Proposed Rule2022-25709
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
November 28, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. This proposed AD would require determining if an affected TRDS is installed; repetitively inspecting the bond line for damage; repetitively performing a proof load test of the TRDS assembly; and depending on the results of the inspections or the proof load tests, removing an affected TRDS from service and replacing it with a serviceable TRDS. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing a TRDS unless it meets certain requirements, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 227 (Monday, November 28, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 227 (Monday, November 28, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72899-72902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-25709]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 227 / Monday, November 28, 2022 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 72899]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B,
206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a failure of an
adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the
segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. This proposed AD would
require determining if an affected TRDS is installed; repetitively
inspecting the bond line for damage; repetitively performing a proof
load test of the TRDS assembly; and depending on the results of the
inspections or the proof load tests, removing an affected TRDS from
service and replacing it with a serviceable TRDS. This proposed AD
would also prohibit installing a TRDS unless it meets certain
requirements, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed
for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 12,
2023.
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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; 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 NPRM, the Transport Canada AD, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference
<bullet> For Transport Canada material that is proposed for
incorporation by reference (IBR) in this NPRM, contact Transport
Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra
Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5b0f18751a32292c34292f3332353e28281f32293e382f322d3e287618343528323c353e283f3e353a2d323c3a393237322f3e750f181b2f38753c3875383a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="095d4a2748607b7e667b7d6160676c7a7a4d607b6c6a7d607f6c7a244a66677a606e676c7a6d6c67687f606e686b6065607d6c275d4a497d6a276e6a276a68">[email protected]</span></a>;
internet tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find this IBR material on
the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
<bullet> You may view this material 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.
Other Related Service Information: For Bell service information
identified in this NPRM, 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#6616140902130512151316160914122604030a0a000a0f010e124805090b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0373716c67766077707673736c71774361666f6f656f6a646b772d606c6e">[email protected]</span></a>; or at <a href="http://bellflight.com/support/contact-support">bellflight.com/support/contact-support</a>. This service information is also available at the FAA contact
information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#711a03180205181f5f130310151d1408311710105f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3a514853494e53541458485b5e565f437a5c5b5b145d554c">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00788-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 proposal 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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#355e475c46415c5b1b5747545159504c755354541b525a43"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2249504b51564b4c0c405043464e475b624443430c454d54">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives
that
[[Page 72900]]
is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public
docket for this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022 (Transport
Canada AD CF-2022-33), to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron
Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3
and 206L-4 helicopters, all serial numbers.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report in which a Bell Textron
Canada Limited Model 206L-1 helicopter experienced loss of TR drive
during a maintenance test flight, which was due to a failure of an
adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the
segmented TRDS assemblies.
The FAA is proposing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive
bond of the TRDS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in loss of TR drive and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter. See Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires determining if a helicopter
has an affected TRDS installed. If there is an affected TRDS installed,
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires performing a repetitive
detailed inspection of the bond line of the inboard end of the flange
and, if there is damage, replacing the affected TRDS with a serviceable
TRDS. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also requires performing a
repetitive proof load test of the TRDS assembly and replacing any TRDS
that fails the proof load test. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also
prohibits installing a TRDS unless certain requirements are met.
This material 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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-20-139,
Revision A, dated August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139 Rev A) for Model
206A, 206B, and TH-67 helicopters, and Bell ASB 206L-20-184, Revision
C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C) for Model 206L, 206L-
1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This service information specifies
procedures for repetitive detailed visual inspections and proof load
tests of installed bonded TRDSs, and replacement of an affected bonded
TRDS that fails a visual inspection or proof load test with a
serviceable segmented bonded TRDS or a riveted TRDS. This service
information also specifies that replacing all the bonded TRDS
assemblies with riveted TRDS assemblies is a terminating action for the
repetitive visual inspections and proof load tests.
The FAA reviewed Bell Helicopter Technical Bulletin (TB) No. 206-
06-186, Revision B, dated September 7, 2007, and Bell Helicopter
Textron TB No. 206L-02-207, Revision A, dated January 22, 2003, which
both specify procedures for installing a riveted TRDS and rotor break
disc; inspecting the aft short shaft and driveshaft assemblies; and
stripping and painting the aft short shaft and driveshaft assemblies.
FAA's Determination
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 is proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters
of these same type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, described previously, as
incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD, the Transport
Canada AD, and the Service Information.''
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the
FAA proposes to incorporate Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 by reference
in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 in its entirety through
that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are
the same as the heading of a particular section in Transport Canada AD
CF-2022-33 does not mean that operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ``Corrective
Actions,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the
section titled ``Corrective Actions'' in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-
33. Service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33
for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1488 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD, the Transport Canada AD, and the
Service Information
Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-
2022-33 specifies recording certain information in the event of a bond
line failure and notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the
findings, this proposed AD would not require recording any information
or reporting any information to Bell Product Support Engineering.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 1,395 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 proposed AD.
Determining if an affected TRDS is installed would take about 0.5
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $59,985 for
the U.S. fleet.
Inspecting the bond line and performing a proof load test would
take about 1.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $128 per helicopter
per inspection cycle.
Replacing an affected TRDS assembly would take about 12 work-hours
and parts would cost up to $32,708 for an estimated cost of up to
$33,728 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.
[[Page 72901]]
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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Bell Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project
Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 12, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-
1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4
helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor
Drive Shaft.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a
failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube
on one of the segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive bond of the
TRDS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result
in loss of TR drive and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022
(Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33).
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires compliance in
terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service
(TIS).
(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines ``Affected
TRDS,'' for this AD replace each instance of the text ``affected
TRDS,'' with '' a TRDS with a part number (P/N) that is not one of
the riveted TRDS P/Ns listed in the accomplishment instructions of
Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-20-139, Revision A, dated
August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139 Rev A) or Bell ASB 206L-20-184,
Revision C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C) as
applicable to your model helicopter.''
(4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines ``Serviceable
part,'' for this AD replace each instance of the text ``serviceable
part,'' with ``a riveted TRDS with a P/N that is listed in the
accomplishment instructions of ASB 206-20-139 Rev A or ASB 206L-20-
184 Rev C as applicable to your model helicopter; or an affected
TRDS that has been inspected and proof load tested in accordance
with the requirements of this AD within the past 300 hours TIS or
within the last 12 months, whichever occurs first.''
(5) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada
AD CF-2022-33 specifies scrapping or discarding a part, this AD
requires removing that part from service.
(6) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada
AD CF-2022-33 specifies in the event of a bond line failure,
recording the torque value at which it failed, the affected shaft
position, part number, serial number, and which end failed, and
notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the findings, this AD
does not require recording any discrepancies or reporting any
information to Bell Product Support Engineering.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada
AD CF-2022-33 specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(k) 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 (l) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#251c0864737608646c77081216150864686a66654344440b424a53"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="01382c4057522c4048532c3632312c404c4e42416760602f666e77">[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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley,
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8fe4fde6fcfbe6e1a1edfdeeebe3eaf6cfe9eeeea1e8e0f9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="204b52495354494e0e425241444c4559604641410e474f56">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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) Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada service information identified in this
AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5,
CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ca9e89e48ba3b8bda5b8bea2a3a4afb9b98ea3b8afa9bea3bcafb9e789a5a4b9a3ada4afb9aeafa4abbca3adaba8a3a6a3beafe49e898abea9e4ada9e4a9ab"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80d4c3aec1e9f2f7eff2f4e8e9eee5f3f3c4e9f2e5e3f4e9f6e5f3adc3efeef3e9e7eee5f3e4e5eee1f6e9e7e1e2e9ece9f4e5aed4c3c0f4e3aee7e3aee3e1">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find the Transport
Canada material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/
aviation.
[[Page 72902]]
(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#2d4b5f0344435e5d484e594442436d434c5f4c034a425b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="563024783f3825263335223f3938163837243778313920">[email protected]</span></a>), or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on November 18, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-25709 Filed 11-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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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.