Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 206A and 206B Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 236 (Monday, December 10, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69614-69616]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23601]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28690; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-21-AD; 
Amendment 39-15289; AD 2007-25-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
Model 206A and 206B Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206A and 206B 
helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0004 through 3906, with two-piece 
vertical stabilizer (fin) supports (fin supports) installed, that 
requires inserting a revision into the applicable maintenance manual, 
verifying the torque on the fin support attachment hardware, inspecting 
the fin support bracket and fins for paint or gaps, and inspecting the 
fin support bracket for cracking, and if a crack is found, replacing 
the two-piece vertical fin support with a one-piece casting support. 
This amendment is prompted by an accident in which the fin supports 
failed. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect 
improper torque of the fin supports' attachment hardware, gaps between 
the fin support bracket and the doubler, painted mating surfaces of the 
fin supports, vertical fin, and vertical fin inserts (fin inserts), and 
cracking in the fin supports, to prevent the vertical fin from rotating 
into the tail rotor, separation of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective January 14, 2008.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 14, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD 
from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, 
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax 
(450) 433-0272.
    Examining the Docket: You may examine the docket that contains this 
AD, any comments, and other information on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Docket Operations office, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-
5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for the specified model helicopters was published in the 
Federal Register on July 13, 2007 (72 FR 38527). That action proposed 
to require inserting a revision into the Inspection and Component 
Overhaul Schedule of the applicable maintenance manual, implementing a 
recurring inspection at intervals not to exceed 100 hour time-in-
service (TIS) or at each annual inspection, whichever occurs first, of 
the torque on the fin support attachment hardware, and inspecting the 
fin support for damage. Inspecting for paint on the mating surfaces of 
the fin support bracket and vertical fin, and inspecting the fin 
attaching hardware for proper torque and the amount of gap between the 
fin support bracket and the fin doubler, and inspecting the support 
bracket for cracking using a 10x or higher power magnifying glass was 
also proposed. Finally, if a crack is found, replacing the two-piece 
vertical fin support with a one-piece casting support, P/N 206-033-426-
003, was proposed.
    Transport Canada, the airworthiness authority for Canada, notified 
the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on BHTC Model 206A and 206B 
helicopters, S/N 004 through 3906, with fin supports, P/N 206-031-417-
003 or

[[Page 69615]]

-007, or 206-031-418-001 or -005, installed. Transport Canada advises 
that a one-time inspection of the vertical fin mating surfaces is 
required to ensure an appropriate surface finish is present. In 
addition, they advise that a recurring torque check of the vertical fin 
attaching hardware is required to maintain the structural integrity of 
the joint. They also advise that the initial inspection be performed at 
the next scheduled 100 hour TIS or annual inspection, but within three 
(3) months in accordance with BHTC Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-06-
107, dated April 26, 2006, or later revisions approved by Transport 
Canada.
    BHTC has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-06-107, dated April 
26, 2006, and subsequently issued Revision A of this ASB, dated June 
15, 2006, which specifies a series of inspections of the two-piece fin 
supports, and also introduces a revision to Chapters 5 and 53 of the 
BHT-206A/B Series Maintenance Manual. The revision to Chapter 5 
introduces a recurring vertical fin attaching hardware torque check, 
and inspecting the fin supports for damage, to be accomplished at the 
next scheduled 100 hour TIS or annual inspection. The revision to 
Chapter 53 updates the removal, installation, and inspection of the 
vertical fin. Transport Canada classified this alert service bulletin 
as mandatory and issued AD No. CF-2006-12, dated June 5, 2006, to 
ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in Canada.
    These helicopter models are manufactured in Canada and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the 
applicable bilateral agreement, Transport Canada has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the 
findings of Transport Canada, reviewed all available information, and 
determined that AD action is necessary for products of these type 
designs that are certificated for operation in the United States.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 1,466 helicopters of 
U.S. registry, and the required actions will take approximately 4 work 
hours per helicopter to accomplish at an average labor rate of $80 per 
work hour. If needed, replacing a fin support will take approximately 
30 work hours. Required parts will cost approximately $3,260 for each 
fin support. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact 
of the AD on U.S. operators to be $3,300,820 for the fleet during the 
first year, assuming 7 inspections per helicopter are conducted, and 
assuming that replacing the fin support is required on 3 helicopters.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that 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 the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD. See the AD docket to examine the economic evaluation.

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.
    We are 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2007-25-07 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-
15289. Docket No. FAA-2007-28690; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-21-
AD.

    Applicability: Model 206A and 206B helicopters, serial numbers 
0004 through 3906, with two-piece vertical stabilizer (fin) supports 
(fin supports), part number (P/N) 206-031-417-003 or -007, or P/N 
206-031-418-001 or -005, installed, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required at the next scheduled 100 hour time-in-
service (TIS) inspection or annual inspection, but no later than 90 
days after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished 
previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS 
or at each annual inspection, whichever occurs first.
    To detect improper torque of the fin supports' attachment 
hardware, gaps between the fin support bracket and the doubler, 
painted mating surfaces of the fin support bracket, vertical fin, 
and vertical fin inserts (fin inserts), and cracks in the fin 
supports, to prevent the vertical fin from rotating into the tail 
rotor, separation of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Insert Revision 4 of BHT-206A/B-SERIES-MM into the 
appropriate section of the maintenance manual.
    (b) Determine the type and part number of the installed vertical 
fin by referring to the listing in step 2., Table 1, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service 
Bulletin No. 206-06-107, Revision A, dated June 15, 2006 (ASB).
    (c) For Type 1 and Type 3 vertical fins, inspect the vertical 
fin and fin support bracket for paint, and the vertical fin 
attaching hardware for proper torque, in accordance with steps 5. 
and 6. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the ASB.
    (d) For Type 2 vertical fins, inspect the vertical fin and fin 
support bracket for paint, the vertical fin attaching hardware for 
proper torque, and the amount of gap between the vertical fin 
support bracket and the vertical fin doubler in accordance with 
steps 5., 6., and 7. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the ASB.
    (e) If the inspections required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of 
this AD indicate

[[Page 69616]]

that the torque and gap are within limits, and there is no paint 
present, visually inspect the vertical fin support bracket in the 
area of the vertical fin attaching hardware for a crack using a 10x 
or higher power magnifying glass.
    (1) If no crack is found, re-torque the vertical fin attaching 
hardware to between 75 and 95 in. lbs. (8.47 to 10.75 Nm).
    (2) If a crack is found, replace the two-piece vertical fin 
support bracket with a one-piece vertical fin casting support, P/N 
206-033-426-003.
    (f) Based on your finding in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD, 
if either the torque or gap is out of limits, or paint is present:
    (1) Remove the vertical fin.
    (2) Remove all the primer and paint coatings in the areas 
indicated in Figure I of the ASB.
    (3) Florescent penetrant inspect (FPI) the vertical fin support.
    (4) If a crack is found, replace the two-piece vertical fin 
support with a one-piece vertical fin casting support, P/N 206-033-
426-003.
    (5) If no crack is found, apply two coats of Polyamide Epoxy 
Primer on bare metal surfaces.
    (g) For Type 2 vertical fins only:
    (1) If incorrect washers (spacers) or no washers are installed, 
visually inspect the 4 vertical fin potted inserts as depicted in 
the vertical fin detail in Figure I of the ASB for any damage using 
a 10x or higher power magnifying glass.
    (2) If any of the 4 vertical fin potted inserts is damaged with 
no other damage to the surrounding areas, remove and replace the 
damaged potted insert with an airworthy potted insert.
    (3) After assuring that all 4 installed vertical fin potted 
inserts are undamaged, install the correct washers in accordance 
with step 9.d. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the ASB.
    (h) This AD revises the helicopter maintenance manual by adding 
an inspection of the torque on the vertical fin attaching hardware, 
and inspections of the vertical fin and vertical fin support, to the 
100-hour TIS and annual scheduled inspections.
    (i) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Contact the Manager, Regulations and Policy Group, FAA, ATTN: Sharon 
Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, 
telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about 
previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
    (j) The determination of the type and part number of the 
vertical fin, the inspections, and installing the correct washers, 
if necessary, shall be done in accordance with the specified 
portions of Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-
06-107, Revision A, dated June 15, 2006. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, 
Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 
433-0272. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 
For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 
202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (k) This amendment becomes effective on January 14, 2008.

    Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
(Canada) AD No. CF-2006-12, dated June 5, 2006.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 27, 2007.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-23601 Filed 12-7-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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