83 FR 23349 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 98 (May 21, 2018)

Page Range		23349-23351
FR Document		2018-10491
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 407 helicopters. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the tail rotor (TR) driveshaft segment assemblies and a torque check of the TR adapter retention nuts. This AD was prompted by a report of an in- flight failure of the TR drive system. The actions of this AD are intended to detect and correct an unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 98 (Monday, May 21, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 98 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23349-23351]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10491]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 98 / Monday, May 21, 2018 / Rules and 
Regulations

[[Page 23349]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0667; Product Identifier 2016-SW-053-AD; Amendment 
39-19281; AD 2018-10-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell 
Model 407 helicopters. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the 
tail rotor (TR) driveshaft segment assemblies and a torque check of the 
TR adapter retention nuts. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-
flight failure of the TR drive system. The actions of this AD are 
intended to detect and correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 25, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of June 25, 2018.

ADDRESSES: 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0667.

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-2017-
0667; 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 AD, the Transport Canada AD, any incorporated-by-reference service 
information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email david.hatfield@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On July 7, 2017, at 82 FR 31535, 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 Bell Model 407 helicopters. 
The NPRM proposed to require repetitively inspecting each TR driveshaft 
segment assembly for rotational and axial play between the adapter and 
the TR driveshaft. The NPRM also proposed a one-time verification of 
the installation torque of each adapter retention nut. The proposed 
requirements were intended to detect a loose TR driveshaft splined 
connection, which if not corrected could result in wear in the splines, 
failure of the TR drive system, and subsequent loss of directional 
control of the helicopter.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF-2016-21, dated July 7, 2016 (AD 
CF-2016-21), issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 407 
helicopters. Transport Canada advises that a Model 407 helicopter 
experienced in-flight failure of the TR drive system, which resulted in 
loss of directional control. According to Transport Canada, the splines 
connecting the adapter part number (P/N) 406-040-328-105 to the shaft 
assembly P/N 407-040-330-107 were ``severely worn and no longer capable 
of performing their function.'' The investigation revealed other Model 
407 helicopters with the same axial and radial play or looseness of 
some splined connections. AD CF-2016-21 states that these parts should 
be clamped together with threaded fasteners with no detectable 
looseness. Transport Canada advises that undetected looseness at the 
splined connection could result in wear of the parts and eventual loss 
of directional control of the helicopter.
    For these reasons, AD CF-2016-21 requires a repetitive inspection 
of the TR driveshaft assemblies for play and a one-time torque 
verification of the TR adapter retention nuts.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service 
has changed its organization structure. The new structure replaces 
product directorates with functional divisions. We have revised some of 
the office titles and nomenclature throughout this Final rule to 
reflect the new organizational changes. Additional information about 
the new structure can be found in the Notice published on July 25, 2017 
(82 FR 34564).

Comments

    After our NPRM was published, we received comments from two 
commenters.

Request

    Westwind Helicopters questioned the need for the AD. In support, it 
stated that the AD inspections are identical to the periodic and 
progressive inspections in the Bell maintenance manual and to the one-
time inspection in Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 407-16-113, dated 
February 12, 2016 (ASB 407-16-113). The commenter noted the AD would 
result in multiple documentation requirements for operators for the 
same maintenance item. The commenter did not request a change to the 
AD.
    We partially agree. The commenter is correct that the AD may result 
in additional documentation. However, while an operator may incorporate 
the procedures described in the Bell maintenance manuals and ASB into 
its maintenance program, not all operators are required to do so. In 
order for the inspections to become mandatory, and to correct the 
unsafe condition

[[Page 23350]]

identified in the NPRM, the FAA must issue an AD.
    Bell requested that a statement be added to the AD that 
accomplishing the Bell ASB meets the intent of the AD and that no 
further action is required.
    We partially agree. Operators may take credit for inspections 
previously accomplished in accordance with ASB 407-16-113 under 
paragraph (d) of the AD. However, we disagree that no further action is 
required because this AD requires repetitive inspections of the TR 
driveshaft, whereas ASB 407-16-113 specifies a one-time inspection.

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, reviewed the relevant information, 
considered the comments received, and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these 
same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed ASB 407-16-113, which specifies procedures for 
inspecting the TR driveshaft assemblies for noticeable rotational or 
axial play between each adapter and TR driveshaft. ASB 407-16-113 also 
specifies procedures for performing a torque check of each TR adapter 
retention nut on the four TR driveshaft segments.
    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.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate this AD affects 667 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We 
estimate that operators will incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, 
inspecting the TR driveshaft segments and adapters for play requires 
about 1 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85, and a cost of 
$56,695 to the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Determining the torque 
of the four adapter retention nuts requires about 3 work-hours for a 
cost per helicopter of $255 and a cost of $170,085 to the U.S. fleet.
    If required, repairing a worn driveshaft adapter would require 
about 3 work-hours, and required parts cost about $1,259, for a cost 
per helicopter of $1,514.
    Replacing an adapter retention nut requires about 1 work-hour, and 
required parts cost are negligible, for a cost of $85 per helicopter 
and $56,695 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-10-06 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell): Amendment 
39-19281; Docket No. FAA-2017-0667; Product Identifier 2017-SW-053-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Model 407 helicopters, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a loose tail rotor (TR) 
driveshaft splined connection, which if not corrected could result 
in wear in the splines, failure of the TR drive system, and 
subsequent loss of directional control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective June 25, 2018.

(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

    For helicopters with less than 4,000 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), within 100 hours TIS, and for helicopters with 4,000 or more 
hours TIS, within 50 hours TIS:
    (1) Inspect each TR driveshaft segment assembly for rotational 
and axial play between the adapter and the TR driveshaft at the four 
positions depicted in Figure 1 of Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
407-16-113, dated February 12, 2016 (ASB 407-16-113). If there is 
any axial or rotational play, remove the adapter from the TR 
driveshaft segment assembly and inspect the adapter, washers, and TR 
driveshaft for damage. Replace the adapter retention nut and apply a 
torque of 30 to 50 inch-pounds (5.7 to 7.9 Nm). Replace any part 
with damage or repair the part if the damage is within the maximum 
repair damage limitations.
    (2) Determine the torque of each TR adapter retention nut at 
each of the four segment assembly positions depicted in Figure 1 of 
Bell ASB 407-16-113. If the torque is less than 30 inch-pounds (5.7 
Nm), remove the adapter from the TR driveshaft

[[Page 23351]]

segment assembly and inspect the adapter, washers, and TR driveshaft 
for damage. Replace the adapter retention nut and apply a torque of 
30 to 50 inch-pounds (5.7 to 7.9 Nm). Replace any part with damage 
or repair the part if the damage is within the maximum repair damage 
limitations.
    (3) Repeat the actions specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD 
at intervals not to exceed 330 hours TIS.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(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: 
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, 
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, 
TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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

    The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD No. 
CF-2016-21, dated July 7, 2016. You may view the Transport Canada AD 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-
2017-0667.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510 Tail Rotor 
Drive Shaft.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 407-16-113, dated February 12, 
2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Bell service information identified in this AD, Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, 
Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 
433-0272; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 7, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-10491 Filed 5-18-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
23349

Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 98

Monday, May 21, 2018

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Examining the AD Docket number (P/N) 406–040–328–105 to the
contains regulatory documents having general shaft assembly P/N 407–040–330–107
You may examine the AD docket on
applicability and legal effect, most of which were ‘‘severely worn and no longer
are keyed to and codified in the Code of the internet at http://
www.regulations.gov by searching for capable of performing their function.’’
Federal Regulations, which is published under The investigation revealed other Model
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0667; or in person at Docket Operations 407 helicopters with the same axial and
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday radial play or looseness of some splined
the Superintendent of Documents. through Friday, except Federal holidays. connections. AD CF–2016–21 states that
The AD docket contains this AD, the these parts should be clamped together
Transport Canada AD, any incorporated- with threaded fasteners with no
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION by-reference service information, the detectable looseness. Transport Canada
economic evaluation, any comments advises that undetected looseness at the
Federal Aviation Administration splined connection could result in wear
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations of the parts and eventual loss of
14 CFR Part 39 directional control of the helicopter.
(phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket For these reasons, AD CF–2016–21
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0667; Product
Identifier 2016–SW–053–AD; Amendment Operations, M–30, West Building requires a repetitive inspection of the
39–19281; AD 2018–10–06] Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 TR driveshaft assemblies for play and a
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC one-time torque verification of the TR
RIN 2120–AA64 20590. adapter retention nuts.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Since the NPRM was issued, the
Airworthiness Directives; Bell David Hatfield, Aviation Safety FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service has
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Engineer, Safety Management Section, changed its organization structure. The
(Bell) Helicopters Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, new structure replaces product
10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX directorates with functional divisions.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation We have revised some of the office titles
76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
Administration (FAA), DOT. and nomenclature throughout this Final
david.hatfield@faa.gov.
ACTION: Final rule. rule to reflect the new organizational
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
changes. Additional information about
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new Discussion the new structure can be found in the
airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell
On July 7, 2017, at 82 FR 31535, the Notice published on July 25, 2017 (82
Model 407 helicopters. This AD requires
Federal Register published our notice of FR 34564).
repetitive inspections of the tail rotor
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which
(TR) driveshaft segment assemblies and Comments
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
a torque check of the TR adapter After our NPRM was published, we
adding an AD that would apply to Bell
retention nuts. This AD was prompted received comments from two
Model 407 helicopters. The NPRM
by a report of an in-flight failure of the commenters.
proposed to require repetitively
TR drive system. The actions of this AD
inspecting each TR driveshaft segment Request
are intended to detect and correct an
assembly for rotational and axial play
unsafe condition on these products. Westwind Helicopters questioned the
between the adapter and the TR
DATES: This AD is effective June 25, driveshaft. The NPRM also proposed a need for the AD. In support, it stated
2018. one-time verification of the installation that the AD inspections are identical to
The Director of the Federal Register torque of each adapter retention nut. the periodic and progressive inspections
approved the incorporation by reference The proposed requirements were in the Bell maintenance manual and to
of a certain document listed in this AD intended to detect a loose TR driveshaft the one-time inspection in Bell Alert
as of June 25, 2018. splined connection, which if not Service Bulletin (ASB) 407–16–113,
ADDRESSES: For service information corrected could result in wear in the dated February 12, 2016 (ASB 407–16–
identified in this final rule, contact Bell splines, failure of the TR drive system, 113). The commenter noted the AD
Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, and subsequent loss of directional would result in multiple documentation
12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec control of the helicopter. requirements for operators for the same
J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or The NPRM was prompted by AD No. maintenance item. The commenter did
(800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or CF–2016–21, dated July 7, 2016 (AD not request a change to the AD.
at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. CF–2016–21), issued by Transport We partially agree. The commenter is
You may review the referenced service Canada, which is the aviation authority correct that the AD may result in
information at the FAA, Office of the for Canada, to correct an unsafe additional documentation. However,
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES

Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, condition for Bell Model 407 while an operator may incorporate the
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, helicopters. Transport Canada advises procedures described in the Bell
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also that a Model 407 helicopter experienced maintenance manuals and ASB into its
available on the internet at http:// in-flight failure of the TR drive system, maintenance program, not all operators
www.regulations.gov by searching for which resulted in loss of directional are required to do so. In order for the
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– control. According to Transport Canada, inspections to become mandatory, and
0667. the splines connecting the adapter part to correct the unsafe condition

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23350 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 98 / Monday, May 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

identified in the NPRM, the FAA must Determining the torque of the four List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
issue an AD. adapter retention nuts requires about 3 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
Bell requested that a statement be work-hours for a cost per helicopter of safety, Incorporation by reference,
added to the AD that accomplishing the $255 and a cost of $170,085 to the U.S. Safety.
Bell ASB meets the intent of the AD and fleet.
that no further action is required. If required, repairing a worn Adoption of the Amendment
We partially agree. Operators may driveshaft adapter would require about Accordingly, under the authority
take credit for inspections previously 3 work-hours, and required parts cost delegated to me by the Administrator,
accomplished in accordance with ASB about $1,259, for a cost per helicopter of the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
407–16–113 under paragraph (d) of the $1,514. follows:
AD. However, we disagree that no Replacing an adapter retention nut
further action is required because this requires about 1 work-hour, and PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
AD requires repetitive inspections of the required parts cost are negligible, for a DIRECTIVES
TR driveshaft, whereas ASB 407–16– cost of $85 per helicopter and $56,695
113 specifies a one-time inspection. for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
FAA’s Determination Authority for This Rulemaking
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
These helicopters have been approved Title 49 of the United States Code
by the aviation authority of Canada and specifies the FAA’s authority to issue § 39.13 [Amended]
are approved for operation in the United rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
States. Pursuant to our bilateral section 106, describes the authority of the following new airworthiness
agreement with Canada, Transport the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: directive (AD):
Canada, its technical representative, has Aviation Programs, describes in more 2018–10–06 Bell Helicopter Textron
notified us of the unsafe condition detail the scope of the Agency’s Canada Limited (Bell): Amendment 39–
described in its AD. We are issuing this authority. 19281; Docket No. FAA–2017–0667;
AD because we evaluated all We are issuing this rulemaking under Product Identifier 2017–SW–053–AD.
information provided by Transport the authority described in Subtitle VII,
(a) Applicability
Canada, reviewed the relevant Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
information, considered the comments ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that This AD applies to Bell Model 407
section, Congress charges the FAA with helicopters, certificated in any category.
received, and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (b) Unsafe Condition
develop on other helicopters of these air commerce by prescribing regulations This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
same type designs and that air safety for practices, methods, and procedures loose tail rotor (TR) driveshaft splined
and the public interest require adopting the Administrator finds necessary for connection, which if not corrected could
the AD requirements as proposed. safety in air commerce. This regulation result in wear in the splines, failure of the TR
is within the scope of that authority drive system, and subsequent loss of
Related Service Information Under directional control of the helicopter.
because it addresses an unsafe condition
1 CFR Part 51
that is likely to exist or develop on (c) Effective Date
We reviewed ASB 407–16–113, which helicopters identified in this rulemaking This AD becomes effective June 25, 2018.
specifies procedures for inspecting the action.
TR driveshaft assemblies for noticeable (d) Compliance
rotational or axial play between each Regulatory Findings You are responsible for performing each
adapter and TR driveshaft. ASB 407– This AD will not have federalism action required by this AD within the
16–113 also specifies procedures for implications under Executive Order specified compliance time unless it has
performing a torque check of each TR 13132. This AD will not have a already been accomplished prior to that time.
adapter retention nut on the four TR substantial direct effect on the States, on (e) Required Actions
driveshaft segments. the relationship between the national For helicopters with less than 4,000 hours
This service information is reasonably government and the States, or on the time-in-service (TIS), within 100 hours TIS,
available because the interested parties distribution of power and and for helicopters with 4,000 or more hours
have access to it through their normal responsibilities among the various TIS, within 50 hours TIS:
course of business or by the means levels of government. (1) Inspect each TR driveshaft segment
identified in the ADDRESSES section. For the reasons discussed above, I assembly for rotational and axial play
This service information is reasonably between the adapter and the TR driveshaft at
certify that this AD:
the four positions depicted in Figure 1 of Bell
available because the interested parties (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 407–16–113,
have access to it through their normal action’’ under Executive Order 12866; dated February 12, 2016 (ASB 407–16–113).
course of business or by the means (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under If there is any axial or rotational play, remove
identified in the ADDRESSES. DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures the adapter from the TR driveshaft segment
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); assembly and inspect the adapter, washers,
Costs of Compliance (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation and TR driveshaft for damage. Replace the
We estimate this AD affects 667 in Alaska to the extent that it justifies adapter retention nut and apply a torque of
helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate making a regulatory distinction; and 30 to 50 inch-pounds (5.7 to 7.9 Nm).
that operators will incur the following (4) Will not have a significant Replace any part with damage or repair the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES

costs in order to comply with this AD. economic impact, positive or negative, part if the damage is within the maximum
repair damage limitations.
At an average labor rate of $85 per work- on a substantial number of small entities (2) Determine the torque of each TR
hour, inspecting the TR driveshaft under the criteria of the Regulatory adapter retention nut at each of the four
segments and adapters for play requires Flexibility Act. segment assembly positions depicted in
about 1 work-hour, for a cost per We prepared an economic evaluation Figure 1 of Bell ASB 407–16–113. If the
helicopter of $85, and a cost of $56,695 of the estimated costs to comply with torque is less than 30 inch-pounds (5.7 Nm),
to the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. this AD and placed it in the AD docket. remove the adapter from the TR driveshaft

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 98 / Monday, May 21, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 23351

segment assembly and inspect the adapter, www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- on the internet at http://
washers, and TR driveshaft for damage. locations.html. www.regulations.gov by searching for
Replace the adapter retention nut and apply Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 7, and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
a torque of 30 to 50 inch-pounds (5.7 to 7.9
2018. 0907.
Nm). Replace any part with damage or repair
the part if the damage is within the Lance T. Gant,
Examining the AD Docket
maximum repair damage limitations. Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
(3) Repeat the actions specified in Division, Aircraft Certification Service. You may examine the AD docket on
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD at intervals not to [FR Doc. 2018–10491 Filed 5–18–18; 8:45 am] the internet at http://
exceed 330 hours TIS. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
www.regulations.gov by searching for
(f) Special Flight Permits and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0907; or in person at the Docket
Special flight permits are prohibited.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Management Facility between 9 a.m.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
(AMOCs) Federal Aviation Administration except Federal holidays. The AD docket
(1) The Manager, Safety Management contains this AD, the regulatory
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 14 CFR Part 39 evaluation, any comments received, and
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your other information. The street address for
proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety [Docket No. FAA–2017–0907; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–069–AD; Amendment the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–
Engineer, Safety Management Section, 5527) is Docket Management Facility,
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 39–19274; AD 2018–09–17]
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
U.S. Department of Transportation,
RIN 2120–AA64 Docket Operations, M–30, West
telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-
FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Inc., Airplanes
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under Washington, DC 20590.
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that AGENCY: Federal Aviation FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz
you notify your principal inspector, or Administration (FAA), Department of
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
Transportation (DOT). and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA,
the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office, before ACTION: Final rule. New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
operating any aircraft complying with this Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
AD through an AMOC. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new 11590; telephone 516–228–7329; fax
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 516–794–5531.
(h) Additional Information Bombardier, Inc., Model CL–600–1A11
The subject of this AD is addressed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(CL–600), CL–600–2A12 (CL–601
Transport Canada AD No. CF–2016–21, dated Variant), and CL–600–2B16 (CL–601– Discussion
July 7, 2016. You may view the Transport 3A, CL–601–3R, and CL–604 Variants)
Canada AD on the internet at http:// We issued a notice of proposed
airplanes. This AD was prompted by rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2017–0667. reports of fractured rudder pedal tubes part 39 by adding an AD that would
on the pilot-side rudder bar assembly. apply to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model
(i) Subject This AD requires repetitive inspections CL–600–1A11 (CL–600), CL–600–2A12
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) of the rudder pedal tubes for cracking (CL–601 Variant), and CL–600–2B16
Code: 6510 Tail Rotor Drive Shaft. and corrective actions if necessary. (CL–601–3A, CL–601–3R, and CL–604
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference Replacement of both pilot-side rudder Variants) airplanes. The NPRM
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
bar assemblies terminates the published in the Federal Register on
approved the incorporation by reference of inspections. We are issuing this AD to October 19, 2017 (82 FR 48668) (‘‘the
the service information listed in this address the unsafe condition on these NPRM’’). The NPRM was prompted by
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR products. reports of fractured rudder pedal tubes
part 51. DATES: This AD is effective June 25,
(2) You must use this service information
on the pilot-side rudder bar assembly.
as applicable to do the actions required by
2018. The NPRM proposed to require
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register repetitive inspections of the rudder
(i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 407–16–113, approved the incorporation by reference pedal tubes for cracking and corrective
dated February 12, 2016. of certain publications listed in this AD actions if necessary. Replacement of
(ii) Reserved. as of June 25, 2018. both pilot-side rudder bar assemblies
(3) For Bell service information identified ADDRESSES: For service information terminates the inspections. We are
in this AD, Bell Helicopter Textron Canada identified in this final rule, contact issuing this AD to address cracking of
Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel,
Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or
Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte-Vertu Road the pilot-side rudder pedal tubes. Loss
(800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or at West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; of pilot rudder pedal input during flight
http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. Widebody Customer Response Center could result in reduced yaw
(4) You may view this service information North America toll-free telephone 1– controllability of the airplane. Loss of
at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 866–538–1247 or direct-dial telephone pilot rudder pedal input during takeoff
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, 1–514–855–2999; fax 514–855–7401; or landing could lead to a runway
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For email ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; excursion.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES

information on the availability of this internet http://www.bombardier.com. Transport Canada Civil Aviation
material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
You may view this referenced service (TCCA), which is the aviation authority
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the information at the FAA, Transport for Canada, has issued Canadian
National Archives and Records Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Airworthiness Directive CF–2017–09,
Administration (NARA). For information on Des Moines, WA. For information on the dated February 22, 2017 (referred to
the availability of this material at NARA, call availability of this material at the FAA, after this as the Mandatory Continuing
(202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// call 206–231–3195. It is also available Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the

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Document Created: 2018-11-02 11:07:38
Document Modified: 2018-11-02 11:07:38
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		This AD is effective June 25, 2018.
Contact		David Hatfield, 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 Citation		83 FR 23349
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
83 FR 23349 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 98 (May 21, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
