Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 179 (Monday, September 16, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75460-75462]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20843]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1296; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00844-R; 
Amendment 39-22802; AD 2024-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell 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 Model 505 helicopters. This AD was 
prompted by a fuel leakage discovered during fuel system crash impact 
testing activity. This AD requires installing a grommet around the sump 
drain port fitting airframe hole, 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 October 21, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 21, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1296; 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, 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, 
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 wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/cawis-swimn/ad_qs1.aspx.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood

[[Page 75461]]

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 regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1296.
    Other Related Material: For Bell material 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 
bellflight.com/support/contact-support.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Hughlett, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (817) 222-5110; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51, dated July 11, 2023 (Transport 
Canada AD CF-2023-51), to correct an unsafe condition on certain 
serial-numbered Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters as identified in 
Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on May 14, 2024 (89 FR 41906). The NPRM was prompted by a fuel 
leakage discovered during fuel system crash impact testing activity. In 
a certain position, the knurls on the locking sleeve of the fuel drain 
quick disconnect valve contacted the airframe cutout upon impact, 
resisting against the fuel bladder rotational action and causing 
deformation of the poppet, which led to the valve remaining in the 
partially open position and subsequent fuel leakage.
    The NPRM proposed to require accomplishing the actions specified in 
Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51, as incorporated by reference, except 
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of 
this AD. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.
    You may examine Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51 in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1296.

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, has 
notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in its AD. Except 
for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these helicopters.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51 specifies installing a split plastic 
grommet around the periphery of the sump drain port fitting airframe 
cutout.
    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 Material

    The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin 505-21-21, dated June 
8, 2021. For certain serial-numbered helicopters, this material 
specifies procedures for installing a split plastic grommet groove 
around the periphery of the sump drain port fitting airframe hole 
cutout with the split line at the 12 o'clock position.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 145 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.
    Installing a grommet around the sump drain port fitting airframe 
hole will take approximately 1 work-hour and parts will cost a minimal 
amount, for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $12,325 for the 
U.S. fleet.
    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2024-15-10 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-22802; Docket 
No. FAA-2024-1296; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00844-R.

[[Page 75462]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 21, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 
helicopters, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51, dated July 11, 2023 (Transport 
Canada AD CF-2023-51).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2810, Fuel 
Storage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a fuel leakage discovered during fuel 
system crash impact testing activity. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent the fuel drain quick disconnect valve from catching on the 
airframe cutout and reduce the load on the valve body by preventing 
metal-to-metal contact following an impact. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in a fuel leakage, post impact fire, 
injuries to occupants, and reduction in time to evacuate the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all 
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51.

(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51

    Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51 refers to its effective 
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(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) 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Michael Hughlett, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51, dated July 11, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2023-51 material identified in 
this AD, 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 wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/cawis-swimn/ad_qs1.aspx.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on July 23, 2024.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20843 Filed 9-13-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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