[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 204 (Monday, October 22, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64439-64441]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-25899]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1127; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-035-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) 
Model 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 
Bell Model 430 helicopters, which would require replacing certain 
components of the air data system. This proposed AD is prompted by the 
discovery of incorrect indicated airspeed when the helicopter was 
tested to the cold temperature limits (-40 degrees centigrade) required 
for Category A operations. The proposed actions are intended to correct 
the published Vne and to correct the indicated airspeed.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 21, 
2012.

[[Page 64440]]


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 the ``Mail'' address 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 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, 
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax 
(450) 433-0272, or http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review 
the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark F. Wiley, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5110, 
fax (817) 222-5961, 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

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD No. CF-2005-30, dated 
August 3, 2005, to correct an unsafe condition for the Bell Model 430 
helicopters. Discrepancies in the processing and display of air data 
were revealed when testing at low temperatures to minus 40 degrees 
Centigrade (-40 [deg]C). The TCCA advises that modification to the 
instrumentation is required to reflect the Vne airspeed 
values tested at temperatures to -40 [deg]C. The TCCA states ``This 
modification affects the software in the Vne Overspeed 
Warning computer (required for Category A operations) and in the AFCS 
[Automatic Flight Control System] Air Data Computer.'' TCAA issued AD 
CF-2005-30 to require the procedures in Bell Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. 430-05-35, dated June 21, 2005, for replacing the affected 
instruments. Bell also issued ASB No. 430-01-22, dated April 30, 2001 
(ASB 430-01-22), which provided a temporary Rotorcraft Flight Manual 
Supplement and placards with information on airspeed corrections. TCCA 
did not issue an AD to mandate the provisions of ASB 430-01-22.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the TCCA and are approved 
for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with Canada, TCCA has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the Canadian AD.
    We are proposing this AD because we have evaluated all relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of this same type 
design.

Related Service Information

    Bell has issued ASB No. 430-05-35, dated June 21, 2005, which 
specifies, for helicopters with an overspeed warning system, replacing 
the overspeed warning computer, Vne converter, and pilot and 
copilot airspeed indicator; leak testing the pilot pitot static system; 
and operationally testing the overspeed warning system. For helicopters 
with a single or dual Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) with a 
Flight Director, ASB No. 430-05-35 specifies replacing the AFCS air 
data computer adapter module; leak testing the pilot pitot static 
system; and power-up and self-testing the ALT/VSI. This ASB also 
specifies removing the Vne-unreliable decals on the 
instrument panel on both configurations of these helicopters. TCCA 
classified ASB No. 430-05-35 as mandatory and issued AD CF-2005-30, 
dated August 3, 2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require within 1 year, unless done 
previously:
     For helicopters with Overspeed Warning System:
    [cir] Replacing the overspeed warning computer, the Vne 
converter, and the pilot and copilot airspeed indicator;
    [cir] Removing decal, P/N 430-075-070-103, if installed, from below 
the pilot and copilot airspeed indicators;
    [cir] Leak testing the pilot pitot static system; and
    [cir] Operationally testing the overspeed warning system.
     For helicopters with a Single or Dual AFCS with a Flight 
Director:
    [cir] Replacing the AFCS air data computer adapter module;
    [cir] Removing decal, P/N 430-075-070-101, if installed, from above 
the pilot and copilot electronic attitude direction indicators airspeed 
indicators;
    [cir] Leak testing the pilot pitot static system; and
    [cir] Power-up testing the altimeter/vertical speed indicator (ALT/
VSI) and self-testing the ALT/VSI of the AFCS air data computer.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the TCCA AD

    We do not use the compliance date of July 31, 2007.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 52 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD:
     $680 to replace the overspeed warning computer, pilot and 
copilot airspeed indicators, Vne converter, and AFCS air 
data computer adapter module for each helicopter, assuming 8 work hours 
for each helicopter at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour, and

[[Page 64441]]

     $46,074 per helicopter for the required parts.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $2,431,208 for the 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, 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 AD 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 
Airworthiness Directive (AD).

Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Docket No. FAA-2012-1127; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-035-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model 430 helicopters: serial number (S/N) 
49001 through 49103, with Overspeed Warning Kit, part number (P/N) 
430-706-004-101 or P/N 430-706-004-103, installed; S/N 49001 through 
49100, with Single Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) with 
Flight Director Kit, P/N 430-705-009-103, -105, -109, -111, -115, -
117, or P/N 430-705-011-109, -111, -121, or -123, installed; and S/N 
49001 through 49100, with Dual AFCS with Flight Director Kit, P/N 
430-705-011-103, -105, -115, -117, -125, -127, -129, -133, -135, or 
-137, installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as inability of the 
helicopters, based on testing, to operate at the published 
Vne indicated airspeeds within the cold temperature 
limits (-40 degrees centigrade) required for Category A operations.

(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) Required Actions

    Within 1 year:
    (1) For helicopters with an Overspeed Warning System, replace 
the Overspeed Warning Computer, P/N 430-375-013-103, with the 
Overspeed Warning Computer, P/N 430-375-013-105; the Vne 
Converter, P/N ADI-21280-000, with the Vne Converter, P/N 
ADI-21280-100; and the pilot and copilot Airspeed Indicator, P/N 
222-375-027-117, with the pilot and copilot airspeed Indicator, P/N 
222-375-027-119;
    (i) If installed, remove the decal, P/N 430-075-070-103, from 
below the pilot and copilot airspeed indicators;
    (ii) Leak test the pilot pitot static system; and
    (iii) Operationally test the overspeed warning system.
    (2) For helicopters with a Single or Dual Automatic Flight 
Control System (AFCS) with a Flight Director, replace the AFCS Air 
Data Computer Adapter Module, P/N 065-05041-0021, with P/N 065-
05041-0031;
    (i) If installed, remove the decal, P/N 430-075-070-101, from 
above the pilot and copilot electronic attitude direction indicators 
airspeed indicators;
    (ii) Leak test the pilot pitot static system;
    (iii) Power-up test the altimeter/vertical speed indicator (ALT/
VSI) and self-test the ALT/VSI of the AFCS air data computer.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, FAA may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Mark F. Wiley, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy 
Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 
222-5134, fax (817) 222-5961, email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
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

    (1) Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
430-05-35, dated June 21, 2005, and ASB No. 430-01-22, dated April 
30, 2001, which are not incorporated by reference, contain 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron 
Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, 
telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023, fax (450) 433-0272, or 
http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review the service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation AD No. CF 2005-30, dated August 3, 2005.

 (g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System/Component Code: 3417 Air Data Computer.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 12, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-25899 Filed 10-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P