81 FR 83660 - Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 225 (November 22, 2016)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various restricted category helicopters. This AD requires cleaning and visually inspecting certain main rotor (M/R) blades and, depending on the outcome of the inspections, repairing or replacing the M/R blades. This AD was prompted by a report of an M/R blade with multiple fatigue cracks around the blade retention bolt hole. The actions are intended to detect a crack in the M/R blade, and prevent failure of the M/R blade and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 22, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 83660-83662]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27767]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3820; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-024-AD; 
Amendment 39-18716; AD 2016-23-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various 
restricted category helicopters. This AD requires cleaning and visually 
inspecting certain main rotor (M/R) blades and, depending on the 
outcome of the inspections, repairing or replacing the M/R blades. This 
AD was prompted by a report of an M/R blade with multiple fatigue 
cracks around the blade retention bolt hole. The actions are intended 
to detect a crack in the M/R blade, and prevent failure of the M/R 
blade and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

DATES: This AD is effective December 27, 2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 
76101; telephone (817) 280-3391; fax (817) 280-6466; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review a copy of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

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-2015-
3820; 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 economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for

[[Page 83661]]

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: Charles Harrison, Project Manager, 
Fort Worth Aircraft Certification Office, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort 
Worth, Texas 76177; telephone 817-222-5140; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On April 11, 2016, at 81 FR 21288, 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 Model TH-1F, UH-1B, UH-
1F, UH-1H, and UH-1P helicopters with a M/R blade, part number 204-011-
250-005 or 204-011-250-113, installed. The NPRM proposed to require 
repetitively cleaning and visually inspecting the M/R blades for a 
crack, corrosion, an edge void, loose or damaged adhesion, and an edge 
delamination. Depending on the outcome of the inspections, the NPRM 
proposed repairing or replacing the M/R blades. The actions in the NPRM 
were prompted by a Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. evaluation of an M/R 
blade installed on a Model UH-1H helicopter that had multiple fatigue 
cracks around the blade retention bolt hole. The cracks resulted from a 
void between the lower grip plate and the grip pad. A ``substantial'' 
void also was found at the outboard doubler tip on the lower blade 
surface. A different part-numbered M/R blade of the same type installed 
on the Model UH-1H helicopter may also be installed on Model TH-1F, UH-
1B, UH-1F, and UH-1P helicopters.
    These actions are intended to detect a crack in an M/R blade, and 
prevent failure of the M/R blade, and subsequent loss of helicopter 
control.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (81 FR 21288, April 
11, 2016).

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    Bell Helicopter issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. UH-1H-13-
09, dated January 14, 2013, for the Model UH-1H helicopter. ASB No. UH-
1H-13-09 specifies a one-time visual inspection, within 10 hours time-
in-service (TIS), of the lower grip pad and upper and lower grip plates 
for cracks, edge voids, and loose or damaged adhesive squeeze-out. ASB 
No. UH-1H-13-09 also specifies a repetitive and more detailed visual 
inspection, daily and at every 150 hours TIS, of the lower grip pad, 
upper and lower grip plates, and all upper and the lower doublers for 
cracks, corrosion, edge voids, and loose or damaged adhesive squeeze-
out.
    Bell Helicopter Textron also issued ASB No. 204-75-1 for Model 204B 
helicopters and ASB No. 205-75-5 for Model 205A-1 helicopters, both 
Revision C and both dated April 25, 1979. ASB No. 204-75-1 and ASB No. 
205-75-5 call for visually inspecting the M/R blades during each daily 
inspection and repetitively washing the blades and applying WD-40. ASB 
No. 204-75-1 and ASB No. 205-75-5 also provide instructions for 
repetitively inspecting the blades every 1,000 hours of operation or 
every 12 months, whichever occurs first, or within 150 hours or 30 
days, whichever occurs first, if the blades have more 1,000 hours of 
operation or have been in service more than 12 months. While ASB No. 
204-75-1 and ASB No. 205-75-5 do not apply to the helicopters that are 
the subject of this AD, they do apply to the affected M/R blades.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    ASB No. UH-1H-13-09 specifies a one-time inspection and then a 
second repetitive inspection daily and at every 150 hours TIS, and ASB 
No. 204-75-1 and ASB 205-75-5 call for visually inspecting the M/R 
blades daily and every 1,000 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs 
first. This AD requires all inspections at intervals not to exceed 25 
hours TIS or two weeks, whichever occurs first. This AD contains more 
detailed inspection requirements and a more specific inspection area 
than the instructions in ASB No. UH-1H-13-09. Lastly, ASB No. UH-1H-13-
09 applies to Model UH-1H helicopters with M/R blade P/N 204-011-250-
113, ASB No. 204-75-1 applies to Model 204B helicopters with M/R blade 
P/N 204-011-250 (all dash numbers), and ASB No. 205-75-5 applies to 
Model 205A-1 helicopters with M/R blade P/N 204-011-250 (all dash 
numbers). This AD applies to Model TH-1F, UH-1B, UH-1F, UH-1H, and UH-
1P helicopters with M/R blade P/N 204-011-250-005 or 204-011-250-113.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 607 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, 
we expect the following costs:
     Cleaning and performing all inspections of a set of M/R 
blades (2 per helicopter) requires a total of \1/2\ work-hour. No parts 
are needed. At an estimated 24 inspections a year, the cost would be 
$1,032 per helicopter and $626,424 for the U.S. fleet.
     Replacing an M/R blade requires 12 work hours while parts 
cost $90,656, for a total cost of $91,676 per blade.

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

    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

[[Page 83662]]

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):

2016-23-09 Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Amendment 39-
18716; Docket No. FAA-2015-3820; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-024-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model TH-1F, UH-1B, UH-1F, UH-1H, and UH-1P 
helicopters with a main rotor (M/R) blade, part number 204-011-250-
005 or 204-011-250-113, installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in an M/R blade, 
which could result in failure of the M/R blade and subsequent loss 
of helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 27, 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 (TIS) or 2 weeks, whichever 
occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS 
or 2 weeks, whichever occurs first, clean the upper and lower 
exposed surfaces of each M/R blade from an area starting at the butt 
end of the blade to three inches outboard of the doublers. Using a 
3X or higher power magnifying glass and a light, inspect as follows:
    (i) Visually inspect the exposed area of the lower grip pad and 
upper and lower grip plates of each M/R blade for a crack and any 
corrosion.
    (ii) On the upper and lower exposed surfaces of each M/R blade 
from blade stations 24.5 to 35 for the entire chord width, visually 
inspect each layered doubler and blade skin for a crack and any 
corrosion. Pay particular attention for any cracking in a doubler or 
skin near or at the same blade station as the blade retention bolt 
hole (blade station 28).
    (iii) Visually inspect the exposed areas of each bond line at 
the edges of the lower grip pad, upper and lower grip plates, and 
each layered doubler (bond lines) on the upper and lower surfaces of 
each M/R blade for the entire length and chord width for an edge 
void, any corrosion, loose or damaged adhesive squeeze-out, and an 
edge delamination. Pay particular attention to any crack in the 
paint finish that follows the outline of a grip pad, grip plate, or 
doubler, and to any loose or damaged adhesive squeeze-out, as these 
may be the indication of an edge void.
    (2) If there is a crack, any corrosion, an edge void, loose or 
damaged adhesive squeeze-out, or an edge delamination during any 
inspection in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, before further flight, do 
the following:
    (i) If there is a crack in a grip pad or any grip plate or 
doubler, replace the M/R blade with an airworthy M/R blade.
    (ii) If there is a crack in the M/R blade skin that is within 
maximum repair damage limits, repair the M/R blade. If the crack 
exceeds maximum repair damage limits, replace the M/R blade with an 
airworthy M/R blade.
    (iii) If there is any corrosion within maximum repair damage 
limits, repair the M/R blade. If the corrosion exceeds maximum 
repair damage limits, replace the M/R blade with an airworthy M/R 
blade.
    (iv) If there is an edge void in the grip pad or in a grip plate 
or doubler, determine the length and depth using a feeler gauge. 
Repair the M/R blade if the edge void is within maximum repair 
damage limits, or replace the M/R blade with an airworthy M/R blade.
    (v) If there is an edge void in a grip plate or doubler near the 
outboard tip, tap inspect the affected area to determine the size 
and shape of the void. Repair the M/R blade if the edge void is 
within maximum repair damage limits, or replace the M/R blade with 
an airworthy M/R blade.
    (vi) If there is any loose or damaged adhesive squeeze-out along 
any of the bond lines, trim or scrape away the adhesive without 
damaging the adjacent surfaces or parent material of the M/R blade. 
Determine if there is an edge void or any corrosion by lightly 
sanding the trimmed area smooth using 280 or finer grit paper. If 
there is no edge void or corrosion, refinish the sanded area.
    (vii) If there is an edge delamination along any of the bond 
lines or a crack in the paint finish, determine if there is an edge 
void or a crack in the grip pad, grip plate, doubler, or skin by 
removing paint from the affected area by lightly sanding in a span-
wise direction using 180-220 grit paper. If there are no edge voids 
and no cracks, refinish the sanded area.
    (viii) If any parent material is removed during any sanding or 
trimming in paragraphs (e)(2)(vi) or (e)(2)(vii) of this AD, repair 
the M/R blade if the damage is within maximum repair damage limits, 
or replace the M/R blade with an airworthy M/R blade.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Charles Harrison, 
Project Manager, Fort Worth Aircraft Certification Office, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas 76177; telephone 817-222-5140; 
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.

(h) Additional Information

    Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. UH-1H-13-09, 
dated January 14, 2013, and Bell Helicopter Textron ASB No. 204-75-1 
and ASB 205-75-5, both Revision C and both dated April 25, 1979, 
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, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817) 
280-3391; fax (817) 280-6466; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may review a copy of this service information at the 
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor 
Blades.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 4, 2016.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2016-27767 Filed 11-21-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P