Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 21, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42205-42207]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17905]



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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 162 / Tuesday, August 21, 2018 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 42205]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0738; Product Identifier 2017-SW-132-AD; Amendment 
39-19355; AD 2018-17-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-15-02 for 
Bell Model 212 and 412 helicopters. AD 2017-15-02 required replacing 
certain oil and fuel check valves and prohibited installing them on any 
helicopter. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2017-15-02 and adds 
certain model helicopters to the applicability. This AD was prompted by 
the discovery of an error in the affected models. We are issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 5, 2018.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by October 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact Bell 
Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone 
(817) 280-3391; fax (817) 280-6466; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0738; 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 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 
800-647-5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jurgen E. Priester, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, DSCO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5159; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued AD 2017-15-02, Amendment 39-18962 (82 FR 33439, July 20, 
2017), (``AD 2017-15-02''). AD 2017-15-02 applied to Bell Model 212 and 
412 helicopters with an engine oil or fuel check valve part number (P/
N) 209-062-520-001 or P/N 209-062-607-001 that was manufactured by 
Circor Aerospace, marked ``Circle Seal'' and marked with a 
manufacturing date code of ``10/11'' (October 2011) through ``03/15'' 
(March 2015) installed. AD 2017-15-02 resulted from a report that 
certain part numbered 209-062-520-001 check valves manufactured by 
Circor Aerospace as replacement parts have been found cracked or 
leaking on several Bell Model 427 and Model 429 helicopters. These 
check valves may be installed as engine oil check valves on Bell Model 
212 helicopters. Similar check valves, part number 209-062-607-001, may 
be installed as fuel check valves on Bell Model 212 or 412 helicopters. 
These check valves may have a condition induced during assembly that 
can cause the valve body to crack, resulting in oil or fuel leakage. 
This condition could result in loss of lubrication or fuel to the 
engine, failure of the engine or a fire, and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter. To address this condition, AD 2017-15-02 required 
replacing the engine oil and fuel check valves and prohibited 
installing an affected check valve on any helicopter.

Actions Since AD 2017-15-02 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-15-02, we discovered an error in that Bell 
Model 412CF and 412EP helicopters should have been included in the 
applicability of the AD. Additionally, Bell revised its service 
information to exclude check valves identified with ``TQL'' regardless 
of manufacture date. Check valves marked ``TQL'' were manufactured 
using a different process and are not affected by the unsafe condition. 
Therefore, we are superseding AD 2017-15-02 to add Bell Model 412CF and 
412EP helicopters to the applicability and to exclude check valves 
marked ``TQL.''

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 212-15-153, Revision 
A, dated October 6, 2017 (212-15-153), and Bell ASB 212-15-155, 
Revision A, dated October 6, 2017 (212-15-155), for Model 212 
helicopters; Bell ASB 412-15-165, Revision A, dated October 6, 2017 
(412-15-165), and Bell ASB 412-15-168, Revision A, dated October 6, 
2017 (ASB 412-15-168), for Model 412 and 412 EP helicopters; and Bell 
ASB 412CF-15-57, Revision A, dated October 6, 2017 (412CF-15-57), and 
Bell ASB 412CF-15-59, Revision A, dated October 6, 2017 (412CF-15-59), 
for Model 412CF helicopters. ASB 212-15-153, ASB 412-15-165, and ASB 
412-CF-15-57 contain procedures for inspecting and replacing engine oil 
check valve P/N 209-062-520-001. ASB 212-15-155, ASB 412-15-168, and 
ASB

[[Page 42206]]

412CF-15-59 contain procedures for inspecting and replacing fuel check 
valve P/N 209-062-607-001. Revision A of the service information 
clarifies that check valves identified with ``TQL'' are not affected by 
the ASB procedures.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), replacing 
the engine oil and fuel check valves. This AD also prohibits installing 
on any helicopter a check valve P/N 209-062-520-001 or P/N 209-062-607-
001 that was manufactured by Circor Aerospace, marked ``Circle Seal'' 
and marked with a manufacturing date code of ``10/11'' (October 2011) 
through ``03/15'' (March 2015), except if ``TQL'' is marked next to the 
manufacturing date code.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the actions required by this AD must be accomplished within 25 
hours TIS, a very short interval for helicopters used in firefighting 
and logging operations. Therefore, we find good cause that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition, 
for the reason stated above, we find that good cause exists for making 
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final 
rule. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES 
section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-0738 and product identifier 
2017-SW-132-AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically 
invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and 
energy aspects of this final rule. We will consider all comments 
received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 161 (59 Model 212 and 102 Model 
412) helicopters of U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85, replacing each 
check valve (engine oil or fuel) will require about 1 work-hour, and 
required parts will cost $85. For the Model 212, we estimate a total 
cost of $340 per helicopter and $20,060 for the U.S. fleet. For the 
Model 412, we estimate a total cost of $170 per helicopter and $17,340 
for the U.S. fleet.
    According to Bell's service information some of the costs of this 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Bell. 
Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

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.

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, 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.

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 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-15-02, Amendment 39-18962 (82 FR 33439, July 20, 2017) and adding 
the following new AD:

2018-17-01 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Amendment 39-19355; Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0738; Product Identifier 2017-SW-132-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 5, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-15-02, Amendment 39-18962 (82 FR 33439, 
July 20, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with an engine oil check 
valve part number (P/N) 209-062-520-001 or fuel check valve P/N 209-
062-607-001 manufactured by Circor Aerospace, marked ``Circle Seal'' 
and with a manufacturing date code of ``10/11'' (October 2011) 
through ``03/15'' (March 2015), except a check valve marked ``TQL'' 
next to the manufacturing date code, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Codes: 7900 Engine Oil 
System and 2800 Aircraft Fuel System.

[[Page 42207]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a cracked or leaking 
check valve, which could result in loss of lubrication or fuel to 
the engine, failure of the engine or a fire, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Replace each fuel check valve.
    (ii) For Model 212, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, replace each 
engine oil check valve.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
helicopter a check valve P/N 209-062-520-001 or P/N 209-062-607-001 
manufactured by Circor Aerospace, marked ``Circle Seal'' and with a 
manufacturing date code of ``10/11'' (October 2011) through ``03/
15'' (March 2015), except for a check valve marked ``TQL'' next to 
the manufacturing date code.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, DSCO 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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (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.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Jurgen E. Priester, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5159; email [email protected].

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 10, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-17905 Filed 8-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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