[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35692-35695]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14400]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0497; Project Identifier 2019-SW-043-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited 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 certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters. This 
proposed AD was prompted by three reports of unexpected forces or 
uncommanded inputs to the directional (yaw) control system. This 
proposed AD would require revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight 
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. 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 August 23, 
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 NPRM, contact Bell 
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, 
Canada; 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0497; 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, the 
Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mitch Soth, Flight Test Engineer, 
Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5110; 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-2021-0497; Project Identifier 
2019-SW-043-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.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

[[Page 35693]]

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 Mitch Soth, Flight Test 
Engineer, Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 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

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2019-16, dated May 6, 2019 
(Transport Canada AD CF-2019-16), to correct an unsafe condition for 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada 
Limited) Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers 57001 and subsequent. 
Transport Canada advises of three reports of unexpected forces or 
uncommanded inputs to the directional (yaw) control system during 
ground operations. Investigation revealed that a yaw trim runaway can 
occur while the automatic pedal trim function is operating. This 
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the 
helicopter. Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF-2019-16 requires 
revising Bell RFM BHT-429-FM-1 by incorporating revision 14, dated 
April 18, 2019.

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

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Section 2--Normal Procedures, Section 3--Emergency 
and Malfunction Procedures, and Section 4--Performance, of Bell RFM 
BHT-429-FM-1, Revision 14, dated April 18, 2019. This revision of the 
service information adds a procedure to reduce the risk of trim runaway 
during start sequence, cautions to reduce the risk of uncommanded 
control movement during engine start and takeoff and re-setting force 
trim detent instructions during engine start and takeoff, and an 
emergency procedure to assist flight crew to recognize trim runaway and 
response instructions.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require revising the existing RFM for your 
helicopter by adding procedures in Section 2, Normal Procedures, under 
2-4. INTERIOR AND PRESTART CHECK, 2-5. ENGINE START, and 2-8. TAKEOFF; 
Section 3, Emergency and Malfunction Procedures, under 3-9. AUTOMATIC 
FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM; and Section 4, Performance, under 4-2. POWER 
ASSURANCE CHECK.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 120 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 proposed AD.
    Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter would take about 0.50 
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $5,160 for 
the U.S. fleet.

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) 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: Docket No. FAA-2021-0497; Project 
Identifier 2019-SW-043-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by August 23, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429 
helicopters, certificated in any category, serial numbers 57001 and 
subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720, Tail Rotor 
Control System.

[[Page 35694]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by three reports of unexpected forces or 
uncommanded inputs to the directional (yaw) control system. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to prevent yaw trim runaway. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, 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) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual for your helicopter as 
follows:
    (i) In Section 2, Normal Procedures, under 2-4. INTERIOR AND 
PRESTART CHECK, add the following as item 25: ``25. Depress the 
cyclic force TRIM REL button and collective FORCE REL button (4-axis 
only) to center actuators and extinguish any active out of detent 
indications.''
    (ii) In Section 2, Normal Procedures, under 2-5. ENGINE START 
and under 2-8. TAKEOFF, add the following above item 1: ``CAUTION: 
WHEN MANIPULATING FLIGHT CONTROLS WITH FORCE TRIM SELECTED ON, DO 
NOT RELEASE AFFECTED FLIGHT CONTROL UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT 
INDICATION EXTINGUISHES. THE FLIGHT CONTROLS MAY BE RESET BY 
DEPRESSING THE CYCLIC FORCE TRIM REL BUTTON AND COLLECTIVE FORCE REL 
BUTTON (4-AXIS ONLY) UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT INDICATION 
EXTINGUISHES.''
    (iii) In Section 3, Emergency and Malfunction Procedures, under 
3-9. AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM, add the information in Figure 
1 to paragraph (g)(1)(iii) of this AD as item 3-9-D:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07JY21.070

    (iv) In Section 4, Performance, under 4-2. POWER ASSURANCE 
CHECK, add the following above the instructions for performing a 
power assurance check: ``CAUTION: WHEN MANIPULATING FLIGHT CONTROLS 
WITH FORCE TRIM SELECTED ON, DO NOT RELEASE AFFECTED FLIGHT CONTROL 
UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT INDICATION EXTINGUISHES. THE FLIGHT CONTROLS 
MAY BE RESET BY DEPRESSING THE CYCLIC FORCE TRIM REL BUTTON AND 
COLLECTIVE FORCE REL BUTTON (4-AXIS ONLY) UNTIL THE OUT OF DETENT 
INDICATION EXTINGUISHES.''
    (2) Using a document with information identical to the 
information in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD is acceptable for 
compliance with the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
    (3) The actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD 
may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a 
private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft 
records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with Sec.  
43.9(a)(1) through (4) and Sec.  91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 
maintained as required by Sec.  91.417, Sec.  121.380, or Sec.  
135.439.

(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 Mitch Soth, 
Flight Test Engineer,

[[Page 35695]]

Southwest Section, Flight Test Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5110; email [email protected].
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
Emergency AD CF-2019-16, dated May 6, 2019. You may view the 
Transport Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2021-0497.

    Issued on June 10, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14400 Filed 7-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P