[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 23 (Friday, February 2, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8759-8761]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-2427]



[[Page 8759]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-SW-34-AD; Amendment 39-12087; AD 2001-02-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 
206A, B, L, L1, and L3 Helicopters

AGENCY:  Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:  Final rule.

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SUMMARY:  This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 206A, B, L, L1, and L3 
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the collective lever assembly 
(assembly) for a raised forging boss, inspecting the assembly for 
adequate clearance between the collective lever and the swashplate 
outer ring (outer ring), and modifying any assembly with a raised 
forging boss and inadequate clearance before further flight. Modifying 
any assembly that has a raised forging boss and adequate clearance 
would be required before further flight after January 31, 2001. This AD 
is prompted by the discovery that a raised forging boss could result in 
control system interference. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent interference between the collective lever and the 
outer ring, damage to flight controls, and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

DATES:  Effective March 9, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 9, 2001.

ADDRESSES:  The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, 
Mirabel, Quebec JON1LO, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax 
(450) 433-0272. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations Group, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD for BHTC Model 
206A, B, L, L1, and L3 helicopters was published in the Federal 
Register on September 11, 2000 (65 FR 54888). That action proposed to 
require, for each assembly, P/N 206-010-467-001:
     Within 30 days, inspecting for a raised forging boss and 
for adequate clearance;
     Before further flight, modifying any collective lever if 
the clearance is 0.060 inch (1.52mm) or less between the assembly and 
the outer ring; and
     Before further flight after January 31, 2001, modifying 
any assembly that has a forging boss and adequate clearance.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.

Regulatory Impact

    In the NPRM, we estimated that 6,000 helicopters would be affected 
by this AD; however, only 2,200 helicopters are currently on the U.S. 
registry. It will take approximately 0.5 work hours per helicopter to 
inspect and 2 work hours to modify the assembly, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $330,000.
    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action ''under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule ''under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
``ADDRESSES.''

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

                  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
                 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-02-03
              Docket No. 2000-SW-34-AD, Amendment 39-12087
                     Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
      Subject: Inspecting and Modifying Collective Lever Assemblies
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(a) Effective Date            Effective March 9, 2001.
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(b) Affected Documents        None.
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[[Page 8760]]

 
(c) Applicability             Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A
                               (serial numbers (S/N) 004 through 660 and
                               672 through 715); 206B (S/N 661 through
                               671, 716 through 4529, and 5101 through
                               5267); 206L (S/N 45004 through 45153, and
                               46601 through 46617); 206L1 (S/N 45154
                               through 45790); and 206L3 (S/N 51001
                               through 51612) helicopters, with a
                               collective lever assembly (assembly),
                               part number (P/N) 206-010-467-001,
                               installed, certificated in any category.
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(d) Unsafe Condition and      A raised forging boss could interfere with
 Background Information        the control system. That could damage
                               flight controls and cause loss of control
                               of the helicopter.
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(e) Compliance                Unless previously accomplished, inspect
                               each assembly within 30 days. Modify any
                               assembly that has a raised forging boss.
                               Modify the assembly before further flight
                               if the clearance is 0.060 inch (1.52mm)
                               or less or before further flight after
                               January 31, 2001 if the clearance is
                               greater than 0.060 inch (1.52mm).
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(f) Required Actions          (1) Within 30 days:
                              (i) Inspect each assembly for a raised
                               forging boss in accordance with the
                               Accomplishment Instructions, Part I,
                               paragraphs 1.a., of Bell Helicopter
                               Textron Alert Service Bulletin Nos. 206L-
                               00-116, dated March 10, 2000 (ASB 206L),
                               or 206-00-93, Revision A, dated May 10,
                               2000 (ASB 206), as applicable, and
                              (ii) If the assembly has a raised forging
                               boss, inspect for clearance in accordance
                               with the Accomplishment Instructions,
                               Part I, paragraphs 2.a. through f., of
                               ASB 206L or ASB 206, as applicable.
                              (2) Modify each assembly in accordance
                               with the Accomplishment Instructions,
                               Part II, paragraphs 1 through 10, of ASB
                               206L or ASB 206, as applicable, as
                               follows:
                              (i) If the clearance is 0.060 inch
                               (1.52mm) or less at one of the outer ring
                               horns, before further flight.
                              (ii) If the clearance is greater than
                               0.060 inch (1.52mm) at one of the outer
                               ring horns, before further flight after
                               January 31, 2001.
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(g) Other Provisions          (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                               (AMOC):
                              (i) You may use an AMOC or adjust the time
                               you take to meet the requirements of this
                               AD if your alternative provides an
                               acceptable level of safety and if the
                               Manager, Regulations Group, approves your
                               alternative.
                              (ii) Submit your request for approval
                               through an FAA Principal Maintenance
                               Inspector, who may add comments and then
                               send it to the Manager, Regulations
                               Group.
                              (iii) You can get information about the
                               existence of already approved AMOC's from
                               the FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate,
                               Regulations Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
                               Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
                              (2) Modifications, Alterations, or
                               Repairs:
                              This AD applies to each helicopter
                               identified in the applicability
                               paragraph, even if it has been modified,
                               altered, or repaired in the area subject
                               to this AD. If that change in any way
                               affects accomplishing the required
                               actions, you must request FAA approval
                               for an AMOC. Your request should assess
                               the effect of the change on the unsafe
                               condition addressed by this AD.
                              (3) Special Flight Permits:
                               The FAA may issue you a special flight
                               permit under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to
                               operate your helicopter to a location
                               where you can comply with this AD.
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(h) Incorporation by          You must accomplish the inspections and
Reference                      modifications in accordance with Part I,
                               paragraphs 1.a. and 2.a. through f.. and
                               Part II, paragraphs 1 through 10,of Bell
                               Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin
                               Nos. 206L-00-116, dated March 10, 2000,
                               or 206-00-93, Revision A, dated May 10,
                               2000, as applicable. The Director of the
                               Federal Register approved this
                               incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C.
                               552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. If you need a
                               copy of the service bulletin, contact
                               Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800
                               Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec JON1LO,
                               telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-
                               8023, fax (450) 433-0272. You can review
                               a copy of the service bulletin at the
                               FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
                               Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
                               Room 663, Fort Worth, TX; or at the
                               Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
                               Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington
                               DC.
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[[Page 8761]]

 
(i) Related Information       Transport Canada AD No. CF-2000-13, dated
                               May 23, 2000.
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    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on January 18, 2001.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-2427 Filed 2-1-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-S