[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 1, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32978-32980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11605]


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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; 
Amendment 39-22069; AD 2022-11-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. 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 Inc. Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. 
This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked check valve. This AD 
requires inspecting certain engine oil and fuel check valves, and 
depending on the results, repetitively inspecting and removing the 
check valve from service. This AD also prohibits installing affected 
engine oil and fuel check valves on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 6, 2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bell Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101, United 
States; phone 1-450-437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.bellflight.com/support/. 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-2022-0387; 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 final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The 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: 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: 

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 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,'' except not a check valve marked with ``TQL,'' and has a 
manufacturing date code of, or prior to, ``9/11'' (September 2011), or 
does not have a manufacturing date code, installed. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on March 31, 2022 (87 FR 18747). The NPRM was 
prompted by 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).
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 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, the NPRM proposed to require 
repetitively inspecting the check valve for a crack and leak, and 
depending on the results, removing the check valve from service. The 
NPRM also proposed to require removing the check valve from service at 
a longer compliance time, which would terminate the repetitive 
inspections. Lastly, the NPRM proposed to prohibit installing affected 
check valves 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

    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 products. Except for 
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

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

[[Page 32979]]

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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 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 AD.
    Measuring up to four check valves (two engine oil and two fuel) 
takes 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) takes 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) takes about 4 work-hours and parts 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

    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:

2022-11-19 Bell Textron Inc.: Amendment 39-22069; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0387; Project Identifier AD-2021-01225-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 6, 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].
    (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].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.


[[Page 32980]]


    Issued on May 25, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11605 Filed 5-31-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P