Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 222, 222B, and 222U Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 130 (Tuesday, July 8, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40483-40484]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-16688]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-SW-27-AD; Amendment 39-13214; AD 2003-13-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 
222, 222B, and 222U Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) model helicopters 
that requires a one-time inspection of the adjustable stop screws of 
the magnetic brake assembly; repairing, as appropriate, certain 
mechanical damage to the cyclic and collective flight control magnetic 
brake arm assembly (arm assembly), if necessary; and installing the 
stop screw with the proper adhesive, adjusting the arm assembly travel, 
and applying slippage marks. This amendment is prompted by reports that 
the magnetic brake adjustable screws have backed out, which limited 
travel of the arm assembly. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to detect loose adjustable stop screws that could result in 
limiting the travel of the cyclic and collective arm assembly, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective August 12, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 12, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, 
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax 
(450) 433-0272. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Harrison, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Safety Management Group, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5128, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for Bell Model 222, 222B, and 222U helicopters was 
published in the Federal Register on February 7, 2003 (68 FR 6383). 
That action proposed to require inspecting the adjustable stop screws 
of the magnetic brake assembly to ensure they are installed correctly; 
repairing the arm assembly, if necessary; installing the stop screw 
with the proper adhesive; adjusting the arm assembly travel; and 
applying slippage marks.
    Transport Canada, the airworthiness authority for Canada, notified 
the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on Bell Model 222, 222B, and 
222U helicopters with Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) kits, part number 
(P/N) 222-706-013, installed, and all delivered spare magnetic brakes, 
P/N 222-706-013, manufactured by Memcor Truohm, Inc., under P/N MP 498-
3. Transport Canada advises that the stop screws, P/N MS51959-3, of the 
magnetic brake, P/N 204-001-376-003 (Memcor Truohm P/N MP 498-3), were 
installed without the proper adhesive.
    Bell has issued Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. 222-01-87, for Model 222 and 222B helicopters, and ASB No. 
222U-01-58, for Model 222U helicopters, both dated January 19, 2001. 
Both ASB's specify a one-time inspection of the magnetic brake 
adjustable stop screw, P/N M551959-3; repairing any arm assembly 
mechanical damage created by the screws; and installing the stop screw 
with the proper adhesive and adjusting the arm assembly shaft travel. 
Transport Canada classified these ASB's as mandatory and issued AD No. 
CF-2002-17, dated March 4, 2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness 
of these helicopters in Canada.

[[Page 40484]]

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.
    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness 
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to 
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of 
compliance. However, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we 
have retained the language of the NPRM regarding that material.
    The FAA estimates that 92 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 3 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$3,785. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $364,780, assuming all parts are replaced.
    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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) 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2003-13-13 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39-13214. 
Docket No. 2002-SW-27-AD.

    Applicability: Model 222, 222B, and 222U helicopters, with a 
magnetic brake, part number (P/N) 204-001-376-105 or -107, 
installed, that was manufactured by Memcor Truohm, Inc. as P/N 
MP498-105 or -107, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required within 100 hours time in service and before 
installation of any affected magnetic brake, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect loose adjustable stop screws that could result in 
limiting the travel of the cyclic and collective arm assembly, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter:
    (a) Inspect and, if necessary, repair, adjust, and apply 
slippage marks to the magnetic brake assembly in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 5. through 11. in Bell 
Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 222-01-87, 
applicable to Model 222 and 222B helicopters, or ASB No. 222U-01-58, 
applicable to Model 222U helicopters, both dated January 19, 2001, 
except if damage to the arm assembly exceeds 0.030 inch (0.762 mm), 
replace the magnetic brake assembly with an airworthy magnetic brake 
assembly. Contacting the manufacturer is not required.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and 
then send it to the Manager, Safety Management Group.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Safety Management Group.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The actions referenced in paragraph (a) of this AD shall be 
done in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. 222-01-87, applicable to Model 222 and 222B 
helicopters, or ASB No. 222U-01-58, applicable to Model 222U 
helicopters, both dated January 19, 2001. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de 
l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4. Copies may be inspected at the 
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 12, 2003.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
(Canada) AD CF-2002-17, dated March 4, 2002.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 20, 2003.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-16688 Filed 7-7-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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