[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 119 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33091-33094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-13193]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0267; Project Identifier 2017-SW-110-AD; Amendment 
39-21620; AD 2021-13-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This 
AD was prompted by the identification of certain parts needing life 
limits and certification maintenance requirement (CMR) tasks. This AD 
requires establishing life limits and CMR tasks for various parts. 
Depending on the results of the CMR tasks, this AD requires corrective 
action. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 29, 2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, 
Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 
1-450-433-0272; email [email protected]; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0267; 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

[[Page 33092]]

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: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Bell Model 429 
helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on April 8, 2021 (86 FR 18218). In the NPRM, the 
FAA proposed to require establishing a life limit for certain part-
numbered tail rotor outboard flapping bearings and a certain part-
numbered hoist kit cable cutter cartridge. The NPRM also proposed to 
require establishing recurring CMR tasks for a certain part-numbered 
wheeled landing gear system, float/life raft kit, and hoist kit, and 
depending on the results of the CMR tasks, corrective action. The NPRM 
was prompted by Canadian AD CF-2017-16, dated May 17, 2017, issued by 
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority of Canada, to correct 
an unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 
57001 and subsequent. Transport Canada advises that Bell has 
established life limits and CMR tasks for various parts and accordingly 
revised Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of Bell 
Helicopter 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1 to Revision 26, dated 
September 9, 2016 (BHT-429-MM-1). Transport Canada states that failure 
to replace life-limited parts or perform CMR tasks as specified could 
result in an unsafe condition.
    Accordingly, the Transport Canada AD requires updating the 
maintenance schedule for the parts affected with the airworthiness life 
limits and CMR tasks in Revision 26 of BHT-429-MM-1.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from one commenter. The commenter was 
Bell. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the 
FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Change the Compliance Time of the Hoist Cable Anti-Foul 
Assembly Operational Check

    Bell requested changing the compliance time of the hoist cable 
anti-foul assembly operational check from before the first flight of 
the day involving a hoist operation to after the last flight of the 
day. Bell requested this change to avoid the potential to suspend 
critical operations in order to accomplish the check and any required 
corrective maintenance because according to Bell, hoist equipment 
serves an essential service and may be required for critical missions 
with minimal notice. Bell further stated that this task was established 
based on the system safety assessment for the Bell Model 429 helicopter 
hoist installation and exposure based on a daily check after the last 
flight was considered in that assessment to conservatively meet 
acceptable reliability targets for its Major hazard classification.
    The FAA disagrees with the request to change the compliance time to 
after the last flight of the day. The compliance time of before the 
first flight of the day is standard practice in rotorcraft AD actions 
for enforceability purposes. However, this wording does not imply that 
the operational check and corrective action must be done on the same 
calendar day as the first flight of the day involving a hoist 
operation. In light of this, the FAA has made no changes based on this 
request.

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 has 
notified the FAA about the unsafe condition described in its AD. The 
FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 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. Except, since issuance of the NPRM, Bell has 
updated its contact information to obtain service documentation by 
changing its website address and adding an email address. This final 
rule reflects those changes and this AD is otherwise adopted as 
proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes increase the economic burden 
on any operator.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of 
BHT-429-MM-1. This service information specifies airworthiness life 
limits, inspection intervals, and CMR requirements for parts installed 
on Model 429 helicopters. Revision 26 of this service information 
establishes life limits for a certain part-numbered tail rotor flapping 
outboard bearing and hoist kit cartridge cable cutter and CMR 
requirements for a certain part-numbered wheeled landing gear system, 
float/life raft kit, and hoist kit.
    Additionally, the FAA reviewed Chapter 96-47--600-Pound External 
Hoist Electrical System--Operational Check, of Bell 429 Maintenance 
Manual Supplement For 600-Pound External Hoist Kit, BHT-429-MMS-4, 
Revision 1, dated March 14, 2014. This service information specifies 
inspection procedures and corrective action for various components of 
the hoist system.
    Lastly, the FAA reviewed Testing and Fault Isolation, pages 101-
117/118, Cleaning, pages 401-405/406, and Scheduled Maintenance, pages 
609-611/612, of Goodrich Rescue Hoist System Component Maintenance 
Manual 25-00-38-1, dated July 15, 2009, for rescue hoist assembly part 
number 44316-12-102. This service information specifies maintenance 
procedures and lists replacement parts for this part-numbered Goodrich 
rescue hoist assembly.

Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD

    This AD requires corrective action for failed CMR tasks, whereas 
the Transport Canada AD does not. The Transport Canada AD requires 
accomplishing an operational check of the hoist cable anti-foul 
assembly daily after the last flight, whereas this AD requires this 
action before the first flight of the day involving a hoist operation 
instead.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 110 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.
    Replacing a tail rotor outboard flapping bearing takes about 4 
work-hours and parts cost about $7,500 for an estimated cost of $7,840 
per helicopter and $862,400 for the U.S. fleet, per replacement cycle. 
Replacing a hoist kit cable cutter cartridge takes about 3 work-hours 
and parts cost about $5,200 for an estimated cost of $5,455 per 
helicopter and $600,050 for the U.S. fleet, per replacement cycle.

[[Page 33093]]

    Performing a functional check of the wheeled landing gear system 
takes about 4 work-hours for an estimated cost of $340 per helicopter 
and $37,400 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing a functional 
check of the float/life raft kit takes about 2 work-hours for an 
estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $18,700 for the U.S. fleet, 
per cycle.
    Performing an operational check of the hoist kit cable anti-foul 
assembly takes about 2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per 
helicopter and $18,700 for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Cleaning, 
visually inspecting, and lubricating the rescue hoist cable takes about 
2 work-hours for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $18,700 
for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing an operational check of the 
hoist kit speed limit switches and the electrical system takes about 
0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $4,730 
for the U.S. fleet, per cycle. Performing a functional check of the 
cable cutter cartridge electrical system takes about 3 work-hours for 
an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter and $28,050 for the U.S. 
fleet, per cycle.
    The FAA has no way of determining the estimated costs to do 
allowable repairs based on the results of the CMR tasks. If required, 
replacing the float/life raft takes about 2 work-hours and parts cost 
about $5,000 for an estimated cost of $5,170 per float/life raft. 
Replacing the anti-foul assembly takes about 3 work-hours and parts 
cost about $1,500 for an estimated cost of $1,755 per anti-foul 
assembly. Replacing a rescue hoist cable takes about 3 work-hours and 
parts cost about $3,150 for an estimated cost of $3,405 per rescue 
hoist cable. Overhauling a rescue hoist assembly costs about $83,000 
and it takes about 8 work-hours to remove and reinstall the hoist for a 
labor cost of $680, for a total estimated cost of $83,680 per 
helicopter, per overhaul cycle. Alternatively, replacing a hoist takes 
about 8 work-hours and parts cost about $200,000 for an estimated cost 
of $200,680 per helicopter, per replacement cycle.

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 helicopters 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-13-15 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously 
Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-21620; 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0267; Project Identifier 2017-SW-110-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 29, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate 
previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 429 
helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 57001 and 
subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3200, Landing Gear 
Systems, and 2560, Emergency Equipment.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by parts remaining in service beyond their 
fatigue life or beyond maintenance intervals required by the 
certification maintenance requirements (CMRs) of the Instructions 
for Continued Airworthiness. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of a part, 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

    (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
remove from service any part that has reached or exceeded its life 
limit as follows. Thereafter, remove from service each part on or 
before reaching its life limit as follows:
    (i) Tail rotor outboard flapping bearing part number (P/N) 429-
312-103-117 and 429-312-103-119: 15,000 total hours time-in-service 
(TIS).
    (ii) Hoist kit cable cutter cartridge P/N 42315-281: 5 years 
since date of manufacture.
    (2) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, 
perform the following CMR tasks for any part that has reached or 
exceeded its CMR interval as follows. Thereafter, perform the 
following CMR tasks for each part on or before reaching its CMR 
interval as follows:
    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2): Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations 
Schedule of Bell Helicopter 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1 to 
Revision 26, dated September 9, 2016, contains additional 
information about the CMR tasks.
    (i) Wheeled Landing Gear System P/N 429-705-001-101: 800 hours 
TIS or 1 year, whichever occurs first, perform a functional check of 
the Emergency Gear Release. If the functional check fails, before 
further flight, repair in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
    (ii) Float/Life Raft Kit P/N 429-706-069-101: 1,600 hours TIS, 
perform a functional check of the float/life raft kit electrical 
system to determine if there are any dormant failures including: 
Manual inflation switch, water immersion switch, auto-activation 
relay, manual activation relay, raft activation relay, test 
activation relay, and the fuse disc elements. If there is a failure, 
before next flight over water, replace the float/life raft.
    (iii) Hoist Kit P/N 429-706-001-101:
    (A) Before the first flight of the day involving a hoist 
operation, perform an operational check of the hoist cable anti-foul

[[Page 33094]]

assembly. If the operational check fails, before next flight 
involving a hoist operation, repair or replace the anti-foul 
assembly.
    (B) 3 hoist operating hours, clean, visually inspect the rescue 
hoist cable for damage, which may be indicated by a broken wire, 
kink, bird caging, flattened area, abrasion, or necking. If there is 
any damage, before further flight, replace the rescue hoist cable. 
If there is no damage, before further flight, lubricate the rescue 
hoist cable. For purposes of this AD, hoist operating hours are 
counted anytime the hoist motor is operating.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(iii)(B): Bell Helicopter service 
information refers to hoist operating hours as hoisting hours.
    (C) 800 hours TIS or 1 year, whichever occurs first, perform an 
operational check of the speed limit switches and perform an 
operational check of the 600-pound external hoist electrical system 
to inspect operation of the HOIST HOT caution light. If an 
operational check fails, before next flight involving a hoist 
operation, repair in accordance with FAA-approved procedures or 
replace the hoist.
    (D) 2,200 hours TIS or 111 hoist operating hours, whichever 
occurs first, perform a functional check of the cable cutter 
cartridge electrical system to inspect for correct functioning of 
the cable cutter switches (hoist pendant, pilot cyclic, and copilot 
cyclic) and associated wiring. If a functional check fails, before 
next flight involving a hoist operation, repair in accordance with 
FAA-approved procedures or replace the hoist.
    (E) 111 hoist operating hours, overhaul or replace the hoist.

(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 Matt Fuller, AD 
Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].
    (2) Chapter 4--Airworthiness Limitations Schedule of Bell 
Helicopter 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1 to Revision 26, dated 
September 9, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service 
information identified in this AD, contact Bell Textron Canada 
Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; 
telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-433-0272; 
email [email protected]; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. 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 AD 
CF-2017-16, dated May 17, 2017. You may view the Transport Canada AD 
at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2021-0267.

    Issued on June 17, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-13193 Filed 6-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P