[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 55 (Friday, March 20, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16019-16021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05379]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0334; Product Identifier 2017-SW-133-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of 
certain cyclic and collective assembly bearings. This proposed AD is 
prompted by reports that precipitation can lead to reduced 
effectiveness of the grease in the bearings. The actions of this 
proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 19, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0334; 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 Transport Canada Civil Aviation 
(Transport Canada) AD, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for the Docket Operations Office is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, 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 https://www.bellcustomer.com. You may view the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites 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.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, 
the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the closing 
date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the 
comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring 
expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the 
comments received.

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Canadian AD No. CF-2016-11R2, dated October 18, 2017, to correct 
an unsafe condition for BHTC Model 429 helicopters equipped with a 
bellcrank assembly part number (P/N) 429-001-523-101, 429-001-523-103, 
429-001-532-101 or 429-001-532-103.
    Transport Canada advises that in-service reports show that bearings 
in the roof-mounted flight control bellcranks are adversely affected by 
precipitation. Pooling can occur at the forward portion of the roof, 
providing a source of contamination for bearings in the roof-mounted 
flight controls. Precipitation may reduce the effectiveness of the 
grease in the bearings, allowing corrosion to occur, and resulting in 
intermittent restrictions, such as binding and roughness in the flight 
controls, Transport Canada advises. Transport Canada also advises that 
an undetected corroded bearing could lead to restrictions in the 
collective, directional, or pitch control systems, resulting in 
difficulty controlling the helicopter.
    Transport Canada consequently requires within 12 months after the 
helicopter was manufactured and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 
months, inspecting the flight controls and replacing any discrepant 
bearings. If the helicopter's age exceeds 12 months, Transport Canada 
requires the 12-month inspection within 30 days. Transport Canada also 
requires, within 30 days, performing a functional check and 
replacement, if applicable, of the bearings if the most recent 
functional check of the helicopter was performed with the alternate 
procedure of using a hydraulic test stand or if the inspection method 
is unknown.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its 
technical representative, has notified the FAA about the unsafe 
condition described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after 
evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is

[[Page 16020]]

likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-21, 
Revision B, dated May 11, 2017 (ASB), which specifies moving the cyclic 
stick fore, aft, and laterally, and the collective stick up and down 
from stop to stop to detect deteriorated pivot bearings. The ASB also 
specifies inspecting to determine whether the bearings in the 
collective, lateral, and longitudinal arm assemblies rotate freely. If 
discrepant arm bearings are found, the ASB specifies contacting BHTC 
Product Support Engineering to report the findings and replacing the 
discrepant parts with serviceable parts.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require within 12 months after the 
helicopter was manufactured or 30 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 
months:
     Disconnecting the forward ends of the collective control 
tube, longitudinal stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) 
actuator, and lateral SCAS actuator and stowing the collective control 
tube and each SCAS actuator to prevent binding.
     Slowly moving the cyclic fore/aft and laterally, and the 
collective up/down from stop to stop to determine if there is any 
roughness. If there is any roughness in the flight control system, 
before further flight, replace the six pivot bearings in the 
collective/lateral bellcrank assembly and the longitudinal bellcrank 
assembly.
     Inspecting each arm end bearing at the end of the 
collective, lateral, and longitudinal arm assemblies by rotating each 
bearing and ensuring each bearing rotates freely. If there is any 
binding in any arm end bearing or on the longitudinal bellcrank 
assembly, before further flight, replace each arm end bearing.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD

    Transport Canada provides requirements if the most recent 
functional procedure was performed using a hydraulic test stand as an 
alternate procedure. This AD provides no such alternate procedure.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. If 
final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further 
rulemaking then.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 64 helicopters 
of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based 
on these estimates, the FAA expects the following costs:
     Inspecting the cyclic and the collective for roughness 
would require 3 work-hours and no parts for a total cost of $255 per 
helicopter, and $16,320 for the U.S. fleet.
     Replacing six pivot bearings would require 3 work-hours 
for a labor cost of $255. Parts would cost $624 for a total cost of 
$879 per helicopter.
     Replacing 3 arm end bearings would require 3 work-hours 
for a labor cost of $255. Parts would cost $135 for a total cost of 
$390 per 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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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.

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

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):

Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2018-0334; 
Product Identifier 2017-SW-133-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) 
Model 429 helicopters with a bellcrank assembly part number (P/N) 
429-001-523-101, 429-001-523-103, 429-001-532-101 or 429-001-532-103 
installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as precipitation in the 
forward portion of the roof structure that can lead to pooling at 
the bellcrank assembly and corrosion of the bearings. This condition 
could result in restrictions in the collective, directional or pitch 
control systems, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by May 19, 2020.

(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

    Within 12 months after the helicopter was manufactured or 30 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months:
    (1) Disconnect the forward ends of the collective control tube, 
longitudinal stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) 
actuator, and lateral SCAS actuator. Stow the collective control 
tube and each SCAS actuator to prevent binding.
    (2) Slowly move the cyclic stick fore/aft and laterally, and the 
collective stick up/down from stop to stop to determine if there is 
any roughness. If there is any roughness in the flight control 
system, before further flight, replace all six pivot bearings, P/N 
MS27646-41, in the collective lateral bellcrank assembly and the 
longitudinal bellcrank assembly.

[[Page 16021]]

    (3) Inspect the collective arm assembly P/N 429-001-525-101, the 
lateral arm assembly P/N 429-001-527-101, and the longitudinal arm 
assembly P/N 429-001-530-101, by rotating each bearing and ensuring 
each bearing rotates freely. If there is any binding in any arm end 
bearing or on the longitudinal bellcrank assembly, before further 
flight, replace each arm end bearing.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, 
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, 
TX 76177; 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, the FAA suggests 
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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-21, Revision 
B, dated May 11, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference, 
contains 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 
at https://www.bellcustomer.com. You may view the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation (Transport Canada) AD No. CF-2016-11R2, dated October 
18, 2017. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2700, Flight 
Control System.

    Issued on March 11, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-05379 Filed 3-19-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P