Rule2021-20829
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters
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
September 27, 2021
Effective
November 1, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of tail rotor gearbox assemblies found loose on the gearbox support. This AD requires repetitive torque checks of the tail rotor gearbox attachment hardware, and corrective action if necessary. 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 184 (Monday, September 27, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 184 (Monday, September 27, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53203-53205]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20829]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0513; Project Identifier 2018-SW-116-AD; Amendment
39-21717; AD 2021-18-16]
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), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This
AD was prompted by reports of tail rotor gearbox assemblies found loose
on the gearbox support. This AD requires repetitive torque checks of
the tail rotor gearbox attachment hardware, and corrective action if
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 1, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of November 1,
2021.
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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7c0c0e1318091f080f090c0c130e083c1e1910101a10151b1408521f1311"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8afaf8e5eeffe9fef9fffafae5f8fecae8efe6e6ece6e3ede2fea4e9e5e7">[email protected]</span></a>; or at <a href="https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support">https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support</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. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 817-222-5110. It is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0513.
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-2021-0513; 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: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, FAA, Operational Safety Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#377356454552591970564444524343587751565619505841"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bcf8ddceced9d292fbddcfcfd9c8c8d3fcdadddd92dbd3ca">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bell Textron
Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 28, 2021 (86 FR 33918). In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require repetitive torque checks of the tail rotor gearbox
attachment hardware, and corrective action if necessary. The NPRM was
prompted by Canadian AD CF-2018-35, dated December 19, 2018 (Canadian
AD CF-2018-35), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation
authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron
Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. Transport Canada advises that
there have been reports of tail rotor gearbox assemblies found loose on
the gearbox support. Transport Canada issued Emergency Canadian
Airworthiness Directive CF-2018-18, dated July 11, 2018, which
corresponds to FAA AD 2018-16-51, Amendment 39-19421 (83 FR 53171,
October 22, 2018), to address the immediate safety concern. An ongoing
investigation determined that this condition-loose tail rotor gearbox
assemblies-could return even after the corrective actions by the
previous AD have been completed. This condition, if not addressed,
could result in structural damage and possible loss of control of the
helicopter.
Accordingly, Canadian AD CF-2018-35 requires repetitive torque
checks of the tail rotor gearbox attachment hardware and corrective
actions if necessary. The corrective action is doing additional
repetitive torque checks at intervals of 10 to 25 hours air time until
the torque stabilizes on all the nuts.
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. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-18-41, dated July
24, 2018. This service information specifies procedures for repetitive
torque checks of the tail rotor gearbox attachment hardware.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD
Where Canadian AD CF-2018-35 refers to ``200-hour'' inspections and
``10 to 25 hours air time'' for the torque checks, for this AD use
``time-in-service'' instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 98 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 53204]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Torque check.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $8,330
hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that are required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Repetitive torque check.............. 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85, per cycle.
hour = $85, per cycle.
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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:
2021-18-16 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously
Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-21717;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0513; Project Identifier 2018-SW-116-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 1, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(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, serial numbers 57001 and
subsequent.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6500, Tail Rotor
Drive System; and 6520, Tail Rotor Gearbox.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of tail rotor gearbox assemblies
found loose on the gearbox support. The FAA is issuing this AD
address tail rotor gearbox assemblies found loose on the gearbox
support. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
structural damage and possible loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD; or at the
next scheduled 200-hours time-in-service (TIS) or 12-month
inspection, whichever occurs first, do a torque check of the tail
rotor gearbox attachment hardware, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2., of Bell Alert Service
Bulletin 429-18-41, dated July 24, 2018. Repeat the torque check
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS or 12 months,
whichever occurs first.
(h) Corrective Actions
If, during any torque check required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, any tail rotor gearbox attachment moves during any torque check,
repeat the torque check specified in paragraph (g) of this AD at
intervals no less than 10 hours TIS and not to exceed 25 hours TIS
until the torque stabilizes on all the nuts. Stabilization has
occurred when, at the next torque check, the value has remained
within the specified acceptable limits (160 to 200 inch-pounds (in-
lbs) or 19 to 22 newton meters (Nms), inclusive), preventing
movement of the gearbox housing. After the torque stabilizes on all
the nuts, the repetitive torque checks specified in paragraph (g) of
this AD are still required.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the initial torque check
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if that action was done before
the effective date of this AD as required by paragraph (f)(2) of AD
2018-16-51, Amendment 39-19421 (83 FR 53171, October 22, 2018).
(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
[[Page 53205]]
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)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0f9ed819693ed818992edf7f3f0ed818d8f8380a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f66721e090c721e160d72686c6f721e12101c1f393e3e71383029">[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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, FAA, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7323; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9cd8fdeeeef9f2b2dbfdefeff9e8e8f3dcfafdfdb2fbf3ea"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c381d0e0e1912523b1d0f0f190808133c1a1d1d521b130a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD
CF-2018-35, dated December 19, 2018. You may view the Transport
Canada AD at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> in Docket No. FAA-2021-
0513.
(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 429-18-41, dated July 24, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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 <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ec9c9e8388998f989f999c9c839e98ac8e8980808a80858b8498c28f8381"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6111130e05140215121411110e13152103040d0d070d080609154f020e0c">[email protected]</span></a>; or at <a href="https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support">https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support</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#c8aebae6a1a6bbb8adabbca1a7a688a6a9baa9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="375145195e5944475254435e5859775956455619505841">[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 August 26, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-20829 Filed 9-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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