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

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 234 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69998-70000]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26605]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; Project Identifier 2019-SW-009-AD; Amendment 
39-21825; AD 2021-24-04]
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 505 helicopters. This 
AD was prompted by the determination that reducing the pressure 
altitude limitations for certain fuel types is necessary. This AD 
requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your 
helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 13, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of January 13, 
2022.

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-
0783.

[[Page 69999]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; 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: Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer, 
Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy & 
Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone (817) 222-5110; 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 505 helicopters. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on September 20, 2021 (86 FR 52109). In the NPRM, 
the FAA proposed to require revising the existing RFM for your 
helicopter. Incorporating the RFM revision may be performed by the 
owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and 
must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this 
AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. This is an exception to the FAA's standard 
maintenance regulations.
    The NPRM was prompted by Canadian AD CF-2019-08, dated March 5, 
2019 (Canadian AD CF-2019-08), issued by Transport Canada, which is the 
aviation authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters serial numbers 
65011 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises of the need to reduce 
the altitude limitations for Jet B and JP-4 wide-cut fuels following 
unsatisfactory performance of the engine at the original higher 
altitude limitations with these wide-cut fuels. This condition, if not 
addressed, could result in low fuel pressure, engine flame-out, or 
engine power interruption (a change in any engine performance 
parameter--including but not limited to gas generator speed, power 
turbine speed, main gas temperature, or output torque--outside its 
normal limits for the prevailing operating conditions).
    Accordingly, Canadian AD CF-2019-08 requires revising the RFM to 
reflect the reduced altitude operating limitations for Jet B and JP-4 
wide-cut fuels.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

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 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) 
of Bell 505 Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated 
July 25, 2018, which specifies limitations, normal and emergency 
procedures, performance data, weight and balance information, and 
provides a list of approved optional equipment supplements. This 
revision of the service information includes an updated figure of the 
fuel operating envelope showing the reduced pressure altitude 
limitations for Jet B and JP-4 fuels.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD

    Canadian AD CF-2019-08 requires updating the RFM to Bell 505 RFM 
BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3 or later revisions approved by Transport 
Canada, whereas this AD requires revising the Limitations Section of 
the RFM for your helicopter by replacing the existing Figure 1-6. with 
Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 505 RFM BHT-
505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25, 2018.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 73 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.
    Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter would take about 0.5 
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter or $3,139 for the 
U.S. fleet.

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

    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,

[[Page 70000]]

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:

2021-24-04 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously 
Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-21825; 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; Project Identifier 2019-SW-009-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (type 
certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 
Limited) Model 505 helicopters having serial number 65011 and 
subsequent, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7300, Engine fuel 
and control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the determination that reducing the 
pressure altitude limitations for certain fuel types is necessary. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address unsatisfactory flight 
performance of the engine above pressure altitude limitations for 
Jet B and JP-4 fuels. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in low fuel pressure, engine flame-out, or engine power 
interruption.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, 
revise the Limitations Section of the existing Rotorcraft Flight 
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by replacing Figure 1-6. with 
Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 505 
Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25, 
2018 (BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3). Using a different document with 
information identical to that in Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope 
(Sheet 1 of 1) of BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3 is acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of this AD. The action required by 
this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) 
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered 
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in 
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) 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 (i)(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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Rao Edupuganti, 
Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation 
Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2019-08, dated March 5, 2019. You may view the Transport Canada 
AD at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0783.

(j) 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) Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 
505 Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 
25, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For 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 November 12, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26605 Filed 12-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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