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

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16097-16100]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05664]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1178; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00986-R; 
Amendment 39-21986; AD 2022-06-20]
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), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-20-
06, which applied to certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
(now Bell Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 helicopters. AD 2020-20-06 
required repetitive inspections of certain cyclic and collective 
assembly bearings. This AD was prompted by new bellcrank assemblies, 
which have been upgraded with corrosion resistant steel bearings. This 
AD retains certain requirements of AD 2020-20-06, and depending on the 
inspection results, requires removing certain parts from service and 
installing the upgraded cyclic and collective bellcrank

[[Page 16098]]

assemblies. This AD also requires installing the upgraded collective 
and cyclic bellcrank assemblies on certain helicopters if not already 
installed, and prohibits installing certain bellcrank assemblies. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 26, 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 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1178; 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 
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 to supersede AD 2020-20-06, Amendment 39-21262 (85 FR 
60356, September 25, 2020) (AD 2020-20-06). AD 2020-20-06 applied to 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters with a 
bellcrank assembly part number (P/N) 429-001-523-101, 429-001-523-103, 
429-001-532-101, or 429-001-532-103 installed. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on January 14, 2022 (87 FR 2362). In the NPRM, the 
FAA proposed to retain some of the requirements of AD 2020-20-06, and 
proposed to require, for certain serial-numbered helicopters, within 12 
months after the helicopter was manufactured or 30 days, whichever 
occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months, 
disconnecting certain parts, stowing certain parts to prevent binding, 
and moving the cyclic stick and the collective stick to inspect for 
roughness in the flight control system and binding in the collective, 
lateral, and longitudinal arm assemblies. If any of these conditions 
exist, the NPRM proposed to require, before further flight, removing 
certain parts from service and installing upgraded bellcrank 
assemblies.
    Additionally, the NPRM proposed to require, for certain serial-
numbered helicopters that do not have the upgraded bellcrank assemblies 
installed, within 24 months, installing the upgraded bellcrank 
assemblies, which would provide a terminating action for the recurring 
inspections. Finally, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing any 
affected bellcrank assembly on any helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3, dated 
August 30, 2021 (Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3), issued by Transport 
Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, to correct an 
unsafe condition for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters, 
all serial numbers. Transport Canada advises of new collective and 
cyclic bellcrank assemblies which have been upgraded with corrosion 
resistant steel bearings. This condition, if not addressed, could 
result in restrictions in the collective, directional, or pitch control 
systems, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
    Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3 requires for certain 
serial-numbered helicopters, within 12 months from the helicopter 
manufacture date, or for helicopters that have exceeded the age 
threshold of 12 months from the helicopter manufacturer date, within 30 
days, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months, performing a 
functional check of the flight controls to detect roughness in the 
pivot bearings and binding of the collective, lateral, or longitudinal 
arm end bearings of the bellcrank assemblies. If any roughness or 
binding is detected, Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3 requires 
replacement of each affected bellcrank assembly before further flight. 
Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3 also requires, within 24 months, 
installing the upgraded collective and cyclic bellcrank assemblies and 
considers this action a terminating action to the recurring 
inspections. Finally, Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3 prohibits an 
affected bellcrank assembly from being installed on any helicopter.

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. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Bell Technical Bulletin 429-18-58, Revision B, 
dated August 23, 2021 (TB 429-18-58 Rev B), which specifies procedures 
to upgrade certain part-numbered bellcrank assemblies to the bellcrank 
assemblies that utilize the corrosion resistant steel bearings.
    The FAA also reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-
15-21, Revision C, dated August 23, 2021 (ASB 429-15-21 Rev C), which 
specifies moving the cyclic stick fore, aft, and laterally, and the 
collective stick up and down from stop to stop to detect deteriorated 
pivot bearings. ASB 429-15-21 Rev C also specifies inspecting to 
determine whether the bearings in the collective, lateral, and 
longitudinal arm assemblies rotate freely. If discrepant arm bearings 
are found, ASB 429-15-21 Rev C specifies contacting Bell Product 
Support Engineering to report the findings and replacing the discrepant 
parts with serviceable parts.

Differences Between This AD and Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3

    Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3 provides requirements if the most 
recent functional check was performed using a hydraulic test stand as 
an alternate procedure. This AD provides no such alternate procedure. 
Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3 provides requirements for helicopters 
that have exceeded the age threshold of 12 months from the helicopter

[[Page 16099]]

manufacturer date to complete the initial functional check within 30 
days from the effective date of its AD. This AD requires the initial 
inspection within 12 months after the helicopter was manufactured or 30 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. 
Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3 allows credit for the corrective 
actions of Part I if the initial functional check was accomplished 
prior to the effective date of Transport Canada AD CF-2016-11R3, 
whereas this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 64 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.
    Inspecting the cyclic and the collective bellcrank assemblies for 
roughness in the pivot bearings and binding in the collective, lateral, 
and longitudinal arm end bearings takes about 3 work-hours for an 
estimated cost of $255 per inspection cycle.
    Installing the upgraded collective and cyclic bellcrank assemblies 
takes about 18 work-hours and parts cost about $1,750 for an estimated 
cost of $3,280 per upgrade installation.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

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, 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-20-06, Amendment 39-21262 (85 
FR 60356, September 25, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

AD 2022-06-20 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): 
Amendment 39-21986; Docket No. FAA-2021-1178; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-00986-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 26, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-20-06, Amendment 39-21262 (85 FR 60356, 
September 25, 2020) (AD 2020-20-06).

(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, with a bellcrank assembly 
part number (P/N) 429-001-523-101, 429-001-523-103, 429-001-532-101, 
or 429-001-532-103 installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2700, Flight 
Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by new bellcrank assemblies, which have 
been upgraded with corrosion resistant steel bearings. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent corrosion of the bearings due to pooling 
at the bellcrank assembly from precipitation in the forward portion 
of the roof structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in restrictions in the collective, directional, or pitch 
control systems, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For Model 429 helicopters serial number (S/N) 57001 through 
57296 inclusive, within 12 months after the helicopter was 
manufactured or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 
months:
    (i) Disconnect the forward ends of the collective control tube, 
longitudinal stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) 
actuator, and lateral SCAS actuator. Stow the collective control 
tube and each SCAS actuator to prevent binding.
    (ii) Move the cyclic stick fore, aft, and laterally, and the 
collective stick up and down from stop to stop to determine if there 
is any roughness. If there is any roughness in the flight control 
system, before further flight, remove each pivot bearing P/N 
MS27646-41, each arm assembly bearing P/N MS27643-4, and each sleeve 
P/N 120-13-4A from service and install bellcrank assemblies P/N 429-
001-523-101FM and 429-001-532-101FM; or 429-001-523-107FM and 429-
001-532-107FM; or 429-001-523-107 and 429-001-532-107.
    (iii) Inspect the collective arm assembly P/N 429-001-525-101, 
the lateral arm assembly P/N 429-001-527-101, and the longitudinal 
arm assembly P/N 429-001-530-101, by rotating each bearing and 
determining whether each bearing rotates freely. If there is any 
binding in any arm end bearing or on the longitudinal bellcrank 
assembly, before further flight, remove each pivot bearing P/N 
MS27646-41, each arm assembly bearing P/N MS27643-4, and each sleeve 
P/N 120-13-4A from service and install bellcrank assemblies P/N 429-
001-523-101FM and 429-001-532-101FM; or 429-001-523-107FM and 429-
001-532-107FM; or 429-001-523-107 and 429-001-532-107.
    (2) For Model 429 helicopters S/N 57001 through 57296 inclusive, 
unless already accomplished by following paragraphs (g)(1)(ii) or 
(iii) of this AD, within 24 months after the effective date of this 
AD, install bellcrank assemblies P/N 429-001-523-101FM and 429-001-
532-101FM; or 429-001-523-107FM and 429-001-532-107FM; or 429-001-
523-107 and 429-001-532-107.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, installing bellcrank 
assemblies P/N 429-001-523-101FM and 429-001-532-101FM; or 429-001-
523-107FM and 429-001-532-107FM; or 429-001-523-107 and 429-001-

[[Page 16100]]

532-107, constitutes a terminating action for the recurring 
inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
    (4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
bellcrank assembly P/N 429-001-523-101, 429-001-523-103, 429-001-
532-101, or 429-001-532-103 on any helicopter.

(h) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(i) 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 (j)(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.

(j) 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) 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. 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. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2016-11R3, dated August 30, 2021. You may view the Transport 
Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FAA-2021-1178.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on March 10, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05664 Filed 3-21-22; 8:45 am]
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