[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 57 (Friday, March 26, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16126-16130]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05561]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0189; Project Identifier AD-2020-00645-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category 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 type certificated Model UH-1H restricted category helicopters. This 
proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of failure of the main 
driveshaft. This proposed AD would require establishing a life limit 
for certain main driveshafts, and a one-time and repetitive inspections 
of the main driveshafts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 10, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Army 
Publishing Directorate, 9301 Chapek Rd., Bldg 1458, Fort Belvoir, VA 
22060-5447; telephone (703) 614-3727; email [email protected]; or at https://armypubs.army.mil/.
    You may also contact the following as applicable:
    Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc., 2081 S Wildcat Way, Porterville, CA 
93257; telephone (559) 781-8604; fax (559) 781-9271; email 
[email protected].
    Global Helicopter Technology, Inc., P.O. Box 180681, Arlington, 
Texas 76096; telephone (817) 557-3391; email [email protected].
    Hagglund Helicopters, LLC, 5101 NW A Avenue, Pendleton, OR 97801; 
telephone (800) 882-3554 or (541) 276-3554; fax (541) 276-1597.
    JASPP Engineering Services, LLC., 511 Harmon Terrace, Arlington, TX 
76010; telephone (817) 465-4495; or at www.jjaspp.com.
    Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC, 1000 85th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501; 
telephone (360) 754-7200; or at www.nwhelicopters.com.
    Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., P.O. Box 898, Lakeside, AZ 85929; 
telephone (928) 368-6965; fax (928) 368-6962.
    Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc., 1181 Osprey Nest Point, Orange Park, 
FL 32073; (904) 472-1481; email [email protected].
    Rotorcraft Development Corporation, P.O. Box 430, Corvallis, MT 
59828; telephone (207) 329-2518; email 
[email protected].
    Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., 28000-A9 Airport 
Road, Bldg. 101, Punta Gorda, FL 33982-9587; telephone (941) 637-1161; 
fax (941) 637-6264; email [email protected].
    Tamarack Helicopters, Inc., 2849 McIntyre Rd., Stevensville, MT 
59870; telephone (406) 777-0144; or at www.tamarackhelicopters.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. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0189; 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 NPRM, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew L. Thompson, Aerospace 
Engineer, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone (817) 222-5251; 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-2021-0189; Project Identifier 
AD-2020-00645-R'' 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.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

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

[[Page 16127]]

under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of 
this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Matthew L. 
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5251; 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.

Background

    The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for type certificated Model UH-
1H restricted category helicopters. The type certificate holders for 
these helicopters include but are not limited to Arrow Falcon Exporters 
Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; 
JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC.; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas 
Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft 
Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International, 
Inc.; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.
    This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of failure of a 
main driveshaft. This proposed AD would require establishing a life 
limit for certain part-numbered main driveshafts, removing and 
inspecting the main driveshaft, inspecting the alignment of the main 
driveshaft installation, and repetitive inspections of the main 
driveshaft. As an optional terminating action, this AD allows the 
installation of a certain part-numbered main driveshaft not affected by 
this unsafe condition. This condition, if not addressed, could result 
in loss of engine power to the transmission and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Headquarters, Department of the Army, Aviation 
Unit and Intermediate Maintenance Instructions Army Model UH-1H/V/EH-
1H/X Helicopters, Technical Manual TM 55-1520-210-23-1, Change No. 42, 
dated April 14, 2003. This service information contains main driveshaft 
assembly figures and specifies procedures for the main driveshaft 
disassembly, cleaning, inspecting, repairing, lubricating and assembly, 
installing, and inspecting and correction of its alignment.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require, before further flight after the 
effective date of this AD, establishing a life limit of 5,000 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) for KAflex main driveshaft part number (P/N) 
SKCP2180-1, SKCP2281-1, SKCP2281-1R, and SKCP2281-103. This proposed AD 
would also require, within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of 
this AD, removing the main driveshaft and inspecting the main 
driveshaft for any broken, loose, or missing hardware; each flex frame 
and mount bolt torque stripe for movement; each joint for fretting 
corrosion; the main driveshaft for damage; and the alignment of the 
main driveshaft, and if required, adjusting the alignment. This 
proposed AD would then require, at intervals not to exceed 300 hours 
TIS, repeating the inspections with the main driveshaft installed.
    As an optional terminating action, this proposed AD would allow 
installing KAflex main driveshaft P/N SKCP3303-1.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 384 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 
proposed AD.
    Determining the total hours TIS of the main driveshaft would take 
about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of about $43 per helicopter 
and $16,512 for the U.S. fleet. Removing and inspecting the main 
driveshaft would take about 4 work-hours for an estimated cost of $340 
per helicopter and $130,560 for the U.S. fleet. Inspecting the 
installed main driveshaft would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of about $85 per helicopter and $32,640 for the U.S. fleet, per 
inspection cycle. Inspecting the alignment of the main driveshaft 
installation would take about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of 
$170 per helicopter and $65,280 for the U.S. fleet. If required, 
adjusting the alignment would take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $43 per instance. Replacing a main driveshaft would take about 
1 work-hour and parts would cost about $54,000, for an estimated cost 
of $54,085 per replacement.

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 above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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.

[[Page 16128]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2021-0189; 
Project Identifier AD-2020-00645-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by May 10, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to restricted category Model UH-1H helicopters; 
current type certificate holders include but are not limited to 
Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc.; Global Helicopter Technology, Inc.; 
Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; JJASPP Engineering Services, LLC.; 
Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards 
Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Southwest 
Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and Tamarack Helicopters, 
Inc., with KAflex main driveshaft part number (P/N) SKCP2180-1, 
SKCP2281-1, SKCP2281-1R, or SKCP2281-103 installed.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c):  Helicopters with an SW205 designation 
are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model UH-1H 
helicopters.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6310, Engine/
Transmission Coupling.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by multiple reports of failure of the main 
driveshaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
loss of engine power to the transmission and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
determine the total hours time-in-service (TIS) of the main 
driveshaft.
    (i) If the main driveshaft has accumulated less than 5,000 total 
hours TIS, before exceeding 5,000 total hours TIS, remove the main 
driveshaft from service.
    (ii) If the main driveshaft has accumulated 5,000 or more total 
hours TIS, before further flight, remove the main driveshaft from 
service.
    (2) Thereafter following paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, remove the 
main driveshaft from service before accumulating 5,000 total hours 
TIS.
    (3) Within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
remove main driveshaft P/N SKCP2180-1, SKCP2281-1, SKCP2281-1R, or 
SKCP2281-103 by following 6-24.3. Removal--Main Driveshaft P/N 
SKCP2281-103, of Headquarters, Department of the Army, Aviation Unit 
and Intermediate Maintenance Instructions Army Model UH-1H/V/EH-1H/X 
Helicopters, Technical Manual TM 55-1520-210-23-1, Change No. 42, 
dated April 14, 2003 (TM 55-1520-210-23-1) and:
    (i) Inspect for any broken, loose, or missing hardware. If there 
is broken or loose hardware, before further flight, remove the 
driveshaft from service. If there is missing hardware, before 
further flight, replace the driveshaft.
    (ii) Visually inspect each flex frame and mount bolt torque 
stripe (red or yellow) for movement. If there is any torque stripe 
movement, before further flight, replace the driveshaft.
    (iii) Visually inspect each joint for fretting corrosion, which 
may be indicated by red metallic particles. If there is any grease, 
oil, or dirt covering a joint, clean the area and visually inspect 
again. If there is any fretting corrosion, before further flight, 
replace the driveshaft.
    (iv) Inspect the main driveshaft for mechanical damage, 
corrosion, an edge dent, and nick as shown in Figure 1 to paragraph 
(g)(3)(iv) of this AD. For the purposes of this inspection, 
mechanical damage may be indicated by a crack, scratch, or wear; and 
corrosion may be indicated by corrosion or pitting. If there is a 
scratch, wear, corrosion, pitting, an edge dent, or a nick within 
allowable limits, before further flight, repair the main driveshaft 
in accordance with FAA-approved procedures. If there is a crack, or 
a scratch, wear, corrosion, pitting, an edge dent, or a nick that 
exceeds allowable limits, before further flight, replace the 
driveshaft.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26MR21.000

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    (4) Before installing the main driveshaft following paragraph 
(g)(3) of this AD, and with the engine adapter installed in the end 
of the engine output shaft, inspect the alignment of the main 
driveshaft installation between the transmission input drive quill 
coupling and the engine output shaft adapter by following 6-24. 
Alignment--Main Driveshaft, paragraphs c. through g., of TM 55-1520-
210-23-1. If there is misalignment, before further flight, adjust 
the alignment by following 6-24. Alignment--Main Driveshaft, 
paragraphs h. through j., of TM 55-1520-210-23-1.
    (5) Within 300 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
and thereafter within intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS, with

[[Page 16130]]

the main driveshaft installed, accomplish the actions in paragraphs 
(g)(3)(i) through (iv) of this AD.
    (6) As an optional terminating action for the requirements of 
this AD, you may install KAflex main driveshaft P/N SKCP3303-1.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, DSCO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in Related Information. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Matthew L. 
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, DSCO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5251; email 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Army 
Publishing Directorate, 9301 Chapek Rd., Bldg 1458, Fort Belvoir, VA 
22060-5447; telephone (703) 614-3727; email [email protected]; or at https://armypubs.army.mil/. 
You may view the service information identified in this AD at the 
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. You may also contact the following, as applicable:
    (i) Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc., 2081 S Wildcat Way, 
Porterville, CA 93257; telephone (559) 781-8604; fax (559) 781-9271; 
email [email protected].
    (ii) Global Helicopter Technology, Inc., P.O. Box 180681, 
Arlington, Texas 76096; telephone (817) 557-3391; email 
[email protected].
    (iii) Hagglund Helicopters, LLC, 5101 NW A Avenue, Pendleton, OR 
97801; telephone (800) 882-3554 or (541) 276-3554; fax (541) 276-
1597.
    (iv) JASPP Engineering Services, LLC., 511 Harmon Terrace, 
Arlington, TX 76010; telephone (817) 465-4495; or at www.jjaspp.com.
    (v) Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC, 1000 85th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 
98501; telephone (360) 754-7200; or at www.nwhelicopters.com.
    (vi) Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc., P.O. Box 898, Lakeside, AZ 
85929; telephone (928) 368-6965; fax (928) 368-6962.
    (vii) Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc., 1181 Osprey Nest Point, 
Orange Park, FL 32073; (904) 472-1481; email [email protected].
    (viii) Rotorcraft Development Corporation, P.O. Box 430, 
Corvallis, MT 59828; telephone (207) 329-2518; email 
[email protected].
    (ix) Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., 28000-A9 
Airport Road, Bldg. 101, Punta Gorda, FL 33982-9587; telephone (941) 
637-1161; fax (941) 637-6264; email [email protected].
    (x) Tamarack Helicopters, Inc., 2849 McIntyre Rd., Stevensville, 
MT 59870; telephone (406) 777-0144; or at 
www.tamarackhelicopters.com.

    Issued on March 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05561 Filed 3-25-21; 8:45 am]
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