83_FR_14672 83 FR 14606 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

83 FR 14606 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 66 (April 5, 2018)

Page Range14606-14608
FR Document2018-06640

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-13- 03 for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. AD 2017-13-03 requires adding an identification number to life-limited rod ends that do not have a serial number (S/N). Since we issued AD 2017-13-03, an additional life-limited rod end was identified that is affected by the same unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2017-13-03 and revise the Applicability paragraph by adding that rod end. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14606-14608]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06640]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0254; Product Identifier 2017-SW-116-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-13-
03 for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 
helicopters. AD 2017-13-03 requires adding an identification number to 
life-limited rod ends that do not have a serial number (S/N). Since we 
issued AD 2017-13-03, an additional life-limited rod end was identified 
that is affected by the same unsafe condition. This proposed AD would 
retain the requirements of AD 2017-13-03 and revise the Applicability 
paragraph by adding that rod end. The actions of this proposed AD are 
intended to address an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 4, 2018.

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-2018-
0254; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this proposed AD, the Transport Canada AD, the economic evaluation, any 
comments received and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations

[[Page 14607]]

(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 proposed 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 this 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: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    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 might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 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 proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We issued AD 2017-13-03, Amendment 39-18933 (82 FR 28397, June 22, 
2017) (AD 2017-13-03) for Bell Model 429 helicopters, S/N 57001 through 
57260, with a pylon restraint spring assembly (spring assembly) forward 
rod end assembly (rod end) part number (P/N) 427-010-210-105 installed. 
AD 2017-13-03 requires cleaning and marking each forward rod end with 
the S/N of the spring assembly. AD 2017-13-03 also prohibits the 
installation of forward rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 on any helicopter 
unless it has been marked. The requirements of AD 2017-13-03 are 
intended to prevent a forward rod end from remaining in service after 
reaching its life limit which could result in failure of the forward 
rod end and subsequent loss of control of a helicopter.

Actions Since AD 2017-13-03 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-13-03, an additional life-limited rod end 
P/N has been identified that is affected by the same unsafe condition. 
Aft rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 also needs to be marked with the S/N of 
the spring assembly since it does not have a S/N.
    Accordingly, Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for 
Canada, issued AD No. CF-2015-15R1, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017, to 
correct this unsafe condition for Bell Model 429 helicopters, S/Ns 
57001 through 57260. Transport Canada advises that, per its 
regulations, life-limited parts must be marked with their P/N and S/N. 
Transport Canada further states that spring assembly rod end P/Ns 427-
010-210-105 and -109 have a life limit of 5,000 hours; however, they 
are not serialized, causing difficulties in tracking accumulated air 
time. According to Transport Canada, this condition could result in a 
rod end remaining in service beyond its life limit. Therefore, the 
Transport Canada AD requires adding identification markings on each 
spring assembly rod end.

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 proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-19, dated 
February 26, 2015, for Model 429 helicopters. This service information 
specifies procedures for permanently marking each forward and aft rod 
end with the S/N of the spring assembly. This service information 
applies to certain serial-numbered helicopters, as subsequent 
helicopters will have these actions performed during the manufacturing 
process.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    We also reviewed Bell Helicopter Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1, 
Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, approved 
September 9, 2016, which specifies airworthiness life limits and 
inspection intervals for parts installed on Model 429 helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require cleaning and marking each forward 
and aft rod end with the S/N of the spring assembly. This proposed AD 
would also prohibit installing forward rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 and 
aft rod end P/N 427-010-210-109 on any helicopter unless it has been 
marked in accordance with this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 75 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per 
work-hour.
    Marking the rod ends would take about 0.5 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,225 for the U.S. fleet. 
Replacing a rod end that has exceeded its life limit would take about 3 
work-hours and required parts will cost about $4,100 for an estimated 
cost of $4,355 per rod end.

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

[[Page 14608]]

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 proposed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-13-03, Amendment 39-18933 (82 FR 28397, June 22, 2017), and adding 
the following new AD:

Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2018-0254; 
Product Identifier 2017-SW-116-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model 429 helicopters, serial number 57001 
through 57260, with a pylon restraint spring assembly (spring 
assembly) forward rod end assembly (rod end) part number (P/N) 427-
010-210-105 or aft rod end P/N 427-010-210-109 installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a rod end remaining in 
service after reaching its life limit. This condition could result 
in failure of a rod end and subsequent loss of control of a 
helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-13-03, Amendment 39-18933 (82 FR 28397, 
June 22, 2017).

(d) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 4, 2018.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Within 140 hours time-in-service, clean and identify each 
rod end with the spring assembly serial number in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3. through 8., of Bell 
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-19, dated February 26, 
2015.
    (2) Do not install a forward rod end P/N 427-010-210-105 or an 
aft rod end P/N 427-010-210-109 on any helicopter unless it has been 
marked with a serial number in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of 
this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 
Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management 
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 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.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Helicopter Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1, Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, approved September 
9, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional 
information about the subject of this AD. 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 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-2015-15R1, Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017. You may view the 
Transport Canada AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
the AD Docket.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5101, Standard 
Practices/Structures.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-06640 Filed 4-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                               14606                    Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                               III. FHFA’s 2018 Regulatory Review;                        (3) The extent to which provisions of               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                               Request for Comment                                     the regulation are written in plain
                                                                                                       language or need clarification;                        Federal Aviation Administration
                                                  Consistent with its Review Plan,
                                               FHFA’s next regulatory review must                         (4) Compelling evidence that a
                                                                                                                                                              14 CFR Part 39
                                               begin not later than five years after its               consolidation of two or more
                                               prior review, or by March or April 2018.                regulations, elimination of a duplicative              [Docket No. FAA–2018–0254; Product
                                               All current regulations—except, as                      regulation, or other revision to                       Identifier 2017–SW–116–AD]
                                               noted, rules of agency organization,                    regulatory requirements would facilitate               RIN 2120–AA64
                                               procedure, or practice, or regulations                  compliance by Fannie Mae, Freddie
                                               adopted or substantially amended since                  Mac, the Banks, or OF with the                         Airworthiness Directives; Bell
                                               April 2016 (meaning, within the past                    regulation, or would improve                           Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
                                               two years)—are subject to review.                       supervision by FHFA of Fannie Mae,                     Helicopters
                                               Members of the public may comment on                    Freddie Mac, the Banks, or OF; and
                                               recently adopted or amended                                                                                    AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                               regulations, and FHFA will take those                      (5) Demonstration of a better                       Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                               comments into account as appropriate.                   alternative method to effect a regulatory              ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                               FHFA does not anticipate responding to                  purpose or requirement, supported by                   (NPRM).
                                               individual comments.                                    compelling evidence of significantly
                                                  FHFA’s regulations are published in                  less intrusive means or of a substantially             SUMMARY:   We propose to supersede
                                               Chapter XII of Title 12 of the Code of                  more efficient method of accomplishing                 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–13–
                                               Federal Regulations, except for those                   the same supervisory purpose.                          03 for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
                                               regulations of predecessor agencies                                                                            Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters.
                                                                                                          In accordance with FHFA’s Review                    AD 2017–13–03 requires adding an
                                               which FHFA has not yet moved.4                          Plan, the 2018 regulatory review process
                                               FHFA’s regulations are also posted on                                                                          identification number to life-limited rod
                                                                                                       will be conducted by the FHFA Office                   ends that do not have a serial number
                                               the FHFA internet website at http://                    of General Counsel, which will review
                                               www.fhfa.gov.                                                                                                  (S/N). Since we issued AD 2017–13–03,
                                                                                                       all comments received. FHFA’s Office of                an additional life-limited rod end was
                                                  FHFA hereby requests comment on its
                                                                                                       General Counsel consults with other                    identified that is affected by the same
                                               regulations for purposes of improving
                                               their effectiveness and reducing their                  FHFA offices and divisions. A review                   unsafe condition. This proposed AD
                                               burden. Factors that FHFA’s Review                      and report of findings and                             would retain the requirements of AD
                                               Plan identifies as relevant to the review,              recommendations will be provided to                    2017–13–03 and revise the Applicability
                                               and which FHFA suggests should guide                    the FHFA Director on a timely basis.                   paragraph by adding that rod end. The
                                               commenters, are:                                        The report of findings and                             actions of this proposed AD are
                                                  (1) Legal or regulatory                              recommendations will be privileged and                 intended to address an unsafe condition
                                               developments—including new laws,                        confidential. After receiving the report               on these products.
                                               executive orders, or judicial decisions                 of findings and recommendations, the                   DATES: We must receive comments on
                                               that have been adopted since the                        Director will determine what steps may                 this proposed AD by June 4, 2018.
                                               promulgation of a regulation—that make                  be necessary to relieve any unnecessary                ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
                                               a regulation inefficient, obsolete,                     burden, including amendment to or                      any of the following methods:
                                               contrary to controlling legal precedent,                repeal of existing regulations or                        • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
                                               or unduly burdensome;                                   issuance of less formal guidance.                      http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                  (2) Marketplace developments,                           The 2018 FHFA regulatory review is                  online instructions for sending your
                                               technological evolution, and related                                                                           comments electronically.
                                                                                                       not a formal or informal rulemaking
                                               changes that may have rendered a
                                                                                                       proceeding under the Administrative                      • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                               regulation, in whole or in part,                                                                                 • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                               inefficient, outmoded, or outdated;                     Procedure Act, and creates no right of
                                                                                                                                                              Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                                                                       action against FHFA. FHFA’s
                                                                                                                                                              Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                  4 FHFA currently administers three regulations       determination whether to conduct or                    Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                               that are not rules of agency organization, procedure,   not to conduct a review of a regulation                New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
                                               or practice that are located outside of Chapter XII.    and any determination, finding, or
                                               These are a regulation of the former Federal                                                                   20590–0001.
                                               Housing Finance Board on Federal Home Loan
                                                                                                       recommendation resulting from any                        • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
                                               Bank Capital Requirements, at 12 CFR part 932; a        review is not a final agency action and                ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5
                                               regulation of the former Office of Federal Housing      therefore is not subject to judicial                   p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                               Enterprise Oversight on Enterprise Capital, at 12       review.
                                               CFR part 1750; and a regulation of the Department                                                              Federal holidays.
                                               of Housing and Urban Development on public-use            Dated: March 30, 2018.
                                               databases and public information provided by the
                                                                                                                                                              Examining the AD Docket
                                               Enterprises, at 24 CFR part 81, subpart F. FHFA         Melvin L. Watt,
                                                                                                                                                                 You may examine the AD docket on
                                               proposed amending the Bank Capital Requirements         Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency.              the internet at http://
                                               regulation in 2017 (82 FR 30776 (July 3, 2017)), and
                                                                                                       [FR Doc. 2018–06918 Filed 4–4–18; 8:45 am]             www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                               is taking comments received on that proposal into
                                               account to develop a final rule. FHFA will not delay    BILLING CODE 8070–01–P                                 and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                               publication of that final rule based solely on this                                                            0254; or in person at Docket Operations
                                               regulatory review. The Enterprise Capital
                                               Requirements regulation has been suspended. See
                                                                                                                                                              between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
                                               FHFA News Release, ‘‘FHFA Announces                                                                            through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                               Suspension of Capital Classifications’’ (Oct. 9,                                                               The AD docket contains this proposed
                                               2008). FHFA is currently developing a proposed                                                                 AD, the Transport Canada AD, the
                                               rule on public-use databases and public information
                                               provided by the Enterprises and will solicit
                                                                                                                                                              economic evaluation, any comments
                                               comments when that notice of proposed rulemaking                                                               received and other information. The
                                               is published.                                                                                                  street address for Docket Operations


                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:15 Apr 04, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00002   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\05APP1.SGM   05APP1


                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                           14607

                                               (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the                      cleaning and marking each forward rod                  with the S/N of the spring assembly.
                                               ADDRESSES section. Comments will be                     end with the S/N of the spring                         This service information applies to
                                               available in the AD docket shortly after                assembly. AD 2017–13–03 also prohibits                 certain serial-numbered helicopters, as
                                               receipt.                                                the installation of forward rod end P/N                subsequent helicopters will have these
                                                  For service information identified in                427–010–210–105 on any helicopter                      actions performed during the
                                               this proposed rule, contact Bell                        unless it has been marked. The                         manufacturing process.
                                               Helicopter Textron Canada Limited,                      requirements of AD 2017–13–03 are                        This service information is reasonably
                                               12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec                 intended to prevent a forward rod end                  available because the interested parties
                                               J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or                     from remaining in service after reaching               have access to it through their normal
                                               (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or                  its life limit which could result in                   course of business or by the means
                                               at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.                  failure of the forward rod end and                     identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                               You may review this referenced service                  subsequent loss of control of a
                                                                                                       helicopter.                                            Other Related Service Information
                                               information at the FAA, Office of the
                                               Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                                                                              We also reviewed Bell Helicopter
                                                                                                       Actions Since AD 2017–13–03 Was                        Maintenance Manual BHT–429–MM–1,
                                               10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,                      Issued
                                               Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                                                                          Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations
                                                                                                          Since we issued AD 2017–13–03, an                   Schedule, Revision 26, approved
                                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt
                                                                                                       additional life-limited rod end P/N has                September 9, 2016, which specifies
                                               Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer,
                                                                                                       been identified that is affected by the                airworthiness life limits and inspection
                                               Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
                                                                                                       same unsafe condition. Aft rod end P/                  intervals for parts installed on Model
                                               Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
                                                                                                       N 427–010–210–105 also needs to be                     429 helicopters.
                                               Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                                                                                       marked with the S/N of the spring
                                               telephone (817) 222–5110; email                                                                                Proposed AD Requirements
                                                                                                       assembly since it does not have a S/N.
                                               matthew.fuller@faa.gov.                                    Accordingly, Transport Canada,                         This proposed AD would require
                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              which is the aviation authority for                    cleaning and marking each forward and
                                               Comments Invited                                        Canada, issued AD No. CF–2015–15R1,                    aft rod end with the S/N of the spring
                                                                                                       Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017, to                    assembly. This proposed AD would also
                                                  We invite you to participate in this                 correct this unsafe condition for Bell                 prohibit installing forward rod end P/N
                                               rulemaking by submitting written                        Model 429 helicopters, S/Ns 57001                      427–010–210–105 and aft rod end P/N
                                               comments, data, or views. We also                       through 57260. Transport Canada                        427–010–210–109 on any helicopter
                                               invite comments relating to the                         advises that, per its regulations, life-               unless it has been marked in accordance
                                               economic, environmental, energy, or                     limited parts must be marked with their                with this proposed AD.
                                               federalism impacts that might result                    P/N and S/N. Transport Canada further
                                               from adopting the proposals in this                                                                            Costs of Compliance
                                                                                                       states that spring assembly rod end
                                               document. The most helpful comments                     P/Ns 427–010–210–105 and –109 have a                     We estimate that this proposed AD
                                               reference a specific portion of the                     life limit of 5,000 hours; however, they               would affect 75 helicopters of U.S.
                                               proposal, explain the reason for any                    are not serialized, causing difficulties in            Registry. We estimate that operators
                                               recommended change, and include                         tracking accumulated air time.                         may incur the following costs in order
                                               supporting data. To ensure the docket                   According to Transport Canada, this                    to comply with this AD. Labor costs are
                                               does not contain duplicate comments,                    condition could result in a rod end                    estimated at $85 per work-hour.
                                               commenters should send only one copy                    remaining in service beyond its life                     Marking the rod ends would take
                                               of written comments, or if comments are                 limit. Therefore, the Transport Canada                 about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated
                                               filed electronically, commenters should                 AD requires adding identification                      cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,225 for
                                               submit only one time.                                   markings on each spring assembly rod                   the U.S. fleet. Replacing a rod end that
                                                  We will file in the docket all                       end.                                                   has exceeded its life limit would take
                                               comments that we receive, as well as a                                                                         about 3 work-hours and required parts
                                               report summarizing each substantive                     FAA’s Determination                                    will cost about $4,100 for an estimated
                                               public contact with FAA personnel                         These helicopters have been approved                 cost of $4,355 per rod end.
                                               concerning this proposed rulemaking.                    by the aviation authority of Canada and
                                               Before acting on this proposal, we will                                                                        Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                                                                       are approved for operation in the United
                                               consider all comments we receive on or                  States. Pursuant to our bilateral                         Title 49 of the United States Code
                                               before the closing date for comments.                   agreement with Canada, Transport                       specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                               We will consider comments filed after                   Canada, its technical representative, has              rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                               the comment period has closed if it is                  notified us of the unsafe condition                    section 106, describes the authority of
                                               possible to do so without incurring                     described in its AD. We are proposing                  the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
                                               expense or delay. We may change this                    this AD because we evaluated all known                 Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
                                               proposal in light of the comments we                    relevant information and determined                    detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                               receive.                                                that an unsafe condition is likely to                  authority.
                                                                                                       exist or develop on other products of the                 We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                               Discussion                                                                                                     the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
                                                                                                       same type design.
                                                 We issued AD 2017–13–03,                                                                                     Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                                                                       Related Service Information Under 1
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                               Amendment 39–18933 (82 FR 28397,                                                                               General requirements.’’ Under that
                                               June 22, 2017) (AD 2017–13–03) for Bell                 CFR Part 51                                            section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                               Model 429 helicopters, S/N 57001                          We reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert                    promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                               through 57260, with a pylon restraint                   Service Bulletin 429–15–19, dated                      air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                               spring assembly (spring assembly)                       February 26, 2015, for Model 429                       for practices, methods, and procedures
                                               forward rod end assembly (rod end) part                 helicopters. This service information                  the Administrator finds necessary for
                                               number (P/N) 427–010–210–105                            specifies procedures for permanently                   safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                               installed. AD 2017–13–03 requires                       marking each forward and aft rod end                   is within the scope of that authority


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                                               14608                    Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                               because it addresses an unsafe condition                aft rod end P/N 427–010–210–109 installed,             Revision 1, dated July 28, 2017. You may
                                               that is likely to exist or develop on                   certificated in any category.                          view the Transport Canada AD on the
                                               products identified in this rulemaking                                                                         internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the
                                                                                                       (b) Unsafe Condition
                                                                                                                                                              AD Docket.
                                               action.                                                    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
                                                                                                       rod end remaining in service after reaching            (i) Subject
                                               Regulatory Findings
                                                                                                       its life limit. This condition could result in            Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
                                                 We determined that this proposed AD                   failure of a rod end and subsequent loss of            Code: 5101, Standard Practices/Structures.
                                               would not have federalism implications                  control of a helicopter.
                                                                                                                                                                Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26,
                                               under Executive Order 13132. This                       (c) Affected ADs                                       2018.
                                               proposed AD would not have a
                                                                                                          This AD replaces AD 2017–13–03,                     Lance T. Gant,
                                               substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                                                                       Amendment 39–18933 (82 FR 28397, June                  Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
                                               the relationship between the national                   22, 2017).                                             Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                               Government and the States, or on the
                                               distribution of power and                               (d) Comments Due Date                                  [FR Doc. 2018–06640 Filed 4–4–18; 8:45 am]
                                               responsibilities among the various                        We must receive comments by June 4,                  BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

                                               levels of government.                                   2018.
                                                 For the reasons discussed, I certify                  (e) Compliance
                                               this proposed regulation:                                                                                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                          You are responsible for performing each
                                                 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                  action required by this AD within the                  Federal Aviation Administration
                                               action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                   specified compliance time unless it has
                                                 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the            already been accomplished prior to that time.
                                                                                                                                                              14 CFR Part 71
                                               DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                                                                                       (f) Required Actions
                                               (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                                                                              [Docket No. FAA–2018–0217; Airspace
                                                 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in                (1) Within 140 hours time-in-service, clean         Docket No. 17–ASO–4]
                                               Alaska to the extent that it justifies                  and identify each rod end with the spring
                                                                                                       assembly serial number in accordance with              Proposed Establishment of Class E
                                               making a regulatory distinction; and                    the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
                                                 4. Will not have a significant                                                                               Airspace; Ellijay, GA
                                                                                                       3. through 8., of Bell Helicopter Alert Service
                                               economic impact, positive or negative,                  Bulletin 429–15–19, dated February 26, 2015.           AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                               on a substantial number of small entities                  (2) Do not install a forward rod end P/N            Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                               under the criteria of the Regulatory                    427–010–210–105 or an aft rod end P/N 427–
                                                                                                       010–210–109 on any helicopter unless it has            ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                               Flexibility Act.
                                                 We prepared an economic evaluation                    been marked with a serial number in                    (NPRM).
                                               of the estimated costs to comply with                   accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
                                                                                                                                                              SUMMARY:    This action proposes to
                                               this proposed AD and placed it in the                   (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance                  establish Class E airspace extending
                                               AD docket.                                              (AMOCs)                                                upward from 700 feet above the surface
                                                                                                          (1) The Manager, Safety Management                  at Ellijay, GA, to accommodate new area
                                               List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                                                                       Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,             navigation (RNAV) global positioning
                                                 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
                                                                                                                                                              system (GPS) standard instrument
                                               safety, Incorporation by reference,                     proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation
                                                                                                       Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section,            approach procedures (SIAPs) serving
                                               Safety.                                                                                                        Gilmer County Airport. Controlled
                                                                                                       Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
                                               The Proposed Amendment                                  Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                  airspace is necessary for the safety and
                                                 Accordingly, under the authority
                                                                                                       telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-                 management of instrument flight rules
                                                                                                       FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                             (IFR) operations at this airport.
                                               delegated to me by the Administrator,                      (2) For operations conducted under a 14
                                               the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                                                                          DATES: Comments must be received on
                                                                                                       CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
                                               39 as follows:                                          14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that             or before May 21, 2018.
                                                                                                       you notify your principal inspector, or                ADDRESSES: Send comments on this rule
                                               PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   lacking a principal inspector, the manager of          to: U.S. Department of Transportation,
                                               DIRECTIVES                                              the local flight standards district office or          Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey
                                                                                                       certificate holding district office before             Avenue SE, West Bldg. Ground Floor,
                                               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 operating any aircraft complying with this
                                                                                                       AD through an AMOC.                                    Rm. W12–140, Washington, DC 20590;
                                               continues to read as follows:                                                                                  telephone: 1–800–647–5527, or (202)
                                                   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          (h) Additional Information                             366–9826.You must identify the Docket
                                                                                                         (1) Bell Helicopter Maintenance Manual               No. FAA–2017–0217; Airspace Docket
                                               § 39.13   [Amended]                                     BHT–429–MM–1, Chapter 4, Airworthiness                 No. 17–ASO–4, at the beginning of your
                                               ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by                          Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, approved            comments. You may also submit and
                                               removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)                   September 9, 2016, which is not incorporated
                                                                                                                                                              review received comments through the
                                               2017–13–03, Amendment 39–18933 (82                      by reference, contains additional information
                                                                                                       about the subject of this AD. For service              internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
                                               FR 28397, June 22, 2017), and adding                                                                              You may review the public docket
                                                                                                       information identified in this AD, contact
                                               the following new AD:                                   Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited,                containing the proposal, any comments
                                               Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited:                 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec                received, and any final disposition in
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    Docket No. FAA–2018–0254; Product                  J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or (800)              person in the Dockets Office between
                                                    Identifier 2017–SW–116–AD.                         363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or at http://            9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
                                                                                                       www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may                   through Friday, except federal holidays.
                                               (a) Applicability                                       review a copy of the service information at
                                                 This AD applies to Model 429 helicopters,             the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
                                                                                                                                                                 FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace
                                               serial number 57001 through 57260, with a               Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,                Designations and Reporting Points, and
                                               pylon restraint spring assembly (spring                 Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.                     subsequent amendments can be viewed
                                               assembly) forward rod end assembly (rod                   (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in           online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
                                               end) part number (P/N) 427–010–210–105 or               Transport Canada AD No. CF–2015–15R1,                  publications/. For further information,


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Document Created: 2018-11-01 09:13:19
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 09:13:19
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 4, 2018.
ContactMatt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 14606 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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