[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 139 (Friday, July 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38907-38909]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15478]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; Project Identifier 2010-SW-061-AD; Amendment 
39-21653; AD 2021-15-06]
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: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada 
Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters. 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. This AD requires determining if an 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 FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 27, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of August 27, 2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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 the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177. Service information that is incorporated by reference 
is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2010-0865.

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 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: 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:

Background

    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain 
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 
206L-4 helicopters. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on May 
7, 2021 (86 FR 24560). The SNPRM proposed to require determining if an 
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 SNPRM also revised the format, rearranged certain 
paragraphs, converted a certain table to paragraph format, and removed 
certain language. The SNPRM was prompted by a significant amount of 
time elapsing since the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (75 FR 
52914, August 30, 2010) was issued, requiring the FAA to reopen the 
comment period to allow the public a chance to comment on the proposed 
actions.
    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.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments

    The FAA received a comment from one commenter, Bell Textron Canada 
Limited. The following presents the comment received on the SNPRM and 
the FAA's response to the comment.

Request To Add a Statement for Operators That Already Complied With the 
Actions

    Bell Textron Canada Limited requested that the FAA add a statement 
to the effect that if the actions in 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; have already been accomplished then the intent of the AD is 
met and no further action is required. The commenter stated that many 
operators will have already complied with the intent of the proposed AD 
since the service information was released in 2009.
    The FAA acknowledges the commenter's request and agrees to clarify. 
Paragraph (g) of this AD requires accomplishing actions using 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. Paragraph (f) of this AD states to 
accomplish the required actions within the compliance times specified, 
``unless already done.'' Therefore, if operators have accomplished the 
actions required for compliance with this AD before the effective date 
of this AD, no further action is necessary. The FAA has not revised 
this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and

[[Page 38908]]

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 reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 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.

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.

Costs of Compliance

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

2021-15-06 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously 
Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-21653; 
Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; Project Identifier 2010-SW-061-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 27, 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.

[[Page 38909]]

    (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. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(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.

(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) 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 at https://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2010-0865.

(k) 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) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206-09-123, Revision 
A, dated June 10, 2009.
    (ii) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157, 
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009.
    (3) 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.
    (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 July 9, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15478 Filed 7-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P