Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters, 64152-64156 [2022-22593]
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64152
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 204 / Monday, October 24, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
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 certification office,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD and
email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-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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(j) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact John DeLuca, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228–7369;
email: john.p.deluca@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0267, dated
November 24, 2021, for more information.
You may view the EASA AD at
regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2022–
0813.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Vulcanair Aircraft Alert Service Letter
No. 23, Revision 2, dated September 29,
2021.
(ii) Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P.68C & P.68C–TC Maintenance
Manual, AMM10.702–1, Revision 7, dated
May 11, 2021.
(iii) Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P.68 Observer 2 & P.68TC Observer
Maintenance Manual, AMM10.702–2,
Revision 8, dated November 11, 2021.
(iv) Section 6, Structures, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P.68R Maintenance Manual,
AMM10.702–3, Revision 12, dated December
12, 2019.
(v) Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68C Maintenance Manual,
NOR10.709–1B, Revision 9, dated August 30,
2017.
(vi) Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68–TC Observer Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709–4A, Revision 4, dated
March 15, 2018.
(vii) Section B, Structure, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft A/C P68B Victor Maintenance
Manual, NOR.10.709–9, Revision 16, dated
September 22, 2017.
(viii) Section C, Airframe, of the Vulcanair
Aircraft P68 Observer 2 Maintenance
Manual, NOR10.709–10, Revision 5, dated
October 23, 2017.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Vulcanair S.p.A., Fulvio
Oloferni, via Giovanni Pascoli, 7, 80026
Naples, Italy; phone: +39 081 5918 135;
email: airworthiness@vulcanair.com; website:
vulcanair.com.
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(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on September 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–22703 Filed 10–21–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Examining the AD Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–1074; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00447–R; Amendment
39–22195; AD 2022–20–11]
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
reports of failed rivets between the
tailboom skin and the tail rotor (TR)
gearbox support assembly. This AD
requires visually inspecting the external
surface of the TR gearbox support
assembly, borescope inspecting or
visually inspecting the inside of the
tailboom for certain conditions, and
performing a tactile inspection.
Depending on the results of the
inspections, this AD requires removing
certain rivets from service or repairing
gaps in accordance with an approved
method. This AD also requires repeating
these inspections within certain
intervals. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective November
28, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain document listed in this AD
as of November 28, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact Bell
DATES:
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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 bellflight.com/support/contactsupport. 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. Service information that is
incorporated by reference is also
available at regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
1074.
Sfmt 4700
You may examine the AD docket at
regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2021–1074; 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:
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.
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
(S/N) 57001 and subsequent. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
December 23, 2021 (86 FR 72891). In the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require
visually inspecting the external surface
of the TR gearbox support assembly,
borescope inspecting or visually
inspecting the inside of the tailboom for
certain conditions, and performing a
tactile inspection. Depending on the
results of the inspections, the NPRM
proposed to require removing certain
rivets from service or repairing gaps in
accordance with FAA-approved
methods. The NPRM also proposed to
require repeating these inspections
within certain intervals.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 204 / Monday, October 24, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
The NPRM was prompted by
Transport Canada AD CF–2021–15,
dated April 14, 2021 (Transport Canada
AD CF–2021–15), issued by Transport
Canada, which is the aviation authority
for Canada, to correct an unsafe
condition for Bell Textron Canada
Limited Model 429 helicopters, S/N
57001 and subsequent. Transport
Canada advises of multiple in-service
reports of failed rivets at the joint
between the tailboom skin and the TR
gearbox support assembly part number
(P/N) 429–034–701–101 or P/N 429–
035–705–101. Transport Canada states
that in-service reports also revealed a
quality escape resulted in a gapping
condition between the tailboom skin
and the TR gearbox support fitting at
some locations around the joint, and
that rivets of inadequate grip length
have been installed at the affected joint.
This condition, if not addressed, could
result in progressive deterioration of the
joint structural integrity, detachment of
the TR gearbox support assembly and
loss of control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, Transport Canada AD
CF–2021–15 requires, for certain serialnumbered helicopters, an initial visual
inspection of the rivets at the TR
gearbox support assembly for signs of
failed rivets or inadequate grip length.
Transport Canada AD CF–2021–15 also
requires, for all serial-numbered
helicopters defined in the applicability,
repeating the initial visual inspection at
intervals not to exceed 400 hours air
time or 12 months, whichever occurs
first. Transport Canada AD CF–2021–15
also requires repair or replacement of
affected parts if discrepancies are found.
Transport Canada considers its AD an
interim action and states that further AD
action may follow.
After the FAA issued the NPRM, the
FAA issued a supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD
that would apply to Bell Textron
Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters,
S/N 57001 and subsequent. The SNPRM
published in the Federal Register on
April 22, 2022 (87 FR 24077). The
SNPRM proposed to require visually
inspecting the external surface of the TR
gearbox support assembly, borescope
inspecting or visually inspecting the
inside of the tailboom for certain
conditions, and performing a tactile
inspection. Depending on the results of
the inspections, the SNPRM proposed to
require removing certain rivets from
service or repairing gaps in accordance
with FAA-approved methods. The
SNPRM also proposed to require
repeating these inspections within
certain intervals.
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The SNPRM was prompted by the
FAA’s determination that due to
thermal cycling, the compliance times
in the NPRM should be revised to
include calendar compliance times.
According to Bell, thermal cycling is
independent of flight hours (FH) and
can occur when an aircraft is stationary
and is also a significant contributor to
the unsafe condition. Accordingly, the
FAA determined the proposed
paragraph (g) of the NPRM had to be
revised by including calendar
compliance times. Also, after the NPRM
was issued, the FAA determined the
proposed paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of the
NPRM had to be revised by deleting the
word ‘‘not’’ when referring to whether
or not a rivet comes out when pulled
with pliers or when pulled by hand.
This wording was incorrect and the
correct wording should only state
‘‘does.’’ Accordingly, these changes
were included in the SNPRM.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from
Air Methods. The following presents the
comment received on the SNPRM and
the FAA’s response.
Request for More Information
The commenter stated Transport
Canada AD CF–2021–15 requires
replacing any rivets and repairing any
gaps that exceed 0.005 in (0.127 mm) in
accordance with an approved Bell
structural repair scheme, whereas the
proposed AD would require removing
the rivets from service and repairing
gaps in accordance with an FAAapproved method instead. The
commenter stated that Bell does not
normally provide FAA-approved
documentation and requested that the
FAA clarify whether the FAA is
mandating receiving both a Bell Canada
approval document and a separate 8110
from the FAA.
The FAA has revised paragraphs
(g)(1)(i)(B) and (g)(1)(ii)(A)(2) of this
final rule from ‘‘repair the gaps in
accordance with an FAA-approved
method’’ to ‘‘repairing any gaps in
accordance with a method approved by
the Manager, General Aviation &
Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport
Canada; or Bell Textron Canada
Limited’s Transport Canada Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If
approved by the DAO, the approval
must include the DAO-authorized
signature.’’ The FAA also revised the
Costs of Compliance section of this final
rule to reflect these changes. These
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64153
revisions clarify that operators are not
limited to a single method of repair in
order for a helicopter to be approved for
return to service.
Additional Changes Since the SNPRM
was Issued
Since the FAA issued the SNPRM, the
FAA has revised paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(A)
and (B) of this final rule by adding the
words ‘‘replace the rivets removed from
service by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD
with airworthy rivets.’’ The FAA
determined this revision clarifies which
rivets should be replaced and that an
airworthy rivet must be installed when
these rivets are removed from service.
The FAA has also revised paragraphs
(g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii)(A) and (B) of this
final rule by adding the words ‘‘remove
these rivets from service.’’ The FAA
determined this revision clarifies which
rivets should be removed from service.
Additionally, the FAA revised this final
rule by adding paragraphs (g)(1)(ii)(A)(1)
and (2) to this final rule, which describe
the corrective actions that are required
as a result of paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A). The
FAA determined this revision was
necessary to clarify which rivets should
be removed from service and replaced
after the gap measurements.
The FAA has also revised paragraph
(g)(1)(ii)(B) of this final rule by adding
the words ‘‘replace them with airworthy
rivets.’’ The FAA determined this
revision clarifies that an airworthy rivet
must be installed to replace the rivet(s)
that were removed from service.
Additionally, the FAA revised the
corrective action for any gaps that equal
0.005 in (0.127 mm). In the SNPRM, the
FAA proposed repairing those gaps in
accordance with an FAA-approved
method and removing the rivets from
service. In this final rule, the FAA
requires removing certain rivets from
service and replacing them with
airworthy rivets for that condition
instead.
Finally, the FAA revised paragraph
(g)(1)(iii) of this final rule by adding the
words ‘‘remove any rivet from service
that comes out when pulled with pliers
or when pulled by hand and replace
with an airworthy rivet.’’ The FAA
determined this revision was necessary
to clarify which rivets should be
removed from service if corrective
action is needed as a result of the tactile
inspection and that an airworthy rivet
must be installed to replace the rivet
that was removed from service.
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
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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. Except
for minor editorial changes and any
other changes described previously, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the
SNPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) 429–19–47, Revision B,
dated January 27, 2021. This service
information specifies procedures for an
initial and repetitive general visual
inspections and detailed inspections of
the affected rivets at the joint between
the tailboom skin and the TR gearbox
support assembly. This service
information also specifies procedures
for replacing the affected rivets and
repairing the gaps in accordance with an
approved Bell structural repair scheme.
This service information 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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Bell ASB
429–19–47, dated August 28, 2019 (ASB
429–19–47), and Bell ASB 429–19–47,
Revision A, dated November 2, 2020
(ASB 429–19–47 Rev A). ASB 429–19–
47 specifies the same general visual
inspection as ASB 429–19–47 Rev A
however, ASB 429–19–47 Rev A
introduces a repetitive inspection and
specifies corrective actions if any
discrepant rivets are found. ASB 429–
19–47 Rev A specifies the same
procedures for the initial and repetitive
general visual inspections and detailed
inspections as ASB 429–19–47 Rev B
however, ASB 429–19–47 Rev B revises
the compliance section, description
section, and materials section, and also
the accomplishment instructions.
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Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an
interim action. Once final action has
been identified, the FAA might consider
further rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the
Transport Canada AD
If there are any gaps that exceed 0.005
in (0.127 mm), Transport Canada AD
CF–2021–15 requires replacing the
rivets, repairing the gaps in accordance
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15:57 Oct 21, 2022
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with an approved Bell structural repair
scheme, and submitting certain
information to the manufacturer.
Whereas, if there are any gaps that
exceed 0.005 in (0.127 mm), this AD
requires removing the rivets from
service and replacing the rivets with
airworthy rivets. This AD also requires
repairing those gaps in accordance with
a method approved by the Manager,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA;
or Transport Canada; or Bell Textron
Canada Limited’s Transport Canada
DAO instead. If there are any gaps that
are 0.005 in (0.127 mm) or less,
Transport Canada AD CF–2021–15
requires replacing the rivets, whereas
this AD requires removing the rivets
from service and replacing them with
airworthy rivets.
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.
Visually inspecting the surface of the
TR gearbox support assembly takes
about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $43 per helicopter per inspection
and $5,160 for the U.S. fleet per
inspection.
If required, replacing an affected rivet
takes about 1 work-hour and parts cost
about $110 per rivet for an estimated
cost of $195 per rivet replacement.
If required, measuring gaps takes
about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $43 per helicopter.
If required, repairing a gap in
accordance with an FAA-approved
method takes up to about 1 work-hour
for an estimated cost of up to $85 per
repair. The FAA has no way to
determine the cost estimate of repairing
a gap using a method approved by
Transport Canada, or Bell Textron
Canada Limited’s Transport Canada
DAO.
Visually inspecting or borescope
inspecting the inside of the tailboom
takes about 0.5 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter per
inspection and $5,160 for the U.S. fleet
per inspection.
Performing a tactile inspection takes
about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $43 per helicopter per inspection
and $5,160 for the U.S. fleet per
inspection.
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
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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
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2022–20–11 Bell Textron Canada Limited:
Amendment 39–22195; Docket No.
FAA–2021–1074; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00447–R.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 204 / Monday, October 24, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective November 28, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada
Limited Model 429 helicopters, serial
numbers (S/N) 57001 and subsequent,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5302, Rotorcraft tailboom.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of failed
rivets between the tailboom skin and the tail
rotor (TR) gearbox support assembly. The
FAA is issuing this AD to detect failed rivets
and rivets with inadequate grip length. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in deterioration of the joint structural
integrity, detachment of the TR gearbox
support assembly, and loss of helicopter
control.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) As of the effective date of this AD, for
Model 429 helicopters S/N 57002 through
57210 inclusive and S/N 57212 and
subsequent that have accumulated less than
300 total hours time-in-service (TIS), within
100 hours TIS or 6 months after
accumulating 300 total hours TIS, whichever
occurs first; or for Model 429 helicopters S/
N 57002 through 57210 inclusive and S/N
57212 and subsequent that have replaced the
TR gearbox support assembly part number
(P/N) 429–034–701–101 or P/N 429–035–
705–101 and the helicopter has accumulated
less than 300 total hours TIS since the
replacement of the TR gearbox support
assembly, within 100 hours TIS or 6 months
after accumulating 300 total hours TIS since
the replacement, whichever occurs first:
(i) Visually inspect the external surface of
the TR gearbox support assembly for any
rivet heads that have separated from their
tail. If there are any rivet heads that have
separated from their tail, before further flight,
remove these rivets from service and measure
any gaps between the TR gearbox support
assembly and the tailboom skin by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I,
paragraphs 9.b. through 9.d. of Bell Alert
Service Bulletin 429–19–47, Revision B,
dated January 27, 2021 (ASB 429–19–47 Rev
B).
(A) If there are no gaps or if any gap
measures 0.005 in (0.127 mm) or less, before
further flight, replace the rivets removed
from service by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD
with airworthy rivets.
(B) If there are any gaps that exceed 0.005
in (0.127 mm), before further flight, repair the
gaps, and replace the rivets removed from
service by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD with
airworthy rivets. This AD requires repairing
any gaps in accordance with a method
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approved by the Manager, General Aviation
& Rotorcraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Bell
Textron Canada Limited’s Transport Canada
Design Approval Organization (DAO). If
approved by the DAO, the approval must
include the DAO-authorized signature.
(ii) Borescope inspect or use a light source
and mirror to visually inspect each rivet
inside the tailboom for any missing rivet
tails, any rivet tails resting at the bottom of
the tailboom, and any rivet tails not resting
against the tailboom skin.
(A) If there are any missing rivet tails, or
any rivet tails resting at the bottom of the
tailboom, before further flight, remove these
rivets from service, and measure any gaps
between the TR gearbox support assembly
and the tailboom skin by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part I,
paragraphs 9.b. through 9.d. of ASB 429–19–
47 Rev B.
(1) If there are no gaps or if any gap
measures 0.005 in (0.127 mm) or less, before
further flight, replace the rivets removed
from service by paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this
AD with airworthy rivets.
(2) If there are any gaps that exceed 0.005
in (0.127 mm), before further flight, repair the
gaps, and replace the rivets removed from
service by paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD
with airworthy rivets. This AD requires
repairing any gaps in accordance with a
method approved by the Manager, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport
Canada; or Bell Textron Canada Limited’s
Transport Canada DAO. If approved by the
DAO, the approval must include the DAOauthorized signature.
(B) If there are any rivet tails not resting
against the tailboom skin, before further
flight, remove these rivets from service and
replace them with airworthy rivets.
(iii) Perform a tactile inspection of the
rivets identified in Figure 1 of ASB 429–19–
47 Rev B, by pulling on each rivet tail with
pliers or pulling by hand. If any rivet does
come out when pulled with pliers or when
pulled by hand, before further flight, remove
any rivet from service that comes out when
pulled with pliers or when pulled by hand
and replace with an airworthy rivet.
(2) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57002
through 57210 inclusive and S/N 57212 and
subsequent that are not identified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, within 100 hours
TIS or 6 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first, perform the
actions as specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i)
through (iii) of this AD.
(3) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57002
through 57210 inclusive and S/N 57212 and
subsequent, within 400 hours TIS or 12
months, whichever occurs first after the
initial inspections required by paragraph
(g)(1) or (2) of this AD, as applicable to your
helicopter, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 400 hours TIS or 12 months,
whichever occurs first, accomplish the
actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i)
through (iii) of this AD.
(4) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57001
and 57211, within 400 hours TIS or 12
months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, and thereafter at
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
64155
intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS or 12
months, whichever occurs first, accomplish
the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i)
through (iii) of this AD.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2)
of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using Bell
Alert Service Bulletin 429–19–47, Revision
A, dated November 2, 2020; or Bell Alert
Service Bulletin 429–19–47, dated August 28,
2019.
(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: 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.
(j) 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) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429–19–47,
Revision A, dated November 2, 2020; and
Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429–19–47, dated
August 28, 2019, which are not incorporated
by reference, contain additional information
about the subject of this AD. This service
information is available at the contact
information specified in paragraphs (k)(3)
and (4) of this AD.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
Transport Canada AD CF–2021–15, dated
April 14, 2021. You may view the Transport
Canada AD on the internet at regulations.gov
in Docket No. FAA–2021–1074.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429–19–47,
Revision B, dated January 27, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Bell 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–
E:\FR\FM\24OCR1.SGM
24OCR1
64156
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 204 / Monday, October 24, 2022 / Rules and Regulations
433–0272; email productsupport@
bellflight.com; or at bellflight.com/support/
contact-support.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on September 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–22593 Filed 10–21–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0292; Project
Identifier AD–2021–01297–E; Amendment
39–22184; AD 2022–19–15]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; International
Aero Engines, LLC Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; correction.
AGENCY:
The FAA is correcting an
airworthiness directive (AD) that
published in the Federal Register. That
AD applies to certain International Aero
Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) PW1122G–JM,
PW1124G1–JM, PW1124G–JM,
PW1127G1–JM, PW1127GA–JM,
PW1127G–JM, PW1129G–JM,
PW1130G–JM, PW1133GA–JM, and
PW1133G–JM model turbofan engines.
The table numbers of the service
information referenced in paragraphs
(g)(2) and (3) are incorrect. This
document corrects those errors. In all
other respects, the original document
remains the same.
DATES: This correction is effective
November 7, 2022. The effective date of
AD 2022–19–15 remains November 7,
2022.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
SUMMARY:
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–
0292, or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:57 Oct 21, 2022
Jkt 259001
The AD docket contains this final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For Pratt & Whitney service
information identified in this final rule,
contact International Aero Engines, LLC,
400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT
06118; phone: (860) 690–9667; email:
help24@pw.utc.com; website:
connect.prattwhitney.com.
• 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 (817) 222–5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mark Taylor, Aviation Safety Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238–7229; email: Mark.Taylor@
faa.gov.
AD 2022–
19–15, Amendment 39–22184 (AD
2022–19–15), requires performing an
ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the highpressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk
and HPT 2nd-stage disk and, depending
on the results of the inspections,
replacement of the HPT 1st-stage disk or
HPT 2nd-stage disk for certain IAE LLC
PW1122G–JM, PW1124G1–JM,
PW1124G JM, PW1127G1–JM,
PW1127GA–JM, PW1127G–JM,
PW1129G–JM, PW1130G–JM,
PW1133GA–JM, and PW1133G–JM
model turbofan engines.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Need for the Correction
As published, the table numbers of
the service information referenced in
Required Actions, paragraphs (g)(2) and
(3) of AD 2022–19–15, are incorrect. The
table numbers are incorrectly referenced
in paragraphs (g)(2) and (3) as ‘‘Table
2.’’ and ‘‘Table 3.,’’ of Pratt & Whitney
Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G–C–72–
00–0188–00A–930A–D, Issue No: 002,
dated July 8, 2022. The correct table
number for paragraph (g)(2) is ‘‘Table
3.’’ and for paragraph (g)(3) is ‘‘Table
4.,’’ of PW SB PW1000G–C–72–00–
0188–00A–930A–D.
No other part of the preamble or
regulatory information has been
changed; for convenience, the entire
rule is being republished.
The effective date of this AD remains
November 7, 2022.
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Pratt & Whitney
SB PW1000G–C–72–00–0188–00A–
930A–D, Issue No: 002, dated July 8,
2022. This service information specifies
procedures for performing a USI of the
HPT 1st-stage disk and the HPT 2ndstage disk, identified by part number
and serial number, installed on IAE LLC
PW1124G1–JM, PW1127G–JM,
PW1127GA–JM, PW1129G–JM,
PW1130G–JM, PW1133G–JM, and
PW1133GA–JM model turbofan engines.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the
authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation
Administration amends part 39 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
part 39) by correcting 87 FR 59660
(October 3, 2022) beginning at page
59663, column 3 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Corrected]
2. The FAA corrects § 39.13 by
correcting the following airworthiness
directive to read:
■
2022–19–15 International Aero Engines,
LLC: Amendment 39–22184; Docket No.
FAA–2022–0292; Project Identifier AD–
2021–01297–E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective November 7, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to International Aero
Engines, LLC PW1122G–JM, PW1124G1–JM,
PW1124G–JM, PW1127G1–JM, PW1127GA–
JM, PW1127G–JM, PW1129G–JM, PW1130G–
JM, PW1133GA–JM, and PW1133G–JM
model turbofan engines with an installed:
(1) High-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage
disk, part numbers (P/Ns) 30G4201, 30G6201,
or 30G7301; and
(2) HPT 2nd-stage disk, P/Ns 30G3902,
30G5502, or 30G6602.
E:\FR\FM\24OCR1.SGM
24OCR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 204 (Monday, October 24, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64152-64156]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22593]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1074; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00447-R;
Amendment 39-22195; AD 2022-20-11]
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 reports of failed rivets between the tailboom skin and the
tail rotor (TR) gearbox support assembly. This AD requires visually
inspecting the external surface of the TR gearbox support assembly,
borescope inspecting or visually inspecting the inside of the tailboom
for certain conditions, and performing a tactile inspection. Depending
on the results of the inspections, this AD requires removing certain
rivets from service or repairing gaps in accordance with an approved
method. This AD also requires repeating these inspections within
certain intervals. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 28, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of November 28,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax
1-450-433-0272; email [email protected]; or at
bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view the referenced
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222-5110. Service information that is incorporated by
reference is also available at regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1074.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1074; 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: 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 [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 (S/N) 57001 and
subsequent. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 23,
2021 (86 FR 72891). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require visually
inspecting the external surface of the TR gearbox support assembly,
borescope inspecting or visually inspecting the inside of the tailboom
for certain conditions, and performing a tactile inspection. Depending
on the results of the inspections, the NPRM proposed to require
removing certain rivets from service or repairing gaps in accordance
with FAA-approved methods. The NPRM also proposed to require repeating
these inspections within certain intervals.
[[Page 64153]]
The NPRM was prompted by Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15, dated
April 14, 2021 (Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15), issued by Transport
Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, to correct an
unsafe condition for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters,
S/N 57001 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises of multiple in-
service reports of failed rivets at the joint between the tailboom skin
and the TR gearbox support assembly part number (P/N) 429-034-701-101
or P/N 429-035-705-101. Transport Canada states that in-service reports
also revealed a quality escape resulted in a gapping condition between
the tailboom skin and the TR gearbox support fitting at some locations
around the joint, and that rivets of inadequate grip length have been
installed at the affected joint. This condition, if not addressed,
could result in progressive deterioration of the joint structural
integrity, detachment of the TR gearbox support assembly and loss of
control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15 requires, for certain
serial-numbered helicopters, an initial visual inspection of the rivets
at the TR gearbox support assembly for signs of failed rivets or
inadequate grip length. Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15 also requires,
for all serial-numbered helicopters defined in the applicability,
repeating the initial visual inspection at intervals not to exceed 400
hours air time or 12 months, whichever occurs first. Transport Canada
AD CF-2021-15 also requires repair or replacement of affected parts if
discrepancies are found. Transport Canada considers its AD an interim
action and states that further AD action may follow.
After the FAA issued the NPRM, the FAA issued a supplemental notice
of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD
that would apply to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters,
S/N 57001 and subsequent. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register
on April 22, 2022 (87 FR 24077). The SNPRM proposed to require visually
inspecting the external surface of the TR gearbox support assembly,
borescope inspecting or visually inspecting the inside of the tailboom
for certain conditions, and performing a tactile inspection. Depending
on the results of the inspections, the SNPRM proposed to require
removing certain rivets from service or repairing gaps in accordance
with FAA-approved methods. The SNPRM also proposed to require repeating
these inspections within certain intervals.
The SNPRM was prompted by the FAA's determination that due to
thermal cycling, the compliance times in the NPRM should be revised to
include calendar compliance times. According to Bell, thermal cycling
is independent of flight hours (FH) and can occur when an aircraft is
stationary and is also a significant contributor to the unsafe
condition. Accordingly, the FAA determined the proposed paragraph (g)
of the NPRM had to be revised by including calendar compliance times.
Also, after the NPRM was issued, the FAA determined the proposed
paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of the NPRM had to be revised by deleting the
word ``not'' when referring to whether or not a rivet comes out when
pulled with pliers or when pulled by hand. This wording was incorrect
and the correct wording should only state ``does.'' Accordingly, these
changes were included in the SNPRM.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from Air Methods. The following
presents the comment received on the SNPRM and the FAA's response.
Request for More Information
The commenter stated Transport Canada AD CF-2021-15 requires
replacing any rivets and repairing any gaps that exceed 0.005 in (0.127
mm) in accordance with an approved Bell structural repair scheme,
whereas the proposed AD would require removing the rivets from service
and repairing gaps in accordance with an FAA-approved method instead.
The commenter stated that Bell does not normally provide FAA-approved
documentation and requested that the FAA clarify whether the FAA is
mandating receiving both a Bell Canada approval document and a separate
8110 from the FAA.
The FAA has revised paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(B) and (g)(1)(ii)(A)(2) of
this final rule from ``repair the gaps in accordance with an FAA-
approved method'' to ``repairing any gaps in accordance with a method
approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Bell
Textron Canada Limited's Transport Canada Design Approval Organization
(DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-
authorized signature.'' The FAA also revised the Costs of Compliance
section of this final rule to reflect these changes. These revisions
clarify that operators are not limited to a single method of repair in
order for a helicopter to be approved for return to service.
Additional Changes Since the SNPRM was Issued
Since the FAA issued the SNPRM, the FAA has revised paragraphs
(g)(1)(i)(A) and (B) of this final rule by adding the words ``replace
the rivets removed from service by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD with
airworthy rivets.'' The FAA determined this revision clarifies which
rivets should be replaced and that an airworthy rivet must be installed
when these rivets are removed from service.
The FAA has also revised paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii)(A) and
(B) of this final rule by adding the words ``remove these rivets from
service.'' The FAA determined this revision clarifies which rivets
should be removed from service. Additionally, the FAA revised this
final rule by adding paragraphs (g)(1)(ii)(A)(1) and (2) to this final
rule, which describe the corrective actions that are required as a
result of paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A). The FAA determined this revision was
necessary to clarify which rivets should be removed from service and
replaced after the gap measurements.
The FAA has also revised paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(B) of this final rule
by adding the words ``replace them with airworthy rivets.'' The FAA
determined this revision clarifies that an airworthy rivet must be
installed to replace the rivet(s) that were removed from service.
Additionally, the FAA revised the corrective action for any gaps
that equal 0.005 in (0.127 mm). In the SNPRM, the FAA proposed
repairing those gaps in accordance with an FAA-approved method and
removing the rivets from service. In this final rule, the FAA requires
removing certain rivets from service and replacing them with airworthy
rivets for that condition instead.
Finally, the FAA revised paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this final rule
by adding the words ``remove any rivet from service that comes out when
pulled with pliers or when pulled by hand and replace with an airworthy
rivet.'' The FAA determined this revision was necessary to clarify
which rivets should be removed from service if corrective action is
needed as a result of the tactile inspection and that an airworthy
rivet must be installed to replace the rivet that was removed from
service.
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
[[Page 64154]]
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. Except for minor editorial changes and any other
changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the
SNPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 429-19-47,
Revision B, dated January 27, 2021. This service information specifies
procedures for an initial and repetitive general visual inspections and
detailed inspections of the affected rivets at the joint between the
tailboom skin and the TR gearbox support assembly. This service
information also specifies procedures for replacing the affected rivets
and repairing the gaps in accordance with an approved Bell structural
repair scheme.
This service information 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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Bell ASB 429-19-47, dated August 28, 2019
(ASB 429-19-47), and Bell ASB 429-19-47, Revision A, dated November 2,
2020 (ASB 429-19-47 Rev A). ASB 429-19-47 specifies the same general
visual inspection as ASB 429-19-47 Rev A however, ASB 429-19-47 Rev A
introduces a repetitive inspection and specifies corrective actions if
any discrepant rivets are found. ASB 429-19-47 Rev A specifies the same
procedures for the initial and repetitive general visual inspections
and detailed inspections as ASB 429-19-47 Rev B however, ASB 429-19-47
Rev B revises the compliance section, description section, and
materials section, and also the accomplishment instructions.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. Once final
action has been identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.
Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD
If there are any gaps that exceed 0.005 in (0.127 mm), Transport
Canada AD CF-2021-15 requires replacing the rivets, repairing the gaps
in accordance with an approved Bell structural repair scheme, and
submitting certain information to the manufacturer. Whereas, if there
are any gaps that exceed 0.005 in (0.127 mm), this AD requires removing
the rivets from service and replacing the rivets with airworthy rivets.
This AD also requires repairing those gaps in accordance with a method
approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Bell
Textron Canada Limited's Transport Canada DAO instead. If there are any
gaps that are 0.005 in (0.127 mm) or less, Transport Canada AD CF-2021-
15 requires replacing the rivets, whereas this AD requires removing the
rivets from service and replacing them with airworthy rivets.
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.
Visually inspecting the surface of the TR gearbox support assembly
takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter
per inspection and $5,160 for the U.S. fleet per inspection.
If required, replacing an affected rivet takes about 1 work-hour
and parts cost about $110 per rivet for an estimated cost of $195 per
rivet replacement.
If required, measuring gaps takes about 0.5 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter.
If required, repairing a gap in accordance with an FAA-approved
method takes up to about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of up to $85
per repair. The FAA has no way to determine the cost estimate of
repairing a gap using a method approved by Transport Canada, or Bell
Textron Canada Limited's Transport Canada DAO.
Visually inspecting or borescope inspecting the inside of the
tailboom takes about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per
helicopter per inspection and $5,160 for the U.S. fleet per inspection.
Performing a tactile inspection takes about 0.5 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter per inspection and $5,160 for the
U.S. fleet per inspection.
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2022-20-11 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-22195; Docket
No. FAA-2021-1074; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00447-R.
[[Page 64155]]
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 28,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429
helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 57001 and subsequent, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft
tailboom.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of failed rivets between the
tailboom skin and the tail rotor (TR) gearbox support assembly. The
FAA is issuing this AD to detect failed rivets and rivets with
inadequate grip length. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in deterioration of the joint structural integrity,
detachment of the TR gearbox support assembly, and loss of
helicopter control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) As of the effective date of this AD, for Model 429
helicopters S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive and S/N 57212 and
subsequent that have accumulated less than 300 total hours time-in-
service (TIS), within 100 hours TIS or 6 months after accumulating
300 total hours TIS, whichever occurs first; or for Model 429
helicopters S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive and S/N 57212 and
subsequent that have replaced the TR gearbox support assembly part
number (P/N) 429-034-701-101 or P/N 429-035-705-101 and the
helicopter has accumulated less than 300 total hours TIS since the
replacement of the TR gearbox support assembly, within 100 hours TIS
or 6 months after accumulating 300 total hours TIS since the
replacement, whichever occurs first:
(i) Visually inspect the external surface of the TR gearbox
support assembly for any rivet heads that have separated from their
tail. If there are any rivet heads that have separated from their
tail, before further flight, remove these rivets from service and
measure any gaps between the TR gearbox support assembly and the
tailboom skin by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I,
paragraphs 9.b. through 9.d. of Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-
47, Revision B, dated January 27, 2021 (ASB 429-19-47 Rev B).
(A) If there are no gaps or if any gap measures 0.005 in (0.127
mm) or less, before further flight, replace the rivets removed from
service by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD with airworthy rivets.
(B) If there are any gaps that exceed 0.005 in (0.127 mm),
before further flight, repair the gaps, and replace the rivets
removed from service by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD with
airworthy rivets. This AD requires repairing any gaps in accordance
with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada;
or Bell Textron Canada Limited's Transport Canada Design Approval
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must
include the DAO-authorized signature.
(ii) Borescope inspect or use a light source and mirror to
visually inspect each rivet inside the tailboom for any missing
rivet tails, any rivet tails resting at the bottom of the tailboom,
and any rivet tails not resting against the tailboom skin.
(A) If there are any missing rivet tails, or any rivet tails
resting at the bottom of the tailboom, before further flight, remove
these rivets from service, and measure any gaps between the TR
gearbox support assembly and the tailboom skin by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 9.b. through 9.d. of
ASB 429-19-47 Rev B.
(1) If there are no gaps or if any gap measures 0.005 in (0.127
mm) or less, before further flight, replace the rivets removed from
service by paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD with airworthy rivets.
(2) If there are any gaps that exceed 0.005 in (0.127 mm),
before further flight, repair the gaps, and replace the rivets
removed from service by paragraph (g)(1)(ii)(A) of this AD with
airworthy rivets. This AD requires repairing any gaps in accordance
with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada;
or Bell Textron Canada Limited's Transport Canada DAO. If approved
by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(B) If there are any rivet tails not resting against the
tailboom skin, before further flight, remove these rivets from
service and replace them with airworthy rivets.
(iii) Perform a tactile inspection of the rivets identified in
Figure 1 of ASB 429-19-47 Rev B, by pulling on each rivet tail with
pliers or pulling by hand. If any rivet does come out when pulled
with pliers or when pulled by hand, before further flight, remove
any rivet from service that comes out when pulled with pliers or
when pulled by hand and replace with an airworthy rivet.
(2) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive
and S/N 57212 and subsequent that are not identified in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, within 100 hours TIS or 6 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform the
actions as specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this
AD.
(3) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57002 through 57210 inclusive
and S/N 57212 and subsequent, within 400 hours TIS or 12 months,
whichever occurs first after the initial inspections required by
paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, as applicable to your
helicopter, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS
or 12 months, whichever occurs first, accomplish the actions
required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
(4) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57001 and 57211, within 400
hours TIS or 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
400 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, accomplish the
actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using Bell Alert
Service Bulletin 429-19-47, Revision A, dated November 2, 2020; or
Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-47, dated August 28, 2019.
(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 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 [email protected].
(2) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-47, Revision A, dated
November 2, 2020; and Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-47, dated
August 28, 2019, which are not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of this AD. This service
information is available at the contact information specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD
CF-2021-15, dated April 14, 2021. You may view the Transport Canada
AD on the internet at regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-1074.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-47, Revision B, dated
January 27, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Bell 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-
[[Page 64156]]
433-0272; email [email protected]; or at bellflight.com/support/contact-support.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on September 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-22593 Filed 10-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P