Rule2022-05379
Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
March 14, 2022
Effective
March 16, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-15-52 which applied to various restricted category helicopters originally manufactured by Bell Textron Inc. with a certain main rotor hub strap pin (pin) installed. AD 2021-15-52 required removing certain outboard pins from service and prohibited installing them on any helicopter. This AD expands the applicability to all affected pins, regardless if they are outboard or inboard. This AD also requires inspecting the removed pin for any deformation and if it is deformed, removing the mating strap fitting (fitting) from service. This AD was prompted by the discovery that AD 2021-15-52 inadvertently limited its applicability to only outboard pins when, in fact, all pins are subject to the unsafe condition and the determination that a deformed pin may have damaged the fitting. Finally, this AD updates the current type certificate holder information as reflected in the type certificate data sheet (TCDS) and expands the applicability of AD 2021-15-52. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 49 (Monday, March 14, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 49 (Monday, March 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14158-14161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05379]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0158; Project Identifier AD-2022-00199-R;
Amendment 39-21971; AD 2022-06-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-15-52
which applied to various restricted category helicopters originally
manufactured by Bell Textron Inc. with a certain main rotor hub strap
pin (pin) installed. AD 2021-15-52 required removing certain outboard
pins from service and prohibited installing them on any helicopter.
This AD expands the applicability to all affected pins, regardless if
they are outboard or inboard. This AD also requires inspecting the
removed pin for any deformation and if it is deformed, removing the
mating strap fitting (fitting) from service. This AD was prompted by
the discovery that AD 2021-15-52 inadvertently limited its
applicability to only outboard pins when, in fact, all pins are subject
to the unsafe condition and the determination that a deformed pin may
have damaged the fitting. Finally, this AD updates the current type
certificate holder information as reflected in the type certificate
data sheet (TCDS) and expands the applicability of AD 2021-15-52. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 16, 2022.
The FAA must receive any comments on this AD by April 28, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
[[Page 14159]]
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact Bell
Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX, 76101; telephone (450)
437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 433-0272; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6414160b00110710171114140b1610240601080802080d030c104a070b09"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5323213c37263027202623233c21271331363f3f353f3a343b277d303c3e">[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 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.
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-2022-0158; 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
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kuethe Harmon, Safety Management
Program Manager, Certification & Program Management Section, DSCO
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5198; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1d76687869757833757c6f7072735d7b7c7c337a726b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b1dac4d4c5d9d49fd9d0c3dcdedff1d7d0d09fd6dec7">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued Emergency AD 2021-15-52 on July 6, 2021, and it
published as a Final rule; request for comments on July 29, 2021 as
Amendment 39-21664 (86 FR 40779) (AD 2021-15-52). AD 2021-15-52 applied
to the following restricted category helicopters originally
manufactured by Bell Textron Inc., with an outboard pin part number (P/
N) 204-012-104-005 with a serial number (S/N) prefix ``FNFS''
installed:
<bullet> Rotorcraft Development Corporation Model HH-1K
helicopters;
<bullet> Robinson Air Crane Inc.; Rotorcraft Development
Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc., Model TH-1F helicopters;
<bullet> Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc. (type
certificate previously held by JTBAM, Inc.); and Rotorcraft Development
Corporation Model TH-1L helicopters;
<bullet> Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc., Model UH-1A helicopters;
<bullet> International Helicopters, Inc.; Overseas Aircraft
Support, Inc.; Red Tail Flying Services, LLC; Richards Heavylift Helo,
Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation
International, Inc. (helicopters with an SW204 or SW204HP designation
are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH-1B
helicopters); and WSH, LLC (type certificate previously held by San
Joaquin Helicopters), Model UH-1B helicopters;
<bullet> Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.;
Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Smith Helicopters; and West Coast
Fabrications Model UH-1E helicopters;
<bullet> AST, Inc.; California Department of Forestry; Robinson Air
Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and Tamarack
Helicopters, Inc., Model UH-1F helicopters;
<bullet> Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology,
Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC;
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards
Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Southwest
Florida Aviation International, Inc. (helicopters with an SW205
designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model
UH-1H helicopters); and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc., Model UH-1H
helicopters;
<bullet> Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; and
Rotorcraft Development Corporation Model UH-1L helicopters; and
<bullet> Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development
Corporation Model UH-1P helicopters.
AD 2021-15-52 was prompted by a fatal accident of a Model 212
helicopter in which the affected pin sheared off during flight,
resulting in the main rotor blade and the main rotor head detaching
from the helicopter. The pin had accumulated only 20 total hours time-
in-service (TIS). An inspection of a different Model 212 helicopter
revealed that another pin installed, and made by the same manufacturer
and with the same S/N prefix, was deformed; this pin had accumulated
only 29 total hours TIS. Failure of a pin could result in the main
rotor blade detaching from the helicopter and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2021-15-52 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-15-52, it was discovered that the word
``outboard'' was inadvertently included in the AD's applicability,
resulting in the possibility that corrective actions for the inboard
pin may not be accomplished. This AD also updates the current type
certificate holder information, as reflected in the TCDS, for Model UH-
1B helicopters and adds Model SW205A-1 to the applicability because an
affected pin can also be installed on Model SW205A-1 helicopters.
Additionally, the FAA determined, after further review of the related
service information, that inspecting the affected pin for any deformity
and removing the fitting P/N 212-010-103-ALL or 204-012-103-ALL from
service is required to address the unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type designs.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs) UH-1H-21-21
and UH-1H-II-21-31, each Revision A and dated July 22, 2021. The ASBs
specify removing all P/N 204-012-104-005 pins with an S/N prefix
``FNFS'' before further flight. The ASBs also specify inspecting
removed pins for deformation and scrapping the fitting, P/N 212-010-
103-ALL or 204-012-103-ALL, if the pin is deformed. The ASBs also
specify that, although the investigation is still in progress, removing
these pins from service is required. The ASBs state that these pins may
not have been manufactured in accordance with the engineering design
requirements and may therefore shear as a result of this
nonconformance.
AD Requirements
This AD requires, before further flight, removing from service each
pin P/N 204-012-104-005 with an S/N prefix ``FNFS'' and inspecting it
for any deformation. If there is any deformation, this AD also requires
removing the fitting from service before further flight. Finally, this
AD prohibits installing the affected pin on any helicopter as of the
effective date of this AD.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action
is later
[[Page 14160]]
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because an affected pin was involved in a fatal accident in which the
pin sheared off during flight, resulting in the main rotor blade and
the main rotor head detaching from the helicopter. That pin had
accumulated only 20 total hours TIS. An additional investigation
revealed that another pin installed on a different helicopter and made
by the same manufacturer and with the same S/N prefix was deformed.
This pin had accumulated only 29 total hours TIS. The wording in AD
2021-15-52 could have caused an inboard pin with the same part number
and S/N prefix, which is subject to the same unsafe condition, to be
left in service. Failure of an affected pin could occur at any time
without any previous indication, which could result in the failure of
parts critical to the control of the helicopter. Thus, an urgent unsafe
condition exists and corrective actions must be accomplished before
further flight.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less
than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo
notice and comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0158 and Project Identifier AD
2022-00199-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kuethe
Harmon, Safety Management Program Manager, Certification & Program
Management Section, DSCO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177. Any commentary that
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 529 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.
Replacing up to four pins takes about 20 work-hours and parts cost
about $1,756 for four pins for an estimated cost of up to $3,456 per
helicopter, and up to $1,828,224 for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing up to 4 fittings takes about 2 work-hours and parts cost
about $14,400 for an estimated cost of up to $14,570 per helicopter,
and up to $7,707,530 for the U.S. fleet.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals.
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
[[Page 14161]]
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-15-52, Amendment 39-21664
(86 FR 40779, July 29, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2022-06-05 Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Amendment 39-
21971; Docket No. FAA-2022-0158; Project Identifier AD-2022-00199-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 16, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-15-52, Amendment 39-21664 (86 FR 40779,
July 29, 2021).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following various restricted category
helicopters with a main rotor hub strap pin (pin) part number 204-
012-104-005 with a serial number prefix ``FNFS'' installed:
(1) Model HH-1K helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
(2) Model SW205A-1 helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to Southwest Florida Aviation
International, Inc.;
(3) Model TH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to Robinson Air Crane Inc.; Rotorcraft
Development Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
(4) Model TH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft
Support, Inc. (type certificate previously held by JTBAM, Inc.); and
Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
(5) Model UH-1A helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.;
(6) Model UH-1B helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to International Helicopters, Inc.;
Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Red Tail Flying Services, LLC;
Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and WSH, LLC (type
certificate previously held by San Joaquin Helicopters);
Note 1 to paragraph (c)(6): Helicopters with an SW204 or SW204HP
designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.,
Model UH-1B helicopters.
(7) Model UH-1E helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft
Support, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Smith
Helicopters; and West Coast Fabrications;
(8) Model UH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to AST, Inc.; California Department of
Forestry; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development
Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
(9) Model UH-1H helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc.; Global
Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; JJASPP
Engineering Services LLC; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas
Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft
Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International,
Inc., and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
Note 2 to paragraph (c)(9): Helicopters with an SW205
designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.,
Model UH-1H helicopters.
(10) Model UH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft
Support, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and
(11) Model UH-1P helicopters; current type certificate holders
include but are not limited to Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and
Rotorcraft Development Corporation.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a fatal accident in which a pin sheared
off during flight, which resulted in the main rotor blade and the
main rotor head detaching from the helicopter. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address this unsafe condition and prevent loss of control
of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD,
remove from service any pin that is identified in the introductory
text of paragraph (c) of this AD and inspect it for any deformity.
If the pin is deformed, remove from service the mating strap fitting
(P/N 212-010-103-ALL or 204-012-103-ALL).
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any pin
that is identified in the introductory text of paragraph (c) of this
AD on any helicopter.
(h) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, DSCO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, 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 DSCO Branch, send it to
the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#794054382a2e54484049543a362a391f1818571e160f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bb8296fae8ec968a828b96f8f4e8fbdddada95dcd4cd">[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
For more information about this AD, contact Kuethe Harmon,
Safety Management Program Manager, Certification & Program
Management Section, DSCO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone
(817) 222-5198; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#acc7d9c9d8c4c982c4cddec1c3c2eccacdcd82cbc3da"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9bf0eefeeff3feb5f3fae9f6f4f5dbfdfafab5fcf4ed">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on March 8, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05379 Filed 3-10-22; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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