Proposed Rule2023-21684
Airworthiness Directives; Centerpointe Aerospace Inc. Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
October 3, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Centerpointe Aerospace Inc. (Centerpointe) Model S-58BT, S- 58DT, S-58ET, S-58FT, S-58HT, and S-58JT helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by an indication of a crack on the angle gearbox mount (AGBM). This proposed AD would require repetitively performing a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and depending on the results, removing the AGBM from service. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 190 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68002-68004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21684]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1891; Project Identifier AD-2023-00612-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Centerpointe Aerospace Inc. 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 Centerpointe Aerospace Inc. (Centerpointe) Model S-58BT, S-
58DT, S-58ET, S-58FT, S-58HT, and S-58JT helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by an indication of a crack on the angle gearbox mount
(AGBM). This proposed AD would require repetitively performing a
fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and depending on the results,
removing the AGBM from service. The FAA is proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
[[Page 68003]]
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November
17, 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> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-1891; 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, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Centerpointe service information identified in this
NPRM, contact Centerpointe Aerospace Inc. at 279 Blackland Road, Fate,
TX 75189; (972) 636-9601; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d19ea1b4a3b0a5b8bebfa291b0a7bfa3b4a2bea4a3b2b4a2ffb2bebc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="db94abbea9baafb2b4b5a89bbaadb5a9bea8b4aea9b8bea8f5b8b4b6">[email protected]</span></a>; <a href="https://www.californiahelicopter.com">https://www.californiahelicopter.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacob Fitch, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-4130;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1c767d7f737e327a75687f745c7a7d7d327b736a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a000b090508440c031e09022a0c0b0b440d051c">[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-2023-1891; Project Identifier
AD-2023-00612-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 Jacob
Fitch, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth,
TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-4130; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b515a585459155d524f58537b5d5a5a155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="93f9f2f0fcf1bdf5fae7f0fbd3f5f2f2bdf4fce5">[email protected]</span></a>. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for all Centerpointe Model S-
58BT, S-58DT, S-58ET, S-58FT, S-58HT, and S-58JT helicopters. During a
preflight inspection, fatigue cracking was found on a Model S-58BT
helicopter in the angle supports and cross-members forming the edges of
the AGBM. Due to their similarity to the Model S-58BT helicopter, the
FAA has determined that Centerpointe Model S-58DT, S-58ET, S-58FT, S-
58HT, and S-58JT helicopters are also affected by the same unsafe
condition. This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of
the angle gearbox, resulting in loss of main rotor drive and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Centerpointe Aerospace Service Bulletin No. 58B75,
dated April 26, 2023. This service information specifies procedures for
repetitively performing an FPI and reporting the results to the
manufacturer. 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 ADDRESSES.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require repetitive FPIs of the AGBM for a
crack, as specified in the service information already described,
except as discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and
the Service Information.'' This proposed AD would also require removing
any cracked AGBM from service before further flight.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Where the service information specifies that the initial FPI be
performed within 120 days after receipt of the service information,
this proposed AD would require the initial FPI to be performed within
250 hours time-in-service. The service information specifies reporting
the results of the FPI to the manufacturer, whereas this proposed AD
would not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 14 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.
Performing an FPI of the AGBM would take about 5 work-hours and
parts cost $150 for an estimated cost of $575 per helicopter, and
$8,050 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection.
If necessary, replacing an AGBM would take about 41 work-hours and
the parts cost would be $30,000 for an estimated cost of $33,485 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
[[Page 68004]]
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:
Centerpointe Aerospace Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2023-1891; Project
Identifier AD-2023-00612-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 17, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Centerpointe Aerospace Inc, Model S-58BT, S-
58DT, S-58ET, S-58FT, S-58HT, and S-58JT helicopters, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6300, Main Rotor
Drive System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the discovery of a fatigue crack on the
angle gearbox mount (AGBM). The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
fatigue cracking of the AGBM. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could lead to loss of the angle gearbox, resulting in
loss of main rotor drive 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 250 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 hours
TIS, perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) to inspect for
any crack on the AGBM in the eight areas depicted in the
Accomplishment Instructions, Figures 1A and 1B, of Centerpointe
Aerospace Service Bulletin No. 58B75, dated April 26, 2023. This FPI
must be accomplished by a Level II or Level III inspector certified
in the FAA-acceptable standards for nondestructive inspection
personnel.
(2) If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the
AGBM from service.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Central Certification 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.
(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) Additional Information
Jacob Fitch, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-4130; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a7cdc6c4c8c589c1ced3c4cfe7c1c6c689c0c8d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f69c97959994d8909f82959eb6909797d8919980">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) Centerpointe Aerospace Service Bulletin No. 58B75, dated
April 26, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Centerpointe service information identified in this
NPRM, contact Centerpointe Aerospace Inc. at 279 Blackland Road,
Fate, TX 75189; (972) 636-9601; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ed1eefbecffeaf7f1f0eddeffe8f0ecfbedf1ebecfdfbedb0fdf1f3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e6a996839487928f898895a6879088948395899394858395c885898b">[email protected]</span></a>;
<a href="https://www.californiahelicopter.com">https://www.californiahelicopter.com</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#cfa9bde1a6a1bcbfaaacbba6a0a18fa1aebdaee1a8a0b9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7117035f181f0201141205181e1f311f1003105f161e07">[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 September 22, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-21684 Filed 10-2-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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