83_FR_3646 83 FR 3628 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

83 FR 3628 - Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 18 (January 26, 2018)

Page Range3628-3630
FR Document2018-01194

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429 helicopters. This proposed AD would require marking a serial number on life-limited forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 18 (Friday, January 26, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 18 (Friday, January 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3628-3630]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01194]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 18 / Friday, January 26, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 3628]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0757; Product Identifier 2017-SW-022-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain serial numbered Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) 
Model 429 helicopters. This proposed AD would require marking a serial 
number on life-limited forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies. 
The actions of this proposed AD are intended to prevent an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 27, 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-2017-
0757; 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 (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 the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Helene Gandy, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-
5413; 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

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Canadian AD No. CF-2017-02, dated January 16, 2017, to correct 
an unsafe condition for BHTC Model 429 helicopters, serial numbers (S/
N) 57150, 57168, 57176, 57210, 57211 through 57216, 57265, 57266, 
57267, and 57287. Transport Canada advises that forward spars part 
number (P/N) 429-031-213-103 and 429-031-213-104 and actuator fitting 
assembly P/N 429-031-222-101 and 429-031-222-102 have life limits of 
30,000 and 19,000 Retirement Index Numbers, respectively. However, 
Transport Canada states these parts are not serialized and therefore 
their accumulated usage is difficult to track, which creates a risk 
that these parts could remain in service beyond their life limits. This 
condition could result in failure of the part.

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 429-16-34, dated 
November 10, 2016, which specifies procedures for permanently marking 
each forward spar and actuator fitting assembly with the serial number 
of the helicopter.
    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 Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-
429-MM-1, Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, 
dated September 9, 2016, which

[[Page 3629]]

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 the 
helicopter's serial number on each forward spar P/N 429-031-213-103 and 
429-031-213-104 and on each actuator fitting assembly P/N 429-031-222-
101 and 429-031-222-102. This proposed AD would also prohibit 
installing any affected part on any helicopter unless is has been 
marked in accordance with this proposed AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD

    The Transport Canada AD requires compliance within 12 months from 
its effective date, unless already accomplished. This proposed AD would 
require compliance within 800 hours time in service.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 6 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. We 
estimate that marking the forward spars and actuator fitting assemblies 
would require 1 work-hour and no parts would be needed. Based on these 
estimates, we expect a total cost of $85 per helicopter and $510 for 
the U.S. fleet.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2017-0757; 
Product Identifier 2017-SW-022-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 
429 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 57150, 57168, 57176, 57210 
through 57216, 57265, 57266, 57267, and 57287, with a forward spar 
part number (P/N) 429-031-213-103 or 429-031-213-104 or actuator 
fitting assembly P/N 429-031-222-101 or 429-031-222-102 installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a forward spar or 
actuator fitting assembly remaining in service after reaching its 
life limit. This condition could result in failure of a forward spar 
or actuator fitting assembly and subsequent collapse of the landing 
gear.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 27, 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

    (1) Within 800 hours time-in-service, clean and identify each 
forward spar and actuator fitting assembly with the helicopter 
serial number in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3 through 5 and with reference to Figure 1 of Bell 
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-16-34, dated November 10, 
2016.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a 
forward spar P/N 429-031-213-103 or 429-031-213-104 or actuator 
fitting assembly P/N 429-031-222-101 or 429-031-222-102 on any 
helicopter unless it has been marked with a serial number in 
accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Section, FAA, may approve 
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Helene Gandy, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards 
Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 
(817) 222-5413; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Helicopter Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT-429-MM-1, 
Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations Schedule, Revision 26, dated 
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 the referenced 
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-2017-02, dated January 16, 2017. You may view the Transport 
Canada AD on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the AD 
Docket.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1100, Placards and 
Markings.


[[Page 3630]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 12, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-01194 Filed 1-25-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                 3628

                                                 Proposed Rules                                                                                                 Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                                Vol. 83, No. 18

                                                                                                                                                                Friday, January 26, 2018



                                                 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                      proposal in light of the comments we
                                                 contains notices to the public of the proposed          through Friday, except Federal holidays.               receive.
                                                 issuance of rules and regulations. The                  The AD docket contains this proposed
                                                 purpose of these notices is to give interested                                                                 Discussion
                                                                                                         AD, the Transport Canada AD, the
                                                 persons an opportunity to participate in the            economic evaluation, any comments                         Transport Canada, which is the
                                                 rule making prior to the adoption of the final                                                                 aviation authority for Canada, has
                                                 rules.
                                                                                                         received, and other information. The
                                                                                                         street address for Docket Operations                   issued Canadian AD No. CF–2017–02,
                                                                                                         (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the                     dated January 16, 2017, to correct an
                                                                                                         ADDRESSES section. Comments will be                    unsafe condition for BHTC Model 429
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                         available in the AD docket shortly after               helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 57150,
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         receipt.                                               57168, 57176, 57210, 57211 through
                                                                                                            For service information identified in               57216, 57265, 57266, 57267, and 57287.
                                                 14 CFR Part 39                                          this proposed rule, contact Bell                       Transport Canada advises that forward
                                                                                                         Helicopter Textron Canada Limited,                     spars part number (P/N) 429–031–213–
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0757; Product                                                                             103 and 429–031–213–104 and actuator
                                                 Identifier 2017–SW–022–AD]
                                                                                                         12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec
                                                                                                         J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437–2862 or                    fitting assembly P/N 429–031–222–101
                                                 RIN 2120–AA64                                           (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–0272; or                 and 429–031–222–102 have life limits of
                                                                                                         at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.                 30,000 and 19,000 Retirement Index
                                                 Airworthiness Directives; Bell                          You may review the referenced service                  Numbers, respectively. However,
                                                 Helicopter Textron Canada Limited                       information at the FAA, Office of the                  Transport Canada states these parts are
                                                 Helicopters                                             Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                    not serialized and therefore their
                                                                                                         10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,                      accumulated usage is difficult to track,
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                                                                         Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                  which creates a risk that these parts
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                                                                                could remain in service beyond their
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                                                                         Helene Gandy, Aviation Safety                          life limits. This condition could result
                                                 (NPRM).                                                                                                        in failure of the part.
                                                                                                         Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section,
                                                 SUMMARY:    We propose to adopt a new                   Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,                      FAA’s Determination
                                                 airworthiness directive (AD) for certain                10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX                      These helicopters have been approved
                                                 serial numbered Bell Helicopter Textron                 76177; telephone (817) 222–5413; email                 by the aviation authority of Canada and
                                                 Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429                         helene.gandy@faa.gov.                                  are approved for operation in the United
                                                 helicopters. This proposed AD would                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                             States. Pursuant to our bilateral
                                                 require marking a serial number on life-
                                                                                                         Comments Invited                                       agreement with Canada, Transport
                                                 limited forward spars and actuator
                                                                                                                                                                Canada, its technical representative, has
                                                 fitting assemblies. The actions of this                    We invite you to participate in this                notified us of the unsafe condition
                                                 proposed AD are intended to prevent an                  rulemaking by submitting written                       described in its AD. We are proposing
                                                 unsafe condition on these products.                     comments, data, or views. We also                      this AD because we evaluated all known
                                                 DATES: We must receive comments on                      invite comments relating to the                        relevant information and determined
                                                 this proposed AD by March 27, 2018.                     economic, environmental, energy, or                    that an unsafe condition is likely to
                                                 ADDRESSES: You may send comments by                     federalism impacts that might result                   exist or develop on other products of the
                                                 any of the following methods:                           from adopting the proposals in this                    same type design.
                                                    • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to                  document. The most helpful comments
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  reference a specific portion of the                    Related Service Information Under
                                                 online instructions for sending your                    proposal, explain the reason for any                   1 CFR Part 51
                                                 comments electronically.                                recommended change, and include                          We reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert
                                                    • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                 supporting data. To ensure the docket                  Service Bulletin 429–16–34, dated
                                                    • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.                    does not contain duplicate comments,                   November 10, 2016, which specifies
                                                 Department of Transportation, Docket                    commenters should send only one copy                   procedures for permanently marking
                                                 Operations, M–30, West Building                         of written comments, or if comments are                each forward spar and actuator fitting
                                                 Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                        filed electronically, commenters should                assembly with the serial number of the
                                                 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC                    submit only one time.                                  helicopter.
                                                 20590–0001.                                                We will file in the docket all                        This service information is reasonably
                                                    • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the                      comments that we receive, as well as a                 available because the interested parties
                                                 ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5                   report summarizing each substantive                    have access to it through their normal
                                                 p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     public contact with FAA personnel                      course of business or by the means
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 Federal holidays.                                       concerning this proposed rulemaking.                   identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                                                                         Before acting on this proposal, we will
                                                 Examining the AD Docket                                 consider all comments we receive on or                 Other Related Service Information
                                                   You may examine the AD docket on                      before the closing date for comments.                    We also reviewed Bell Helicopter
                                                 the internet at http://                                 We will consider comments filed after                  Model 429 Maintenance Manual BHT–
                                                 www.regulations.gov by searching for                    the comment period has closed if it is                 429–MM–1, Chapter 4, Airworthiness
                                                 and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                       possible to do so without incurring                    Limitations Schedule, Revision 26,
                                                 0757; or in person at Docket Operations                 expense or delay. We may change this                   dated September 9, 2016, which


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 18 / Friday, January 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                                3629

                                                 specifies airworthiness life limits and                 the relationship between the national                  (c) Comments Due Date
                                                 inspection intervals for parts installed                Government and the States, or on the                     We must receive comments by March 27,
                                                 on Model 429 helicopters.                               distribution of power and                              2018.
                                                                                                         responsibilities among the various
                                                 Proposed AD Requirements                                                                                       (d) Compliance
                                                                                                         levels of government.
                                                    This proposed AD would require                                                                                You are responsible for performing each
                                                                                                           For the reasons discussed, I certify
                                                 cleaning and marking the helicopter’s                                                                          action required by this AD within the
                                                                                                         this proposed regulation:                              specified compliance time unless it has
                                                 serial number on each forward spar
                                                                                                           1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                 already been accomplished prior to that time.
                                                 P/N 429–031–213–103 and 429–031–
                                                                                                         action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                                 213–104 and on each actuator fitting                                                                           (e) Required Actions
                                                 assembly P/N 429–031–222–101 and                          2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
                                                                                                         DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                    (1) Within 800 hours time-in-service, clean
                                                 429–031–222–102. This proposed AD                                                                              and identify each forward spar and actuator
                                                 would also prohibit installing any                      (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                                                                                                                                                fitting assembly with the helicopter serial
                                                 affected part on any helicopter unless is                 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in            number in accordance with the
                                                 has been marked in accordance with                      Alaska to the extent that it justifies                 Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3
                                                 this proposed AD.                                       making a regulatory distinction; and                   through 5 and with reference to Figure 1 of
                                                                                                           4. Will not have a significant                       Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429–
                                                 Differences Between This Proposed AD                                                                           16–34, dated November 10, 2016.
                                                                                                         economic impact, positive or negative,
                                                 and the Transport Canada AD                                                                                       (2) After the effective date of this AD, do
                                                                                                         on a substantial number of small entities
                                                    The Transport Canada AD requires                     under the criteria of the Regulatory                   not install a forward spar P/N 429–031–213–
                                                 compliance within 12 months from its                    Flexibility Act.                                       103 or 429–031–213–104 or actuator fitting
                                                 effective date, unless already                                                                                 assembly P/N 429–031–222–101 or 429–031–
                                                                                                           We prepared an economic evaluation                   222–102 on any helicopter unless it has been
                                                 accomplished. This proposed AD would                    of the estimated costs to comply with                  marked with a serial number in accordance
                                                 require compliance within 800 hours                     this proposed AD and placed it in the                  with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
                                                 time in service.                                        AD docket.
                                                                                                                                                                (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                 Costs of Compliance                                     List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                     (AMOCs)
                                                    We estimate that this proposed AD                                                                             (1) The Manager, Safety Management
                                                                                                           Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                 would affect 6 helicopters of U.S.                                                                             Section, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
                                                                                                         safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                                 Registry and that labor costs average $85                                                                      AD. Send your proposal to: Helene Gandy,
                                                                                                         Safety.
                                                 per work-hour. We estimate that                                                                                Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations &
                                                 marking the forward spars and actuator                  The Proposed Amendment                                 Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
                                                 fitting assemblies would require 1 work-                                                                       FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX
                                                 hour and no parts would be needed.                        Accordingly, under the authority                     76177; telephone (817) 222–5413; email 9-
                                                 Based on these estimates, we expect a                   delegated to me by the Administrator,                  ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
                                                 total cost of $85 per helicopter and $510               the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                    (2) For operations conducted under a 14
                                                 for the U.S. fleet.                                     39 as follows:                                         CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
                                                                                                                                                                14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
                                                 Authority for This Rulemaking                           PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                  you notify your principal inspector, or
                                                    Title 49 of the United States Code                   DIRECTIVES                                             lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
                                                                                                                                                                the local flight standards district office or
                                                 specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                                                                         certificate holding district office before
                                                                                                         ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                 rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                                                                          operating any aircraft complying with this
                                                                                                         continues to read as follows:
                                                 section 106, describes the authority of                                                                        AD through an AMOC.
                                                 the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:                      Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                 Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more                                                                         (g) Additional Information
                                                                                                         § 39.13    [Amended]
                                                 detail the scope of the Agency’s                                                                                  (1) Bell Helicopter Model 429 Maintenance
                                                 authority.                                              ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                  Manual BHT–429–MM–1, Chapter 4,
                                                    We are issuing this rulemaking under                 the following new airworthiness                        Airworthiness Limitations Schedule,
                                                 the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,              directive (AD):                                        Revision 26, dated September 9, 2016, which
                                                 Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                                                                            is not incorporated by reference, contains
                                                                                                         Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited:
                                                                                                                                                                additional information about the subject of
                                                 General requirements.’’ Under that                           Docket No. FAA–2017–0757; Product
                                                                                                                                                                this AD. For service information identified in
                                                 section, Congress charges the FAA with                       Identifier 2017–SW–022–AD.
                                                                                                                                                                this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron
                                                 promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in              (a) Applicability                                      Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir,
                                                 air commerce by prescribing regulations                                                                        Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450)
                                                                                                           This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron
                                                 for practices, methods, and procedures                                                                         437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433–
                                                                                                         Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters, serial
                                                 the Administrator finds necessary for                   number (S/N) 57150, 57168, 57176, 57210                0272; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/
                                                 safety in air commerce. This regulation                 through 57216, 57265, 57266, 57267, and                files/. You may review the referenced service
                                                 is within the scope of that authority                   57287, with a forward spar part number                 information at the FAA, Office of the
                                                 because it addresses an unsafe condition                (P/N) 429–031–213–103 or 429–031–213–104               Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
                                                 that is likely to exist or develop on                   or actuator fitting assembly P/N 429–031–              Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
                                                 products identified in this rulemaking                  222–101 or 429–031–222–102 installed,                  TX 76177.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 action.                                                 certificated in any category.                             (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
                                                                                                                                                                Transport Canada AD No. CF–2017–02, dated
                                                 Regulatory Findings                                     (b) Unsafe Condition                                   January 16, 2017. You may view the
                                                                                                           This AD defines the unsafe condition as a            Transport Canada AD on the internet at
                                                   We determined that this proposed AD                   forward spar or actuator fitting assembly              http://www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket.
                                                 would not have federalism implications                  remaining in service after reaching its life
                                                 under Executive Order 13132. This                       limit. This condition could result in failure          (h) Subject
                                                 proposed AD would not have a                            of a forward spar or actuator fitting assembly           Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
                                                 substantial direct effect on the States, on             and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.           Code: 1100, Placards and Markings.



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                                                 3630                     Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 18 / Friday, January 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                   Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 12,           comments received, and other                           A subsequent investigation found that
                                                 2018.                                                   information. The street address for                    excessive sleeve preset force during
                                                 Lance T. Gant,                                          Docket Operations (telephone 800–647–                  manufacturing caused cracks in the
                                                 Director, Compliance & Airworthiness                    5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.                     sleeve of the tube assembly, which may
                                                 Division, Aircraft Certification Service.               Comments will be available in the AD                   result in the EFS float failing to deploy.
                                                 [FR Doc. 2018–01194 Filed 1–25–18; 8:45 am]             docket shortly after receipt.                          Bell determined that only those EFS
                                                 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                    For service information identified in                tube assemblies with P/N 412–073–820–
                                                                                                         this proposed rule, contact Bell                       101 that were shipped prior to July 28,
                                                                                                         Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482,                2016, were subject to this manufacturing
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817)                  defect. Bell states that because this
                                                                                                         280–3391; fax (817) 280–6466; or at                    manufacturing defect is difficult to
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/.                    detect, affected EFS tube assemblies in
                                                                                                         You may review the referenced service                  service must be replaced. The affected
                                                 14 CFR Part 39                                          information at the FAA, Office of the                  parts were associated with a single Bell
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0036; Product                      Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,                    supplier that is no longer manufacturing
                                                 Identifier 2017–SW–015–AD]                              10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321,                     the tube assembly.
                                                                                                         Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                     Accordingly, this proposed AD would
                                                 RIN 2120–AA64                                                                                                  require replacing the EFS tube
                                                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rory
                                                 Airworthiness Directives; Bell                          Rieger, Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO                 assemblies and would prohibit
                                                 Helicopter Textron Inc.                                 Branch, AIR–7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood                   installing an affected EFS tube assembly
                                                                                                         Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone                 on any helicopter. We are proposing this
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                (817) 222–5193; email rory.rieger@                     AD to prevent installing a cracked EFS
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.                              faa.gov.                                               tube assembly, which could result in
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                                                                          failure of the EFS floats to deploy
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 (NPRM).                                                                                                        during an emergency water landing.
                                                                                                         Comments Invited
                                                                                                                                                                FAA’s Determination
                                                 SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new
                                                                                                            We invite you to participate in this                  We are proposing this AD because we
                                                 airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell
                                                                                                         rulemaking by submitting written                       evaluated all known relevant
                                                 Helicopter Textron Inc. (Bell) Model
                                                                                                         comments, data, or views. We also                      information and determined that an
                                                 212, Model 412, and Model 412EP
                                                                                                         invite comments relating to the                        unsafe condition exists and is likely to
                                                 helicopters. This proposed AD would
                                                                                                         economic, environmental, energy, or                    exist or develop on other helicopters of
                                                 require replacing the emergency
                                                                                                         federalism impacts that might result                   these same type designs.
                                                 flotation system (EFS) tube assembly.
                                                                                                         from adopting the proposals in this
                                                 This proposed AD is prompted by a                                                                              Related Service Information
                                                                                                         document. The most helpful comments
                                                 report of an EFS tube assembly failure.
                                                                                                         reference a specific portion of the                      We reviewed Bell Alert Service
                                                 The actions of this proposed AD are
                                                                                                         proposal, explain the reason for any                   Bulletin (ASB) 212–11–143 and ASB
                                                 intended to address an unsafe condition
                                                                                                         recommended change, and include                        412–11–147, both Revision C and dated
                                                 on these helicopters.
                                                                                                         supporting data. To ensure the docket                  December 22, 2016. Each ASB describes
                                                 DATES: We must receive comments on                      does not contain duplicate comments,
                                                 this proposed AD by March 27, 2018.                                                                            and illustrates procedures to replace the
                                                                                                         commenters should send only one copy                   tube assembly within 600 flight hours or
                                                 ADDRESSES: You may send comments by                     of written comments, or if comments are                by March 31, 2017.
                                                 any of the following methods:                           filed electronically, commenters should
                                                    • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to                  submit only one time.                                  Proposed AD Requirements
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                     We will file in the docket all                        This proposed AD would require,
                                                 online instructions for sending your                    comments that we receive, as well as a                 within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS),
                                                 comments electronically.                                report summarizing each substantive                    replacing any EFS tube assembly P/N
                                                    • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                 public contact with FAA personnel                      412–073–820–101 that was
                                                    • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.                    concerning this proposed rulemaking.                   manufactured before July 28, 2016. This
                                                 Department of Transportation, Docket                    Before acting on this proposal, we will                proposed AD would also prohibit
                                                 Operations, M–30, West Building                         consider all comments we receive on or                 installing an EFS tube assembly P/N
                                                 Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                        before the closing date for comments.                  412–073–820–101 that was
                                                 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC                    We will consider comments filed after                  manufactured before July 28, 2016 on
                                                 20590–0001.                                             the comment period has closed if it is                 any helicopter.
                                                    • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the                      possible to do so without incurring
                                                 ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5                   expense or delay. We may change this                   Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                                 p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     proposal in light of the comments we                   and the Service Information
                                                 Federal holidays.                                       receive.                                                 The ASBs require compliance within
                                                 Examining the AD Docket                                                                                        600 flight hours or by March 31, 2017;
                                                                                                         Discussion
                                                                                                                                                                this proposed AD would require
                                                   You may examine the AD docket on                         We propose to adopt a new AD for                    compliance within 300 hours TIS.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 the internet at http://                                 Bell Model 212, Model 412, and Model
                                                 www.regulations.gov by searching for                    412EP helicopters with an EFS tube                     Costs of Compliance
                                                 and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–                       assembly part number (P/N) 412–073–                      We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                 0036; or in person at Docket Operations                 820–101 with a date of manufacture                     would affect 250 helicopters of U.S.
                                                 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                       before July 28, 2016. This proposed AD                 Registry.
                                                 through Friday, except Federal holidays.                is prompted by a report from Bell that                   We estimate that operators may incur
                                                 The AD docket contains this proposed                    an EFS tube assembly separated from                    the following costs in order to comply
                                                 AD, the economic evaluation, any                        the valve during a 2-year inflation test.              with this proposed AD. At an average


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Document Created: 2018-10-26 10:04:26
Document Modified: 2018-10-26 10:04:26
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 March 27, 2018.
ContactHelene Gandy, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations & Policy Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5413; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 3628 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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