[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 8, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50232-50234]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19244]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0539; Project Identifier 2018-SW-048-AD; Amendment 
39-21719; AD 2021-19-01]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 
206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 
427, 429, and 430 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a 
shoulder harness seat belt comfort clip (comfort clip) interfering with 
the seat belt inertia reel. This AD requires removing each comfort clip 
from service, inspecting the shoulder harness seat belt for any rip and 
abrasion, and removing any shoulder harness seat belt from service that 
has a rip or abrasion. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 13, 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 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-
433-0272; email [email protected]; or at https://
www.bellflight.com/support/

[[Page 50233]]

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. 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-2021-0539; 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: Steven Warwick, Aerospace Engineer, 
Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5225; 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 Textron Canada 
Limited Model 206, 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 
206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, 429, and 430 
helicopters with a comfort clip installed; or that have been modified 
per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH2073SO (installation of 
shoulder harness restraint system) or STC SH2751SO (installation of a 
passenger shoulder harness restraint system).
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2021 (86 FR 
35410). In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require, within 25 hours time-
in-service (TIS) after the effective date of the proposed AD, removing 
from service each comfort clip and inspecting each shoulder harness 
seat belt for a rip and abrasion. If there is a rip or abrasion, the 
NPRM proposed to require removing the shoulder harness seat belt from 
service before further flight. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit 
installing a comfort clip on any helicopter as of the effective date of 
the proposed AD.
    The NPRM was prompted by Transport Canada AD CF-2018-16, dated June 
14, 2018 (Transport Canada AD CF-2018-16), issued by Transport Canada, 
which is the aviation authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe 
condition for all serial-numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 
Limited (now Bell Textron Canada Limited) Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 
206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 
427, 429 and 430 helicopters. Transport Canada advises that Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited delivered comfort clips with some 
helicopters, and that these comfort clips, which were also sold as 
spare parts or accessories, were intended to improve occupant comfort 
by reducing shoulder harness tension. However, Transport Canada advises 
the comfort clip may interfere with the shoulder harness inertia reel, 
preventing the harness from locking and resulting in injury to the 
occupant during an emergency landing. To prevent this unsafe condition, 
Transport Canada AD CF-2018-16 requires, within 25 hours air time or 10 
days, whichever occurs first, determining if the comfort clips are 
installed. If the comfort clips are installed, Transport Canada AD CF-
2018-16 requires removing them from service within 100 hours air time 
or 30 days, whichever occurs first, and inspecting each shoulder 
harness seat belt for damage and replacing any shoulder harness seat 
belt that has damage that exceeds allowable limits before further 
flight. Transport Canada AD CF-2018-16 also prohibits the installation 
of any comfort clip on any helicopter.

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 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

    The FAA reviewed the following Bell Helicopter Alert Service 
Bulletins (ASBs), each dated January 11, 2016:
     ASB 222-15-112 for Model 222, 222B, and 222U helicopters 
with serial numbers (S/N) 47006 through 47089, 47131 through 47156, and 
47501 through 47574 (ASB 222-15-112);
     ASB 230-15-46 for Model 230 helicopters with S/N 23001 
through 23038;
     ASB 407-15-111 for Model 407 helicopters with S/N 53000 
through 53900, 53911 through 54166, and 54300 through 54599;
     ASB 427-15-39 for Model 427 helicopters with S/N 56001 
through 56084, 58001 and 58002 (ASB 427-15-39);
     ASB 429-15-27 for Model 429 helicopters with S/N 57001 
through 57259 (ASB 429-15-27); and
     ASB 430-15-56 for Model 430 helicopters with S/N 49001 
through 49129.
    The FAA also reviewed the following Bell Helicopter ASBs, both 
Revision A and both dated February 5, 2016:
     ASB 206-15-133 for Model 206A/B and TH-67 helicopters with 
S/N 4 through 4690 and 5101 through 5313 (ASB 206-15-133); and
     ASB 206L-15-175 for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters with S/N 45001 through 45153, 46601 through 46617, 45154 
through 45790, 51001 through 51612, and 52001 through 52455 (ASB 206L-
15-175).
    All of the ASBs specify removing all variants of comforts clips 
from all seat belt assemblies. ASB 222-15-112, ASB 427-15-39, and ASB 
429-15-27 also specify that although the helicopter models to which 
these ASBs apply were not affected by the original design at the time 
of certification and delivery of the helicopter, the affected parts may 
have been installed post-delivery to end owners/operators of those 
helicopters.
    ASB 206-15-133 and ASB 206L-15-175 also specify that helicopters 
that have been modified per STC SH2073SO (installation of shoulder 
harness restraint system) are affected and therefore included in the 
ASB applicability.
    ASB 206L-15-175 also specifies that helicopters that have been 
modified per STC SH2751SO (installation of a passenger shoulder harness 
restraint system) are affected and therefore included in the ASB 
applicability.

Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD

    This AD requires removing the comfort clip and inspecting the 
shoulder harness seat belt within 25 hours TIS; Transport Canada AD CF-
2018-16 requires inspecting for the presence of a comfort clip at 25 
hours air time, or 10 days, whichever occurs first, and then requires 
removing the comfort clip, if installed. Transport

[[Page 50234]]

Canada AD CF-2018-16 requires inspecting the shoulder harness seat belt 
for any damage that exceeds allowable limits within 100 hours air time 
or 30 days, whichever occurs first, whereas this AD requires the 
inspection within 25 hours TIS and removing any shoulder harness seat 
belt from service before further flight if there is any rip or 
abrasion.
    Transport Canada AD CF-2018-16 applies to all serial-numbered Model 
206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 
222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, 429 and 430 helicopters, whereas this AD 
applies to Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 
206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, 429, and 430 helicopters with a 
comfort clip installed or helicopters that have been modified per STC 
SH2073SO (installation of shoulder harness restraint system) or STC 
SH2751SO (installation of a passenger shoulder harness restraint 
system).

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 2,347 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.
    Removing each comfort clip will take about 0.5 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $43 per clip and up to $807,368 for the U.S. fleet.
    Replacing a shoulder harness seat belt, if required, will take 
about 1 work-hour and parts will cost about $250 per shoulder harness 
seat belt, for an estimated cost of $335 per replacement.

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:

2021-19-01 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-21719; Docket 
No. FAA-2021-0539; Project Identifier 2018-SW-048-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 13, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 
206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 
222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, 429, and 430 helicopters, certificated in 
any category:
    (1) With a shoulder harness seat belt comfort clip (comfort 
clip) installed; or
    (2) That have been modified per Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) SH2073SO (installation of shoulder harness restraint system) 
or STC SH2751SO (installation of a passenger shoulder harness 
restraint system).

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2500 Cabin 
Equipment/Furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a comfort clip 
interfering with the seat belt inertia reel, which could prevent the 
seatbelt from locking and result in injury to the occupant during an 
emergency landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD:
    (i) Remove each comfort clip from service.
    (ii) Inspect each shoulder harness seat belt for a rip and 
abrasion. If there is a rip or any abrasion, before further flight, 
remove the shoulder harness seat belt from service.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
comfort clip on any helicopter.

(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 Steven Warwick, 
Aerospace Engineer, Certification Section, Fort Worth ACO Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 
222-5225; email [email protected].
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2018-16, dated June 14, 2018. You may view the Transport Canada 
AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket 
in Docket No. FAA-2021-0539.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on August 31, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19244 Filed 9-7-21; 8:45 am]
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