Rule2022-11605
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. 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
June 1, 2022
Effective
July 6, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Inc. Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked check valve. This AD requires inspecting certain engine oil and fuel check valves, and depending on the results, repetitively inspecting and removing the check valve from service. This AD also prohibits installing affected engine oil and fuel check valves on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 105 (Wednesday, June 1, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 1, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32978-32980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11605]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0387; Project Identifier AD-2021-01225-R;
Amendment 39-22069; AD 2022-11-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bell Textron Inc. Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters.
This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked check valve. This AD
requires inspecting certain engine oil and fuel check valves, and
depending on the results, repetitively inspecting and removing the
check valve from service. This AD also prohibits installing affected
engine oil and fuel check valves on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 6, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Bell Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101, United
States; phone 1-450-437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3c3c1dcd7c6d0c7c0c6c3c3dcc1c7f3d1d6dfdfd5dfdad4dbc79dd0dcde"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3141435e55445245424441415e43457153545d5d575d585659451f525e5c">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.bellflight.com/support/">https://www.bellflight.com/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-2022-0387; 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 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: 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#157e6070617d703b7d7467787a7b557374743b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ec879989988489c2848d9e818382ac8a8d8dc28b839a">[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 Inc. Model
212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters with an engine oil check valve
part number (P/N) 209-062-520-001 or fuel check valve P/N 209-062-607-
001 manufactured by Circor Aerospace that is marked ``Circle Seal'' and
``CORONA CA,'' except not a check valve marked with ``TQL,'' and has a
manufacturing date code of, or prior to, ``9/11'' (September 2011), or
does not have a manufacturing date code, installed. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on March 31, 2022 (87 FR 18747). The NPRM was
prompted by report of a cracked check valve manufactured in 2009 by
Circor Aerospace. An incorrect torque value applied on the threaded
fitting at the check valve inlet end during the assembly process
resulted in the crack. Indication of this condition may also include an
enlarged outside diameter (O.D.) measurement of the check valve housing
at the inlet end where the threaded fitting is installed or a leak.
These check valves may be installed as engine oil check valve P/N 209-
062-520-001 and fuel check valve P/N 209-062-607-001 on Bell Textron
Inc. Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters.
The FAA previously issued AD 2019-09-02, Amendment 39-19636 (84 FR
22695, May 20, 2019), which applies to the same model helicopters with
the same part-numbered check valves installed, except it is only for
check valves marked ``Circle Seal'' and with a manufacturing date code
of ``10/11'' (October 2011) through ``03/15'' (March 2015).
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require measuring the O.D. of an
affected (engine oil or fuel) check valve housing at the center and at
the inlet end where the threaded fitting is installed. If the dimension
measured at the inlet end is greater than 0.003 inch (0.0762 mm)
compared to the measurement at the center, the NPRM proposed to require
repetitively inspecting the check valve for a crack and leak, and
depending on the results, removing the check valve from service. The
NPRM also proposed to require removing the check valve from service at
a longer compliance time, which would terminate the repetitive
inspections. Lastly, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing affected
check valves on any helicopter.
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. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 212-20-163,
Revision B, dated April 6, 2021 (ASB 212-20-163), Bell ASB 212-20-164,
Revision B, dated April 6, 2021 (ASB 212-20-164), Bell ASB 412-20-182,
Revision B, dated April 6, 2021 (ASB 412-20-182), and Bell ASB 412-20-
183, Revision C, dated April 6, 2021 (ASB 412-20-183). ASB 212-20-163
and ASB 412-20-182
[[Page 32979]]
specify procedures for inspecting and replacing engine oil check valve
P/N 209-062-520-001. ASB 212-20-164 and ASB 412-20-183 specify
procedures for inspecting and replacing fuel check valve P/N 209-062-
607-001.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 169 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.
Measuring up to four check valves (two engine oil and two fuel)
takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of up to $85 per
helicopter and $14,365 for the U.S. fleet. Inspecting up to four check
valves (two engine oil and two fuel) takes about 2 work-hours for an
estimated cost of up to $170 per helicopter and $28,730 for the U.S.
fleet, per inspection cycle as applicable. Replacing up to four valves
(two engine oil and two fuel) takes about 4 work-hours and parts cost
up to about $340, for an estimated cost of up to $680 per helicopter
and $114,920 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, 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:
2022-11-19 Bell Textron Inc.: Amendment 39-22069; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0387; Project Identifier AD-2021-01225-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 6, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Inc. Model 212, 412, 412CF, and
412EP helicopters, certificated in any category, with an engine oil
check valve part number (P/N) 209-062-520-001 or fuel check valve P/
N 209-062-607-001 manufactured by Circor Aerospace that:
(1) Is marked ``Circle Seal'' and ``CORONA CA,'' except not a
check valve marked with ``TQL,'' and
(2) Has a manufacturing date code of, or prior to, ``9/11''
(September 2011), or does not have a manufacturing date code,
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2800 Aircraft Fuel
System and 7900 Engine Oil System (Airframe).
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked check valve. The
FAA is issuing this AD to detect a cracked check valve. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of lubrication or
fuel to the engine, failure of the engine or a fire, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, using a caliper or
equivalent, measure the outside diameter (O.D.) of the check valve
housing at the center, and the O.D. of the check valve housing at
the inlet end where the threaded fitting is installed. If the
dimension measured at the inlet end is greater than 0.003 inch
(0.0762 mm) compared to the measurement at the center, do the
following:
(i) Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 25 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first, using a
flashlight, visually inspect the check valve for a crack and leak,
paying particular attention to the area at the inlet end where the
threaded fitting is installed. If there is a crack or leak, before
further flight, remove the check valve from service. Removing the
check valve from service terminates the repetitive inspections
required by this AD for that check valve.
(ii) Within 600 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first,
remove the check valve from service. Removing the check valve from
service terminates the repetitive inspections required by this AD
for that check valve.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an
engine oil or fuel check valve identified in paragraph (c) of this
AD on any helicopter.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, DSCO 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
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#162f3b5745413b272f263b5559455670777738717960"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="152c3854464238242c2538565a46557374743b727a63">[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
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#472c3222332f22692f26352a28290721262669202831"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6d06180819050843050c1f0002032d0b0c0c430a021b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
[[Page 32980]]
Issued on May 25, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11605 Filed 5-31-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on June 1, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.