[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 211 (Tuesday, November 2, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63440-63442]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24225]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-SW-03-AD; Amendment 39-13841; AD 2004-22-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 
206L-1 and 206L-3 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) model helicopters 
that requires a one-time inspection of the adjustable stop screws of 
the magnetic brake assembly; repairing, as appropriate, certain 
mechanical damage to the cyclic and collective flight control magnetic 
brake arm assembly (arm assembly), if necessary; and installing the 
stop screw with the proper adhesive, adjusting the arm assembly travel 
and applying slippage marks. This amendment is prompted by reports that 
the magnetic brake adjustable screws have backed out, which limited 
travel of the arm assembly. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to detect loose adjustable stop screws, that could result in 
limiting the travel of the cyclic and collective arm assembly, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective December 7, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 7, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, 
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, 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 National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Harrison, Aviation Safety

[[Page 63441]]

Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5128, fax (817) 222-5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for the specified model helicopters was published in the 
Federal Register on May 12, 2004 (69 FR 26325). That action proposed to 
require within 100 hours time-in-service or within 90 days, whichever 
occurs first, and before installation of an affected magnetic brake, a 
one-time inspection of the adjustable stop screws of the magnetic brake 
assembly; repairing, as appropriate, certain mechanical damage to the 
arm assembly, if necessary; and installing the stop screw with the 
proper adhesive, adjusting the arm assembly travel and applying 
slippage marks.
    Transport Canada, the airworthiness authority for Canada, notified 
the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on Bell Model 206L-1 and 
206L-3 helicopters with Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) Kit, part number 
(P/N) 206-705-001, -101, or -103, installed, and all delivered spare 
magnetic brakes, P/N 204-001-376-003, manufactured by Memcor Truohm, 
Inc. as P/N MP 498-3. Transport Canada advises that the stop screws, P/
N MS51959-3, of the magnetic brake, P/N 204-001-376-003 (Memcor Truohm 
P/N MP 498-3), were installed without the proper adhesive.
    Bell has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206L-01-122, dated 
October 3, 2001, which specifies a one-time inspection of the magnetic 
brake adjustable stop screw, P/N MS51959-3; repairing any arm assembly 
mechanical damage created by the screws; and installing the stop screw 
with the proper adhesive and adjusting the arm assembly shaft travel. 
Transport Canada classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory 
and issued AD No. CF-2002-16, dated March 4, 2002, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these helicopters in Canada.
    These helicopter models are manufactured in Canada and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the 
applicable bilateral agreement, Transport Canada has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the 
findings of Transport Canada, reviewed all available information, and 
determined that AD action is necessary for products of these type 
designs that are certificated for operation in the United States.
    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.
    The FAA estimates that 577 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 3 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$3,785. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $298,500, assuming that 75 
helicopters in the U.S. will require the actions described in this AD.
    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

0
Accordingly, pursuant to 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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2004-22-13 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39-13841. 
Docket No. 2004-SW-03-AD.

    Applicability: Model 206L-1 and 206L-3 helicopters with 
Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) Kit, part number (P/N) 206-705-001, -
101, or -103, and a magnetic brake, P/N 204-001-376-003, 
manufactured by Memcor Truohm, Inc. (M.T. Inc.) as P/N MP 498-3, 
installed, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required within 100 hours time-in-service or 90 
days, whichever occurs first, and before installation of any 
affected magnetic brake, unless accomplished previously.
    To detect loose adjustable stop screws, which could result in 
limiting the travel of the cyclic and collective arm assembly, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Inspect and, if necessary, repair, adjust, and apply 
slippage marks to the magnetic brake assembly by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 6. through 12., in Bell 
Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206L-01-122, 
dated October 3, 2001, except if damage to the arm assembly exceeds 
0.030 inch (0.762 mm), replace the magnetic brake assembly with an 
airworthy magnetic brake assembly. Contacting the manufacturer is 
not required.
    (b) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
for information about previously approved alternative methods of 
compliance.
    (c) The inspection and, if necessary, the modification shall be 
done in accordance with Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service 
Bulletin No. 206L-01-122, dated October 3, 2001. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de 
l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 
363-8023, fax (450) 433-0272. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on December 7, 2004.

    Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
(Canada) AD No. CF-2002-16, dated March 4, 2002.




[[Page 63442]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 22, 2004.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-24225 Filed 11-1-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P