Rule2021-26605
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
December 9, 2021
Effective
January 13, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 505 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the determination that reducing the pressure altitude limitations for certain fuel types is necessary. This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. 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 234 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 234 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69998-70000]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26605]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; Project Identifier 2019-SW-009-AD; Amendment
39-21825; AD 2021-24-04]
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 (type certificate previously held
by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 505 helicopters. This
AD was prompted by the determination that reducing the pressure
altitude limitations for certain fuel types is necessary. This AD
requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your
helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 13, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of January 13,
2022.
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#7606041912031502050306061904023614131a1a101a1f111e025815191b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8888a979c8d9b8c8b8d8888978a8cb89a9d94949e94919f908cd69b9795">[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-
0783.
[[Page 69999]]
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-2021-0783; 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: Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer,
Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy &
Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone (817) 222-5110; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8af8ebe5a4efeefffaffedebe4fee3caecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3143505e1f545544414456505f4558715750501f565e47">[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 (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter
Textron Canada Limited) Model 505 helicopters. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on September 20, 2021 (86 FR 52109). In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to require revising the existing RFM for your
helicopter. Incorporating the RFM revision may be performed by the
owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and
must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this
AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. This is an exception to the FAA's standard
maintenance regulations.
The NPRM was prompted by Canadian AD CF-2019-08, dated March 5,
2019 (Canadian AD CF-2019-08), issued by Transport Canada, which is the
aviation authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters serial numbers
65011 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises of the need to reduce
the altitude limitations for Jet B and JP-4 wide-cut fuels following
unsatisfactory performance of the engine at the original higher
altitude limitations with these wide-cut fuels. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in low fuel pressure, engine flame-out, or
engine power interruption (a change in any engine performance
parameter--including but not limited to gas generator speed, power
turbine speed, main gas temperature, or output torque--outside its
normal limits for the prevailing operating conditions).
Accordingly, Canadian AD CF-2019-08 requires revising the RFM to
reflect the reduced altitude operating limitations for Jet B and JP-4
wide-cut fuels.
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 Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1)
of Bell 505 Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated
July 25, 2018, which specifies limitations, normal and emergency
procedures, performance data, weight and balance information, and
provides a list of approved optional equipment supplements. This
revision of the service information includes an updated figure of the
fuel operating envelope showing the reduced pressure altitude
limitations for Jet B and JP-4 fuels.
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
Canadian AD CF-2019-08 requires updating the RFM to Bell 505 RFM
BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3 or later revisions approved by Transport
Canada, whereas this AD requires revising the Limitations Section of
the RFM for your helicopter by replacing the existing Figure 1-6. with
Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 505 RFM BHT-
505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25, 2018.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 73 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.
Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter would take about 0.5
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter or $3,139 for the
U.S. fleet.
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,
[[Page 70000]]
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:
2021-24-04 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously
Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-21825;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; Project Identifier 2019-SW-009-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 13, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (type
certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
Limited) Model 505 helicopters having serial number 65011 and
subsequent, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7300, Engine fuel
and control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the determination that reducing the
pressure altitude limitations for certain fuel types is necessary.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address unsatisfactory flight
performance of the engine above pressure altitude limitations for
Jet B and JP-4 fuels. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in low fuel pressure, engine flame-out, or engine power
interruption.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD,
revise the Limitations Section of the existing Rotorcraft Flight
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by replacing Figure 1-6. with
Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 505
Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25,
2018 (BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3). Using a different document with
information identical to that in Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope
(Sheet 1 of 1) of BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3 is acceptable for
compliance with the requirements of this AD. The action required by
this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) 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 (i)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#94adb9d5c2c7b9d5ddc6b9a3a7a4b9d5d9dbd7d4f2f5f5baf3fbe2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4c75610d1a1f610d051e617b7f7c610d01030f0c2a2d2d622b233a">[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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Rao Edupuganti,
Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation
Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d2a0b3bdfcb7b6a7a2a7b5b3bca6bb92b4b3b3fcb5bda4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0173606e2f646574717466606f7568416760602f666e77">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD
CF-2019-08, dated March 5, 2019. You may view the Transport Canada
AD at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> in Docket No. FAA-2021-0783.
(j) 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) Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell
505 Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July
25, 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#9aeae8f5feeff9eee9efeaeaf5e8eedaf8fff6f6fcf6f3fdf2eeb4f9f5f7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e292908d86978196919792928d9096a280878e8e848e8b858a96cc818d8f">[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#5036227e393e2320353324393f3e103e3122317e373f26"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e38591cd8a8d90938680978a8c8da38d829182cd848c95">[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 November 12, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26605 Filed 12-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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