80 FR 13481 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 50 (March 16, 2015)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 50 (March 16, 2015)
| Page Range | 13481-13483 | |
| FR Document | 2015-05571 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 50 (Monday, March 16, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 13481-13483] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-05571] ======================================================================== Rules and Regulations Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 50 / Monday, March 16, 2015 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 13481]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2014-0070; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-062-AD; Amendment 39-18114; AD 2015-05-04] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 407 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the aft fuselage upper skin (upper skin) for a crack and the upper left longeron assembly (longeron assembly) for a crack, corrosion, or defect. This AD requires replacing or repairing a part or section, depending on the inspection's outcome. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the upper left-hand longeron. This AD's actions are intended to prevent failure of the longeron assembly or the upper skin, which could lead to a structural failure and loss of helicopter control. DATES: This AD is effective April 20, 2015. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of April 20, 2015. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 433-0272; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching and locating Docket No. FAA 2014-0070. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647- 5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On February 12, 2014, at 79 FR 8358, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to BHTC Model 407 helicopters, with a serial number 53000 through 53900, 53911 through 54061, and 54300, with longeron assembly, part number (P/N) 206-031- 314-037, 206-031-314-177, or 206-031-314-219B. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the upper skin for a crack and longeron assembly for a crack, corrosion, or defect. The NPRM also proposed to require replacing or repairing a part or section, depending on the inspection's outcome. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of the longeron assembly or the upper skin, which could lead to a structural failure and loss of helicopter control. The NPRM was prompted by Canadian AD No. CF-2011-42, dated November 9, 2011, issued by TCCA, which is the aviation authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for certain BHTC Model 407 helicopters. TCCA advises that longeron assemblies, P/Ns 206-031-314-037, 206-031- 314-177, and 206-031-314-219B, installed on helicopters with 1,200 or more hours air time, are prone to cracking. The TCCA AD requires, based on hours air time since new, visually inspecting the aft fuselage upper skin for cracks and replacing the skin if cracked and visually inspecting the longeron assembly for cracks and general condition. If the longeron assembly is serviceable, the TCCA AD requires repeating the inspection of the longeron assembly for cracks and general condition at intervals based on whether external strap doublers are installed. If the longeron assembly is cracked, the TCCA AD requires repairing or replacing it, installing three external strap doublers, and repeating the inspection of the longeron assembly if it was repaired. Installing a new longeron assembly, P/N 206-031-314-237B, and the three external strap doublers constitutes terminating action for the requirements of the TCCA AD. Comments After our NPRM (79 FR 8358, February 12, 2014) was published, we received comments from one commenter. Request A BHTC representative requested that we change the AD to be consistent with the requirements in the TCCA AD and the Bell service information. The commenter stated that the NPRM's inspection intervals were more restrictive with no additional safety benefit. According to the commenter, the NPRM proposed an inspection interval of 50 hours whenever the strap doublers but not new longeron are installed, while the TCCA AD and service information increased the inspection interval to 150 hours. Also, the commenter stated the NPRM increased the inspection interval to 150 hours when a new longeron is installed with the strap doublers, while the TCCA AD and service information provide this as terminating action. We disagree. Although they are arranged and worded differently, the actions proposed in the NPRM are the same as those in the TCCA AD and service information. Paragraph (e)(4) of the Required Actions extends the inspection interval to 150 hours when [[Page 13482]] the strap doublers are installed without the new longeron. Paragraph (e)(3) of the Required Actions states that replacing the longeron assembly with a new longeron assembly and installing three external strap doublers constitutes terminating action to the requirements of the AD. This is consistent with the TCCA AD and the BHTC service information. FAA's Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Canada, TCCA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the TCCA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by TCCA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 BHTC has issued Alert Service Bulletin 407-11-95, Revision C, dated April 20, 2012 (ASB), to correct an unsafe condition for Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers 53000 through 53900, 53911 through 54061, and 54300, with a flight time of 1200 or more hours, and with a longeron assembly, P/N 206-031-314-037, 206-031-314-177, or 206-031- 314-219B. The ASB states that BHTC received reports of longeron assemblies cracking in service. The ASB:Specifies a one-time inspection of the aft fuselage top skin and repetitive inspections of the upper left longeron assembly; Provides a repair procedure for the longeron assembly; Allows for the installation of longeron assembly, P/N 206- 031-314-237B, and three external strap doublers as terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements. This service information is reasonably available; see ADDRESSES for ways to access this service information. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 584 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 an hour. Based on these estimates, we estimate the following costs: A one-time visual inspection of the aft fuselage upper skin requires 1 work-hour and no parts for a total cost of $85 per helicopter, $49,640 for the U.S. fleet. A visual inspection of the longeron and replacing the aft fuselage upper skin requires 3 work hours for a labor cost of $255 per helicopter. Parts cost $723 for total cost of $978 per helicopter. Repairing the longeron if needed and installing the doublers requires 16 work hours for a labor cost of $1,360. Parts cost $3,928 for a total cost of $5,288 per helicopter. Replacing the longeron with P/N 206-031-314-237B combined with the installation of the three external strap doublers require 24 work hours for a labor cost of $2,040. Parts cost $13,560 for a total cost of $15,600 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. We are 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 helicopters 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) 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. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of 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 (AD): 2015-05-04 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Helicopters: Amendment 39- 18114; Docket No. FAA-2014-0070; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-062- AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Model 407 helicopters, with a serial number 53000 through 53900, 53911 through 54061, and 54300, with an upper left longeron assembly (longeron assembly), part number (P/N) 206-031-314-037, 206-031-314- 177, or 206-031-314-219B, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the aft fuselage upper skin or a crack, corrosion, or defect in the longeron assembly. This condition could cause structural failure and consequently, loss of helicopter control. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 20, 2015. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), or prior to reaching 1,250 hours TIS since new, whichever occurs later, visually inspect the helicopter's aft fuselage upper skin (upper skin) for a crack using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass. (1) If there is a crack in the upper skin, before further flight, remove the skin and inspect the longeron assembly, paying attention to the upper flange, for a crack, corrosion, or other damage using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass. (i) If there are no cracks, corrosion, or other damage in the longeron assembly, before further flight, replace the upper skin with an [[Page 13483]] airworthy upper skin. Repeat the inspection of the longeron assembly at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. (ii) If there is a crack, corrosion, or other damage in the longeron assembly, before further flight: (A) Repair the longeron assembly or replace it with an airworthy longeron assembly, part number (P/N) 206-031-314-237B, and reinstall the upper skin or replace it with an airworthy upper skin. (B) Install three external strap doublers in accordance with Part III, paragraphs 5 through10 of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 407-11-95, Revision C, dated April 20, 2012 (ASB). (C) Repeat the inspection of the longeron assembly at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. (2) If there is no crack in the upper skin, within 10 hours TIS, visually inspect the longeron assembly using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass for a crack, corrosion, or other damage. (i) If there is a crack, corrosion, or other damage in the longeron assembly, before further flight: (A) Repair the longeron assembly or replace it with an airworthy longeron assembly, P/N 206-031-314-237B. (B) Install three external strap doublers in accordance with Part III, paragraphs 5 through 10 of the ASB. (C) Repeat the inspection of the upper skin and longeron assembly at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. (ii) If there are no cracks, corrosion, or other damage in the longeron assembly, repeat the inspection of the upper skin and longeron assembly at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. (3) Replacing the longeron assembly with longeron assembly, P/N 206-031-314-237B, and installing three external strap doublers constitutes terminating action for this AD. (4) If there is no crack in the upper skin and there is no crack, corrosion, or other damage in the longeron assembly, you may install three external strap doublers in accordance with Part III, paragraphs 5 through 10 of the ASB. This option extends the recurring 50 hours TIS inspection interval to 150 hours TIS. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email [email protected]. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD No. CF-2011-42, dated November 9, 2011. You may view the TCCA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2014-0070. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5313, Fuselage Main, Longeron/Stringer. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 407-11-95, Revision C, dated April 20, 2012. (ii) Reserved. (3) For BHTC service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 433-0272; or at http://www.bellcustomer .com/files/. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 3, 2015. Bruce E. Cain, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015-05571 Filed 3-13-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![13481
Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 80, No. 50
Monday, March 16, 2015
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort for certain BHTC Model 407 helicopters.
contains regulatory documents having general Worth, Texas 76137. It is also available TCCA advises that longeron assemblies,
applicability and legal effect, most of which on the Internet at http:// P/Ns 206–031–314–037, 206–031–314–
are keyed to and codified in the Code of www.regulations.gov by searching and 177, and 206–031–314–219B, installed
Federal Regulations, which is published under locating Docket No. FAA 2014–0070. on helicopters with 1,200 or more hours
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
air time, are prone to cracking. The
Examining the AD Docket TCCA AD requires, based on hours air
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of You may examine the AD docket on time since new, visually inspecting the
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL the Internet at http:// aft fuselage upper skin for cracks and
REGISTER issue of each week. www.regulations.gov or in person at the replacing the skin if cracked and
Docket Operations Office between 9 visually inspecting the longeron
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through assembly for cracks and general
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD condition. If the longeron assembly is
docket contains this AD, the Transport serviceable, the TCCA AD requires
Federal Aviation Administration Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, any repeating the inspection of the longeron
incorporated-by-reference service assembly for cracks and general
14 CFR Part 39 information, the economic evaluation, condition at intervals based on whether
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0070; Directorate any comments received, and other external strap doublers are installed. If
Identifier 2011–SW–062–AD; Amendment information. The street address for the the longeron assembly is cracked, the
39–18114; AD 2015–05–04] Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– TCCA AD requires repairing or
647–5527) is U.S. Department of replacing it, installing three external
RIN 2120–AA64
Transportation, Docket Operations strap doublers, and repeating the
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Office, M–30, West Building Ground inspection of the longeron assembly if it
Helicopter Textron Canada Helicopters Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey was repaired. Installing a new longeron
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. assembly, P/N 206–031–314–237B, and
AGENCY: Federal Aviation FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: the three external strap doublers
Administration (FAA), DOT. Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, constitutes terminating action for the
ACTION: Final rule. Regulations and Policy Group, requirements of the TCCA AD.
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Comments
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell After our NPRM (79 FR 8358,
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) February 12, 2014) was published, we
sharon.y.miles@faa.gov.
Model 407 helicopters. This AD requires received comments from one
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: commenter.
inspecting the aft fuselage upper skin
(upper skin) for a crack and the upper Discussion Request
left longeron assembly (longeron On February 12, 2014, at 79 FR 8358,
assembly) for a crack, corrosion, or A BHTC representative requested that
the Federal Register published our we change the AD to be consistent with
defect. This AD requires replacing or notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM),
repairing a part or section, depending the requirements in the TCCA AD and
which proposed to amend 14 CFR part the Bell service information. The
on the inspection’s outcome. This AD 39 by adding an AD that would apply
was prompted by reports of cracks in commenter stated that the NPRM’s
to BHTC Model 407 helicopters, with a inspection intervals were more
the upper left-hand longeron. This AD’s serial number 53000 through 53900,
actions are intended to prevent failure restrictive with no additional safety
53911 through 54061, and 54300, with benefit. According to the commenter,
of the longeron assembly or the upper longeron assembly, part number (P/N)
skin, which could lead to a structural the NPRM proposed an inspection
206–031–314–037, 206–031–314–177, interval of 50 hours whenever the strap
failure and loss of helicopter control. or 206–031–314–219B. The NPRM doublers but not new longeron are
DATES: This AD is effective April 20, proposed to require inspecting the installed, while the TCCA AD and
2015. upper skin for a crack and longeron service information increased the
The Director of the Federal Register assembly for a crack, corrosion, or inspection interval to 150 hours. Also,
approved the incorporation by reference defect. The NPRM also proposed to the commenter stated the NPRM
of certain documents listed in this AD require replacing or repairing a part or increased the inspection interval to 150
as of April 20, 2015. section, depending on the inspection’s hours when a new longeron is installed
ADDRESSES: For service information outcome. The proposed requirements with the strap doublers, while the TCCA
identified in this AD, contact Bell were intended to prevent failure of the AD and service information provide this
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, longeron assembly or the upper skin, as terminating action.
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12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec which could lead to a structural failure We disagree. Although they are
J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or and loss of helicopter control. arranged and worded differently, the
(800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or The NPRM was prompted by actions proposed in the NPRM are the
at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. Canadian AD No. CF–2011–42, dated same as those in the TCCA AD and
You may review the referenced service November 9, 2011, issued by TCCA, service information. Paragraph (e)(4) of
information at the FAA, Office of the which is the aviation authority for the Required Actions extends the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Canada, to correct an unsafe condition inspection interval to 150 hours when
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the strap doublers are installed without • A visual inspection of the longeron We prepared an economic evaluation
the new longeron. Paragraph (e)(3) of and replacing the aft fuselage upper skin of the estimated costs to comply with
the Required Actions states that requires 3 work hours for a labor cost of this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
replacing the longeron assembly with a $255 per helicopter. Parts cost $723 for
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
new longeron assembly and installing total cost of $978 per helicopter.
three external strap doublers constitutes • Repairing the longeron if needed Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
terminating action to the requirements and installing the doublers requires 16 safety, Incorporation by reference,
of the AD. This is consistent with the work hours for a labor cost of $1,360. Safety.
TCCA AD and the BHTC service Parts cost $3,928 for a total cost of Adoption of the Amendment
information. $5,288 per helicopter.
Accordingly, under the authority
FAA’s Determination • Replacing the longeron with P/N delegated to me by the Administrator,
206–031–314–237B combined with the the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
These helicopters have been approved installation of the three external strap
by the aviation authority of Canada and follows:
doublers require 24 work hours for a
are approved for operation in the United labor cost of $2,040. Parts cost $13,560
States. Pursuant to our bilateral PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
for a total cost of $15,600 per helicopter. DIRECTIVES
agreement with Canada, TCCA, its
technical representative, has notified us Authority for This Rulemaking ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
of the unsafe condition described in the continues to read as follows:
Title 49 of the United States Code
TCCA AD. We are issuing this AD
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
because we evaluated all information
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
provided by TCCA and determined the § 39.13 [Amended]
section 106, describes the authority of
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
exist or develop on other helicopters of
Aviation Programs, describes in more the following new airworthiness
these same type designs and that air
detail the scope of the Agency’s directive (AD):
safety and the public interest require
authority. 2015–05–04 Bell Helicopter Textron
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed. We are issuing this rulemaking under Canada Helicopters: Amendment 39–
the authority described in Subtitle VII, 18114; Docket No. FAA–2014–0070;
Related Service Information Under 1 Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Directorate Identifier 2011–SW–062–AD.
CFR Part 51 ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that (a) Applicability
BHTC has issued Alert Service section, Congress charges the FAA with This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron
Bulletin 407–11–95, Revision C, dated promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Canada (BHTC) Model 407 helicopters, with
April 20, 2012 (ASB), to correct an air commerce by prescribing regulations a serial number 53000 through 53900, 53911
unsafe condition for Model 407 for practices, methods, and procedures through 54061, and 54300, with an upper left
helicopters, serial numbers 53000 the Administrator finds necessary for longeron assembly (longeron assembly), part
through 53900, 53911 through 54061, safety in air commerce. This regulation number (P/N) 206–031–314–037, 206–031–
is within the scope of that authority 314–177, or 206–031–314–219B, installed,
and 54300, with a flight time of 1200 or certificated in any category.
more hours, and with a longeron because it addresses an unsafe condition
assembly, P/N 206–031–314–037, 206– that is likely to exist or develop on (b) Unsafe Condition
031–314–177, or 206–031–314–219B. helicopters identified in this rulemaking This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
The ASB states that BHTC received action. crack in the aft fuselage upper skin or a
reports of longeron assemblies cracking crack, corrosion, or defect in the longeron
Regulatory Findings assembly. This condition could cause
in service. The ASB:
• Specifies a one-time inspection of This AD will not have federalism structural failure and consequently, loss of
implications under Executive Order helicopter control.
the aft fuselage top skin and repetitive
inspections of the upper left longeron 13132. This AD will not have a (c) Effective Date
assembly; substantial direct effect on the States, on This AD becomes effective April 20, 2015.
• Provides a repair procedure for the the relationship between the national
(d) Compliance
longeron assembly; government and the States, or on the
• Allows for the installation of distribution of power and You are responsible for performing each
longeron assembly, P/N 206–031–314– responsibilities among the various action required by this AD within the
237B, and three external strap doublers specified compliance time unless it has
levels of government.
already been accomplished prior to that time.
as terminating action for the repetitive For the reasons discussed above, I
inspection requirements. certify that this AD: (e) Required Actions
This service information is reasonably (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), or
available; see ADDRESSES for ways to action’’ under Executive Order 12866; prior to reaching 1,250 hours TIS since new,
access this service information. whichever occurs later, visually inspect the
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under helicopter’s aft fuselage upper skin (upper
Costs of Compliance DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures skin) for a crack using a 10X or higher power
We estimate that this AD affects 584 (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); magnifying glass.
helicopters of U.S. Registry and that (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation (1) If there is a crack in the upper skin,
before further flight, remove the skin and
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labor costs average $85 an hour. Based in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction; and inspect the longeron assembly, paying
on these estimates, we estimate the attention to the upper flange, for a crack,
following costs: (4) Will not have a significant corrosion, or other damage using a 10X or
• A one-time visual inspection of the economic impact, positive or negative, higher power magnifying glass.
aft fuselage upper skin requires 1 work- on a substantial number of small entities (i) If there are no cracks, corrosion, or other
hour and no parts for a total cost of $85 under the criteria of the Regulatory damage in the longeron assembly, before
per helicopter, $49,640 for the U.S. fleet. Flexibility Act. further flight, replace the upper skin with an
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airworthy upper skin. Repeat the inspection No. CF–2011–42, dated November 9, 2011. 06 for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model
of the longeron assembly at intervals not to You may view the TCCA AD on the Internet CL–600–2B16 (CL–604 Variant)
exceed 50 hours TIS. at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. airplanes. AD 2015–02–06 required a
(ii) If there is a crack, corrosion, or other FAA–2014–0070.
damage in the longeron assembly, before
revision to the airplane flight manual, a
further flight: (h) Subject revision to the maintenance or
(A) Repair the longeron assembly or Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) inspection program, as applicable, and
replace it with an airworthy longeron Code: 5313, Fuselage Main, Longeron/ replacement of horizontal stabilizer trim
assembly, part number (P/N) 206–031–314– Stringer. actuators (HSTAs) having certain part
237B, and reinstall the upper skin or replace numbers. This new AD continues to
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
it with an airworthy upper skin. require those actions and corrects
(B) Install three external strap doublers in (1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference certain typographical errors. This AD
accordance with Part III, paragraphs 5
through10 of Bell Helicopter Alert Service (IBR) of the service information listed in this was prompted by the discovery of three
Bulletin 407–11–95, Revision C, dated April paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR typographical errors in AD 2015–02–06.
20, 2012 (ASB). part 51. We are issuing this AD to detect and
(C) Repeat the inspection of the longeron (2) You must use this service information correct loose spur gear bolts on the
assembly at intervals not to exceed 50 hours as applicable to do the actions required by HSTA, which, if combined with the
TIS. this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. failure of the primary load path, could
(2) If there is no crack in the upper skin, (i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin lead to failure of the HSTA and
within 10 hours TIS, visually inspect the 407–11–95, Revision C, dated April 20, 2012.
longeron assembly using a 10X or higher (ii) Reserved. subsequent loss of the airplane.
power magnifying glass for a crack, (3) For BHTC service information DATES: This AD becomes effective
corrosion, or other damage. identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter March 16, 2015.
(i) If there is a crack, corrosion, or other Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de The Director of the Federal Register
damage in the longeron assembly, before l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone approved the incorporation by reference
further flight: (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) of certain publications listed in this AD
(A) Repair the longeron assembly or 433–0272; or at
as of March 6, 2015 (80 FR 5017,
replace it with an airworthy longeron http://www.bellcustomer .com/files/.
assembly, P/N 206–031–314–237B. (4) You may view this service information January 30, 2015).
(B) Install three external strap doublers in at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, We must receive comments on this
accordance with Part III, paragraphs 5 Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., AD by April 30, 2015
through 10 of the ASB. Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
(C) Repeat the inspection of the upper skin information on the availability of this any of the following methods:
and longeron assembly at intervals not to material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
exceed 50 hours TIS. (5) You may view this service information
(ii) If there are no cracks, corrosion, or
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
that is incorporated by reference at the
other damage in the longeron assembly, National Archives and Records
instructions for submitting comments.
repeat the inspection of the upper skin and Administration (NARA). For information on • Fax: 202–493–2251.
longeron assembly at intervals not to exceed the availability of this material at NARA, call • Mail: U.S. Department of
50 hours TIS. (202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// Transportation, Docket Operations,
(3) Replacing the longeron assembly with www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
longeron assembly, P/N 206–031–314–237B, locations.html. Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
and installing three external strap doublers Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
constitutes terminating action for this AD. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 3,
(4) If there is no crack in the upper skin 2015. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
and there is no crack, corrosion, or other Bruce E. Cain, Transportation, Docket Operations,
damage in the longeron assembly, you may Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
install three external strap doublers in Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
accordance with Part III, paragraphs 5 [FR Doc. 2015–05571 Filed 3–13–15; 8:45 am]
Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
through 10 of the ASB. This option extends a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
the recurring 50 hours TIS inspection Friday, except Federal holidays.
interval to 150 hours TIS. • For service information identified
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc.,
(AMOCs) 400 Côte Vertu Road West, Dorval,
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Federal Aviation Administration Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this 514–855–5000; fax 514–855–7401; email
AD. Send your proposal to: Sharon Miles, 14 CFR Part 39 thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and http://www.bombardier.com. You may
Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, [Docket No. FAA–2015–0491; Directorate
view this referenced service information
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas Identifier 2015–NM–019–AD; Amendment
39–18117; AD 2015–05–07] at the FAA, Transport Airplane
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
sharon.y.miles@faa.gov. Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
RIN 2120–AA64 Renton, WA. For information on the
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under availability of this material at the FAA,
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, call 425–227–1221.
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
you notify your principal inspector, or Inc. Airplanes
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of Examining the AD Docket
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES
the local flight standards district office or Administration (FAA), Department of You may examine the AD docket on
certificate holding district office, before the Internet at http://
operating any aircraft complying with this Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for www.regulations.gov by searching for
AD through an AMOC.
comments. and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
(g) Additional Information 0491; or in person at the Docket
The subject of this AD is addressed in SUMMARY: We are superseding Operations office between 9 a.m. and
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–02– 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:05 Mar 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16MRR1.SGM 16MRR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_13531/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2018-02-21 09:37:45
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 09:37:45
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This AD is effective April 20, 2015. | |
| Contact | Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 13481 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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