Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Model 206A and 206B Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 151 (Monday, August 8, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45526-45527]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15581]



[[Page 45526]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21230; Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-51-AD; 
Amendment 39-14209; AD 2005-16-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Model 206A and 
206B Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Bell Helicopter Textron (Bell) Model 206A and 206B helicopters modified 
by Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
SH1392SO with certain part-numbered high crosstubes. This amendment 
requires inspecting at specified time intervals and replacing any 
cracked crosstubes. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of a 
cracked high forward crosstube. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to detect a crack in the crosstube which could lead to failure 
of the crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective September 12, 2005.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD 
from Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, Tennessee 
37625-3689, telephone (423) 538-5151 or (800) 251-7094, fax (423) 538-
8469, or e-mail at access.com">sales@aero-access.com.
    Examining the Docket: You may examine the docket that contains this 
AD, any comments, and other information on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management System (DMS), U.S. Department 
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, on the plaza 
level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marc Belhumeur, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0170, telephone (817) 222-5177, fax (817) 222-
5783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for Bell Model 206A and 206B helicopters that have 
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. crosstubes installed was published in 
the Federal Register on May 17, 2005 (70 FR 28220). That action 
proposed to require the following within 300 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) or 60 days, whichever occurs first, and after that at intervals 
not to exceed 300 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first:
    <bullet> Inspecting each forward crosstube, part number (P/N) 206-
321-001 with serial number (S/N) 1001 through 1152, for a crack and 
replacing any cracked crosstube with an airworthy crosstube before 
further flight; and
    <bullet> Inspecting each high aft crosstube, P/N 206-321-002, with 
S/N 2001 through 2152, for a crack and replacing any cracked crosstube 
with an airworthy crosstube before further flight.
    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.
    We estimate that this AD will affect 150 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Inspecting both crosstubes on each helicopter will take 
approximately 3 work hours and replacing both crosstubes, if necessary, 
will also take approximately 3 work hours. The average labor rate is 
$65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,260 per 
crosstube. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $736,500 ($4,910 per helicopter, 
assuming one inspection and one forward and one aft crosstube 
replacement on the entire fleet).

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that 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 the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD. See the DMS to examine the economic evaluation.

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.
    We are 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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:

2005-16-04 Bell Helicopter Textron: Amendment 39-14209. Docket No. 
FAA-2005-21230; Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-51-AD.

    Applicability: Model 206A and 206B helicopters modified by 
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate 
SH1392SO, with high forward crosstube, part number (P/N) 206-321-001 
with serial number (S/N) 1001 through 1152, and high aft crosstube, 
P/N 206-321-002 with S/N 2001 through 2152, installed, certificated 
in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect a crack in the crosstube, which could lead to failure 
of the crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

[[Page 45527]]

    (a) Within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 60 days, whichever 
occurs first, and after that at intervals not to exceed 300 hours 
TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, remove each crosstube and 
inspect it for cracks. Replace any cracked crosstube with an 
airworthy crosstube before further flight.

    Note: Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin No. 
AA-03121, dated October 25, 2004, pertains to the subject of this 
AD.

    (b) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Contact the Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods 
of compliance.
    (c) This amendment becomes effective on September 12, 2005.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 29, 2005.
S. Frances Cox,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-15581 Filed 8-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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