Rule2021-27012
Airworthiness Directives; Bell 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 14, 2021
Effective
January 18, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with certain Air Comm Corporation air conditioning systems installed. This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the drive ring spline teeth and the mating spline teeth. This AD requires visually inspecting the drive ring spline teeth and the mating area spline teeth on the oil cooler blower shaft for signs of deformation and fretting and depending on the results of the inspection, removing certain parts from service. This AD also requires reinstalling certain parts, applying torque, and aligning certain bolt holes. 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 237 (Tuesday, December 14, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70966-70969]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27012]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0830; Project Identifier AD-2020-00257-R;
Amendment 39-21836; AD 2021-24-15]
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
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4
helicopters with certain Air Comm Corporation air conditioning systems
installed. This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the drive ring
spline teeth and the mating spline teeth. This AD requires visually
inspecting the drive ring spline teeth and the mating area spline teeth
on the oil cooler blower shaft for signs of deformation and fretting
and depending on the results of the inspection, removing certain parts
from service. This AD also requires reinstalling certain parts,
applying torque, and aligning certain bolt holes. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 18, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of January 18,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Air Comm Corporation, 1575 Westminster, CO 80234; telephone
(303) 440-4075; or at <a href="https://www.aircommcorp.com">https://www.aircommcorp.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. 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-
0830.
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-2021-0830; 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
referenced service
[[Page 70967]]
information, 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: Matthew Bryant, Aerospace Engineer,
Denver ACO Branch, FAA, 26805 East 68th Avenue, Denver, CO 80249;
telephone (303) 342-1080; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1e27335a7b70687b6c335f776c7d6c7f786a335d7b6c6a5e787f7f30797168"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="51687c15343f2734237c10382332233037257c12342325113730307f363e27">[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 Bell Textron Canada
Limited Model 206L-1, Model 206L-3, and Model 206L-4 helicopters with
certain Air Comm Corporation air conditioning systems installed. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 24, 2021 (86 FR
53015). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require within 300 hours time-
in-service (TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours
TIS, gaining access to the drive ring spline teeth and the mating area
spline teeth on the oil cooler blower shaft, repetitively inspecting
the drive ring spline teeth and the mating spline teeth on the tail
rotor drive's oil cooler blower shaft for deformation and fretting, and
depending on the results of each inspection, removing certain parts
from service before further flight. The NPRM also proposed to require
reinstalling certain parts, and if required, reinstalling the drive
pulley by torqueing and aligning the drive pulley bolt holes.
The FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SW-19-05
on April 4, 2019 (SAIB SW-19-05), to alert owners and operators of Bell
Textron Canada Limited Model 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters
with Air Comm Corporation's Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
SH2750NM installed. SAIB SW-19-05 was prompted by reports of the air
conditioner pulley's locking system, which is installed on the oil
cooler drive shaft's splined quill, causing excessive spline tooth wear
to the drive ring spline teeth and the mating spline teeth on the oil
cooler blower shaft. SAIB SW-19-05 recommends following the inspection
instructions of certain Air Comm Corporation service information and
routinely inspecting the air conditioner pulley lock ring.
At the time SAIB SW-19-05 was issued, the airworthiness concern was
not determined to be an unsafe condition that would warrant AD action
under 14 CFR part 39. However, subsequent investigations were not able
to determine whether the limited damaged observed on several oil cooler
blower shafts would remain localized or progress to a point where the
shaft is no longer safe for continued use. The FAA also later
determined that operators may have difficulty aligning the air
conditioning system's drive ring holes with the air conditioning
condenser drive pulley without leaving the condenser drive pulley
under-torqued. This condition, if not addressed, could result in a
failure of the oil cooler blower shaft, which could lead to loss of
tail rotor authority and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD for Bell Textron Canada
Limited Model 206L-1 and 206L-3 helicopters with Bell Model 206L1/L3
Service Instruction for Increased Gross Weight Upgrade Kit BHT-206-SI-
2052, Revision 1, dated October 14, 2010, installed and Bell Model
206L-4 helicopters equipped with one of the following Air Comm
Corporation STC SH2750NM air conditioning systems part number; 206EC-
204-1, 206EC-204-2, 206EC-208-1, 206EC-208-2, 206EC-210-1, 206EC-210-2,
206EC-210-3, 206EC-212-3 or 206EC-212-4. Helicopters with a 206L-1+
designation are Model 206L-1 helicopters and helicopters with a 206L-3+
designation are Model 206L-3 helicopters.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. 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 ACC Air Comm Corporation Service Bulletin SB
206EC-091119, Rev B, dated May 26, 2021 (SB 206EC-091119 Rev B), which
specifies procedures for visually inspecting the drive ring spline
teeth and the mating spline teeth on the tail rotor drive's oil cooler
blower shaft for deformation or fretting.
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 Service Bulletin
SB 206EC-091119 Rev B requires inspecting the air conditioning
compressor drive belt tension and the general condition of the drive
belt, drive pulley, and surrounding components, whereas this AD does
not. SB 206EC-091119 Rev B requires reporting any deformation or
fretting to Air Comm Corporation Service Department, whereas this AD
does not. SB 206EC-091119 Rev B provides an option to deactivate the
air conditioning system if deformation or fretting is found on the
drive ring or the oil cooler blower shaft assembly, whereas this AD
requires removing these parts from service instead.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects up to 100 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.
Removing the tail rotor drive system's forward short shaft, spline
adaptor, and drive ring and visually inspecting the drive ring spline
teeth and the mating area spline teeth take about 1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $8,500 for the U.S. fleet per
inspection cycle.
Replacing the drive ring takes about 3 work-hours and parts cost
about $300 for an estimated cost of $555 per replacement.
Replacing the oil cooler blower assembly takes about 3 work-hours
and parts cost about $2,720 for an estimated cost of $2,975 per
replacement.
Aligning each bolt hole and re-torqueing the drive pulley take
about 0.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter.
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
[[Page 70968]]
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:
2021-24-15 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-21836; Docket
No. FAA-2021-0830; Project Identifier AD-2020-00257-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 18, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Bell Textron Canada Limited helicopters
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD:
(1) Model 206L-1 and Model 206L-3 helicopters, certificated in
any category, with Bell Model 206L1/L3 Service Instruction for
Increased Gross Weight Upgrade Kit BHT-206-SI-2052, Revision 1,
dated October 14, 2010, installed and that are equipped with one of
the following Air Comm Corporation Supplemental Type Certificate
(STC) SH2750NM air conditioning systems part number (P/N) 206EC-204-
1, 206EC-204-2, 206EC-208-1, 206EC-208-2, 206EC-210-1, 206EC-210-2,
206EC-210-3, 206EC-212-3, or 206EC-212-4; and
Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1) of this AD: Helicopters with a 206L-
1+ designation are Model 206L-1 helicopters and helicopters with a
206L-3+ designation are Model 206L-3 helicopters.
(2) Model 206 L-4 helicopters, certificated in any category, and
that are equipped with one of the following Air Comm Corporation STC
SH2750NM air conditioning systems P/N 206EC-204-1, 206EC-204-2,
206EC-208-1, 206EC-208-2, 206EC-210-1, 206EC-210-2, 206EC-210-3,
206EC-212-3, or 206EC-212-4.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor
Drive Shaft.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of deformation or fretting of
the spline teeth on the air conditioning system drive ring and on
the oil cooler blower shaft. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
deformation and fretting. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in a failure of the oil cooler blower shaft, which
could lead to loss of tail rotor authority and subsequent loss of
helicopter control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date
of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS:
(1) Gain access to the drive ring spline teeth and the mating
area spline teeth on the oil cooler blower shaft by removing the
tail rotor drive system's forward short shaft and spline adaptor,
and the air conditioner system's drive ring. Refer to Figure 1 of
ACC Air Comm Corporation Service Bulletin SB 206EC-091119, Rev B,
dated May 26, 2021 for a depiction of each component's location.
(2) Visually inspect the drive ring spline teeth and the mating
area spline teeth on the oil cooler blower shaft for deformation and
fretting.
(i) If there is deformation or fretting on the drive ring spline
teeth, before further flight, remove the drive ring from service and
replace it with an airworthy part.
(ii) If there is deformation or fretting on the mating area
spline teeth of the oil cooler blower shaft, before further flight,
remove the oil cooler blower assembly from service and replace with
an airworthy part.
(3) Reinstall the drive ring, spline adapter, and the forward
short shaft. If the compressor drive pulley was removed, torque the
drive pulley to 200-300 in-lbs, increasing torque in this range to
align the four threaded holes with the through holes in the drive
ring. Do not back-off torque to align the bolt holes.
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Denver ACO, 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
Denver ACO, 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#5861751c3d362e3d2a7519312a3b2a393e2c751b3d2a2c183e3939763f372e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7841553c1d160e1d0a5539110a1b0a191e0c553b1d0a0c381e1919561f170e">[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 Matthew Bryant,
Aerospace Engineer, Denver ACO Branch, FAA, 26805 East 68th Avenue,
Denver, CO 80249; telephone (303) 342-1092; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c6ffeb82a3a8b0a3b4eb87afb4a5b4a7a0b2eb85a3b4b286a0a7a7e8a1a9b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="82bbafc6e7ecf4e7f0afc3ebf0e1f0e3e4f6afc1e7f0f6c2e4e3e3ace5edf4">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD, is available at
the contact information specified in paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of
this AD.
(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) ACC Air Comm Corporation Service Bulletin SB 206EC-091119,
Rev B, dated May 26, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Air
Comm Corporation, 1575 W 124th Ave. #210, Westminster, CO 80234;
telephone: (303) 440-4075; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f4c5a4d49565c5a7f5e564d5c5052525c504d4f115c5052"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87f4e2f5f1eee4e2c7e6eef5e4e8eaeae4e8f5f7a9e4e8ea">[email protected]</span></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#3f594d1156514c4f5a5c4b5650517f515e4d5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81e7f3afe8eff2f1e4e2f5e8eeefc1efe0f3e0afe6eef7">[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>.
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Issued on November 19, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27012 Filed 12-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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