[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 110 (Thursday, June 10, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30766-30768]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12040]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1175; Product Identifier 2018-SW-071-AD; Amendment 
39-21563; AD 2021-11-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding 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 
required 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. This AD was 
prompted by the engine manufacturer expanding the RPM (N2) steady-state 
operation avoidance range limits. This AD retains certain requirements 
of AD 2013-20-13, and requires revising certain sections of the 
existing RFM for your helicopter and installing or replacing a placard. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 15, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 15, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final 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 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. Service information that is incorporated by reference is also 
available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1175.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket 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 final rule, the 
Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The 
street 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: 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:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2013-20-13, Amendment 39-17619 (78 FR 
66252, November 5, 2013), (AD 2013-20-13). AD 2013-20-13 applied to 
Bell Model 206B helicopters, serial number (S/N) 004 through 4675, 
including helicopters converted from Model 206A; and Bell Model 206L 
helicopters, S/N 45001 through 45153, and 46601 through 46617. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2021 (86 FR 13828). The 
NPRM proposed to require, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), 
revising the Operating Limitations and the Normal Procedures sections 
of the existing RFM for your helicopter and installing or replacing a 
placard. The NPRM was prompted by a determination from the 
manufacturers that the steady-state operation avoidance range limits 
needed to be expanded, amendments to the RFM needed to be incorporated, 
and a new placard (decal) needed to be installed.
    Transport Canada AD CF-2018-23, dated August 22, 2018 (AD CF-2018-
23), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for 
Canada, corrects an unsafe condition for Bell Model 206B series 
helicopters including those converted from Model 206A, S/Ns up to 4690, 
and model 206L series helicopters, S/Ns 45001 through 45153 and 46601 
through 46617. Transport Canada 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. 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. This condition, if not addressed, could 
result in turbine failure, engine power loss, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.
    Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF-2018-23 requires incorporating 
the amended RFM power plant operating limitations and engine starting 
procedures for RPM (N2) steady-state operation and installing a new 
decal.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Conclusion

    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 reviewed

[[Page 30767]]

the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this 
AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these helicopters.

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.

Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD

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

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 934 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Amending the existing RFM for your helicopter takes 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 takes about 0.2 work-hour and 
parts 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

    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 above, I certify that this AD:
    (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 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:
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:

2021-11-01 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-21563; Docket 
No. FAA-2020-1175; Product Identifier 2018-SW-071-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 15, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

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

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Bell Textron Canada Limited 
(Bell) helicopters, certificated in any category:
    (1) Bell Model 206B, serial number (S/N) 004 through 4690 
inclusive, including helicopters converted from Model 206A; and

    Note 1 to paragraph (c)(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.

(d) Subject

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

(e) 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.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this 
AD:
    (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

[[Page 30768]]

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.

(h) 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. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of 
this AD. 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 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) 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, which are 
not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about 
the subject of this AD. This service information is available at the 
contact information specified in paragraphs (j)(3) and (4) of this 
AD.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2018-23, dated August 22, 2018. You may view the Transport Canada 
AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-
2020-1175.

(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) Page 1-2A of Section 1, Operating Limitations, and page 2-8 
of Section 2, Normal Procedures, of Bell Model 206B Rotorcraft 
Flight Manual (RFM) BHT-206B-FM-1, Revision B-54, dated May 30, 
2018.
    (ii) Page 1-5 of Section 1, Limitations, and page 2-10 of 
Section 2, Normal Procedures, of Bell Model 206B3 RFM BHT-206B3-FM-
1, Revision 17, dated May 30, 2018.
    (iii) Page 1-4B of Section 1, Operating Limitations, and page 2-
10 of Section 2, Normal Procedures, of Bell Model 206L RFM BHT-206L-
FM-1, Revision 31, dated May 30, 2018.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, 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.
    (4) 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.
    (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 May 12, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-12040 Filed 6-9-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P