[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 120 (Thursday, June 22, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35840-35843]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-5600]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25097; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-19-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. 
(Previously Utah State University); Firefly Aviation Helicopter 
Services (Previously Erickson Air-Crane Co.); California Department of 
Forestry; Garlick Helicopters, Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, 
Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC (Previously Western International 
Aviation, Inc.); International Helicopters, Inc.; Precision 
Helicopters, LLC; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; San Joaquin Helicopters 
(Previously Hawkins and Powers Aviation, Inc.); S.M.&T. Aircraft 
(Previously US Helicopters, Inc., UNC Helicopter, Inc., Southern Aero 
Corporation, and Wilco Aviation); Smith Helicopters; Southern 
Helicopter, Inc.; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. 
(Previously Jamie R. Hill and Southwest Florida Aviation); Tamarack 
Helicopters, Inc. (Previously Ranger Helicopter Services, Inc.); US 
Helicopter, Inc. (Previously UNC Helicopter, Inc.); West Coast 
Fabrication; and Williams Helicopter Corporation (Previously Scott 
Paper Co.) Model HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-
1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P Helicopters; and Southwest Florida Aviation Model 
SW204, SW204HP, SW205, and SW205A-1 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) for the specified restricted category type-certificated 
helicopters. The AD would require a review of the helicopter records to 
determine the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code of the tail 
rotor (T/R) slider. If the T/R slider is FAA approved or has a certain 
legible CAGE code, this AD would require no further action. If you 
cannot determine whether the T/R slider is FAA approved and it has no 
stamped CAGE code, an illegible stamped CAGE code, or an affected CAGE 
code, the AD would also require, before further flight and at specified 
intervals, magnaflux inspecting the T/R slider for a crack. If a crack 
is found, the AD would require, before further flight, replacing the T/
R slider with an airworthy T/R slider. The AD would also require 
replacing the T/R slider with an airworthy T/R slider on or before 
accumulating 1,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) or on or before 12 
months, whichever occurs first. This proposal is prompted by two 
accidents attributed to sub-standard T/R sliders that failed during 
flight. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent failure of a T/R slider, loss of T/R control, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 21, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically;
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically;
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590;
     Fax: 202-493-2251; or
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kreg Voorhies, Aerospace Engineer, 
Denver Aircraft Certification Office (ANM-100D), 26805 E. 68th Ave., 
Room 214, Denver, Colorado 80249, telephone (303) 342-1092, fax (303) 
342-1088.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written data, views, or arguments 
regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address listed 
under the caption ADDRESSES. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
25097, Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-19-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any

[[Page 35841]]

personal information you provide. We will also post a report 
summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the search function of our 
docket Web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent or signed the 
comment. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the proposed AD, any 
comments, and other information in person at the Docket Management 
System (DMS) Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-
647-5227) is located at the plaza level of the Department of 
Transportation NASSIF Building in Room PL-401 at 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Washington, DC. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    This document proposes adopting a new AD for Model HH-1K, TH-1F, 
TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P helicopters; 
and Southwest Florida Aviation Model SW204, SW204HP, SW205, and SW205A-
1 helicopters, with a T/R slider, part number (P/N) 204-010-720-3 or P/
N 204010720-3, installed. The AD would require a review of the 
helicopter records to determine the CAGE code of the T/R slider. If the 
T/R slider is FAA approved or has a certain legible CAGE code, this AD 
would require no further action. If you cannot determine whether the T/
R slider is FAA approved or if it has an illegible CAGE code or CAGE 
Code 15716 or 26098, the AD would require, before further flight and at 
specified intervals, magnaflux inspecting the T/R slider for a crack. 
If a crack is found, the AD would also require, before further flight, 
replacing the T/R slider with an airworthy T/R slider. The AD would 
also require replacing the T/R slider that has an illegible CAGE code 
or Code 15716 or 26098 with an airworthy T/R slider on or before 
accumulating 1,000 hours TIS or on or before 12 months, whichever 
occurs first. The T/R sliders manufactured by Forest Scientific, Inc., 
were produced under a military contract and do not meet the original 
equipment manufacturers (OEM) specifications. The machining process 
resulted in excess surface roughness. This proposal is prompted by two 
accidents attributed to sub-standard T/R sliders that failed during 
flight. This condition, if not corrected, could result in cracking in 
the T/R slider, loss of T/R control, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.
    This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of these same type designs. Therefore, the proposed AD 
would require the following:
     Within 25 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously:
     Review the helicopter records for the CAGE code of the T/R 
slider. If necessary, remove the installed T/R slider to determine the 
CAGE code.
    [cir] If the T/R slider is an FAA approved part; for example, an 
OEM part; or has a legible CAGE code other than Code 15716 or 26098; no 
further action is required.
    [cir] If you cannot determine whether the T/R slider is FAA 
approved and it contains no stamped CAGE code, an illegible stamped 
CAGE code, or a stamped CAGE code 15716 or 26098, before further 
flight, unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 25 hours TIS, magnaflux inspect the T/R slider for a crack.
    [cir] If a crack is found, before further flight, replace the T/R 
slider with an airworthy T/R slider.
     On or before accumulating 1000 hours TIS or on or before 
12 months, whichever occurs first, replace the T/R slider with an 
airworthy T/R slider or one that is FAA approved and has a legible CAGE 
code other than 15716 or 26098. Any T/R slider removed from service 
based on the requirements of this paragraph is not eligible for 
installation on any helicopter.
     Replacing the T/R slider with an airworthy FAA approved T/
R slider or with a legible CAGE code other than 15716 or 26098, 
constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 75 helicopters of 
U.S. registry and that it would take about:
     1 work hour to review the helicopter records and 2 work 
hours to remove and replace the T/R slider for a total of 3 work hours 
per helicopter to determine the CAGE code for each helicopter in the 
fleet;
     3 work hours for each magnaflux inspection with a total of 
24 such inspections on each of 10 helicopters based on 600 hours TIS 
per year; and
     2 work hours to replace the T/R slider with 10 helicopters 
needing the T/R slider replaced.

The average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
about $825 for each T/R slider. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $70,975 ($195 per 
helicopter to determine the CAGE code and $5,635 per helicopter for 
repetitively inspecting and ultimately replacing the T/R slider on 10 
helicopters).

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. Additionally, 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 that the proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a draft economic evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the DMS to examine the draft economic 
evaluation.

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.
    We are 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

[[Page 35842]]

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. (previously Utah State University); 
California Department of Forestry; Firefly Aviation Helicopter 
Services (previously Erickson Air-Crane Co.); Garlick Helicopters, 
Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC 
(previously Western International Aviation, Inc.); International 
Helicopters, Inc.; Precision Helicopters, LLC; Robinson Air Crane, 
Inc.; San Joaquin Helicopters (previously Hawkins and Powers 
Aviation, Inc.); S.M.&T. Aircraft (previously US Helicopters, Inc., 
UNC Helicopter, Inc., Southern Aero Corporation, and Wilco 
Aviation); Smith Helicopters; Southern Helicopter, Inc.; Southwest 
Florida Aviation International, Inc. (previously Jamie R. Hill and 
Southwest Florida Aviation); Tamarack Helicopters, Inc. (previously 
Ranger Helicopter Services, Inc.); US Helicopters, Inc. (previously 
UNC Helicopter, Inc.); West Coast Fabrication; and Williams 
Helicopter Corporation (previously Scott Paper Co.): Docket No. FAA-
2006-25097; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-19-AD.

Applicability

    Model HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, 
UH-1L, and UH-1P helicopters, and Southwest Florida Model SW204, 
SW204HP, SW205, and SW205A-1 helicopters, with tail rotor (T/R) 
slider, part number (P/N) 204-010-720-3 or P/N 204010720-3, 
installed, certificated in any category.

Compliance

    Required as indicated.
    To prevent failure of the T/R slider, which could result in loss 
of T/R control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished 
previously:
    (1) Review the helicopter records to determine the Commercial 
and Government Entity (CAGE) code of the T/R slider. If necessary, 
remove the installed T/R slider to determine the CAGE code.
    (2) If the T/R slider is an FAA approved part; for example, an 
original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, and has a legible CAGE 
code other than Code 15716 or 26098; no further action is required.
    (3) If you cannot determine whether the T/R slider is an FAA 
approved part and it contains no stamped CAGE code, an illegible 
stamped CAGE code, or is stamped with a CAGE code 15716 or 26098:
    (i) Before further flight, unless accomplished previously, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, magnaflux 
inspect the T/R slider for a crack.
    (ii) If a crack is found, before further flight, replace the 
cracked T/R slider with an airworthy T/R slider.

    Note 1: T/R sliders manufactured by Forest Scientific, Inc., 
were produced under a military contract and do not meet the OEM 
specifications. The machining process resulted in excess surface 
roughness. See Figure 1 of this AD.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22JN06.001


    Note 2: T/R sliders manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron, 
Inc. have a vibro-etched P/N on them and do not have a CAGE code 
marking on the part.

    (iii) On or before accumulating 1000 hours TIS or on or before 
12 months, whichever occurs first, replace each T/R slider that

[[Page 35843]]

has an illegible CAGE code or Code 15716 or 26098 with an FAA 
approved airworthy slider without a CAGE code or with a legible CAGE 
code other than 15716 or 26098. Any T/R slider removed from service 
based on the requirements of this paragraph is not eligible for 
installation on any helicopter.
    (iv) Replacing the T/R slider with an FAA approved airworthy T/R 
slider without a CAGE code or with a legible CAGE code other than 
15716 or 26098, constitutes terminating action for the requirements 
of this AD.
    (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 Manager, Denver Aircraft Certification Office (ANM-
100D), ATTN: Kreg Voorhies, Aerospace Engineer, 26805 E. 68th Ave., 
Room 214, Denver, Colorado 80249, telephone (303) 342-1092, fax 
(303) 342-1088, for information about previously approved 
alternative methods of compliance.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 15, 2006.
S. Frances Cox,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06-5600 Filed 6-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P