[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 185 (Wednesday, September 23, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59661-59663]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20911]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0795; Product Identifier 2019-SW-069-AD; Amendment 
39-21247; AD 2020-19-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 505 
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each swashplate assembly 
bearing (bearing), and depending on the inspection results, removing 
the bearing from service. This AD was prompted by a report of a bearing 
that migrated out of the swashplate inner ring. The actions of this AD 
are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 8, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of October 8, 
2020. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by November 9, 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-2020-
0795; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this AD, the Transport Canada AD, any service information that is 
incorporated by reference, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this final 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. It is also available on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0795.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel E. Moore, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and the FAA did not provide you with notice and an opportunity 
to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, the 
FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written 
comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments reference a 
specific portion of the AD, 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 them only one time.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, 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 rulemaking during the comment period. The FAA 
will consider all the comments received and may conduct additional 
rulemaking based on those comments.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this final rule contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this final rule, it is important that 
you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each 
page of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will 
treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they 
will not be placed in the public docket of this final rule. Submissions 
containing CBI should be sent to Daniel E. Moore, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-
5110; email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Canadian AD No. CF-2019-28, dated July 25, 2019, to correct an 
unsafe condition for Bell Model 505 helicopters, serial number 65011 
through 65211. Transport Canada advises of a report showing that a 
bearing migrated out of its inner ring. An investigation revealed that, 
although the inspection witness mark was applied to the part, the 
bearing had not been staked during manufacturing. Transport Canada 
further advises that an un-staked bearing, which has migrated out of 
its bore, may lead to restriction of the swashplate's movement as a 
result of contact or binding between the control tube clevis and the 
bearing housing.
    This contact or binding may restrict control authority and may also 
introduce unintended loads into the control system causing a failure of 
the control tube and/or bearing. This situation, if not corrected, 
could lead to loss of control of the helicopter. Accordingly, the 
Transport Canada AD

[[Page 59662]]

requires a one-time inspection of each bearing.

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 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its 
technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after evaluating all of 
the information provided by Transport Canada and determining the unsafe 
condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters 
of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bell has issued Alert Service Bulletin 505-19-13, dated July 2, 
2019, which specifies procedures for a one-time inspection of the 
staking of certain bearings.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    Bell Helicopter has issued BHT-ALL-SPM Chapter 9--Bearings, 
Sleeves, and Bushings, Revision 7, dated March, 24, 2017, which 
specifies procedures for servicing swashplate assembly bearings, 
sleeves, and bushings.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 20 hours time-in-service (TIS), using a 
10X or higher power magnifying glass, inspecting both sides of each 
affected bearing for staking in the outer ring part number (P/N) 206-
010-453, inner ring P/N 206-010-451, and lever assembly P/N 206-010-
447. If either side of a bearing is not staked, this AD requires 
removing the bearing from service before further flight.

Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD

    The Transport Canada AD requires inspecting the bearings for proper 
staking, whereas this AD requires inspecting both sides of each bearing 
for staking instead. If a swashplate assembly bearing is not staked, 
the Transport Canada AD requires replacing the bearing and contacting 
Bell, whereas this AD requires removing the bearing from service 
instead.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 81 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD.
    Inspecting the bearings for staking takes about one work-hour for 
an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $6,885 for the U.S. fleet. 
Replacing a bearing takes about one work-hour and parts cost about $100 
for an estimated cost of $185 per replacement.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.) 
authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for 
rules when the agency, for ``good cause'' finds that those procedures 
are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.'' 
Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a 
final rule without seeking comment prior to the rulemaking.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the required corrective action must be completed within 20 
hours TIS, a time period of up to one month based on the average 
flight-hour utilization rate of these helicopters. Therefore, notice 
and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary 
to public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for 
the reasons stated above, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than one 
month.

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 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, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866, and
    2. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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):

2020-19-05 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-
21247; Docket No. FAA-2020-0795; Product Identifier 2019-SW-069-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 
505 helicopters, certificated in any category, with a serial number 
(S/N) 65011 through 65211 inclusive, and swashplate assembly part 
number (P/N) 206-010-450-123 with an S/N listed in Table 1 of Bell 
Alert Service Bulletin 505-19-13, dated July 2, 2019, installed.

[[Page 59663]]

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an unstaked swashplate 
assembly bearing which may migrate out of its bore. This condition 
could result in restricted control authority, unintended loads on 
the control system, failure of the control tube or bearing, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 8, 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 20 hours time-in-service, inspect both sides of each 
swashplate assembly bearing (bearing) for staking by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 4., of Bell Alert Service 
Bulletin 505-19-13, dated July 2, 2019, except you may use a 10X or 
higher power magnifying glass. If either side of a bearing is not 
staked, before further flight, remove the bearing from service.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    A special flight permit may be permitted for a one-time ferry 
flight to an authorized repair facility.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Daniel E. Moore, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy 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 BHT-ALL-SPM Chapter 9--Bearings, Sleeves, 
and Bushings Revision 7 dated March 24, 2017 dated, 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 a copy of the 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 AD 
No. CF-2019-28, dated July 25, 2019. You may view the Transport 
Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2020-0795.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor 
Mast/Swashplate.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 Alert Service Bulletin 505-19-13, dated July 2, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 3, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20911 Filed 9-22-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P