
approach, airspeed, altitude, flight director information, navigation
system cues, as well as engine and rotor drive system indications.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-20-51, Revision B,
dated July 17, 2021, which specifies procedures for disabling the TCAS
POP-UP feature for certain DUs. This material is reasonably available
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
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 is proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters
of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require revising the existing RFMS for your
helicopter and disabling the TCAS POP-UP feature for certain DUs.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-18R1 requires operators to ``advise all
flight crews'' of the changes introduced by the RFMS revision. However,
this proposed AD would not specifically require that action. 14 CFR
91.9 requires that no person may operate a civil aircraft without
complying with the operating limitations specified in the RFMS.
Therefore, including a requirement in this AD to operate the helicopter
according to the revised RFMS would be redundant and unnecessary.
Further, compliance with such a requirement in an AD would be
impracticable to demonstrate or track on an ongoing basis; therefore, a
requirement to operate the helicopter in such a manner would be
unenforceable. The flight manual supplement changes proposed in this AD
would also apply to the emergency and malfunction procedures section of
the existing RFMS for your helicopter. FAA regulations mandate
compliance only with the operating limitations section of the flight
manual. Nonetheless, the FAA recommends that flight crews of the
helicopters listed in the applicability operate in accordance with the
revised emergency and
[[Page 73710]]
malfunction procedures specified in this proposed AD.
This proposed AD would also propose to require disabling the TCAS
POP-UP feature for certain DUs, which is not required in Transport
Canada AD CF-2020-18R1. The FAA has coordinated this requirement with
Transport Canada, and Transport Canada stated that it is planning to
include this action in a future rulemaking action.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 88 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 proposed AD.
Revising the RFMS for your helicopter takes about 1 work-hour for
an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $7,480 for the U.S. fleet.
Disabling the TCAS POP-UP feature for your helicopter takes about
0.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,784
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 products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Bell Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2021-1078; Project
Identifier MCAI-2020-01574-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 11, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429
helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 57001
through 57369 inclusive, 57371, and 57373.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3100, Indicating/
Recording System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by in-service reports of the loss of
display and subsequent recovery of certain display units (DUs). The
FAA is issuing this AD to address a DU power cycle occurring during
flight and consequent momentary loss of display information on the
primary flight display and other DUs, which if not addressed, could
result in the unexpected loss of display of important flight
parameters to the pilots, including attitude, approach, airspeed,
altitude, flight director information, navigation system cues, as
well as engine and rotor drive system indications.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS)
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the
Types of Operation--Limitations (section 1-3-A.) of the existing
RFMS for your helicopter to include the information in the
``Limitations'' procedure specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of
this AD, revise the Configuration (section 1-5.) of the existing
RFMS for your helicopter to include the information in the
``Configuration'' specified in figure 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD,
and revise the Emergency and Malfunction Procedures (section 3) of
the existing RFMS for your helicopter to include the information in
the ``CENTER DU FAILURE'' specified in figure 3 to paragraph (g) of
this AD.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP28DE21.026
Note 1 to paragraph (g): The information in the ``CENTER DU
FAILURE'' specified in figure 3 to paragraph (g) of this AD can be
found in Bell 429 Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement BHT-429-FMS-
19, Revisions 3, 4, 5, and 6.
(h) Disabling the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
POP-UP Feature
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Disable the
TCAS POP-UP mode, including those helicopters equipped with the TCAS
kit, in the parameter setup page on all RK DUs, in accordance with
paragraph 3. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bell Alert
Service Bulletin 429-20-51, Revision B, dated July 17, 2021.
(i) 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 (j)(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, FAA, Operational
Safety Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228-7323; email [email protected].
(2) 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-2020-18R1, dated November 27, 2020. You may view the Transport
Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket
No. FAA-2021-1078.
Issued on December 16, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-28089 Filed 12-27-21; 8:45 am]
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