[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 23 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5423-5424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-2427]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0087; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-029-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Limited 
(Bell) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
Bell Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 
206L-4 helicopters with Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc. (ASU) Night 
Vision Imaging System (NVIS) lighting modified by Supplemental Type 
Certificate SR01383SE (STC). This proposed AD is prompted by the 
finding that an unfiltered turbine outlet temperature (TOT) indicator 
over-temperature warning light, when illuminated, created glare and 
reflections that could degrade the pilot's view while using night 
vision goggles thereby creating an unsafe condition. The proposed 
actions are intended to modify any unfiltered TOT indicator unit over-
temperature warning light by installing a filter to prevent degradation 
of the pilot's vision while using night vision goggles and to prevent 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 3, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for sending your comments 
electronically.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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 Operations Office (telephone: (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc., 4632 Aeronca Street, Boise, Idaho 
83705, telephone (208) 426-8117, fax (208) 426-8975 or http://www.asu-nvg.com/. You may review copies of the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 
Meacham Blvd. Room 663, Fort Worth, TX 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057, telephone (425) 917-
6426, fax (425) 917-6590; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for the specified Bell model 
helicopters with an ASU Night Vision Lighting Imaging System installed 
per STC SR01383SE. This proposed AD is prompted by the finding that an 
unfiltered TOT indicator over-temperature warning light, when 
illuminated, created glare and reflections that could degrade the 
pilot's view while the pilot is using night vision goggles. This 
proposed AD would require determining the date of the STC installation, 
determining whether each helicopter has a TOT indicator unit with an 
internal over-temperature warning light. If an unfiltered TOT indicator 
over-temperature warning light is installed, this AD would require 
installing an NVIS filter. The proposed actions are intended to modify 
any unfiltered TOT indicator unit over-temperature warning light by 
installing a filter to prevent degradation of the pilot's vision while 
using night vision goggles and to prevent subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters with NVIS lighting 
installed per STC SR01383SE on or before April 6, 2011.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed ASU's Alert Service Bulletin No. ASU 206-2010-11-1, 
dated November 4, 2010 (ASB) for the Bell Helicopter Textron 206 series 
helicopters. The ASB states to visually inspect each helicopter to 
determine if the TOT indicator/gauge has an internal over-temperature 
warning light installed. If the over-temperature warning light is 
internal, the ASB specifies notifying ASU. ASU states it will 
immediately ship an NVIS filter, part number (P/N) ASU-TOTGAG-1.

[[Page 5424]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 30 days or 50 hours time-in-
service, whichever occurs first, determining the date of the STC 
installation. If the date is on or before April 6, 2011, or the date is 
undocumented, this AD would require determining if the TOT indicator 
unit has an internal over-temperature warning light. If the unit has an 
unfiltered internal over-temperature warning light, this AD would 
require installing an NVIS filter, P/N ASU-TOTGAG-1.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This proposed AD does not apply to helicopters modified by the STC 
after April 6, 2011, because a new design was approved for the STC on 
April 6, 2011, and contained instructions to install the NVIS over-
temperature indicator light filter. This proposed AD does not require 
you to notify ASU.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 34 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
to comply with this AD: Determining the date, inspecting for an 
unfiltered, over-temperature TOT indicator light in the cockpit, and 
installing a filter would take about 1.8 work hours at $85 per hour. A 
filter would cost about $300. The total cost would be $15,402 assuming 
the filter would be installed on the entire fleet.

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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 docket.

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

    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, Limited (Bell): Docket No. FAA-2012-
0087; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-029-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 
206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, certificated in any 
category, modified with Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc. (ASU) 
Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) lighting installed per 
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR01383SE.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an unfiltered turbine 
outlet temperature (TOT) indicator over-temperature warning light, 
when illuminated, creating glare and reflections that could degrade 
the pilot's view through night vision goggles. This condition could 
result in loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(d) AD Requirements

    Within 30 days or 50 hours time-in-service, whichever occurs 
first:
    (1) Determine the date of the STC installation.
    (2) If the date of the STC installation is on or before April 6, 
2011, or the date is undocumented, determine whether the cockpit TOT 
indicator unit has an unfiltered internal over-temperature warning 
light. If the unit has an unfiltered internal over-temperature 
warning light, install an NVIS filter, part number ASU-TOTGAG-1.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057, telephone (425) 917-6426, fax (425) 917-6590; 
email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a part 119 operating 
certificate or under part 91, Subpart K, we suggest that you notify 
your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, notify 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(f) Additional Information

    Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc., Alert Service Bulletin No. 
ASU 206-2010-11-1, dated November 4, 2010, contains information 
pertaining to the subject of this AD. This service information is 
not incorporated by reference. You may review copies of this service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76193.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 7722: Engine EFT/
TOT Indicating System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 23, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-2427 Filed 2-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P