[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 72 (Thursday, April 14, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22146-22149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-07887]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA 2022-0460; Project Identifier AD-2021-00824-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc., Helicopters and 
Various Restricted Category 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 Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 
412CF, and 412EP helicopters and various restricted category 
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks found 
on the main transmission support case. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive inspections of the main transmission housing assembly for 
cracks, pitting, and corrosion and depending on the results, corrective 
action. 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 31, 
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 Bell Helicopter service information identified in this AD, 
contact Bell Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX, 76101, United 
States; phone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 433-0272; 
email [email protected]; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may purchase the ASTM International 
standard from ASTM International at https://www.astm.org/. 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 2022-0460; 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: Hye Yoon Jang, Aerospace Engineer, 
Delegation Oversight Section, DSCO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5190; 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 2022-0460; Project Identifier 
AD-2021-00824-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 Hye 
Yoon Jang, Aerospace Engineer, Delegation Oversight Section, DSCO 
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5190; 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 
204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters 
and the following restricted category helicopters:
     Model HH-1K helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
     Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., Model 
SW205A-1 helicopters;

[[Page 22147]]

     Model TH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Robinson Air Crane Inc.; Rotorcraft 
Development Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
     Model TH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft 
Support, Inc. (type certificate previously held by JTBAM, Inc.); and 
Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
     Model UH-1A helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.;
     Model UH-1B helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to International Helicopters, Inc.; 
Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Red Tail Flying Services, LLC; 
Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; 
Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. (helicopters with an 
SW204 or SW204HP designation are Southwest Florida Aviation 
International, Inc., Model UH-1B helicopters); and WSH, LLC (type 
certificate previously held by San Joaquin Helicopters);
     Model UH-1E helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft 
Support, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Smith Helicopters; 
and West Coast Fabrications;
     Model UH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to AST, Inc.; California Department of 
Forestry; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; 
and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
     Model UH-1H helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Arrow Falcon Exporters Inc.; Global 
Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; JJASPP 
Engineering Services, LLC; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas Aircraft 
Support, Inc.; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development 
Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. 
(helicopters with an SW205 designation are Southwest Florida Aviation 
International, Inc., Model UH-1H helicopters); and Tamarack 
Helicopters, Inc.;
     Model UH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft 
Support, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and
     Model UH-1P helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and Rotorcraft 
Development Corporation.
    This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the main 
transmission housing assembly. This proposed AD was prompted by reports 
of main transmission support cases found cracked at one of the lateral 
mounts. This condition, if not addressed, could result in cracking at 
the upper or lower surfaces of the lateral mounts, loss of load 
carrying capabilities of the main transmission, 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 design.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection Method (ASTM 
E1417) of Chapter 6--Non-Destructive Inspection, of Bell Helicopter, 
Standard Practices Manual BHT-ALL-SPM, Revision 8, dated August 30, 
2021, and ASTM International Standard Practice for Liquid Penetrant 
Testing E1417/E1417M-21, dated September 1, 2021 (ASTM E1417). This 
service information specifies procedures for the fluorescent penetrant 
inspection.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require, within 3,000 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) accumulated by the main transmission after the effective date of 
this proposed AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 hours 
TIS accumulated by the main transmission, removing certain screws and 
washers and visually inspecting the upper and lower transmission 
support case lateral mount screws for corrosion and thread damage, 
washers for corrosion and pitting, bushings for corrosion and pitting, 
and lateral mount surfaces for corrosion and mechanical damage such as 
any crack or pitting. If there is any corrosion, thread damage, or 
mechanical damage, this proposed AD would require removing the affected 
parts from service before further flight.
    This proposed AD would also require repetitive fluorescent 
penetrant inspections (FPIs) of all surfaces of the main transmission 
support case lateral mounts for a crack. For helicopters with a main 
transmission that has accumulated 6,000 or more total hours TIS, the 
initial FPI would be required before further flight after the effective 
date of this AD. For helicopters with a main transmission that has 
accumulated less than 6,000 total hours TIS, the initial FPI would be 
required before the main transmission accumulates 6,000 total hours 
TIS. For all helicopters, following the initial FPI, this proposed AD 
would require performing an FPI at intervals not to exceed 6,000 hours 
TIS accumulated by the main transmission. If there is any crack, this 
proposed AD would require removing the main transmission support case 
from service before further flight.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect up to 621 
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.
    Inspecting the main transmission mount assembly would take about 1 
work-hour, for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $52,785 for 
the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
    Inspecting the main transmission support case lateral mounts by 
fluorescent penetrant method would take about 1 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter, and $52,785 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle.
    If required, replacing the transmission support case assembly 
hardware parts including 8 washers, 8 screws, and 4 bushings would take 
about 1 work-hour and parts would cost up to $100 per part for an 
estimated cost of up to $2,000 per helicopter.
    If required, replacing the main transmission support case assembly 
would take up to 60 work-hours and parts would cost up to $54,501 for 
an estimated cost of up to $59,601 per helicopter.

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

[[Page 22148]]

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., and Various Restricted Category Helicopters: 
Docket No. FAA 2022-0460; Project Identifier AD-2021-00824-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by May 31, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following:
    (1) Bell Textron Inc., Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 
412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, certificated in any category; and
    (2) Various restricted category helicopters:
    (i) Model HH-1K helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
    (ii) Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc. Model 
SW205A-1 helicopters;
    (iii) Model TH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Robinson Air Crane Inc.; Rotorcraft 
Development Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
    (iv) Model TH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft 
Support, Inc. (type certificate previously held by JTBAM, Inc.); and 
Rotorcraft Development Corporation;
    (v) Model UH-1A helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.;
    (vi) Model UH-1B helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to International Helicopters, Inc.; 
Overseas Aircraft Support, Inc.; Red Tail Flying Services, LLC; 
Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; 
Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc.; and WSH, LLC (type 
certificate previously held by San Joaquin Helicopters);
    Note 1 to paragraph (c)(2)(vi): Helicopters with an SW204 or 
SW204HP designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, 
Inc., Model UH-1B helicopters.
    (vii) Model UH-1E helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft 
Support, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development Corporation; Smith 
Helicopters; and West Coast Fabrications;
    (viii) Model UH-1F helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to AST, Inc.; California Department of 
Forestry; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; Rotorcraft Development 
Corporation; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
    (ix) Model UH-1H helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc.; Global 
Helicopter Technology, Inc.; Hagglund Helicopters, LLC; JJASPP 
Engineering Services LLC; Northwest Rotorcraft, LLC; Overseas 
Aircraft Support, Inc.; Richards Heavylift Helo, Inc.; Rotorcraft 
Development Corporation; Southwest Florida Aviation International, 
Inc.; and Tamarack Helicopters, Inc.;
    Note 2 to paragraph (c)(2)(ix): Helicopters with an SW205 
designation are Southwest Florida Aviation International, Inc., 
Model UH-1H helicopters.
    (x) Model UH-1L helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Bell Textron Inc.; Overseas Aircraft 
Support, Inc.; and Rotorcraft Development Corporation; and
    (xi) Model UH-1P helicopters; current type certificate holders 
include but are not limited to Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and 
Rotorcraft Development Corporation.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6320, Main Rotor 
Gearbox.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in the main 
transmission support case possibly due to corrosion. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect and address corrosion and other mechanical 
damage of the main transmission support case assembly. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in cracking at the upper 
or lower surfaces of the lateral mounts, loss of load carrying 
capabilities of the main transmission, 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 3,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) accumulated by the 
main transmission after the effective date of this AD, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 hours TIS accumulated by 
the main transmission, remove the screws and washers from the upper 
and lower surfaces of the main transmission support case lateral 
mounts and accomplish the following:
    (i) Visually inspect each screw for corrosion and thread damage. 
If there is any corrosion or thread damage, before further flight, 
remove the screw from service.
    (ii) Visually inspect each upper and lower washer for corrosion 
and pitting. If there is any corrosion or pitting, before further 
fight, remove the washer from service.
    (iii) Visually inspect each installed bushing for corrosion and 
pitting. If there is any corrosion or pitting, before further fight, 
remove the bushing from service.
    (iv) Visually inspect each upper and lower main transmission 
support case lateral mount machined surface adjacent to each washer 
and each lateral mount threaded screw hole for corrosion and 
mechanical damage. For the purposes of this AD, mechanical damage 
may be indicated by a crack or pitting. If there is any corrosion or 
mechanical damage, before further flight, remove the main 
transmission support case assembly from service.
    (2) Fluorescent penetrant inspect (FPI) all surfaces of the main 
transmission support case lateral mounts for a crack at the 
compliance times identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (ii) of this 
AD.
    (i) For helicopters with a main transmission that has 
accumulated 6,000 or more total hours TIS, before further flight 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (ii) For helicopters with a main transmission that has 
accumulated less than 6,000 total hours TIS, before accumulating 
6,000 total hours TIS on the main transmission after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (iii) If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the 
main transmission support case assembly from service.
    Note 3 to paragraph (g)(2): This note applies to paragraphs 
(g)(2) and (3) of this AD. ASTM International Standard Practice for 
Liquid Penetrant Testing E1417/E1417M-21, dated September 1, 2021 
(ASTM E1417) provides additional information regarding and is an 
acceptable method for the fluorescent penetrant inspection.
    (3) Thereafter following paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, at 
intervals not to exceed 6,000 hours TIS accumulated by the main

[[Page 22149]]

transmission, FPI all surfaces of the main transmission support case 
lateral mounts for a crack. If there is any crack, before further 
flight, remove the main transmission support case assembly from 
service.

(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 Related Information. 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 Hye Yoon Jang, 
Aerospace Engineer, Delegation Oversight Section, DSCO Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 
Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5190; email 
[email protected].
    (2) For ASTM service information identified in this AD, you may 
purchase the ASTM standard from ASTM International at https://www.astm.org/. 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.

    Issued on April 7, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-07887 Filed 4-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P