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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 20, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12792-12795]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03288]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0232; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00353-R]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report that a certain part-numbered fuel 
system standpipe assembly (standpipe) may have sharp edges at the 
interval weld joints due to a quality escape during the manufacturing 
process. This proposed AD would require inspecting certain fuel system 
parts and, depending on the inspection results, taking corrective 
actions and performing a fuel quantity gauging system calibration. 
Depending on the results of the fuel quantity gauging system 
calibration, this proposed AD would require performing additional 
corrective action and repeating the fuel quantity gauging system 
calibration. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 5, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-0232; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec 
J7J 1R4, Canada; phone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-433-
0272; email [email protected]; or at bellflight.com/support/contact-support.
     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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Hughlett, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (817) 222-5889; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2024-0232; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2023-00353-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI

[[Page 12793]]

as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Michael Hughlett, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5889; email: 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, 
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2023-11, dated February 23, 3023 
(Transport Canada AD CF-2023-11), to correct an unsafe condition on 
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 helicopters, serial numbers 54832 
through 54931, 54933 through 54939, and 54942 through 54954. Transport 
Canada advises that, due to a quality escape, standpipe part number (P/
N) 407-062-032-103 may have been delivered with sharp edges at the 
internal weld joints.
    Accordingly, Transport Canada AD CF-2023-11 requires a one-time 
inspection of standpipe P/N 407-062-032-103 for sharp edges, and 
depending on the inspection results, reworking the standpipe. Transport 
Canada AD CF-2023-11 also requires inspecting certain parts of the fuel 
quantity harness assembly (harness assembly) for damage. Depending on 
the inspection results, Transport Canada AD CF-2023-11 requires 
contacting Bell for disposition results of the harness assembly and 
replacing any unserviceable harness assembly.
    You may examine the Transport Canada AD in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0232.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin 407-21-124, dated 
February 1, 2022, which specifies procedures for a one-time visual 
inspection of the internal joint welds of standpipe P/N 407-062-032-
103. If there are any sharp edges, this service information specifies 
rework procedures, which include deburring the sharp edges, removing 
all residue, and applying a chemical film. This service information 
also specifies procedures to remove and inspect the harness assembly 
connectors for any damage to the electrical pins and inspect the 
insulation tubing and wires for any cracks and chafing.
    Additionally, this service information specifies if any damage is 
found, contacting product support engineering and submitting certain 
information. Finally, this service information specifies instructions 
for various fuel procedures and checks.
    The FAA also reviewed Fuel Quantity Gauging System, DMC-407-A-95-
65-10-01A-273A-A, Issue 002, dated June 2, 2022, of Bell Model 407 
Maintenance Manual, BHT-407-MM, Issue No. 014, dated December 12, 2023, 
which specifies procedures for a fuel quantity gauging system 
calibration procedure and inspecting the fuel quantity display 
information.
    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 ADDRESSES.

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 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada has 
notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA 
is proposing this AD after determining that the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters 
of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require, with the standpipe removed, 
inspecting its interior for any sharp edges on each internal weld 
joint. If there are any sharp edges on any weld joint, this proposed AD 
would require deburring the edges, ensuring not to exceed a certain 
depth into the tube. This proposed AD would then require removing all 
sanding residue and applying a chemical film to any bare metal 
surfaces. This proposed AD would also require, with the harness 
assembly removed, inspecting the harness assembly connectors for any 
mechanical damage and corrosion to the electrical pins, and inspecting 
the insulation tubing and wires of the harness assembly for any crack 
and chafing. Depending on these results, this proposed AD would require 
replacing the harness assembly.
    If the harness assembly was required to be replaced as a result of 
the proposed AD requirements, this proposed AD would require performing 
a fuel quantity gauging system calibration. Depending on the 
calibration results, this proposed AD would require replacing the 
harness assembly and repeating the fuel quantity gauging system 
calibration.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD

    Transport Canada AD CF-2023-11 requires contacting Bell for 
disposition instructions if damage is found on the harness assembly, 
whereas this proposed AD would require removing an affected harness 
assembly from service and replacing it with an airworthy harness 
assembly.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 51 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 proposed AD.
    Inspecting the interior of the standpipe would take approximately 1 
work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $4,335 for 
the U.S. fleet.
    Inspecting the harness assembly connectors, insulation tubing, and 
wiring would take approximately 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of 
$85 per helicopter and $4,335 for the U.S. fleet.
    If required, deburring, cleaning, and applying a chemical film to 
each affected weld joint would take approximately 0.5 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $43 per weld joint.
    If required, replacing an affected harness assembly would take 
approximately 1 work-hour and parts would cost approximately $1,071 for 
an estimated cost of $1,156 per harness replacement.
    If required, performing a fuel quantity gauging system calibration 
would take approximately 10 work-hours for an estimated cost of $850 
per procedure.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected operators.

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

[[Page 12794]]

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

    The FAA 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 above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 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:

Bell Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2024-0232; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2023-00353-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by April 5, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 407 
helicopters, serial numbers 54832 through 54931 inclusive, 54933 
through 54939 inclusive, and 54942 through 54954 inclusive, 
certificated in any category, with a fuel system standpipe assembly 
(standpipe) part number 407-062-032-103 installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2897, Fuel system 
wiring.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that certain standpipes may 
have sharp edges at the interval weld joints due to a quality escape 
during the manufacturing process. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
detect sharp edges in the standpipe. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in fuel quantity system wiring damage, loss 
of erratic fuel quantity indication, or fuel tank ignition.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    (1) Within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish the 
actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) With the standpipe removed from the aft fuel cell, inspect 
the interior of the standpipe for any sharp edges on each internal 
weld joint, as shown in Figure 1 of Bell Alert Service Bulletin 407-
21-124, dated February 1, 2022. If there is a sharp edge on any 
internal weld joint, before further flight, deburr the edges of each 
affected weld joint using an aluminum oxide abrasive cloth or paper, 
or equivalent, ensuring not to exceed 0.015 in (0.38 mm) depth into 
the tube material at a 45-degree angle to the weld joint. Then, 
using a clean cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol or equivalent, 
remove all sanding residue from the weld joint and apply a chemical 
film material to any bare metal surfaces.
    (ii) With the fuel quantity harness assembly (harness assembly) 
removed, inspect the harness assembly connectors for any mechanical 
damage and corrosion to the electrical pins and inspect the 
insulation tubing and wires for any cracks and chafing. For the 
purposes of this AD, mechanical damage is indicated by deterioration 
of the connections or pins.
    (A) If there is any corrosion or mechanical damage, before 
further flight, remove the harness assembly from service and replace 
it with an airworthy harness assembly.
    (B) If there is a crack or any chafing, before further flight, 
remove the harness assembly from service and replace it with an 
airworthy harness assembly.
    (2) If the harness assembly was required to be replaced as a 
result of the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD 
or by this paragraph, before further flight, with the standpipe and 
harness assembly installed, perform a fuel quantity gauging system 
calibration in accordance with paragraphs 4 through 18 of Fuel 
Quantity Gauging System, DMC-407-A-95-65-10-01A-273A-A, Issue 002, 
dated June 2, 2022, of Bell Model 407 Maintenance Manual, BHT-407-
MM, Issue No. 014, dated December 12, 2023. As a result of the fuel 
quantity gauging system calibration, if a fuel level does not 
indicate the correct reading or displays no reading, before further 
flight, remove the harness assembly from service and replace it with 
an airworthy harness assembly; and repeat the actions required by 
this paragraph for the newly installed harness assembly.

(h) 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 (i)(1) 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. The following provisions also apply to this AD.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael 
Hughlett, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5889; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-11, dated February 23, 
2023, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found 
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-0232.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 407-21-124, dated February 1, 
2022.
    (ii) Fuel Quantity Gauging System, DMC-407-A-95-65-10-01A-273A-
A, Issue 002, dated June 2, 2022, of Bell Model 407 Maintenance 
Manual, BHT-407-MM, Issue No. 014, dated December 12, 2023.
    (3) For Bell service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec 
J7J 1R4, Canada; phone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-
433-0272; email [email protected]; or at bellflight.com/support/contact-support.
    (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

[[Page 12795]]

information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on February 12, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-03288 Filed 2-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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