[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 46 (Thursday, March 11, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13828-13830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05093]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 46 / Thursday, March 11, 2021 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 13828]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1175; Product Identifier 2018-SW-071-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-20-13 for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell 
Textron Canada Limited) (Bell) Model 206B and 206L helicopters. AD 
2013-20-13 requires installing a placard beneath the engine power dual 
tachometer and revising the Operating Limitations section of the 
existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. Since the 
FAA issued AD 2013-20-13, the engine manufacturer expanded the RPM (N2) 
steady-state operation avoidance range limits. This proposed AD would 
retain certain requirements of AD 2013-20-13, require revising certain 
sections of the existing RFM for your helicopter, and require either 
replacing or installing a placard. 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 April 26, 
2021.

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-
1175; 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 proposed AD, the Transport Canada AD, 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 proposed rule, contact 
Bell 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 this 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: Michael Hughlett, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone 817-222-5889; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-1175; Product Identifier 
2018-SW-071-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    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 post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regualations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this proposal.

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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Michael Hughlett, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & 
Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5889; 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

    The FAA issued AD 2013-20-13, Amendment 39-17619 (78 FR 66252, 
November 5, 2013) for certain Bell Model 206B and 206L helicopters. AD 
2013-20-13 requires installing a placard beneath the engine power dual 
tachometer and revising the Operating Limitations section of the 
existing RFM for your helicopter. AD 2013-20-13 was prompted by several 
incidents of third stage engine turbine wheel failures, which were 
caused by excessive vibrations at certain engine speeds during steady-
state operations. Those actions are intended to alert pilots to avoid 
certain engine speeds during steady-state operations, and prevent 
failure of the third stage engine turbine,

[[Page 13829]]

engine power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Actions Since AD 2013-20-13 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2013-20-13, Transport Canada, which is the 
aviation authority for Canada, issued Canadian AD No. CF-2018-23, dated 
August 22, 2018, which advises that Rolls Royce has expanded the RPM 
(N2) steady-state operation avoidance range limits due to several 
failures of the third stage turbine wheel. According to Transport 
Canada, Rolls Royce determined that detrimental vibrations could occur 
within a particular range of turbine speeds, which may be a 
contributing factor to these failures. Accordingly, Rolls Royce has 
expanded the steady-state operation avoidance range limits. Bell has 
also amended the RFMs and the engine starting procedures for RPM (N2) 
and provided a new decal (placard) to inform pilots to avoid steady-
state operations at those engine turbine speeds. The Transport Canada 
AD mandates incorporating the amended RFM power plant operating 
limitations and engine starting procedures for RPM (N2) steady-state 
operation and installing a new decal.

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 the Transport Canada AD. The FAA is proposing this AD 
after evaluating all known relevant information and determining that an 
unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of 
the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following service information, which contains 
revised operating limitations and engine starting instructions:
     Section 1, Operating Limitations, page 1-2A, of Bell Model 
206B RFM BHT-206B-FM-1, Revision B-54, dated May 30, 2018 (BHT-206B-FM-
1).
     Section 2, Normal Procedures, page 2-8 of BHT-206B-FM-1.
     Section 1, Limitations, page 1-5, of Bell Model 206B3 RFM 
BHT-206B3-FM-1, Revision 17, dated May 30, 2018 (BHT-206B3-FM-1).
     Section 2, Normal Procedures, page 2-10 of BHT-206B3-FM-1.
     Section 1, Operating Limitations, page 1-4B, of Bell Model 
206L RFM BHT-206L-FM-1, Revision 31, dated May 30, 2018 (BHT-206L-FM-
1).
     Section 2, Normal Procedures, page 2-10 of BHT-206L-FM-1.
    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

    The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-07-115, 
Revision D, for Model 206A and 206B helicopters, and ASB 206L-07-146, 
Revision C, for Model 206L helicopters, each dated July 9, 2018. This 
service information contains procedures for installing a decal 
(placard) on the instrument panel below the Nr/N2 RPM dual tachometer 
indicator and inserting the RFM changes into the RFM.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require revising the Operating Limitations 
and the Normal Procedures sections of the existing RFM for your 
helicopter. This proposed AD would also require installing or replacing 
a placard. The proposed actions would be required within 25 hours time-
in-service (TIS).

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD

    The Transport Canada AD requires compliance within 30 calendar 
days, while this proposed AD would require compliance within 25 hours 
TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 934 
helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may 
incur the following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. 
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Amending the existing RFM for your helicopter would take about 0.5 
work-hour, for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $40,162 for 
the U.S. fleet.
    Installing or replacing a placard would take about 0.2 work-hour 
and parts would cost about $20, for a cost of $37 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, 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:
0
a. Removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-20-13, Amendment 39-17619 
(78 FR 66252, November 5, 2013); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-1175; 
Product Identifier 2018-SW-071-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to the following Bell 
Textron Canada Limited (Bell) helicopters, certificated in any 
category:

[[Page 13830]]

    (1) Bell Model 206B, serial number (S/N) 004 through 4690 
inclusive, including helicopters converted from Model 206A; and
    Note 1 to paragraph (a)(1): Helicopters with a 206B3 designation 
are Model 206B helicopters.
    (2) Bell Model 206L, S/N 45001 through 45153 inclusive, and 
46601 through 46617 inclusive.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a third stage turbine 
vibration. This condition could result in turbine failure, engine 
power loss, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-20-13, Amendment 39-17619 (78 FR 
66252, November 5, 2013).

(d) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by April 26, 2021.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    Within 25 hours time-in-service:
    (1) For Bell Model 206B helicopters:
    (i) Revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your 
helicopter by inserting Section 1, Operating Limitations, page 1-2A, 
of Bell Model 206B RFM BHT-206B-FM-1, Revision B-54, dated May 30, 
2018 (BHT-206B-FM-1) or Section 1, Limitations, page 1-5, of Bell 
Model 206B3 RFM BHT-206B3-FM-1, Revision 17, dated May 30, 2018 
(BHT-206B3-FM-1), as applicable to your helicopter. Inserting a 
different document with ``Steady-state operation'' information 
identical to page 1-2A of BHT-206B-FM-1 or page 1-5 of BHT-206B3-FM-
1, as applicable to your helicopter, is acceptable for compliance 
with the requirements of this paragraph.
    (ii) Revise the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting 
Section 2, Normal Procedures, page 2-8 of BHT-206B-FM-1 or Section 
2, Normal Procedures, page 2-10 of BHT-206B3-FM-1, as applicable to 
your helicopter. Inserting a different document with ``Continuous 
Operation'' information identical to page 2-8 of BHT-206B-FM-1 or 
page 2-10 of BHT-206B3-FM-1, as applicable to your helicopter, is 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.
    (iii) Remove placard part number (P/N) 230-075-213-121, if 
installed.
    (iv) Install placard P/N 230-075-213-129 or placard P/N 230-075-
213-131 on the instrument panel directly below the dual tachometer.
    (2) For Bell Model 206L helicopters:
    (i) Revise the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting 
Section 1, Operating Limitations, page 1-4B, of Bell Model 206L RFM 
BHT-206L-FM-1, Revision 31, dated May 30, 2018 (BHT-206L-FM-1). 
Inserting a different document with ``Steady-state operation'' 
information identical to page 1-4B of BHT-206L-FM-1 is acceptable 
for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.
    (ii) Revise the existing RFM for your helicopter by inserting 
Section 2, Normal Procedures, page 2-10 of BHT-206L-FM-1. Inserting 
a different document with ``Continuous Operation'' information 
identical to page 2-10 of BHT-206L-FM-1 is acceptable for compliance 
with the requirements of this paragraph.
    (iii) Remove placard P/N 230-075-213-123, if installed.
    (iv) Install placard P/N 230-075-213-129 or placard P/N 230-075-
213-131 on the instrument panel below the dual tachometer.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Hughlett, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817-222-5889; 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 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-07-115, Revision D, 
and ASB 206L-07-146, Revision C, each dated July 9, 2018, which are 
not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about 
the subject of this AD. For a copy of this service information, 
contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, 
Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4; telephone 450-437-2862 or 800-363-8023; fax 
450-433-0272; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com. You may view this 
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-2018-23, dated August 22, 2018. You may view the Transport 
Canada AD on the internet in the AD Docket at https://www.regulations.gov.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7250, Turbine 
Section.

    Issued on January 27, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05093 Filed 3-10-21; 8:45 am]
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