Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 222 (Friday, November 18, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69155-69158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-25028]



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                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2022 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 69155]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0807; Project Identifier AD-2022-00214-R; 
Amendment 39-22188; AD 2022-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2021-26-
08, which applied to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 
206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters. AD 2021-26-08 required removing certain nuts from service; 
installing newly designed nuts; applying a specific torque, and a 
torque stripe to each newly installed nut; after the installation of 
each newly designed nut, inspecting the torque; and depending on the 
inspection results, either applying a torque stripe, or performing 
further inspections and removing certain parts from service. AD 2021-
26-08 also prohibited installing any affected nut on any tail rotor 
drive shaft (TRDS) disc pack (Thomas) coupling. Since the FAA issued AD 
2021-26-08, the FAA determined certain torque values and part numbers 
(P/Ns) need to be revised. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked 
or missing nuts installed on the TRDS Thomas couplings and the need to 
revise certain torque values and P/Ns in AD 2021-26-08. This AD 
requires removing certain nuts from service; installing newly designed 
nuts; applying torque and a torque stripe; and additional corrective 
actions if necessary. This AD also prohibits installing any affected 
nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, 
which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 23, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 23, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For Transport Canada material incorporated by reference 
(IBR) in this final rule, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada 
National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, 
K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email 
[email protected]; 
internet tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find the Transport Canada 
material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. 
For Air Comm Corporation service information identified in this final 
rule, contact Air Comm Corporation, 1575 West 124th Ave. #210, 
Westminster, CO 80234; telephone (303) 440-4075; email 
aircommcorp.com">service@aircommcorp.com; or at aircommcorp.com. For Bell 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 bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view this material 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. Service information that is IBRed is 
also available in the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0807.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0807; 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: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 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 to supersede AD 2021-26-08, Amendment 39-21867 (86 FR 
72833, December 23, 2021) (AD 2021-26-08). AD 2021-26-08 applied to 
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 
206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, with nut P/N MS21042L4 or 
P/N MS21042L5 installed on the TRDS Thomas couplings. AD 2021-26-08 
required removing certain nuts from service, installing newly designed 
nuts, and applying a specific torque and a torque stripe to each newly 
installed nut. AD 2021-26-08 also required, after the installation of 
each newly designed nut, inspecting the torque and, depending on the 
inspection results, either applying a torque stripe or performing 
further inspections and removing certain parts from service. Finally, 
AD 2021-26-08 prohibited installing any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas 
coupling. The FAA issued AD 2021-26-08 to prevent failure or loss of a 
nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling.
    AD 2021-26-08 was prompted by Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15, dated 
May 13, 2020 (Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15). Transport Canada, which 
is the aviation authority for Canada, issued Transport Canada AD CF-
2020-15 to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron Canada Limited 
Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters, all serial numbers. Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 
specifies for certain model helicopters, newly designed nuts cannot be 
installed because Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH2750NM and 
Transport Canada STC SH99-202 install a pulley at the Thomas coupling 
location causing insufficient clearance. Transport Canada advises, for 
certain

[[Page 69156]]

model helicopters with STC SH2750NM or Transport Canada STC SH99-202 
installed, different part-numbered nuts may be installed and are now 
required to be replaced with a new part-numbered nut that is not 
vulnerable to the unsafe condition.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 30, 2022 (87 FR 
39015). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracked or missing nuts 
installed on the TRDS Thomas couplings. The NPRM was also prompted by 
the determination that certain P/Ns and certain torque values in 
paragraph (g) of AD 2021-26-08 need to be revised. Furthermore, the FAA 
advises that the 50-70 in lb torque values are only applicable to 
certain bolts and nuts, and a 150-180 in lb torque value is required 
for other bolts and nuts that are required to be installed by this AD. 
The FAA also advises that certain part-numbered nuts that are required 
to be installed according to AD 2021-26-08 need to be removed from 
service and replaced due to a certain pulley configuration. The NPRM 
proposed to require removing certain nuts from service; installing 
newly designed nuts; applying torque and a torque stripe; and 
additional corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to 
prohibit installing any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling, as 
specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure or loss of a nut on 
the TRDS Thomas couplings, which if not addressed could result in loss 
of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. See 
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 for additional background information.

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, considered the 
comments 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. This AD is adopted as 
proposed in the NPRM, except the FAA has removed the note to the 
applicability paragraph and updated the identification of Model 206A-1 
helicopters in the applicability paragraph to Model 206A-1 (OH-58A) 
helicopters to match the FAA type certificate data sheet. None of these 
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 requires the replacement of certain 
part-numbered nuts with newly designed nuts at each TRDS Thomas 
coupling and prohibits installing any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas 
coupling. The replacement includes applying torque, and a torque 
stripe.
    The FAA reviewed Air Comm Corporation Service Bulletin SB 206EC-
092619, Revision NC, dated September 26, 2019, which also specifies 
procedures for replacing the affected nuts with the newly designed 
corrosion-resistant nuts, but explains that affected helicopters 
equipped with Air Comm Corporation air conditioning systems installed 
under STC SH2750NM use the affected nut to attach a pulley onto the 
TRDS, which causes clearance issues for the nuts to be installed at the 
coupling. Therefore, this service bulletin specifies replacing the nut 
with a lower profile nut.
    This material 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 (ASB) 206-19-136, 
dated August 27, 2019, for FAA-certificated Model 206, 206A-series, and 
206B-series helicopters, and non FAA-certificated Model TH-67 
helicopters; and Bell ASB 206L-19-181, dated August 27, 2019, and 
Revision A, dated August 29, 2019, for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 
206L-4 helicopters. This service information specifies procedures for 
replacing the affected nuts with the newly designed corrosion-resistant 
nuts. Revision A of Bell ASB 206L-19-181 corrects a typographical 
error.
    Additionally, the FAA reviewed Bell Service Instruction BHT-206-SI-
2052, Revision 1, dated October 14, 2010. This service information 
specifies procedures to upgrade Model 206L-1 and 206L-3 helicopters to 
allow operations at an increased internal gross weight.

Differences Between This AD and Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15

    Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 requires compliance with certain 
actions within 600 hours air time or within the next 24 months, 
whichever occurs first, whereas this AD requires compliance within 600 
hours time-in-service only. Service information referenced in Transport 
Canada AD CF-2020-15 specifies if any P/N MS21042L4 nuts are found 
loose or damaged, reporting the location and providing the information 
to Bell, whereas this AD requires if any P/N MS21042L4 nuts are found 
loose or damaged, inspecting each TRDS Thomas coupling, including each 
bolt, nut, and washer, for any elongated holes, fretting on the 
fasteners, and damaged fasteners, and depending on the results of the 
inspection, removing from service each affected part and replacing it 
with an airworthy part.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,359 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.
    Replacing each affected nut with the newly designed nut and 
applying torque and a torque stripe takes about 4 work-hours, and parts 
cost about $75 for an estimated cost of $415 per nut replacement and 
$563,985 per nut replacement for the U.S. fleet.
    In addition, the costs of the actions that are part of the required 
replacement are as follows:
    If required, due to loose or damaged nuts found, inspecting each 
TRDS Thomas coupling, and each bolt, nut, and washer for elongated 
holes and fretting on the fasteners takes about 0.5 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $43 per inspection.
    If required, replacing each TRDS Thomas coupling takes about 4 
work-hours, and parts cost about $4,000 for an estimated cost of $4,340 
per TRDS Thomas coupling replacement.
    If required, replacing a bolt or washer takes a minimal amount of 
time and parts cost a nominal amount.

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

[[Page 69157]]

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 (AD) 2021-26-08, Amendment 39-21867 
(86 FR 72833, December 23, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-20-04 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-22188; Docket 
No. FAA-2022-0807; Project Identifier AD-2022-00214-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 23, 
2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-26-08, Amendment 39-21867 (86 FR 72833, 
December 23, 2021) (AD 2021-26-08).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 
206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor 
Drive Shaft.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked or missing nuts 
installed on the tail rotor drive shaft (TRDS) disc pack (Thomas) 
couplings. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure or loss of 
a nut on the TRDS Thomas couplings. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in loss of the tail rotor and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15, dated May 13, 2020 
(Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15).

(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15

    (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 requires compliance in 
terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service 
(TIS).
    (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 refers to the effective 
dates specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD, this AD 
requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (i) October 9, 2019 (the effective date of Transport Canada AD 
CF-2019-34, dated September 25, 2019).
    (ii) The effective date of Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15.
    (3) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 defines Group 1 
helicopters as those models ``that have not been modified by 
installing STC SH2750NM or STC SH99-202,'' replace ``that have not 
been modified by installing STC SH2750NM or STC SH99-202'' with 
``that have not been modified by installing STC SH2750NM.''
    (4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 defines Group 4 
helicopters as those models ``that have been modified by installing 
STC SH2750NM or STC SH99-202,'' replace ``that have been modified by 
installing STC SH2750NM or STC SH99-202'' with ``that have been 
modified by installing STC SH2750NM.''
    (5) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 requires compliance 
within 600 hours air time or 24 months, whichever occurs first, this 
AD requires compliance within 600 hours TIS only and does not allow 
a compliance time of 24 months.
    (6) Where any paragraph of Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 
specifies to replace part number (P/N) MS21042 nuts with P/N NAS9926 
nuts, this AD requires removing P/N MS21042 nuts from service and 
replacing with P/N NAS9926 nuts.
    (7) Where any paragraph of any service information referenced in 
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 specifies to replace P/N MS21042L4 
nuts with P/N 90-132L4 nuts, this AD requires removing P/N MS21042L4 
nuts from service and replacing with P/N 90-132L4 nuts, in 
accordance with Air Comm Corporation Service Bulletin SB 206EC-
092619, Revision NC, dated September 26, 2019 (SB 206EC-092619 Rev 
NC).
    (8) Where any paragraph of any service information referenced in 
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 specifies to replace P/N MS21042L5 
nuts with P/N 90-132L5 nuts, this AD requires removing P/N MS21042L5 
nuts from service and replacing with P/N 90-132L5 nuts, in 
accordance with SB 206EC-092619 Rev NC.
    (9) Where any paragraph of any service information referenced in 
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 specifies if any P/N MS21042L4 nuts 
are found loose or damaged, report at which location and provide the 
information to Product Support Engineering at 
[email protected], this AD requires if any P/N MS21042L4 
nuts are found loose or damaged, before further flight, inspecting 
each TRDS Thomas coupling, including each bolt, nut, and washer, for 
any elongated holes, fretting on the fasteners, and damaged 
fasteners. If there is any elongated hole, fretting on the 
fasteners, or damaged fasteners, this AD requires before further 
flight, removing from service each affected part and replacing it 
with an airworthy part.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2020-15 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) 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 (k) 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Matt Fuller, AD 
Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational

[[Page 69158]]

Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].

(l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Air Comm Corporation Service Bulletin SB 206EC-092619, 
Revision NC, dated September 26, 2019.
    (ii) Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15, dated May 13, 2020.
    (3) For Air Comm Corporation service information identified in 
this AD, contact Air Comm Corporation, 1575 West 124th Ave. #210, 
Westminster, CO 80234; telephone (303) 440-4075; email 
aircommcorp.com">service@aircommcorp.com; or at aircommcorp.com. For Transport Canada 
AD CF-2020-15, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National 
Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 
0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email 
[email protected]; 
internet tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find the Transport Canada 
material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/
aviation.
    (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. This material may be 
found in the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0807.
    (5) You may view this material 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 19, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-25028 Filed 11-17-22; 8:45 am]
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