Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 177 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56148-56150]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21716]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0400; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-48-AD; 
Amendment 39-17579; AD 2013-18-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
(Bell) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell 
Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 
407, 427, and 430 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each bearing 
to determine if it has been properly staked and replacing the bearing 
or assembly if it has not been properly staked. This AD was prompted by 
bearings not being properly staked and migrating out of their proper 
position, which may limit the functionality of the affected part. The 
actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of a bearing and the 
assembly in which it is installed and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective October 17, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, 
Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 
433-0272, or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the foreign authority's AD, 
the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, 
M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On May 13, 2013, at 78 FR 27869, the Federal Register published our 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Bell Model 206A, 206B, 
206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 
helicopters. The NPRM proposed using a 10X or higher power magnifying 
glass or a boroscope to inspect each bearing in each affected part to 
determine if each bearing had been properly staked. For a part that 
could not be accessed to determine if the bearing is properly staked, 
the NPRM proposed removing the part from the helicopter to inspect it. 
The NPRM proposed replacing the bearing or assembly if it was not 
properly staked. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent 
failure of a bearing and the assembly in which it is installed and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF-2009-32, dated July 24, 2009, 
issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
Bell model

[[Page 56149]]

helicopters. TCCA advises that some bearings may not have been staked 
as required, which may limit the proper functioning of the affected 
part. Bell, the helicopter manufacturer, received two reports stating 
that a bearing migrated out of a flight control lever. Investigation 
revealed that, although the inspection witness mark was applied to the 
part, the bearing had not been staked during manufacturing. Affected 
parts were associated with a single Bell supplier. Review of the 
supplier's manufacturing and quality process indicates inspection of 
additional parts is necessary.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (78 FR 27869, 
May 13, 2013).

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 
our bilateral agreement with Canada, TCCA has notified us of the unsafe 
condition described in its AD. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by TCCA and determined the unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters 
of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    Bell has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-09-122 for 
Model 206A/B series; No. 206L-09-156 for Model 206L series; No. 222-09-
107 for Model 222 and 222B; No. 222U-09-78 for Model 222U; No. 230-09-
39 for Model 230; No. 407-09-88 for Model 407; No. 427-09-25 for Model 
427; and No. 430-09-42, for Model 430, all dated April 7, 2009. The 
ASBs specify inspecting for parts that contain bearings that have not 
been staked.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 2,601 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we 
estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. It will take about 1 to 5 work-hours per 
helicopter, depending on the model, to inspect for properly staked 
bearings. Replacing a bearing will require about 2 work-hours and will 
cost $3,306 for required parts. Based on an average inspection time of 
2 work-hours, we estimate the cost of this AD to inspect the 
helicopters will be $170 per helicopter and $442,170 for the U.S. 
operator fleet. Replacing a bearing will cost $3,476 per helicopter.

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 helicopters 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    (4) 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 and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2013-18-06 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-
17579; Docket No. FAA-2013-0400; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-48-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-
4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters as follows, 
certificated in any category.
    (1) Model 206A, Model 206B helicopters converted from Model 
206A, and Model 206B with Bellcrank Assembly, part-number (P/N) 206-
001-526-001 or 206-001-538-009; Idler Link Assembly, P/N 206-010-
336-109; or Link Assembly, P/N 206-031-589-001, installed.
    (2) Model 206L, Model 206L-1, Model 206L-3, and Model 206L-4 
with Idler Assembly, P/N 206-001-549-101; Bellcrank Assembly, P/N 
206-001-552-001; or Link Assembly, P/N 206-010-336-109, installed.
    (3) Model 222 and Model 222B with
    (i) Cyclic Link Assembly, P/N 222-010-419-110; or
    (ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-
001 or 222-001-736-005, installed.
    (4) Model 222U with
    (i) Cyclic Link Assembly, P/N 222-010-419-110; or
    (ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-
001 or 222-001-736-005, installed.
    (5) Model 230 with
    (i) Fitting Assembly Engine Bipod Mount, P/N 230-060-113-101, 
230-060-113-102, 230-060-114-101, or 230-060-114-102; Cyclic Link 
Assembly P/N 222-010-419-110; or
    (ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-
001, or 222-001-736-005, installed.
    (6) Model 407 with
    (i) Bearing and Liner Assembly, P/N 406-010-417-101; Cyclic 
Mixer Follower Assembly, P/N 407-001-325-101; Bellcrank Assembly, P/
N 407-001-524-105, 407-001-524-109, 407-001-526-105, 407-001-526-
109, 407-001-528-101, or 407-001-528-105; or
    (ii) Beam Assembly, P/N 407-001-723-101, installed.
    (7) Model 427 with Swashplate Lateral Link Assembly (upper and 
lower bearing), P/N 427-001-021-101; Swashplate Longitudinal Link 
Assembly (upper and lower bearing), P/N 427-001-022-101; 
Transmission Mounted Longitudinal Bellcrank Assembly (pivot 
bearing), P/N 427-001-521-105/-109; Transmission Mounted Lateral 
Bellcrank Assembly (pivot bearing), P/N 427-001-520-109/-113; or 
Bearing and

[[Page 56150]]

Liner (lower drive link bearing), P/N 406-010-417-109, installed.
    (8) Model 427 with Tail Rotor Actuator Output Idler, P/N 427-
001-723-101, installed.
    (9) Model 430 with
    (i) Fitting Assembly Engine Bipod Mount, P/N 230-060-113-101, 
230-060-113-102, 230-060-114-101, or 230-060-114-102; Bearing 
Assembly M/R Rotating Controls, P/N 430-010-449-101; Rod End 
Assembly Lift link, P/N 430-010-204-101 or 430-010-204-103, or
    (ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-
001, or 222-001-736-005, installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as bearings that may not 
have been staked as required and may migrate out of their proper 
position and limit the functionality of the affected part. This 
condition could result in failure of a bearing and the lever 
assembly in which it is installed and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 17, 2013.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Perform each action required by this AD within the 
compliance time for each part listed in the applicability paragraph 
of this AD as follows: (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(6)(i), (a)(7), and 
(a)(8), within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever 
occurs first; (a)(3)(i), (a)(4)(i), (a)(5)(i), and (a)(9)(i), within 
5 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first; (a)(3)(ii), 
(a)(4)(ii), (a)(5)(ii), and (a)(9)(ii) within 150 hours TIS or 12 
months, whichever occurs first; and (a)(6)(ii) within 300 hours TIS 
or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass or using a 
boroscope, inspect each bearing and determine if the bearing has 
been properly staked for each part that contains a part serial 
number with a prefix of either ``TI'' or ``TIFS.''
    (i) If a part does not contain a serial number, inspect the 
bearing of that part even if that part contains a supplier marking.
    (ii) If you cannot access the bearing while the part is 
installed on the helicopter to make a determination as to whether 
the bearing in the part is properly staked, remove the part and 
inspect the bearing using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass or 
using a boroscope.
    (iii) If you find a part that is not properly staked, replace 
the bearing or the assembly with an airworthy bearing or assembly 
before further flight.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to Sharon Miles, ASW-111, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance 
Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 
222-5110, email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-09-122 for Models 
206A and 206B; No. 206L-09-156 for Models 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 
206L-4; No. 222-09-107 for Models 222 and 222B; No. 222U-09-78 for 
Model 222U; No. 230-09-39 for Model 230; No. 407-09-88 for Model 
407; No. 427-09-25 for Model 427; and No. 430-09-42 for Model 430, 
all dated April 7, 2009, which are not incorporated by reference, 
contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For 
service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter 
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec 
J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 433-
0272, or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation AD No. CF-2009-32, dated July 24, 2009, which may be 
reviewed in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code: 6700 Rotorcraft 
Flight Controls and 6710 Main Rotor Control.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 27, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-21716 Filed 9-11-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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