[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 15 (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3887-3889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-1025]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0040; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-13-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 
Models 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
specified BHTC model helicopters. This proposed AD results from 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an 
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The aviation authority of Canada, 
with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI:

    It has been determined that some helicopters have been fitted 
with a CRES steel fitting, part number (P/N) 407-030-750-103, and 
the installation of the tailboom attachment bolt does not meet the 
design criteria.

    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address 
the unsafe condition that results from an improper installation of the 
tailboom attachment bolt in the upper left-hand tailboom attachment 
CRES steel fitting.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 22, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Streamlined Issuance of AD

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt 
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce 
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD 
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure 
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our 
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct 
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
    This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service 
information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to 
correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from 
the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language 
principles.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0040; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-13-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued an MCAI in the form of Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-
01, dated January 19, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for the Canadian-certificated products. The 
MCAI states:

    It has been determined that some helicopters have been fitted 
with a CRES steel fitting, part number (P/N) 407-030-750-103, and 
the installation of the tailboom

[[Page 3888]]

attachment bolt does not meet the design criteria.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI and service 
information in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Bell Helicopter Textron has issued Alert Service Bulletin Nos. 206-
06-110 and 206L-06-140, both dated September 7, 2006. The actions 
described in the MCAI are intended to correct the same unsafe condition 
as that identified in the service information.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of Canada 
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our 
bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, we have been 
notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and the service 
information. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all 
pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type 
designs.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in the ``Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI'' 
section in the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 2,206 
helicopters (1,471 Model 206A and 206B helicopters and 735 Model 206L 
helicopters) of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take 
about .5 work-hour per helicopter to determine if a tailboom attachment 
bolt must be replaced and, if so, 1 additional work hour to replace the 
tailboom attachment bolt. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. 
Required parts would cost about $133 for Model 206L series helicopters, 
and $71 for Model 206A and B series helicopters. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $466,916, or $253 for each Model 206L series helicopter and $191 for 
each Model 206 A and B series 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.
    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.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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. 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 an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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

    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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Docket No. FAA-2008-0040; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-13-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by February 22, 2008.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 
and 206L-4 helicopters, with an upper left-hand tailboom attachment 
CRES steel fitting, part number (P/N) 407-030-750-103, installed, 
certificated in any category.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    It has been determined that some helicopters have been fitted 
with a CRES steel fitting, part number (P/N) 407-030-750-103, and 
the installation of the tailboom attachment bolt does not meet the 
design criteria.
    We have determined that an improper installation of the tailboom 
attachment bolt in the upper left-hand tailboom attachment CRES 
steel fitting, P/N 407-030-750-103, creates an unsafe condition.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless 
already done, do the following:
    (1) For those helicopters with an upper left-hand CRES tailboom 
attachment fitting, P/N 407-030-750-103, determine if the correct 
number and type of washers are installed, the tailboom attachment 
bolt is oriented in the correct direction, and the correct number of 
bolt threads are exposed in accordance with the NOTES on Figure 1 of 
the applicable Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) in the following Table 
I.

                                 Table I
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Model                           ASB No. and date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
206A, 206B...............................  206-06-110, dated September
                                            7, 2006.
206L, L-1, L-3, L-4......................  206L-06-140, dated September
                                            7, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) If the correct number and type of washers are installed, the 
tailboom attachment bolt is oriented in the correct direction, and 
the correct number of tailboom attachment bolt threads is exposed, 
do a torque check of the nut.

[[Page 3889]]

    (A) If the torque is below the minimum required amount, replace 
the tailboom attachment bolt in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Part II, step 1 of the applicable ASB listed in Table 
I of this AD.
    (B) If the torque is above the maximum amount, adjust the torque 
to within the allowable range.
    (ii) If an incorrect number or type of washer is installed or 
the tailboom attachment bolt is oriented in the wrong direction, 
reconfigure as necessary to meet the requirements of the Notes on 
Figure 1 of the applicable ASB listed in Table I of this AD.
    (iii) If there is less than 1 tailboom attachment bolt thread 
exposed, adjust the number of washers and retorque the nut so that 
between 1 and 3 tailboom attachment bolt threads are exposed at the 
proper nut torque.
    (iv) If more than 3 tailboom attachment bolt threads are 
exposed, replace the attachment bolt in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, step 1 of the applicable ASB 
listed in Table 1 of this AD.
    (2) If a tailboom attachment bolt must be replaced based on a 
requirement of this AD, at 100 hours TIS after the tailboom 
attachment bolt is replaced, do a torque check of the nut.

Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI

    (f) None.

Subject

    (g) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 5340, 
Fuselage Main, Attach Fittings.

Other Information

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Sharon 
Miles, Aerospace Engineer; Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone 
(817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961.
    (2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAA-approved corrective actions. 
Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved 
by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent) if the 
State of Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement with the 
United States. You are required to assure the product is airworthy 
before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (i) MCAI Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-01, 
dated January 19, 2007, contains related information.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 9, 2008.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-1025 Filed 1-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P