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[Federal Register: April 9, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 67)] 

[Rules and Regulations] 

[Page 16112-16114] 

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] 

[DOCID:fr09ap09-4] 

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0301; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-69-AD; Amendment 39-15876; 

AD 2009-08-03] 

RIN 2120-AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 

206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 Helicopters 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. 

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 

SUMMARY: We are adopting a superseding airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell 

Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 

222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters. That AD currently requires replacing each 

affected tail rotor blade (blade) with an airworthy blade that has a serial number not listed in the 

Rotor Blades, Inc. (RBI) document that is attached to each of the Bell Helicopter Textron Alert 

Service Bulletins (ASBs) listed in the applicability section of the AD. That AD results from 

mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of Canada. 

The MCAI states that there have been three reports of blade tip weights departing from the blade 

during flight. Since issuing that AD, BHTC has issued revised service information to correct part 

numbers and serial numbers listed in the RBI document that is attached to each BHTC ASB and to 

add additional part-numbered and serial-numbered blades to the list. The actions of this AD are 

intended to prevent loss of a blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the 

helicopter. 

DATES: This AD becomes effective on April 24, 2009. 

 The incorporation by reference of certain publications is approved by the Director of the Federal 

Register as of April 24, 2009. 

 We must receive comments on this AD by June 8, 2009. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for 

submitting your comments electronically. 

• Fax: (202) 493-2251. 
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• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground 

Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. 

• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 

Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 

a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 

 You may get the service information identified in this AD from Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 

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/. 

 Examining the Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at 

http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any comments 

received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 

647-5527) is stated in the ADDRESSES section of this AD. Comments will be available in the AD 

docket shortly after receipt. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 

Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone 

(817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion 

 On October 31, 2007, the FAA issued AD 2007-19-52, Amendment 39-15264 (72 FR 65221, 

November 20, 2007), to publish Emergency AD 2007-19-52, which made the AD effective to all 

persons except those to whom it was made immediately effective on September 14, 2007. That AD 

requires, before further flight, removing and replacing each affected blade with an airworthy blade. 

That action was prompted by three reports of blade tip weights being slung from the blades during 

flights, causing significant vibration. 

 Since issuing that AD, BHTC has revised the ASBs based on revisions to the RBI documents 

that are attached to the ASBs to add blade serial numbers to the applicability. Also, the ASBs have 

been revised to add clarification to the applicability by adding specific part number dash numbers. 

 Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Transport Canada AD 

No. CF-2007-21, dated September 13, 2007, to correct an unsafe condition for the BHTC Model 

206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters. 

The MCAI states that there have been three reports of blade tip weights departing from the blade 

during flight. The actions are intended to prevent loss of a blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and 

subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Although the BHTC ASBs have been revised since they 

were referenced in our AD 2007-19-52, the Transport Canada AD has not been revised. 

 You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI and any related service information 

in the AD docket. 

Related Service Information 

 BHTC has issued the following: 

• ASB No. 206-07-116, Revision A, dated September 19, 2007, for BHTC Model 206 A/B series 

helicopters; 

• ASB No. 206L-07-148, Revision A, dated September 19, 2007, for BHTC Model 206L series 

helicopters; 

• ASB No. 222-07-106, Revision C, dated September 20, 2007, for BHTC Model 222 and 222B 

helicopters; 
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• ASB No. 222U-07-77, Revision C, dated September 20, 2007, for BHTC Model 222U 

helicopters; 

• ASB No. 230-07-38, Revision C, dated September 20, 2007, for BHTC Model 230 helicopters; 

• ASB No. 407-07-81, Revision A, dated September 19, 2007, for BHTC Model 407 helicopters; 

• ASB No. 427-07-18, Revision A, dated September 19, 2007, for BHTC Model 427 helicopters; 

and 

• ASB No. 430-07-41, Revision C, dated September 20, 2007, for BHTC Model 430 helicopters. 

 All of the ASBs contain a letter from RBI indicating that certain blades processed by RBI may 

be missing the adhesive applied to the tip weight screw during the weight and balance process. Since 

the issuance of AD 2007-19-52, some ASBs have been revised to include additional blade part 

numbers and serial numbers that require inspection, as well as to clarify the part number applicability 

by adding specific part number ''dash numbers.'' Additionally, the ASBs' revisions specify marking 

the blade with an ''L'' once inspection determines that the blade is airworthy. The actions described in 

the MCAI are intended to correct the same unsafe condition as that identified in the service 

information. 

FAA's Evaluation and Unsafe Condition 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, they have notified us 

of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 

information provided by Transport Canada and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to 

exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. 

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI 

 The actions required by this AD only apply to those blades listed in the RBI document that is 

attached to the ASBs listed in paragraph (c). The MCAI allows use of those ASBs, or ''later revisions 

approved by Chief, Continuing Airworthiness, Transport Canada.'' 

Costs of Compliance 

 We estimate that this AD will affect about 3,741 helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate 

that it will take about 2 work-hours per helicopter to determine if an affected blade is installed. The 

average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. The ASB contains a warranty statement that owners or 

operators of BHTC helicopters who comply with the instructions in the ASB will be eligible to return 

defective blades identified by serial number in the compliance section to their nearest RBI facility for 

inspection and repair at no cost. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD 

on U.S. operators to be $598,560, assuming all shipping, inspection, and repair costs are paid by RBI 

or BHTC. 

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date 

 An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. We find that the risk 

to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because loss of 

a blade tip weight during flight can adversely affect the controllability and structural integrity of the 

helicopter. Also, determining if an affected blade is installed and replacing any affected blade before 

further flight is required. Therefore, we have determined that notice and opportunity for public 

comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this 

amendment effective in fewer than 30 days. 
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Comments Invited 

 This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede 

it by notice and opportunity for public comment. However, we invite you to send us any written data, 

views, or arguments concerning this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the 

ADDRESSES section of this AD. Include ''Docket No. FAA-2009-0301; Directorate Identifier 2008-

SW-69-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 

regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments 

received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments. 

 We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov including 

any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive 

verbal contact we receive about this AD. 

Authority for This Rulemaking 

 Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. 

Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ''Subtitle VII: Aviation 

Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. 

 We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ''Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, 

Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting 

safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and 

procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the 

scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on 

helicopters identified in this rulemaking action. 

Regulatory Findings 

 We determined that 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. 

 Therefore, I certify this AD: 

 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); 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. 

 We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it 

in the AD docket. 

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 

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

Adoption of the Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 

39 as follows: 
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PART 39–AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 

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

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

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15264 (72 FR 65221, November 20, 

2007), and adding the following new AD: 
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FAA 

Aircraft Certification Service

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/ 

www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html

2009-08-03 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-15876. Docket No. FAA2009-0301; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-69-AD. 

Effective Date 

 (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on April 24, 2009. 

Other Affected ADs 

 (b) Supersedes AD 2007-19-52, Amendment 39-15264, Docket No. FAA-2007-0179, 

Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-36-AD (72 FR 65221, November 20, 2007). 

Applicability 

 (c) This AD applies to Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 

230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters, with a tail rotor blade (blade) installed that has a part number and 

serial number which is listed in the Rotor Blades, Inc. (RBI) document attached to the following Bell 

Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs), certificated in any category: 

ASB No. Revision Date Helicopter Model 

206-07-116 A September 19, 2007 206A and 206B 

206L-07-148 A September 19, 2007 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 

222-07-106 C September 20, 2007 222 and 222B 

222U-07-77 C September 20, 2007 222U 

230-07-38 C September 20, 2007 230 

407-07-81 A September 19, 2007 407 

427-07-18 A September 19, 2007 427 

430-07-41 C September 20, 2007 430 

Reason 

 (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states that there have been 

three reports of blade tip weights departing from the blade during flight. This AD corrects part 

numbers and serial numbers of blades, and adds additional blades to the previous AD listing, based 

on revised ASBs issued by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited. The actions required by this AD 

are intended to prevent loss of a blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of 

the helicopter. 
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Actions and Compliance 

 (e) Before further flight, unless already accomplished, replace any affected blade with an 

airworthy blade. An airworthy blade is one that has a part number and a serial number that is not 

listed in the RBI document that is attached to each ASB listed in the Applicability section of this AD. 

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD 

 (f) The actions required by this AD only apply to those blades listed in the RBI document that is 

attached to the ASBs listed in paragraph (c). The MCAI allows use of those ASBs, or ''later revisions 

approved by Chief, Continuing Airworthiness, Transport Canada.'' 

Other Information 

 (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, 

FAA, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and 

Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax 

(817) 222-5961, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures 

found in 14 CFR 39.19. 

Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code 

 (h) ATA Code 6410: Tail Rotor Blades. 

Material Incorporated by Reference 

 (i) You must use the following Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin for your model 

helicopter to determine which blades are subject to these AD actions: 

ASB No. Revision Date Helicopter Model 

206-07-116 A September 19, 2007 206A and 206B 

206L-07-148 A September 19, 2007 206L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 

222-07-106 C September 20, 2007 222 and 222B 

222U-07-77 C September 20, 2007 222U 

230-07-38 C September 20, 2007 230 

407-07-81 A September 19, 2007 407 

427-07-18 A September 19, 2007 427 

430-07-41 C September 20, 2007 430 

 (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service 

information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 

 (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 

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/. 

 (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 

Meacham Blvd., 76193-0111, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
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information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or e-mail to: 

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. 

 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on March 26, 2009. 

Mark R. Schilling, 

Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service.