[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 12, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61450-61452]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22014]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0802; Project Identifier AD-2021-01094-R; 
Amendment 39-22210; AD 2022-21-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. Helicopters and 
Various Restricted Category 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 204B, 205A, and 205A-1 helicopters and 
various restricted category helicopters. This AD was prompted by a 
report of cracked main rotor blades (MRBs). This AD requires repetitive 
inspections of each MRB and removing any cracked MRB from service. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 16, 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: (800) 363-8023; website: 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 regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0802; 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: 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:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
Bell Textron Inc. Model 204B, 205A, and 205A-1 helicopters, and all 
restricted category Model HH-1K, SW205A-1, TH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1A, UH-1B, 
UH-1E, UH-1F, UH-1H, UH-1L, and UH-1P helicopters, with MRB part number 
(P/N) 204-011-250-001, -005, -009, -113, or -117 installed.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2022 (87 FR 
38686). The NPRM was prompted by reports of chordwise cracks in MRB P/N 
204-011-250-113. The cracks originated from the extreme trailing edge 
between blade station 190 and 210; this area is currently not inspected 
during routine maintenance. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require 
cleaning certain areas of the upper and lower skin surfaces of each MRB 
with a cheesecloth. If the cheesecloth is snagged or frayed while 
cleaning an MRB, removing paint from the area that caused the snagging 
and then either visually or eddy current inspecting the area for a 
crack would be required. The NPRM also proposed to require wiping each 
MRB with isopropyl alcohol and immediately after the blade dries, 
inspecting the area for a dark line, which is an indication that excess 
alcohol is bleeding out of a crack or edge void. If there is a dark 
line, removing paint from the area where there is a dark line and 
inspecting for a crack in the skin would be required. Finally, the NPRM 
proposed to require removing any cracked MRB from service. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from one commenter, Salmon River 
Helicopters (SRH). SRH commented about allowing a pilot to accomplish 
the daily (before first flight of each day) inspection. The following 
presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.

Comment Regarding the Before the First Flight of Each Day Inspection

    SRH asked whether a pilot may accomplish the daily (before the 
first flight of each day) inspection. SRH stated that it has never had 
an issue with blade cracking between blade stations 190 and 210, and is 
unaware of reported accidents due to blade cracking within those 
stations. SRH further stated that many operators, like SRH, do not 
staff a mechanic every day of flight and it would be a significant 
disadvantage to do so.
    The FAA partially agrees. The FAA agrees to allow the owner/
operator (pilot) to accomplish the actions required by paragraph 
(g)(1)(i) of this AD because it only involves cleaning with a 
cheesecloth and visually checking for unsmooth areas and surfaces that 
snag the cheesecloth or cause it to fray. These actions could be 
performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic, and is an exception to 
the FAA's standard maintenance regulations. The FAA disagrees with a 
pilot accomplishing the remaining required actions because those 
actions must be accomplished by a mechanic that meets the requirements 
of 14 CFR part 65 subpart D.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
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 products. Except for minor editorial changes, and 
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed 
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on 
any operator.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed the following Bell Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs), 
each Revision A and dated October 12, 2018, and for helicopters with 
MRB P/N 204-011-250-001, -005, -009, -113, or -117:
     Bell ASB 204-96-49 for Model 204B helicopters, serial 
numbers (S/N) 2001 through 2070 and 2196 through 2199 and
     Bell ASB 205-96-67 for Model 205A and 205A-1 helicopters, 
S/N 30001 through 30332.
    The FAA also reviewed Bell ASB UH-1H-18-20, dated October 23, 2018, 
for all Model UH-IH helicopters with MRB P/N 204-011-250-113 installed.
    These service bulletins specify procedures for daily wipe down 
inspections and 25-hour inspections of the MRBs for cracks.

[[Page 61451]]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 682 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.
    Each MRB inspection takes about .5 work-hour and parts cost $50 for 
an estimated cost of $93 per helicopter and $63,426 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle.
    Replacing an MRB, if required, takes about 10 work-hours and parts 
cost about $157,815 per blade for an estimated cost of $158,665 per MRB 
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 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:

2022-21-11 Bell Textron Inc., and Various Restricted Category 
Helicopters: Amendment 39-22210; Docket No. FAA-2022-0802; Project 
Identifier AD-2021-01094-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 16, 
2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following helicopters with main rotor 
blade (MRB) part number 204-011-250-001, -005, -009, -113, or -117 
installed:
    (1) Bell Textron Inc. Model 204B helicopters, serial numbers (S/
N) 2001 through 2070 and 2196 through 2199, inclusive, certificated 
in any category;
    (2) Bell Textron Inc. Model 205A, and 205A-1 helicopters, S/N 
30001 through 30332, inclusive, certificated in any category; and
    (3) 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.; 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)(3)(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)(3)(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: 6210, Main rotor 
blades.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracks on the MRBs outside 
of the current inspection area. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent a failure of an MRB. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in loss of an MRB 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) As of the effective date of this AD, before the first flight 
of each day:
    (i) Using cheesecloth, clean the upper and lower skin surfaces 
of each MRB in the area between blade stations 100 through 215, 
noting any unsmooth areas and paying attention to the trailing edge 
and any MRB surface which snag the cheesecloth or cause it to fray, 
as this may by an indication of a crack or paint chip that could 
lead to corrosion.
    (ii) The actions required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD may 
be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a 
private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft 
records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR

[[Page 61452]]

43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as 
required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
    (iii) If there is any unsmooth area or the cheesecloth used to 
clean the MRB is snagged or frayed, remove paint from the area that 
is unsmooth or caused the snagging or fraying (affected area) by 
hand sanding in a spanwise direction with an abrasive cloth or 
sandpaper 220 or smoother grit and either:
    (A) Visually inspect the affected area for any crack using a 10X 
or higher power magnifying glass with a flashlight applied at an 
oblique angle and perpendicular to the crack orientation; or
    (B) Eddy current inspect the affected area for any crack using a 
surface probe.
    (iv) If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the 
MRB from service.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, at intervals not to 
exceed 25 hours time-in-service, prepare the upper and lower skin 
surfaces of each MRB for inspection by wiping the last 4 inches of 
the trailing edge between blade station 100 and 215 with an 
isopropyl alcohol-soaked cloth and then drying the area with a clean 
cloth. Immediately after drying the area, using a flashlight at an 
oblique angle, inspect the surface for a dark line, as this is an 
indication that excess isopropyl alcohol is bleeding out of a crack 
or edge void. If there is a dark line, remove paint from the area 
where there is a dark line by hand sanding in a spanwise direction 
with an abrasive cloth or sandpaper 220 or smoother grit and inspect 
for a crack in the skin. If there is any crack, before further 
flight, remove the MRB 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 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 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].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on October 4, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-22014 Filed 10-11-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P