81_FR_67292 81 FR 67102 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters

81 FR 67102 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 190 (September 30, 2016)

Page Range67102-67104
FR Document2016-23345

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 427 and Model 429 helicopters. This AD requires replacing certain engine and transmission oil check valves. This AD also prohibits installing the affected check valves on any helicopter. This AD is prompted by a report of several cracked or leaking check valves. These actions are intended to detect and prevent a cracked or leaking check valve which could result in loss of lubrication to the engine or transmission, failure of the engine or transmission, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 190 (Friday, September 30, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 190 (Friday, September 30, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67102-67104]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-23345]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9144; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-014-AD; 
Amendment 39-18667; AD 2016-20-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
(Bell) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell 
Model 427 and Model 429 helicopters. This AD requires replacing certain 
engine and transmission oil check valves. This AD also prohibits 
installing the affected check valves on any helicopter. This AD is 
prompted by a report of several cracked or leaking check valves. These 
actions are intended to detect and prevent a cracked or leaking check 
valve which could result in loss of lubrication to the engine or 
transmission, failure of the engine or transmission, and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 17, 2016.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 29, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9144; 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 AD, the economic evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.
    For service information identified in this final rule, 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, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective.

[[Page 67103]]

However, we invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that 
resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a 
specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended 
change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not 
contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of 
written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters 
should submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all 
comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each 
substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this 
rulemaking during the comment period. We will consider all the comments 
we receive and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those 
comments.

Discussion

    On December 7, 2015, Transport Canada issued AD No. CF-2015-29 to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain serial-numbered Bell Model 427 
and Model 429 helicopters. Transport Canada advises that part numbered 
209-062-520-001 check valves manufactured by Circor Aerospace as 
replacement parts have been found cracked or leaking on several 
helicopters. According to Transport Canada, these check valves are used 
in the lubrication systems of the Model 429 engines and main rotor 
transmission and the Model 427 engines. Finally, Transport Canada 
advises that loss of lubrication may cause catastrophic failure of the 
transmission or the engine, which could result in loss of control of 
the helicopter.
    Transport Canada AD No. CF-2015-29 requires a one-time inspection 
of the transmission and engine check valves for cracks and leaks. If 
there is a crack or leaking fluid, the Transport Canada AD requires 
replacing the check valve before further flight. Otherwise, the 
Transport Canada AD requires replacing each check valve within 60 days 
for the main rotor transmission and one year for the engine with a 
check valve marked ``TQL'' as shown in the manufacturer's service 
bulletins. The Transport Canada AD also prohibits installing a part 
number (P/N) 209-062-520-001 check valve on any helicopter if the check 
valve was manufactured by Circor Aerospace, marked ``Circle Seal,'' and 
manufactured between October 2011 and March 2015.

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, Transport Canada, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
its AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information 
provided by Transport Canada and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 427-15-37 for Model 
427 helicopters and Bell ASB 429-15-23 for Model 429 helicopters, both 
dated September 4, 2015. Both ASBs describe procedures for inspecting 
and replacing the check valve, P/N 209-062-520-001, installed on 
certain serial-numbered Model 427 and Model 429 helicopters.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), replacing 
the transmission and engine oil check valves.
    This AD also prohibits installing a check valve P/N 209-062-520-001 
that was manufactured by Circor Aerospace, marked ``Circle Seal,'' and 
marked with a manufacturing date code of ``10/11'' (October 2011) 
through ``03/15'' (March 2015) on any helicopter.

Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD

    The Transport Canada AD requires inspecting the valves for cracks 
and leaks to determine when they must be replaced. This AD requires 
replacing all check valves within 25 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 105 (29 Model 427 and 76 Model 
429) helicopters of U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85, replacing each 
check valve (transmission or engine) will require about 1 work-hour, 
and required parts will cost $85. For the Model 427, we estimate a 
total cost of $170 per helicopter and $4,930 for the U.S. fleet. For 
the Model 429, we estimate a total cost of $340 per helicopter and 
$25,840 for the U.S. fleet. According to Bell's service information 
some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby 
reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control 
warranty coverage by Bell. Accordingly, we have included all costs in 
our cost estimate.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that 
the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment 
prior to the adoption of this rule because the actions required by this 
AD must be accomplished within 25 hours TIS, a very short interval for 
helicopters used in offshore transportation.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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 products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that 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, 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);

[[Page 67104]]

    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):

2016-20-01 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell): Amendment 
39-18667; Docket No. FAA-2016-9144; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-
014-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Model 427 and 429 helicopters, 
certificated in any category, with an engine and transmission oil 
check valve part number (P/N) 209-062-520-001 manufactured by Circor 
Aerospace, marked ``Circle Seal'' and with a manufacturing date code 
of ``10/11'' (October 2011) through ``03/15'' (March 2015), 
installed.

 (b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a cracked or leaking 
check valve. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could 
result in loss of lubrication to the engine or transmission, failure 
of the transmission or engine, and loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 17, 2016.

 (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

    (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service:
    (i) Replace each transmission oil check valve.
    (ii) For Model 429 helicopters, replace each engine oil check 
valve.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
check valve P/N 209-062-520-001 manufactured by Circor Aerospace, 
marked ``Circle Seal'' and with a manufacturing date code of ``10/
11'' (October 2011) through ``03/15'' (March 2015), on any 
helicopter.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 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

    (1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 427-15-37 for Model 427 
helicopters and Bell ASB 429-15-23 for Model 429 helicopters, both 
dated September 4, 2015, which are not incorporated by reference, 
contain additional information about the subject of this final rule. 
For service information identified in this final rule, 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 a 
copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
No. CF-2015-29, dated December 7, 2015. You may view the Transport 
Canada AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2016-9144.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300 Engine and 
Transmission Lubrication System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 16, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-23345 Filed 9-29-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                  67102            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   (h) Related Information                               engine or transmission, and subsequent
                                                  DIRECTIVES                                                 (1) For more information about this AD,            loss of control of the helicopter.
                                                                                                          contact Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer,             DATES: This AD becomes effective
                                                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,            October 17, 2016.
                                                                                                          FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960               We must receive comments on this
                                                  continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                          Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712–
                                                      Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                                                                                                                                AD by November 29, 2016.
                                                                                                          4137; phone: 562–627–5246; fax: 562–627–
                                                                                                          5210; email: joseph.costa@faa.gov.                    ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                                  § 39.13     [Amended]                                      (2) Honeywell SB TPE331–72–2208, dated             any of the following methods:
                                                                                                          July 29, 2014, which is not incorporated by             • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                                  ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   reference in this AD, can be obtained from            http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                  the following new airworthiness                         Honeywell, using the contact information in           online instructions for sending your
                                                  directive (AD):                                         paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.                          comments electronically.
                                                  2016–18–17 Honeywell International Inc.                    (3) For Honeywell service information                • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                      (Type Certificate Previously Held by                identified in this AD, contact Honeywell                • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                                      AlliedSignal Inc., Garrett Engine                   International Inc., 111 S 34th Street, Phoenix,
                                                                                                          AZ 85034–2802; phone: 800–601–3099;
                                                                                                                                                                Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                      Division; Garrett Turbine Engine                                                                          Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                      Company; and AiResearch                             Internet: https://
                                                                                                          myaerospace.honeywell.com/wps/portal/!ut/.            Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                      Manufacturing Company of Arizona):                                                                        New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                                                                                             (4) You may view this service information
                                                      Amendment 39–18648; Docket No.
                                                                                                          at FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200          DC 20590–0001.
                                                      FAA–2015–4866; Directorate Identifier
                                                      2015–NE–33–AD.
                                                                                                          District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For                    • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
                                                                                                          information on the availability of this               ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                  (a) Effective Date                                      material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.               p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                      This AD is effective November 4, 2016.              (i) Material Incorporated by Reference                Federal holidays.
                                                  (b) Affected ADs                                           None.                                              Examining the AD Docket
                                                      None.                                                 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on                You may examine the AD docket on
                                                                                                          August 26, 2016.                                      the Internet at http://
                                                  (c) Applicability
                                                                                                          Colleen M. D’Alessandro,                              www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                    This AD applies to Honeywell
                                                                                                          Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate,              and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                                  International Inc. (Honeywell) TPE331–3U,               Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                  –3UW, –5, –5A, –5AB, –5B, –6, –6A, –8, –10,                                                                   9144; or in person at the Docket
                                                  –10AV, –10GP, –10GT, –10N, –10P, –10R,                  [FR Doc. 2016–23263 Filed 9–29–16; 8:45 am]           Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                  –10T, –10U, –10UA, –10UF, –10UG,                        BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                  –10UGR, –10UR, and –11U model turboprop                                                                       Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                                  engines, and TSE331–3U model turboshaft                                                                       contains this AD, the Transport Canada
                                                  engines, with a 2nd stage compressor                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          AD, the economic evaluation, any
                                                  impeller, part number (P/N) 893482–1                                                                          comments received, and other
                                                  through –5, inclusive, or P/N 3107056–1 or              Federal Aviation Administration                       information. The street address for the
                                                  P/N 3107056–2, installed.                                                                                     Docket Operations Office (telephone
                                                                                                          14 CFR Part 39                                        800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
                                                  (d) Unsafe Condition
                                                    This AD was prompted by the discovery of              [Docket No. FAA–2016–9144; Directorate                section. Comments will be available in
                                                  cracks in a 2nd stage compressor impeller               Identifier 2016–SW–014–AD; Amendment                  the AD docket shortly after receipt.
                                                  during a routine shop visit. We are issuing             39–18667; AD 2016–20–01]                                 For service information identified in
                                                  this AD to prevent failure of the compressor                                                                  this final rule, contact Bell Helicopter
                                                  impeller, uncontained part release, damage to           RIN 2120–AA64                                         Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de
                                                  the engine, and damage to the airplane.                                                                       l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4;
                                                                                                          Airworthiness Directives; Bell                        telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–
                                                  (e) Compliance                                          Helicopter Textron Canada Limited                     8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or at http://
                                                    Comply with this AD within the                        (Bell) Helicopters
                                                  compliance times specified, unless already
                                                                                                                                                                www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may
                                                  done.                                                   AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                             review the referenced service
                                                    (1) Remove from service the 2nd stage                 Administration (FAA), Department of                   information at the FAA, Office of the
                                                  compressor impeller at next removal of the              Transportation (DOT).                                 Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
                                                  2nd stage compressor impeller from the                                                                        10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,
                                                                                                          ACTION: Final rule; request for
                                                  engine or before exceeding 11,500 cycles in                                                                   Fort Worth, TX 76177.
                                                  service after the effective date of this AD,            comments.
                                                                                                                                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao
                                                  whichever occurs first.                                                                                       Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer,
                                                                                                          SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new
                                                    (2) Reserved.
                                                                                                          airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell                 Regulations and Policy Group,
                                                  (f) Installation Prohibition                            Model 427 and Model 429 helicopters.                  Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
                                                    After the effective date of this AD, do not           This AD requires replacing certain                    Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                                  install a 2nd stage compressor impeller, part           engine and transmission oil check                     telephone (817) 222–5110; email
                                                  number (P/N) 893482–1 through –5,                       valves. This AD also prohibits installing             rao.edupuganti@faa.gov.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                  inclusive, or P/N 3107056–1 or P/N                      the affected check valves on any                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  3107056–2, into any engine.                             helicopter. This AD is prompted by a
                                                                                                          report of several cracked or leaking                  Comments Invited
                                                  (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                  (AMOCs)                                                 check valves. These actions are                         This AD is a final rule that involves
                                                    The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft                     intended to detect and prevent a                      requirements affecting flight safety, and
                                                  Certification Office, FAA, may approve                  cracked or leaking check valve which                  we did not provide you with notice and
                                                  AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures                   could result in loss of lubrication to the            an opportunity to provide your
                                                  found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request.             engine or transmission, failure of the                comments prior to it becoming effective.


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       67103

                                                  However, we invite you to participate in                FAA’s Determination                                   we have included all costs in our cost
                                                  this rulemaking by submitting written                     These helicopters have been approved                estimate.
                                                  comments, data, or views. We also                       by the aviation authority of Canada and               FAA’s Justification and Determination
                                                  invite comments relating to the                         are approved for operation in the United              of the Effective Date
                                                  economic, environmental, energy, or                     States. Pursuant to our bilateral
                                                  federalism impacts that resulted from                                                                            Providing an opportunity for public
                                                                                                          agreement with Canada, Transport
                                                  adopting this AD. The most helpful                      Canada, its technical representative, has             comments prior to adopting these AD
                                                  comments reference a specific portion of                notified us of the unsafe condition                   requirements would delay
                                                  the AD, explain the reason for any                      described in its AD. We are issuing this              implementing the safety actions needed
                                                  recommended change, and include                         AD because we evaluated all                           to correct this known unsafe condition.
                                                  supporting data. To ensure the docket                   information provided by Transport                     Therefore, we find that the risk to the
                                                  does not contain duplicate comments,                    Canada and determined the unsafe                      flying public justifies waiving notice
                                                  commenters should send only one copy                    condition exists and is likely to exist or            and comment prior to the adoption of
                                                  of written comments, or if comments are                 develop on other helicopters of these                 this rule because the actions required by
                                                  filed electronically, commenters should                 same type designs.                                    this AD must be accomplished within
                                                  submit them only one time. We will file                                                                       25 hours TIS, a very short interval for
                                                                                                          Related Service Information                           helicopters used in offshore
                                                  in the docket all comments that we
                                                  receive, as well as a report summarizing                  We reviewed Bell Alert Service                      transportation.
                                                  each substantive public contact with                    Bulletin (ASB) 427–15–37 for Model                       Since an unsafe condition exists that
                                                  FAA personnel concerning this                           427 helicopters and Bell ASB 429–15–                  requires the immediate adoption of this
                                                                                                          23 for Model 429 helicopters, both dated              AD, we determined that notice and
                                                  rulemaking during the comment period.
                                                                                                          September 4, 2015. Both ASBs describe                 opportunity for public comment before
                                                  We will consider all the comments we
                                                                                                          procedures for inspecting and replacing               issuing this AD are impracticable and
                                                  receive and may conduct additional
                                                                                                          the check valve, P/N 209–062–520–001,                 that good cause exists for making this
                                                  rulemaking based on those comments.
                                                                                                          installed on certain serial-numbered                  amendment effective in less than 30
                                                  Discussion                                              Model 427 and Model 429 helicopters.                  days.
                                                     On December 7, 2015, Transport                       AD Requirements                                       Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                  Canada issued AD No. CF–2015–29 to                         This AD requires, within 25 hours                     Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                  correct an unsafe condition for certain                 time-in-service (TIS), replacing the                  specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                  serial-numbered Bell Model 427 and                      transmission and engine oil check                     rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                  Model 429 helicopters. Transport                        valves.                                               section 106, describes the authority of
                                                  Canada advises that part numbered 209–                     This AD also prohibits installing a                the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                                  062–520–001 check valves                                check valve P/N 209–062–520–001 that                  Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
                                                  manufactured by Circor Aerospace as                     was manufactured by Circor Aerospace,                 detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                  replacement parts have been found                       marked ‘‘Circle Seal,’’ and marked with               authority.
                                                  cracked or leaking on several                           a manufacturing date code of ‘‘10/11’’                   We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                  helicopters. According to Transport                     (October 2011) through ‘‘03/15’’ (March               the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                                  Canada, these check valves are used in                  2015) on any helicopter.                              Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                  the lubrication systems of the Model                                                                          General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                                                                          Differences Between This AD and the                   section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                  429 engines and main rotor
                                                                                                          Transport Canada AD                                   promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                  transmission and the Model 427
                                                  engines. Finally, Transport Canada                        The Transport Canada AD requires                    air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                                  advises that loss of lubrication may                    inspecting the valves for cracks and                  for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                  cause catastrophic failure of the                       leaks to determine when they must be                  the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                  transmission or the engine, which could                 replaced. This AD requires replacing all              safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                  result in loss of control of the                        check valves within 25 hours TIS.                     is within the scope of that authority
                                                  helicopter.                                             Costs of Compliance                                   because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                                                                                                                                that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                     Transport Canada AD No. CF–2015–                        We estimate that this AD affects 105               products identified in this rulemaking
                                                  29 requires a one-time inspection of the                (29 Model 427 and 76 Model 429)                       action.
                                                  transmission and engine check valves                    helicopters of U.S. Registry.
                                                  for cracks and leaks. If there is a crack                  We estimate that operators may incur               Regulatory Findings
                                                  or leaking fluid, the Transport Canada                  the following costs in order to comply                  We determined that this AD will not
                                                  AD requires replacing the check valve                   with this AD. At an average labor rate                have federalism implications under
                                                  before further flight. Otherwise, the                   of $85, replacing each check valve                    Executive Order 13132. This AD will
                                                  Transport Canada AD requires replacing                  (transmission or engine) will require                 not have a substantial direct effect on
                                                  each check valve within 60 days for the                 about 1 work-hour, and required parts                 the States, on the relationship between
                                                  main rotor transmission and one year                    will cost $85. For the Model 427, we                  the national Government and the States,
                                                  for the engine with a check valve                       estimate a total cost of $170 per                     or on the distribution of power and
                                                  marked ‘‘TQL’’ as shown in the                          helicopter and $4,930 for the U.S. fleet.             responsibilities among the various
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                                                  manufacturer’s service bulletins. The                   For the Model 429, we estimate a total                levels of government.
                                                  Transport Canada AD also prohibits                      cost of $340 per helicopter and $25,840                 For the reasons discussed, I certify
                                                  installing a part number (P/N) 209–062–                 for the U.S. fleet. According to Bell’s               that this AD:
                                                  520–001 check valve on any helicopter                   service information some of the costs of                1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                  if the check valve was manufactured by                  this AD may be covered under warranty,                action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                                  Circor Aerospace, marked ‘‘Circle Seal,’’               thereby reducing the cost impact on                     2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                                  and manufactured between October                        affected individuals. We do not control               DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                                  2011 and March 2015.                                    warranty coverage by Bell. Accordingly,               (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);


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                                                  67104            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in               (2) After the effective date of this AD, do         DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                  Alaska to the extent that it justifies                  not install any check valve P/N 209–062–
                                                  making a regulatory distinction; and                    520–001 manufactured by Circor Aerospace,             Federal Aviation Administration
                                                    4. Will not have a significant                        marked ‘‘Circle Seal’’ and with a
                                                  economic impact, positive or negative,                  manufacturing date code of ‘‘10/11’’ (October         14 CFR Part 71
                                                  on a substantial number of small entities               2011) through ‘‘03/15’’ (March 2015), on any
                                                                                                                                                                [Docket No. FAA–2016–5574; Airspace
                                                  under the criteria of the Regulatory                    helicopter.
                                                                                                                                                                Docket No. 16–AWP–5]
                                                  Flexibility Act.                                        (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                    We prepared an economic evaluation                    (AMOCs)                                               Modification of Class E Airspace;
                                                  of the estimated costs to comply with                                                                         Napa, CA
                                                  this AD and placed it in the AD docket.                   (1) The Manager, Safety Management
                                                                                                          Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this                AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                  List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti,            Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and
                                                                                                                                                                ACTION: Final rule.
                                                  safety, Incorporation by reference,                     Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA,
                                                  Safety.                                                 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX                  SUMMARY:    This action modifies the Class
                                                                                                          76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-             E airspace extending upward from 700
                                                  Adoption of the Amendment                               ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                        feet above the surface at Napa County
                                                    Accordingly, under the authority                        (2) For operations conducted under a 14             Airport, Napa, CA, by removing an
                                                  delegated to me by the Administrator,                   CFR part 119 operating certificate or under           irregular shaped area located
                                                  the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                        14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that            approximately 20 miles southwest of
                                                  follows:                                                you notify your principal inspector, or               Napa County Airport. This airspace area
                                                                                                          lacking a principal inspector, the manager of         is discontinuous from the airspace
                                                  PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   the local flight standards district office or         surrounding Napa County Airport and is
                                                  DIRECTIVES                                              certificate holding district office, before           not essential to instrument flight rules
                                                                                                          operating any aircraft complying with this
                                                  ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                                                                       (IFR) operations at the airport. This
                                                                                                          AD through an AMOC.
                                                  continues to read as follows:                                                                                 action also updates the airport’s
                                                                                                          (g) Additional Information                            geographic coordinates, and is necessary
                                                      Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                                                                             (1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 427–         for the safety and management of
                                                  § 39.13   [Amended]                                     15–37 for Model 427 helicopters and Bell              instrument flight rules (IFR) operations
                                                  ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   ASB 429–15–23 for Model 429 helicopters,              at the airport, with the minimum
                                                  the following new airworthiness                         both dated September 4, 2015, which are not           amount of airspace restriction.
                                                  directive (AD):                                         incorporated by reference, contain additional         DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, January 5,
                                                                                                          information about the subject of this final           2017. The Director of the Federal
                                                  2016–20–01 Bell Helicopter Textron
                                                      Canada Limited (Bell): Amendment 39–                rule. For service information identified in           Register approves this incorporation by
                                                      18667; Docket No. FAA–2016–9144;                    this final rule, contact Bell Helicopter              reference action under Title 1, Code of
                                                      Directorate Identifier 2016–SW–014–AD.              Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de                 Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to
                                                                                                          l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone           the annual revision of FAA Order
                                                  (a) Applicability
                                                                                                          (450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450)           7400.11A and publication of conforming
                                                     This AD applies to Bell Model 427 and 429            433–0272; or at http://                               amendments.
                                                  helicopters, certificated in any category, with         www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may
                                                  an engine and transmission oil check valve                                                                    ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11A,
                                                                                                          review a copy of the service information at           Airspace Designations and Reporting
                                                  part number (P/N) 209–062–520–001
                                                  manufactured by Circor Aerospace, marked                the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,              Points, and subsequent amendments can
                                                  ‘‘Circle Seal’’ and with a manufacturing date           Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,               be viewed online at http://www.faa.gov/
                                                  code of ‘‘10/11’’ (October 2011) through ‘‘03/          Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.                    air_traffic/publications/. For further
                                                  15’’ (March 2015), installed.                              (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
                                                                                                                                                                information, you can contact the U.S.
                                                                                                          Transport Canada AD No. CF–2015–29, dated
                                                  (b) Unsafe Condition                                                                                          Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                                                                          December 7, 2015. You may view the
                                                     This AD defines the unsafe condition as a                                                                  Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
                                                                                                          Transport Canada AD on the Internet at
                                                  cracked or leaking check valve. This                                                                          SE., West Bldg. Ground Floor, Rm.
                                                                                                          http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                  condition, if not detected and corrected,                                                                     W12–140, Washington, DC 20590;
                                                  could result in loss of lubrication to the              and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                                                                                                                                                Telephone: 1–800–647–5527, or 202–
                                                  engine or transmission, failure of the                  9144.
                                                                                                                                                                366–9826. The Order is also available
                                                  transmission or engine, and loss of control of          (h) Subject                                           for inspection at the National Archives
                                                  the helicopter.
                                                                                                            Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)             and Records Administration (NARA).
                                                  (c) Effective Date                                      Code: 6300 Engine and Transmission                    For information on the availability of
                                                     This AD becomes effective October 17,                Lubrication System.                                   FAA Order 7400.11A at NARA, call
                                                  2016.                                                                                                         202–741–6030, or go to http://
                                                                                                            Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September
                                                  (d) Compliance                                                                                                www.archives.gov/federal_register/
                                                                                                          16, 2016.
                                                                                                                                                                code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_
                                                    You are responsible for performing each               Scott A. Horn,
                                                  action required by this AD within the                                                                         locations.html.
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                                                  specified compliance time unless it has                 Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,                  FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
                                                  already been accomplished prior to that time.           Aircraft Certification Service.                       Designations and Reporting Points, is
                                                                                                          [FR Doc. 2016–23345 Filed 9–29–16; 8:45 am]           published yearly and effective on
                                                  (e) Required Actions
                                                                                                          BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                September 15.
                                                     (1) Within 25 hours time-in-service:
                                                     (i) Replace each transmission oil check                                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
                                                  valve.                                                                                                        Clark, Federal Aviation Administration,
                                                     (ii) For Model 429 helicopters, replace each                                                               Operations Support Group, Western
                                                  engine oil check valve.                                                                                       Service Center, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,


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Document Created: 2018-02-09 13:34:03
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 13:34:03
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule; request for comments.
DatesThis AD becomes effective October 17, 2016.
ContactRao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 67102 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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