[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 129 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38613-38615]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-16469]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 129 / Tuesday, July 7, 2015 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 38613]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0499; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-061-AD; 
Amendment 39-18198; AD 2015-13-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 430 helicopters to require 
inspecting the tail rotor control tube assembly (control tube) and 
either repairing or replacing the control tube. This AD was prompted by 
two reports of failure of the control tube bonded clevis. The actions 
of this AD are intended to prevent failure of a control tube bonded 
clevis, which could lead to failure of the control tube and subsequent 
loss of helicopter control.

DATES: This AD is effective August 11, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 11, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: 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 at 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2014-0499.

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 AD, the Transport Canada Civil 
Aviation (TCCA) AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, 
the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, 
M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On July 30, 2014, at 79 FR 44147, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to BHTC Model 430 
Helicopters, serial number 49001 through 49121, with control tube part 
number (P/N) 430-001-007-101 installed. The NPRM proposed to require 
inspecting the control tube and either repairing or replacing it. The 
proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a control 
tube bonded clevis, which could lead to failure of the control tube and 
subsequent loss of helicopter control.
    The NPRM was prompted by Canadian AD No. CF-2013-30, dated October 
7, 2013, issued by TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, to 
correct an unsafe condition for BHTC Model 430 helicopters with control 
tube P/N 430-001-007-101. TCCA advises of two failures of the control 
tube bonded clevis caused by cracking from control tube oscillation. 
TCCA states that this situation, if not corrected, could result in the 
loss of control of the helicopter. TCCA AD No. CF-2013-30 consequently 
requires a one-time inspection of the control tube for damage and 
contacting BHTC for evaluation of the control tube if the damage 
exceeds allowable limits. If the tube is not damaged, the damage is 
within allowable limits, or BHTC Engineering determines the control 
tube can be returned to service, TCCA AD No. CF-2013-30 requires 
modifying the tube according to BHTC's service information. TCCA AD No. 
CF-2013-30 also requires replacing control tubes, P/N 430-001-007-101, 
with control tube, P/N 430-001-007-105, no later than 12 months from 
the effective date of its AD.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 44147, July 30, 
2014).

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral agreement with Canada, TCCA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the TCCA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by TCCA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the TCCA AD

    The TCCA AD requires submitting sketches of a control tube damaged 
beyond defined limits to BHTC for evaluation. BHTC then determines if 
the control tube can be returned to service. We make no such 
requirement in this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 430-13-51, dated 
September 3, 2013, states that BHTC received two reports of control 
tube, P/N 430-001-007-101, failing because the clevis failed due to 
fatigue caused by control tube oscillation. ASB No. 430-13-51 specifies 
a one-time inspection of control tube assembly, P/N 430-001-007-101, to 
verify if the tube has chaffing damage and indicated that a

[[Page 38614]]

mandatory replacement would follow when sufficient parts became 
available. This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this 
AD.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed Bell Helicopter Technical Bulletin 430-04-35, Revision 
B, dated March 20, 2009, which recommends that control tube, P/N 430-
001-007-101, be replaced with control tube, P/N 430-001-007-105, if 
damage exists. On June 12, 2014, Bell issued Revision A to ASB No. 430-
13-51, which set a compliance date of September 30, 2014, to remove 
control tube, P/N 430-001-007-101.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 5 helicopters of U.S. Registry and 
that labor costs average $85 a work hour. Based on these estimates, we 
expect the following costs:
     The cost of inspecting the control tube is minimal.
     Repairing the control tube requires 2 work-hours for a 
labor cost of $170.
     Replacing control tube, P/N 430-001-007-101, with control 
tube, P/N 430-001-007-105, requires 3 work-hours for a labor cost of 
$255. Parts cost $3,974 for a total cost per helicopter of $4,229.
    According to manufacturer's service information, some of the costs 
of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by 
the manufacturer. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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);
    (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 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-13-11 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39-18198; 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0499; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-061-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 
430 Helicopters, serial number 49001 through 49121, with control 
tube assembly (control tube), part number (P/N) 430-001-007-101 
installed, certificated in any category.

 (b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as fatigue failure of a 
tail rotor control tube bonded clevis. This condition could result 
in failure of the tail rotor control tube and subsequent loss of 
helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 11, 2015.

(d) 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.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), visually inspect each 
control tube for any damage, for any damage to the clevis, and to 
determine whether the clevis is correctly bonded to the control 
tube.
    (i) If a control tube and clevis have no damage or damage within 
acceptable limits and the clevis is correctly bonded to the control 
tube, repair the control tube by applying tape in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph 5, of Bell Helicopter 
Alert Service Bulletin 430-13-51, dated September 3, 2013.
    (ii) If the control tube or clevis is damaged beyond acceptable 
limits or if the clevis is not correctly bonded to the control tube, 
replace control tube, P/N 430-001-007-101, with control tube, P/N 
430-001-007-105.
    (2) Within 250 hours TIS, replace each control tube, P/N 430-
001-007-101, with control tube, P/N 430-001-007-105.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 
222-5110; 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.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Helicopter Technical Bulletin 430-04-35, Revision B, 
dated March 20, 2009, which is not incorporated by reference, 
contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For 
service information, 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 at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may view this service information 
at 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 (TCCA) AD No. CF-2013-30, dated October 7, 2013. You 
may view the TCCA AD on the Internet at

[[Page 38615]]

http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2014-0499.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor 
Control

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 430-13-51, dated 
September 3, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 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 
at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 24, 2015.
Bruce E. Cain,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-16469 Filed 7-6-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P