Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 113 (Thursday, June 11, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35555-35557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-12592]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0866; Product Identifier 2018-SW-083-AD; Amendment 
39-21145; AD 2020-12-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-12-08 
for Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell), Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 
412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. AD 2011-12-08 required a one-time 
inspection of the tail rotor (T/R) blade for corrosion and pitting. 
This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2011-12-08 while excluding 
certain T/R blades from the applicability. This AD was prompted by new 
manufacturing and inspection procedures implemented by Bell that 
correct the unsafe condition on more recently manufactured T/R blades. 
The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 16, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 5, 2011 
(76 FR 35334, June 17, 2011).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bell Textron Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; 
telephone 817-280-3391; fax 817-280-6466; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available 
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0866.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2018-0866; 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 AD, any service 
information that is incorporated by reference, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is 
Docket Operations, U.S. Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kuethe Harmon, Safety Management 
Program Manager, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone 817-222-5198; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to remove AD 2011-12-08, Amendment 39-16715 (76 FR 35334, 
June 17, 2011) (``AD 2011-12-08'') and add a new AD. AD 2011-12-08 
applied to Bell Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP 
helicopters with a T/R blade, part number 212-010-750 (all dash 
numbers), all serial numbers (S/Ns) except those with a prefix of ``A'' 
and the number 17061 or larger, and required a one-time inspection of 
the T/R blade for corrosion and pitting. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on April 11, 2019 (84 FR 14626). The NPRM proposed to 
retain the requirements of AD 2011-12-08 but remove blades with an S/N 
prefix of ``BH'' from the applicability. The proposed actions were 
intended to correct the unsafe conditions on these products.
    Since the FAA issued the NPRM, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., has 
changed its name to Bell Textron Inc. This final rule reflects that 
change and updates the contact information to obtain service 
documentation.

Comments

    After the NPRM was published, the FAA received comments from five 
commenters, four from individuals and one from the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    Two individual commenters supported the NPRM.

Comments Requesting More Information

    EASA and an individual commenter requested that the FAA provide 
more information about the unsafe condition and the related service 
information.
    Request: One individual requested details regarding the 
manufacturing anomalies due to the chemical milling process, how the 
process affected the

[[Page 35556]]

manufacturing of other parts, and what manufacturing changes have been 
made to ensure future problems do not continue.
    FAA Response: The FAA agrees to provide additional information. AD 
2011-12-08 was issued in 2011 to address manufacturing anomalies in the 
chemical milling process. Chem-milled steps are applied to all tail 
rotor metal blade spars. Pits in the spars were found along the step of 
straight chem-mill cuts. Gas bubbles were trapped on the step of the 
cut, and this created pits down the length of the step in the radius. 
To address this, Bell advised its supplier to better agitate the tanks, 
change the wetting agent, or use vertical racking instead of 
horizontal. In addition to corrective actions taken by the chem-mill 
supplier, Bell added inspections for chem-mill defects upon receipt of 
the spars. No problems have recurred since the AD 2011-12-08 was 
issued. This superseding AD does not change any of the corrective 
actions from AD 2011-12-08. This superseding AD only excludes a newly 
manufactured part that is not subject to the unsafe condition 
identified in AD 2011-12-08.
    Request: EASA requested the FAA make the Bell service bulletins 
referenced in the NPRM available for review in the AD docket. EASA also 
asked whether Bell will revise its service bulletins to exclude blades 
with the prefix ``BH.''
    FAA Response: Because the Bell service bulletins requested by EASA 
were incorporated by reference in AD 2011-12-08, they are available on 
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in AD Docket No. FAA-2011-
0561. In addition, they will be available in the AD docket for this new 
AD, Docket No. FAA-2018-0866. The FAA is unaware of whether Bell will 
revise its service bulletins.

Request for the FAA To Inspect the T/R Blades

    One commenter disagreed with the FAA's proposal to supersede the AD 
by removing T/R blades with an S/N with a prefix of ``BH'' from the 
applicability. The commenter stated that these blades should still be 
inspected by the FAA.
    FAA Response: The FAA has determined that the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD does not apply to T/R blades with an S/N with a 
prefix of ``BH''. Therefore, those blades have been removed from the 
applicability. In addition, neither AD 2011-12-08 nor this superseding 
AD require operators to have the T/R blades inspected by the FAA. 
Instead, the T/R blades must be inspected using standard requirements 
under 14 CFR parts 43 and 145.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA has reviewed the relevant information and determined that 
an 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 Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA has reviewed the following Bell Alert Service Bulletins, 
all Revision A, and all dated December 8, 2009, which specify a one-
time inspection of the T/R blades for corrosion or pitting, and 
repairing or replacing the T/R blade if corrosion, pitting, or other 
damage is discovered:
    <bullet> Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 205-09-102, for Model 
205A and 205A-1 helicopters;
    <bullet> ASB No. 205B-09-54, for Model 205B helicopters;
    <bullet> ASB No. 212-09-134, for Model 212 helicopters;
    <bullet> ASB No. 412-09-136, for Model 412 and 412EP helicopters; 
and
    <bullet> ASB No. 412CF-09-38, for Model 412CF helicopters.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 384 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 
per work-hour.
    Inspecting a T/R blade takes about 10 work-hours and no parts for 
an estimated cost of $850 per helicopter and $326,400 for the U.S. 
fleet.
    Repairing a T/R blade takes about 10 work-hours and parts cost $750 
for an estimated replacement cost of $1,600 per blade.
    Replacing a T/R blade takes about 10 work-hours and parts cost 
$28,120 for an estimated replacement cost of $28,970 per blade.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2011-12-08, Amendment 39-16715 (76 FR 35334, June 17, 2011), and adding 
the following new AD:

2020-12-10 Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.): Amendment 39-21145; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0866; Product Identifier 2018-SW-083-AD.

[[Page 35557]]

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate 
previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.) Model 205A, 205A-1, 
205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, certificated in any 
category, with a tail rotor (T/R) blade part number 212-010-750 (all 
dash numbers) installed, all serial numbers (S/Ns) except:
    (1) S/Ns with a prefix of ``BH''; or
    (2) S/Ns with a prefix of ``A'' and a number 17061 or larger.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a pit or corrosion in 
the forward spar of a T/R blade. This condition could result in a 
crack in the T/R blade, loss of the T/R blade, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2011-12-08, Amendment 39-16715 (76 FR 35334, 
June 17, 2011) (``AD 2011-12-08'').

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 16, 2020.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service or 30 days, whichever occurs 
first:
    (i) Remove the T/R hub and blade assembly from the helicopter 
and remove the T/R blade from the hub. Remove the paint from the 
spar area on both sides of the T/R blade by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3. through 5., of the 
following Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletins, all 
Revision A, and all dated December 8, 2009: Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. 205-09-102 for the Model 205A and 205A-1 helicopters; ASB 
No. 205B-09-54 for the Model 205B helicopters; ASB No. 212-09-134 
for the Model 212 helicopters; ASB No. 412CF-09-38 for the Model 
412CF helicopters; and ASB No. 412-09-136 for the Model 412 and 
412EP helicopters.
    (ii) Using a 3-power or higher magnifying glass, visually 
inspect both sides of the T/R blade for any corrosion or pitting in 
the spar inspection areas as depicted in Figure 1 of the ASB for 
your model helicopter.
    (2) Before further flight:
    (i) If you find any corrosion or pitting that is 0.003 inch deep 
or less, either replace the T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade or 
repair the T/R blade.
    (ii) If you find any corrosion or pitting that is greater than 
0.003 inch deep, replace the T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade.
    (iii) If any parent material is removed during the sanding 
operation required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD, either replace 
the T/R blade with an airworthy T/R blade, or repair the T/R blade 
if the parent material removed is within the maximum repair damage 
limits.
    (iv) If there is no corrosion or pitting and no damage greater 
than 0.003 inch deep, refinish the inspection areas and reinstall 
each T/R blade onto the T/R hub, install the T/R assembly on the 
helicopter and track and balance the T/R in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 8. through 10., of the ASB 
for your model helicopter.

(g) Credit for Previous Actions

    Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with AD 2011-12-08 are acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, DSCO, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send 
your proposal to: Kuethe Harmon, Safety Management Program Manager, 
DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone 817-222-5198; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests 
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.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor 
Blades.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
July 5, 2011 (76 FR 35334, June 17, 2011).
    (i) Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
No. 205-09-102, Revision A, dated December 8, 2009.
    (ii) Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. ASB No. 205B-09-54, Revision 
A, dated December 8, 2009.
    (iii) Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. ASB No. 212-09-134, Revision 
A, dated December 8, 2009.
    (iv) Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. ASB No. 412CF-09-38, Revision 
A, dated December 8, 2009.
    (v) Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. ASB No. 412-09-136, Revision 
A, dated December 8, 2009.
    (4) For Bell Helicopter service information identified in this 
AD, contact Bell Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; 
telephone 817-280-3391; fax 817-280-6466; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at 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.
    (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on June 5, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-12592 Filed 6-10-20; 8:45 am]
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