Rule2021-15478
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited)
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 23, 2021
Effective
August 27, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that a certain tail rotor disc assembly, sold as an alternate part, does not conform to the approved configuration. This AD requires determining if an affected part is installed (by doing a maintenance records check or inspection), and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-affected part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 139 (Friday, July 23, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 139 (Friday, July 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38907-38909]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15478]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; Project Identifier 2010-SW-061-AD; Amendment
39-21653; AD 2021-15-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited)
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 Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada
Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that a certain tail rotor
disc assembly, sold as an alternate part, does not conform to the
approved configuration. This AD requires determining if an affected
part is installed (by doing a maintenance records check or inspection),
and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-affected part.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 27, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of August 27, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir,
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; phone: 450-437-2862 or 800-363-8023; fax: (450)
433-0272; internet: <a href="https://www.bellcustomer.com">https://www.bellcustomer.com</a>. 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. Service information that is incorporated by reference
is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2010-0865.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: (206) 231-3218; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#92f9f3e6fafef7f7fcbcf3e0e0fbf5fde6e6fbd2f4f3f3bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1d767c697571787873337c6f6f747a726969745d7b7c7c337a726b">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and
206L-4 helicopters. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on May
7, 2021 (86 FR 24560). The SNPRM proposed to require determining if an
affected part is installed (by doing a maintenance records check or
inspection), and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-
affected part. The SNPRM also revised the format, rearranged certain
paragraphs, converted a certain table to paragraph format, and removed
certain language. The SNPRM was prompted by a significant amount of
time elapsing since the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (75 FR
52914, August 30, 2010) was issued, requiring the FAA to reopen the
comment period to allow the public a chance to comment on the proposed
actions.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, issued Canadian AD CF-2010-07, dated February 24,
2010 (Canadian AD CF-2010-07), to correct an unsafe condition for
certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada
Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4
helicopters. TCCA advises that a certain tail rotor disc assembly, sold
through Bell Helicopter Spares beginning March 2009, as an alternate,
does not conform to the approved configuration. TCCA stated operating a
helicopter with the affected tail rotor disc assembly could result in
loss of control of the helicopter.
Accordingly, the Canadian AD requires determining if an affected
part is installed, and if an affected part is found, replacement with a
non-affected part.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments
The FAA received a comment from one commenter, Bell Textron Canada
Limited. The following presents the comment received on the SNPRM and
the FAA's response to the comment.
Request To Add a Statement for Operators That Already Complied With the
Actions
Bell Textron Canada Limited requested that the FAA add a statement
to the effect that if the actions in Bell Helicopter Alert Service
Bulletin 206-09-123, Revision A, dated June 10, 2009; or Bell
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157, Revision A, dated June
10, 2009; have already been accomplished then the intent of the AD is
met and no further action is required. The commenter stated that many
operators will have already complied with the intent of the proposed AD
since the service information was released in 2009.
The FAA acknowledges the commenter's request and agrees to clarify.
Paragraph (g) of this AD requires accomplishing actions using Bell
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206-09-123, Revision A, dated June
10, 2009; or Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157,
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009. Paragraph (f) of this AD states to
accomplish the required actions within the compliance times specified,
``unless already done.'' Therefore, if operators have accomplished the
actions required for compliance with this AD before the effective date
of this AD, no further action is necessary. The FAA has not revised
this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of
Canada and
[[Page 38908]]
are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's
bilateral agreement with Canada, TCCA, its technical representative,
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in its AD. The
FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 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.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following service information. This service
information specifies procedures to determine if an affected part is
installed, and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-
affected part. These documents are distinct since they apply to
different helicopter models.
<bullet> Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206-09-123,
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009.
<bullet> Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157,
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,493 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $303 $388 $579,284
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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 helicopters 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:
2021-15-06 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously
Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-21653;
Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; Project Identifier 2010-SW-061-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 27, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Bell Textron Canada Limited
(type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
Limited) helicopters, certificated in any category:
(1) Model 206A, serial numbers 004 through 660 inclusive, and
672 through 715 inclusive;
(2) Model 206B, all serial numbers, including those converted
from Model 206A;
(3) Model 206L, serial numbers 45004 through 45153 inclusive,
and 46601 through 46617 inclusive;
(4) Model 206L-1, serial numbers 45154 through 45790 inclusive;
(5) Model 206L-3, serial numbers 51001 through 51612 inclusive;
and
(6) Model 206L-4, all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 65, Tail Rotor
Drive.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a certain tail rotor disc
assembly, sold as an alternate part, does not conform to the
approved configuration. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
helicopters operating with a certain tail rotor disc assembly, sold
as an alternate part, that does not conform to the approved
configuration, which could result in loss of control of the
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of
this AD, in accordance with Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin
206-09-123, Revision A, dated June 10, 2009; or Bell Helicopter
Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157, Revision A, dated June 10, 2009,
as applicable.
(1) Within 30 days or 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, review the
helicopter maintenance records to determine if a disc assembly, part
number (P/N) 101584-1 or -2, is installed.
(2) If, during the maintenance records review required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, you cannot positively determine that
disc assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 is not installed, within 30 days or
100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first, inspect the tail rotor driveshaft system to determine if disc
assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 is installed.
[[Page 38909]]
(3) If, during the maintenance records review required by
paragraph (g)(1) of the this AD or during the inspection required by
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, you can positively determine that a
disc assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 is not installed, before further
flight, make an entry in the log book showing compliance with this
AD.
(4) If, during the maintenance records review required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD or during the inspection required by
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, you can positively determine that a
disc assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 is installed, within 30 days or 100
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first, replace disc assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 with disc assembly
P/N 32721-1.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install disc
assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#764f5b3720255b373f245b4145465b373b39353610171758111900"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="122b3f5344413f535b403f2521223f535f5d51527473733c757d64">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 Kathleen
Arrigotti, Program Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: (206) 231-
3218; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#543f35203c3831313a7a3526263d333b20203d143235357a333b22"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d565c495551585853135c4f4f545a524949547d5b5c5c135a524b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada
Civil Aviation (TCCA) Canadian AD CF-2010-07, dated February 24,
2010. You may view the TCCA AD at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> in
Docket No. FAA-2010-0865.
(k) 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) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206-09-123, Revision
A, dated June 10, 2009.
(ii) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157,
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J1R4; phone: 450-437-2862 or 800-363-8023; fax: (450) 433-
0272; internet: <a href="https://www.bellcustomer.com">https://www.bellcustomer.com</a>.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#680e0d0c1a0d0f46040d0f09042806091a09460f071e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="82e4e7e6f0e7e5aceee7e5e3eec2ece3f0e3ace5edf4">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on July 9, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15478 Filed 7-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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