[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 87 (Friday, May 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24560-24562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08922]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; Project Identifier 2010-SW-061-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that applied to certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now 
Bell Textron Canada Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 
and 206L-4 helicopters. This action revises the NPRM by revising the 
format, rearranging certain paragraphs, converting a certain table to 
paragraph format, and removing certain language. The FAA is proposing 
this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on 
these products. Since the NPRM was issued, a significant amount of time 
has elapsed requiring the FAA to reopen the comment period to allow the 
public a chance to comment on the proposed actions.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by June 21, 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 between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this SNPRM, contact Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, 
Quebec J7J1R4; phone: 450-437-2862 or 800-363-8023; fax: (450) 433-
0272; internet: 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. 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-2010-0865; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, this SNPRM, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket 
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager, 
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone and fax: (206) 231-3218; 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-2010-0865; Project Identifier 
2010-SW-061-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 again 
revise 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 proposed AD.

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 SNPRM 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 SNPRM, 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 SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should 
be sent to Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager, Large Aircraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: (206) 
231-3218; 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 issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell 
Textron Canada Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 
206L-4 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
August 30, 2010 (75 FR 52914). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require 
determining if an

[[Page 24561]]

affected part is installed (by doing a maintenance records check or 
inspection), and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-
affected part. The NPRM was prompted by a report that a certain disc 
assembly, sold as an alternate part, does not conform to the approved 
configuration.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, issued Canadian AD CF-2010-07, dated February 24, 
2010 (Canadian AD CF-2010-07), to correct an unsafe condition for 
certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada 
Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters. TCCA advises that a certain tail rotor disc assembly, sold 
through Bell Helicopter Spares beginning March 2009, as an alternate, 
does not conform to the approved configuration. TCCA stated operating a 
helicopter with the affected tail rotor disc assembly could result in 
loss of control of the helicopter.
    Accordingly, the Canadian AD requires determining if an affected 
part is installed, and if an affected part is found, replacement with a 
non-affected part.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since the NPRM was issued, the AD format has been revised, and 
certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding 
paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD (in the SNPRM), 
as listed in the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Requirement in the proposed AD  (in     Corresponding  requirement in
              the NPRM)                 this proposed AD  (in the SNPRM)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
paragraph (f)........................  paragraph (g).
paragraph (f)(1).....................  paragraph (g)(1).
paragraph (f)(2).....................  paragraph (g)(2).
paragraph (f)(3).....................  paragraph (g)(3).
paragraph (f)(4).....................  paragraph (g)(4).
paragraph (f)(5).....................  paragraph (h).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA also has removed the table following paragraph (c) of the 
proposed AD (in the NPRM), which identified the model and serial 
numbers; instead, the model and serial numbers are included in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this proposed AD (in the SNPRM).
    In addition, the text ``no further action is required'' is removed 
from paragraph (g)(3) of this proposed AD (in the SNPRM) as the parts 
installation prohibition specified in paragraph (h) of this proposed AD 
(in the SNPRM) also applies to helicopters accomplishing the action in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this proposed AD (in the SNPRM).
    These changes do not affect the intent of the actions in the 
proposed AD (in the NPRM). However, since a significant amount of time 
has elapsed since the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the comment period to 
allow the public a chance to comment on the proposed actions.

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost.

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, TCCA, its technical 
representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described 
in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after determining the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other 
helicopters of the same type design. Certain changes described above 
expand the scope of the NPRM. As a result, it is necessary to reopen 
the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to 
comment on this SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following service information. This service 
information specifies procedures to determine if an affected part is 
installed, and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-
affected part. These documents are distinct since they apply to 
different helicopter models.
     Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206-09-123, 
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009.
     Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157, 
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009.
    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.

Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information already described.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 1,493 helicopters 
of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.............................            $303             $388         $579,284
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 24562]]

    For the reasons discussed, 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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; 
Project Identifier 2010-SW-061-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by June 21, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Bell Textron Canada Limited 
(type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 
Limited) helicopters, certificated in any category:
    (1) Model 206A, serial numbers 004 through 660 inclusive, and 
672 through 715 inclusive;
    (2) Model 206B, all serial numbers, including those converted 
from Model 206A;
    (3) Model 206L, serial numbers 45004 through 45153 inclusive, 
and 46601 through 46617 inclusive;
    (4) Model 206L-1, serial numbers 45154 through 45790 inclusive;
    (5) Model 206L-3, serial numbers 51001 through 51612 inclusive; 
and
    (6) Model 206L-4, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 65, Tail Rotor 
Drive.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that a certain tail rotor disc 
assembly, sold as an alternate part, does not conform to the 
approved configuration. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
helicopters operating with a certain tail rotor disc assembly, sold 
as an alternate part, that does not conform to the approved 
configuration, which could result in loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of 
this AD, in accordance with Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 
206-09-123, Revision A, dated June 10, 2009; or Bell Helicopter 
Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157, Revision A, dated June 10, 2009, 
as applicable.
    (1) Within 30 days or 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, review the 
helicopter maintenance records to determine if a disc assembly, part 
number (P/N) 101584-1 or -2, is installed.
    (2) If, during the maintenance records review required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, you cannot positively determine that 
disc assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 is not installed, within 30 days or 
100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first, inspect the tail rotor driveshaft system to determine if disc 
assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 is installed.
    (3) If, during the maintenance records review required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of the this AD or during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, you can positively determine that a 
disc assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 is not installed, before further 
flight, make an entry in the log book showing compliance with this 
AD.
    (4) If, during the maintenance records review required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD or during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, you can positively determine that a 
disc assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 is installed, within 30 days or 100 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first, replace disc assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 with disc assembly 
P/N 32721-1.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install disc 
assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation 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. Send your proposal to: 
Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen 
Arrigotti, Program Manager, Large Aircraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: (206) 231-
3218; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, 
Quebec J7J1R4; phone: 450-437-2862 or 800-363-8023; fax: (450) 433-
0272; internet: 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 information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation (TCCA) Canadian AD CF-2010-07, dated February 24, 
2010. You may view the TCCA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.

    Issued on April 23, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-08922 Filed 5-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P