[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