[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 62 (Thursday, March 31, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18747-18750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06756]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0387; Project Identifier AD-2021-01225-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc., 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

[[Page 18748]]

certain Bell Textron Inc., Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP 
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a cracked 
check valve. This proposed AD would require inspecting certain engine 
oil and fuel check valves, and depending on the results, repetitively 
inspecting and removing the check valve from service. This proposed AD 
would also prohibit installing affected engine oil and fuel check 
valves on any 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 May 16, 
2022.

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 above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bell 
Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; 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 material 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-2022-0387; 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, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kuethe Harmon, Safety Management 
Program Manager, Certification & Program Management Section, DSCO 
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5198; 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-2022-0387; Project Identifier 
AD-2021-01225-R'' 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 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 
Kuethe Harmon, Safety Management Program Manager, Certification & 
Program Management Section, DSCO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5198; 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

    The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for Bell Textron Inc., Model 
212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters with an engine oil check valve 
part number (P/N) 209-062-520-001 or fuel check valve P/N 209-062-607-
001 manufactured by Circor Aerospace that is marked ``Circle Seal'' and 
``CORONA CA,'' and has a manufacturing date code of, or prior to, ``9/
11'' (September 2011), or does not have a manufacturing date code, 
installed. This proposed AD would not apply to check valves marked with 
``TQL.'' This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a cracked check 
valve manufactured in 2009 by Circor Aerospace. An incorrect torque 
value applied on the threaded fitting at the check valve inlet end 
during the assembly process resulted in the crack. Indication of this 
condition may also include an enlarged outside diameter (O.D.) 
measurement of the check valve housing at the inlet end where the 
threaded fitting is installed or a leak. These check valves may be 
installed as engine oil check valve P/N 209-062-520-001 and fuel check 
valve P/N 209-062-607-001 on Bell Textron Inc., Model 212, 412, 412CF, 
and 412EP helicopters.
    The FAA previously issued AD 2019-09-02, Amendment 39-19636 (84 FR 
22695, May 20, 2019), which applies to the same model helicopters with 
the same part-numbered check valves installed, except it is only for 
check valves marked ``Circle Seal'' and with a manufacturing date code 
of ``10/11'' (October 2011) through ``03/15'' (March 2015).
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of 
lubrication or fuel to the engine, failure of the engine or a fire, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type designs.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 212-20-163, 
Revision B, dated April 6, 2021 (ASB 212-20-163), Bell ASB 212-20-164, 
Revision B, dated April 6, 2021 (ASB 212-20-164), Bell ASB 412-20-182, 
Revision B, dated April 6, 2021 (ASB 412-20-182), and Bell ASB 412-20-
183, Revision C, dated April 6, 2021 (ASB 412-20-183). ASB 212-20-163 
and ASB 412-20-182 specify procedures for inspecting and replacing 
engine oil check valve P/N 209-062-520-001. ASB 212-20-164 and ASB 412-
20-183 specify procedures for inspecting and replacing fuel check valve 
P/N 209-062-607-001.

[[Page 18749]]

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require measuring the O.D. of an affected 
(engine oil or fuel) check valve housing at the center and at the inlet 
end where the threaded fitting is installed. If the dimension measured 
at the inlet end is greater than 0.003 inch (0.0762 mm) compared to the 
measurement at the center, this proposed AD would require repetitively 
inspecting the check valve for a crack and leak, and depending on the 
results, removing the check valve from service. This proposed AD would 
also require removing the check valve from service at a longer 
compliance time, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. 
Lastly, this proposed AD would prohibit installing affected check 
valves on any helicopter.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 169 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.
    Measuring up to four check valves (two engine oil and two fuel) 
would take up to about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of up to $85 
per helicopter and $14,365 for the U.S. fleet. Inspecting up to four 
check valves (two engine oil and two fuel) would take up to about 2 
work-hours for an estimated cost of up to $170 per helicopter and 
$28,730 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle as applicable. 
Replacing up to four valves (two engine oil and two fuel) would take up 
to about 4 work-hours and parts would cost up to about $340, for an 
estimated cost of up to $680 per helicopter and $114,920 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 above, 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 Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2022-0387; Project Identifier AD-
2021-01225-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by May 16, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Inc., Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 
412EP helicopters, certificated in any category, with an engine oil 
check valve part number (P/N) 209-062-520-001 or fuel check valve P/
N 209-062-607-001 manufactured by Circor Aerospace that:
    (1) Is marked ``Circle Seal'' and ``CORONA CA,'' except not a 
check valve marked with ``TQL,'' and
    (2) Has a manufacturing date code of, or prior to, ``9/11'' 
(September 2011), or does not have a manufacturing date code, 
installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2800 Aircraft Fuel 
System and 7900 Engine Oil System (Airframe).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked check valve. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to detect a cracked check valve. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of lubrication or 
fuel to the engine, failure of the engine or a fire, 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

    (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever 
occurs first after the effective date of this AD, using a caliper or 
equivalent, measure the outside diameter (O.D.) of the check valve 
housing at the center, and the O.D. of the check valve housing at 
the inlet end where the threaded fitting is installed. If the 
dimension measured at the inlet end is greater than 0.003 inch 
(0.0762 mm) compared to the measurement at the center, do the 
following:
    (i) Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 25 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first, using a 
flashlight, visually inspect the check valve for a crack and leak, 
paying particular attention to the area at the inlet end where the 
threaded fitting is installed. If there is a crack or leak, before 
further flight, remove the check valve from service. Removing the 
check valve from service terminates the repetitive inspections 
required by this AD for that check valve.
    (ii) Within 600 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, 
remove the check valve from service. Removing the check valve from 
service terminates the repetitive inspections required by this AD 
for that check valve.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an 
engine oil or fuel check valve identified in paragraph (c) of this 
AD on any helicopter.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, DSCO 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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed 
to: [email protected].

[[Page 18750]]

    (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

    For more information about this AD, contact Kuethe Harmon, 
Safety Management Program Manager, Certification & Program 
Management Section, DSCO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5198; email [email protected].

    Issued on March 25, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-06756 Filed 3-30-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P