[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 187 (Friday, September 25, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60356-60358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21127]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0334; Product Identifier 2017-SW-133-AD; Amendment 
39-21262; AD 2020-20-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 429 helicopters. 
This AD requires repetitive inspections of certain cyclic and 
collective assembly bearings. This AD was prompted by reports that 
precipitation can lead to reduced effectiveness of the grease in the 
bearings. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 30, 2020.

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 https://www.bellcustomer.com. You may view the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0334; 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 comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations 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

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to BHTC Model 429 
helicopters with a bellcrank assembly part number (P/N) 429-001-523-
101, 429-001-523-103, 429-001-532-101 or 429-001-532-103 installed. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 20, 2020 (85 FR 16019). 
The NPRM proposed to require, at specified intervals, disconnecting the 
forward ends of the collective control tube, longitudinal stability and 
control augmentation system (SCAS) actuator, and lateral SCAS actuator, 
and stowing the collective control tube and each SCAS actuator to 
prevent binding; and then inspecting for any roughness in the flight 
control system and any binding in any arm end bearing and on the 
longitudinal bellcrank assembly. If there is any roughness in the 
flight control system, the NPRM proposed to require replacing the six 
pivot bearings in the collective/lateral bellcrank assembly and the 
longitudinal bellcrank assembly. If there is any binding in any arm end 
bearing or on the longitudinal bellcrank assembly, the NPRM proposed to 
require replacing each arm end bearing before further flight.
    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Canadian AD CF-2016-11R2, dated October 18, 2017, to correct an 
unsafe condition for BHTC Model 429 helicopters equipped with a 
bellcrank assembly P/N 429-001-523-101, 429-001-523-103, 429-001-532-
101 or 429-001-532-103. Transport Canada advises that in-service 
reports show that bearings in the roof-mounted flight control 
bellcranks are adversely affected by precipitation. Pooling can occur 
at the forward portion of the roof, providing a source of contamination 
for bearings in the roof-mounted flight controls. Precipitation may 
reduce the effectiveness of the grease in the bearings, allowing 
corrosion to occur. This can result in intermittent restrictions, such 
as binding and roughness in the flight controls. Transport Canada also 
advises that an undetected corroded bearing could lead to restrictions 
in the collective, directional, or pitch control systems, resulting in 
difficulty controlling the helicopter.
    Transport Canada consequently requires within 12 months after the 
helicopter was manufactured and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 
months, inspecting the flight controls and replacing any discrepant 
bearings. If the helicopter's age exceeds 12 months, Transport Canada 
requires the 12-month inspection within 30 days. Transport Canada also 
requires, within 30 days, performing a functional check and 
replacement, if applicable, of the bearings if the most recent 
functional check of the helicopter was performed with the alternate 
procedure of using a hydraulic test stand or if the inspection method 
is unknown.

Comments

    After the NPRM was published, the FAA received comments from two 
commenters. However, the comments addressed neither the proposed 
actions nor the determination of the cost to the public. Therefore, the 
FAA has made no changes based on those comments.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United

[[Page 60357]]

States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, 
Transport Canada, its technical representative, has notified the FAA of 
the unsafe condition described in the Transport Canada AD. The FAA is 
issuing this AD after evaluating all of the information provided by 
Transport Canada and determining the unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design 
and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD 
requirements as proposed.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. If final action 
is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

Differences Between This AD and the Transport Canada AD

    Transport Canada provides requirements if the most recent 
functional procedure was performed using a hydraulic test stand as an 
alternate procedure. This AD provides no such alternate procedure.

 Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-21, 
Revision B, dated May 11, 2017 (ASB), which specifies moving the cyclic 
stick fore, aft, and laterally, and the collective stick up and down 
from stop to stop to detect deteriorated pivot bearings. The ASB also 
specifies inspecting to determine whether the bearings in the 
collective, lateral, and longitudinal arm assemblies rotate freely. If 
discrepant arm bearings are found, the ASB specifies contacting BHTC 
Product Support Engineering to report the findings and replacing the 
discrepant parts with serviceable parts.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 64 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD.
    Inspecting the cyclic and the collective for roughness takes about 
3 work-hours for an estimated cost of $255 per helicopter, and $16,320 
for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
    Replacing six pivot bearings takes about 3 work-hours and parts 
cost about $624 for an estimated cost of $879 per helicopter.
    Replacing three arm end bearings takes about 3 work-hours and parts 
cost about $135 for an estimated cost of $390 per helicopter.

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.
    The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

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):

2020-20-06 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39-21262; 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0334; Product Identifier 2017-SW-133-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 
429 helicopters with a bellcrank assembly part number (P/N) 429-001-
523-101, 429-001-523-103, 429-001-532-101, or 429-001-532-103 
installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as precipitation in the 
forward portion of the roof structure that can lead to pooling at 
the bellcrank assembly and corrosion of the bearings. This condition 
could result in restrictions in the collective, directional or pitch 
control systems, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective October 30, 2020.

(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

    Within 12 months after the helicopter was manufactured or 30 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months:
    (1) Disconnect the forward ends of the collective control tube, 
longitudinal stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) 
actuator, and lateral SCAS actuator. Stow the collective control 
tube and each SCAS actuator to prevent binding.
    (2) Slowly move the cyclic stick fore/aft and laterally, and the 
collective stick up/down from stop to stop to determine if there is 
any roughness. If there is any roughness in the flight control 
system, before further flight, replace all six pivot bearings, P/N 
MS27646-41, in the collective lateral bellcrank assembly and the 
longitudinal bellcrank assembly.
    (3) Inspect the collective arm assembly P/N 429-001-525-101, the 
lateral arm assembly P/N 429-001-527-101, and the longitudinal arm 
assembly P/N 429-001-530-101, by rotating each bearing and ensuring 
each bearing rotates freely. If there is any binding in any arm end 
bearing or on the longitudinal bellcrank assembly, before further 
flight, replace each arm end bearing.

(f) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, 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

[[Page 60358]]

14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests that you notify your 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding 
district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this 
AD through an AMOC.

(h) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-21, Revision 
B, dated May 11, 2017, 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 https://www.bellcustomer.com. You may view 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 
Civil Aviation (Transport Canada) AD No. CF-2016-11R2, dated October 
18, 2017. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2018-0334.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2700, Flight 
Control System.

    Issued on September 21, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-21127 Filed 9-24-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


