Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 198 (Monday, October 18, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57560-57563]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22469]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0575; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00545-R; 
Amendment 39-21749-; AD 2021-20-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held 
by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 helicopters. This 
AD was prompted by reports of incorrectly staked spherical bearings in 
the directional control bellcrank assembly. This AD requires a one-time 
inspection of the lower surface of the spherical bearing in the 
directional control bellcrank assembly to determine if it is properly 
staked and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective actions. 
For certain helicopters, this AD also requires repetitive inspections 
and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective actions. This AD 
also provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 22, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of November 22, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, 
Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 
1-450-433-0272; email [email protected]; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view the referenced 
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. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0575.

[[Page 57561]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0575; 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 
Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, 
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bell Textron 
Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter 
Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 helicopters. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on July 23, 2021 (86 FR 38946). In the NPRM, the 
FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of the lower surface of 
the spherical bearing in the directional control bellcrank assembly to 
determine if it is properly staked and, depending on the findings, 
applicable corrective actions. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to 
require, for certain helicopters, repetitive inspections and, depending 
on the findings, applicable corrective actions. The NPRM was prompted 
by Transport Canada AD CF-2020-11, dated April 16, 2020 (Transport 
Canada AD CF-2020-11), issued by Transport Canada, which is the 
aviation authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell 
Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 
57001 through 57210, 57212 through 57344, 57346 through 57371, 57374 
through 57377, and 57380. Transport Canada advises that there are 
reports of incorrectly staked spherical bearings in the directional 
control bellcrank assembly. This condition, if not addressed, could 
result in wear or elongation of the bore in the bellcrank, which could 
result in reduced helicopter directional control.
    Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF-2020-11 requires a one-time 
inspection to determine if a spherical bearing is properly staked in 
the directional control bellcrank assembly, and, depending on the 
findings, replacement of the spherical bearing with a new spherical 
bearing, repair of an affected bellcrank assembly and repetitive 
inspections of that repaired bellcrank assembly, or replacement of the 
affected bellcrank assembly with a serviceable part. Transport Canada 
AD CF-2020-11 also provides terminating actions for the requirements of 
that AD.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from one commenter, Air Methods. The 
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response.

Request To Include Additional Revision Level in Credit Paragraph

    Air Methods requested that Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, 
Revision B, dated December 19, 2019 (Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-
19-50, Revision B) be included in the ``Credit for Previous Actions'' 
paragraph of the proposed AD. The commenter stated that Revision B of 
the service bulletin was released on December 19, 2019.
    The FAA infers that the commenter mentioned the date of Revision B 
of the service bulletin to show that it was released prior to the 
effective date of the final rule. The FAA acknowledges the commenter's 
request and agrees to provide clarification. The requirements of 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD refer to Bell Alert Service Bulletin 
429-19-50, Revision B, as the appropriate source of information for 
doing the actions required by those paragraphs. Paragraph (f), 
``Compliance,'' of this AD states ``comply with this AD within the 
compliance times specified, unless already done.'' The words ``unless 
already done'' in paragraph (f) of this AD, in conjunction with the 
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, which specify that 
operators use Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision B, as the 
appropriate source of information, already account for the use of Bell 
Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision B, prior to the effective 
date of this AD. Therefore, if operators have accomplished the actions 
required for compliance with this AD before the effective date of this 
AD, no further action is necessary and it is not necessary to include 
Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision B, in paragraph (j) of 
this AD (the ``Credit for Previous Actions'' paragraph). The FAA has 
not revised this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its 
technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
comment received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this 
AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial 
changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the 
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision B. 
This service information specifies procedures for an initial inspection 
of the lower surface of the spherical bearing in the directional 
control bellcrank assembly to determine if it is properly staked, 
additional inspections, and corrective actions. The corrective actions 
include installation of a new spherical bearing, repair (including re-
identification of the bellcrank assembly part number), and replacement 
of the bellcrank assembly. The additional inspections include an 
inspection of the upper surface of the spherical bearing in the 
directional control bellcrank assembly to determine if it is properly 
staked, an inspection of the bore in the bellcrank assembly for 
excessive wear (including mechanical or corrosion damage that exceed 
0.001 inch (0.03 millimeter) maximum depth for 4 of the circumference, 
and any cracking); and, for any helicopter with a bellcrank assembly 
that is repaired, repetitive inspections of the lower surface of the 
spherical bearing to determine if it has moved.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, dated 
November 27, 2019; and Revision A, dated December 2, 2019. Bell Alert 
Service Bulletin 429-19-50, dated November 27, 2019, specifies 
procedures for an initial inspection of the spherical bearing in the 
directional control bellcrank assembly to determine

[[Page 57562]]

if it is properly staked and replacement of the spherical bearing with 
a new spherical bearing if it is determined that the spherical bearing 
was not properly staked.
    Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision A, dated December 
2, 2019, specifies procedures for an initial inspection of the lower 
surface of the spherical bearing in the directional control bellcrank 
assembly to determine if it is properly staked, additional inspections, 
and corrective actions. The corrective actions include installation of 
a new spherical bearing. The additional inspections include an 
inspection of the upper surface of the spherical bearing in the 
directional control bellcrank assembly to determine if it is properly 
staked, and an inspection of the bore in the bellcrank assembly for 
excessive wear.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 120 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.......................  1 work-hour x $85                $0  $85 per inspection   $10,200 per
                                    per hour = $85 per                   cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The 
agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might 
need these actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Action                           Labor cost            Parts cost         Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement Spherical Bearing...........  7 work-hours x $85 per                 $56  $651.
                                           hour = $595.
Repair/replacement Bellcrank............  4 work-hours x $85 per               2,856  3,196.
                                           hour = $340.
Repetitive Inspections..................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour               0  85 per inspection cycle.
                                           = $85 per inspection
                                           cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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) 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.

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:

2021-20-11 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously 
Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-21749; 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0575; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00545-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 22, 
2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate 
previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 
helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 57001 
through 57210 inclusive, 57212 through 57344 inclusive, 57346 
through 57371 inclusive, 57374 through 57377 inclusive, and 57380.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft 
Flight Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of incorrectly staked spherical 
bearings in the directional control bellcrank assembly. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address incorrectly staked spherical bearings in 
the directional control bellcrank assembly. This condition, if not 
addressed, could result in wear or elongation of the bore in the 
bellcrank, which could result in reduced helicopter directional 
control.

[[Page 57563]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Inspection and Corrective Actions

    Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 90 days, whichever 
occurs first after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the lower 
surface of the spherical bearing on the directional control 
bellcrank assembly to determine if it is properly staked, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, step 7., of 
Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision B, dated December 
19, 2019 (BASB 429-19-50, Revision B). After the inspection, before 
further flight, do the applicable action required by paragraph 
(g)(1) or (2) of this AD.
    (1) If the lower surface of the spherical bearing is improperly 
staked (any discrepancy is found e.g., the witness marks are not 
present and intact or the staked lip is not uniform along the 
chamfer): Inspect the bore in the bellcrank assembly for excessive 
wear (including mechanical or corrosion damage that exceed 0.001 
inch (0.03 millimeter) maximum depth for \1/4\ of the circumference, 
and any cracking); in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part I, steps 10. through 13., of BASB 429-19-50, 
Revision B, and depending on the findings, do the applicable actions 
required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD before further 
flight.
    (i) If the bore in the bellcrank assembly shows signs of 
excessive wear: Repair the bellcrank, including re-identifying the 
bellcrank assembly part number, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, steps 1. through 13., of BASB 
429-19-50, Revision B.
    (ii) If the bore diameter is within 0.001 inch (0.03 millimeter) 
maximum depth for \1/4\ of the circumference: Install a new 
spherical bearing, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part II, steps 4. through 12., of BASB 429-19-50, 
Revision B.
    (2) If the lower surface of the spherical bearing is properly 
staked: Inspect the upper surface of the spherical bearing on the 
directional control bellcrank assembly to determine if it is 
properly staked, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
Part I, steps 8. and 9., of BASB 429-19-50, Revision B, and 
depending on the findings, do the applicable actions required by 
paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD before further flight.
    (i) If the spherical bearing is properly staked: No further 
action is required by this AD.
    (ii) If the spherical bearing is not properly staked (any 
discrepancy is found e.g., the witness marks are not present and 
intact or the staked lip is not uniform along the chamfer): Inspect 
the bore in the bellcrank assembly for excessive wear (including 
mechanical or corrosion damage that exceed 0.001 inch (0.03 
millimeter) maximum depth for \1/4\ of the circumference, and any 
cracking), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part 
I, steps 10. through 13., of BASB 429-19-50, Revision B, and 
depending on the findings, do the applicable actions required by 
paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(A) or (B) of this AD before further flight.
    (A) If the bore in the bellcrank assembly shows signs of 
excessive wear: Repair the bellcrank, including re-identifying the 
bellcrank assembly part number, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instruction, Part II, steps 1. through 13., of BASB 
429-19-50, Revision B.
    (B) If the bore diameter is within 0.001 inch (0.03 millimeter) 
maximum depth for \1/4\ of the circumference: Install a new 
spherical bearing, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part II, steps 4. through 12., of BASB 429-19-50, 
Revision B.

(h) Required Post Repair Inspections

    For any helicopter on which the bellcrank has been repaired as 
required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) or (g)(2)(ii)(A) of this AD: Within 
100 hours TIS after the repair, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the lower surface of the spherical 
bearing to determine if it has moved, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, step 7., of BASB 429-19-50, 
Revision B. If the spherical bearing has moved (is loose): Before 
further flight, inspect the bore in the bellcrank assembly to 
determine if the diameter exceeds 0.6283 inch (15.9588 millimeters), 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, steps 
8. through 11., of BASB 429-19-50, Revision B.
    (1) If the diameter of the bore in the bellcrank assembly 
exceeds 0.6283 inch (15.9588 millimeters): Before further flight 
replace the bellcrank assembly.
    (2) If the diameter of the bore in the bellcrank assembly does 
not exceed 0.6283 inch (15.9588 millimeters): Before further flight 
install a new spherical bearing in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, steps 4. through 12., of BASB 
429-19-50, Revision B.

(i) Terminating Action

    Replacement of a bellcrank assembly with a new part (never 
installed on a helicopter or has accumulated zero hours TIS) is 
terminating action for the requirements of this AD for that 
helicopter only.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using the service information identified in 
paragraph (j)(1) or (2) of this AD.
    (1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, dated November 27, 
2019.
    (2) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision A, dated 
December 2, 2019.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez, 
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7330; email [email protected].
    (2) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, dated November 27, 
2019; and Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision A, dated 
December 2, 2019; which are not incorporated by reference, contain 
additional information about the subject of this AD. This service 
information is available at the contact information specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3) and (4) of this AD.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2020-11, dated April 16, 2020. You may view the Transport Canada 
AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0575.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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.
    (i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-19-50, Revision B, dated 
December 19, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Bell Helicopter service information identified in this 
AD, contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, 
Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-
363-8023; fax 1-450-433-0272; email [email protected]; 
or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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 September 16, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22469 Filed 10-15-21; 8:45 am]
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