[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 72 (Friday, April 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22900-22903]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07779]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R; 
Amendment 39-22391; AD 2023-06-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell 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 all 
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 
206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a 
loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a failure of an adhesively bonded 
joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the segmented TR drive 
shaft (TRDS) assemblies. This AD requires determining if an affected 
TRDS is installed; repetitively inspecting the bond line for damage; 
repetitively performing a proof load test of the TRDS assembly; and 
depending on the results of the inspections or the proof load tests, 
removing an affected TRDS from service and replacing it with a 
serviceable TRDS. This AD also prohibits installing a TRDS unless it 
meets certain requirements, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, 
which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 19, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 19, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket

[[Page 22901]]

Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For Transport Canada material that is incorporated by 
reference in this final rule, contact Transport Canada, Transport 
Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, 
Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email 
[email protected]; 
internet tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
     You may view this material at the 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. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1488.
    Other Related Service Information: For Bell service information 
identified in this final rule, contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 
12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-
450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-433-0272; email 
[email protected]; or at bellflight.com/support/contact-support. This service information is also available at the FAA contact 
information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS 
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022 (Transport 
Canada AD CF-2022-33), to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron 
Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3 
and 206L-4 helicopters, all serial numbers.
    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Bell Textron Canada 
Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-
3, and 206L-4 helicopters, all serial numbers.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 28, 2022 (87 
FR 72899). The NPRM was prompted by a report in which a Bell Textron 
Canada Limited Model 206L-1 helicopter experienced loss of TR drive 
during a maintenance test flight, which was due to a failure of an 
adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the 
segmented TRDS assemblies. The NPRM proposed to require determining if 
an affected TRDS is installed; repetitively inspecting the bond line 
for damage; repetitively performing a proof load test of the TRDS 
assembly; and depending on the results of the inspections or the proof 
load tests, removing an affected TRDS from service and replacing it 
with a serviceable TRDS. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit installing 
a TRDS unless it meets certain requirements, as specified in Transport 
Canada AD CF-2022-33.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from one individual commenter. The 
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request To Not Incorporate the Transport Canada AD by Reference

    One individual requested that the FAA not reference Transport 
Canada AD CF-2022-33 in the FAA AD. The commenter stated Transport 
Canada AD CF-2022-33 either repeats the instructions found in the alert 
service bulletin (ASB) or directs the reader to the ASB. Additionally, 
the commenter stated referencing Transport Canada ADs is a new practice 
and the Transport Canada ADs should only be referenced if they make a 
substantial addition to the ASB requirements.
    The FAA disagrees with both the request to not require compliance 
with Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 in the FAA AD and the request to 
discontinue the method of requiring compliance with some foreign ADs 
issued by the foreign state of design authority. In the FAA's ongoing 
efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the FAA developed 
a process to use some civil aviation authority ADs as the primary 
source of information for compliance with requirements for 
corresponding FAA ADs. FAA ADs that require compliance with foreign ADs 
have been utilized since 2018 for some products and since 2022 for Bell 
Textron Canada Limited helicopters. Referring to Transport Canada AD 
CF-2022-33 minimizes the need for Alternative Methods of Compliance.

Conclusion

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United 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 its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting 
this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these helicopters. This AD is adopted as 
proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires determining if a helicopter 
has an affected TRDS installed. If there is an affected TRDS installed, 
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires performing a repetitive 
detailed inspection of the bond line of the inboard end of the flange 
and, if there is damage, replacing the affected TRDS with a serviceable 
TRDS. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also requires performing a 
repetitive proof load test of the TRDS assembly and replacing any TRDS 
that fails the proof load test. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also 
prohibits installing a TRDS unless certain requirements are met.
    This material 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

    The FAA also reviewed Bell ASB 206-20-139, Revision A, dated August 
21, 2020 for Model 206A, 206B, and TH-67 helicopters, and Bell ASB 
206L-20-184, Revision C, dated January 14, 2021 for Model 206L, 206L-1, 
206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This service information specifies 
procedures for repetitive detailed visual inspections and proof load 
tests of installed bonded TRDSs, and replacement of an affected bonded 
TRDS that fails a visual inspection or proof load test with a 
serviceable segmented bonded TRDS or a riveted TRDS. This service 
information also specifies that replacing all the bonded TRDS 
assemblies with riveted TRDS assemblies is a terminating action for the 
repetitive visual inspections and proof load tests.
    The FAA reviewed Bell Helicopter Technical Bulletin (TB) No. 206-
06-186, Revision B, dated September 7, 2007, and Bell Helicopter 
Textron TB No. 206L-02-207, Revision A, dated

[[Page 22902]]

January 22, 2003, which both specify procedures for installing a 
riveted TRDS and rotor break disc; inspecting the aft short shaft and 
driveshaft assemblies; and stripping and painting the aft short shaft 
and driveshaft assemblies.

Differences Between This AD, the Transport Canada AD, and the Service 
Information

    Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-
2022-33 specifies recording certain information in the event of a bond 
line failure and notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the 
findings, this AD does not require recording any information or 
reporting any information to Bell Product Support Engineering.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,395 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Determining if an affected TRDS is installed takes about 0.5 work-
hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $59,985 for the 
U.S. fleet.
    Inspecting the bond line and performing a proof load test takes 
about 1.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $128 per helicopter per 
inspection cycle.
    Replacing an affected TRDS assembly takes about 12 work-hours and 
parts cost up to $32,708 for an estimated cost of up to $33,728 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 products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) 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.

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:

2023-06-05 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-22391; Docket 
No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-
1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a 
failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube 
on one of the segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive bond of the 
TRDS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result 
in loss of TR drive and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022 
(Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33).

(h) Exceptions To Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33

    (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires compliance in 
terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service 
(TIS).
    (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 refers to its effective 
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines ``Affected 
TRDS,'' for this AD replace each instance of the text ``affected 
TRDS,'' with ``a TRDS with a part number (P/N) that is not one of 
the riveted TRDS P/Ns listed in the accomplishment instructions of 
Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-20-139, Revision A, dated 
August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139 Rev A) or Bell ASB 206L-20-184, 
Revision C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C) as 
applicable to your model helicopter.''
    (4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines ``Serviceable 
part,'' for this AD replace each instance of the text ``serviceable 
part,'' with ``a riveted TRDS with a P/N that is listed in the 
accomplishment instructions of ASB 206-20-139 Rev A or ASB 206L-20-
184 Rev C as applicable to your model helicopter; or an affected 
TRDS that has been inspected and proof load tested in accordance 
with the requirements of this AD within the past 300 hours TIS or 
within the last 12 months, whichever occurs first.''
    (5) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-33 specifies scrapping or discarding a part, this AD 
requires removing that part from service.
    (6) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-33 specifies in the event of a bond line failure, 
recording the torque value at which it failed, the affected shaft 
position, part number, serial number, and which end failed, and 
notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the findings, this AD 
does not require recording any discrepancies or reporting any 
information to Bell Product Support Engineering.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-33 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

[[Page 22903]]

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, 
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety 
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Transport Canada service information identified in this 
AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft 
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, 
CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email [email protected]; internet tc.canada.ca/en/
aviation.
    (4) You may view this service information at the 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 material that is incorporated by reference 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email 
[email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 16, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-07779 Filed 4-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


