Federal Aviation Administration June 20, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 helicopters. This proposed AD would require measuring each main rotor (M/R) blade spar space to determine whether it is oversized and reidentifying the blade and reducing the life limit of the blade if the spar spacer is oversized. This proposed AD is prompted by the manufacture of certain main rotor blades with an oversized spar spacer and the determination to reduce the life limits of those main rotor blades. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a M/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP helicopters. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting each jettisonable emergency exit window panel (window) for sealant, and removing any sealant that exists in the window's extruded sections. This proposed AD is prompted by jettison tests during routine maintenance inspections that showed the windows failed to jettison. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of the windows to jettison, so helicopter occupants can exit the aircraft during an emergency.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for ECD Model BO105C (C-2 and CB-2 Variants) and BO105S (CS-2 and CBS-2 Variants) helicopters with a certain third stage turbine wheel installed. This proposed AD would require installing a placard on the instrument panel and revising the limitations section of the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM). This proposed AD is prompted by several incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-state operations. The proposed actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, prevent failure of the third stage engine turbine, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206L-4 and 407 helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing or reworking certain aft bearing caps. This proposed AD is prompted by the manufacture of certain freewheel aft bearing caps without a lubrication channel to allow oil flow into the aft bearing support assembly. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of the freewheel unit and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

This action corrects a final rule published by the FAA in the Federal Register on May 21, 2013, that establishes five RNAV routes in support of the Washington, DC, Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in a Metroplex project. This correction changes the name of one waypoint (WP) in the legal descriptions of RNAV routes T-291 and T-295.