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[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 79 (Monday, April 25, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24010-24012]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09236]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0734; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-080-AD; 
Amendment 39-18494; AD 2016-08-17]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-19-51 for 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 
430 helicopters. AD 2010-19-51 required inspecting parts of the main 
rotor hydraulic servo actuator (servo actuator) for certain conditions 
and replacing any unairworthy parts before further flight. This new AD 
requires installing a servo actuator with a new stainless steel piston 
rod. This AD was prompted by a collective servo actuator malfunction. 
We are issuing this AD to detect corrosion on a piston rod, which could 
result in failure of the servo actuator and consequent loss of 
helicopter control.

DATES: This AD is effective May 31, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of December 9, 
2010 (75 FR 71540, November 24, 2010).

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 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. It is also on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0734.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0734; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD, any 
incorporated-by-reference information, the economic evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 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: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On August 12, 2013, we issued a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) that was published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2013 
(78 FR 51123). The NPRM proposed to remove AD 2010-19-51, Amendment 39-
16523 (75 FR 71540, November 24, 2010) and add a new AD for Bell Model 
222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require 
inspecting servo actuator part number (P/N) 222-382-001-107 using a 10X 
or higher magnifying glass to determine whether the piston rod has any 
pitting or penetration of the base metal. If the piston rod had any 
pitting or penetration of the base metal, the NPRM proposed replacing 
servo actuator P/N 222-382-001-107 with servo actuator P/N 222-382-001-
111 or P/N 222-382-001-111FM. Thereafter, the NPRM proposed overhauling 
servo actuator P/N 222-382-001-111 or P/N 222-382-001-111FM at 
intervals not to exceed 10 years or 10,000 hours time-in-service (TIS), 
whichever comes first. The NPRM was prompted by AD No. CF-2010-29R1, 
dated July 26, 2012, issued by TCCA, which is the aviation authority 
for Canada. TCCA AD No. CF-2010-29R1 requires an inspection of the 
servo actuator and either overhauling or replacing the piston rod with 
a stainless steel piston rod. Replacement of the piston rod extends the 
overhaul interval of the servo actuator to 10,000 hours TIS or 10 
years, whichever comes first. TCCA AD No. CF-2010-29R1 allows different 
compliance times for overhaul or replacement of the piston rod, 
depending on the condition of the piston rod when inspected.
    After the NPRM was published, we received comments from Bell 
requesting we mandate replacement of servo actuator P/N 222-382-001-107 
with servo actuator part number P/N 222-382-001-111 even if no pitting 
or penetration of the base metal is found during the inspection, in 
accordance with the replacement provisions in its Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) 430-11-46, Revision A, dated June 20, 2012. In light of 
those comments, we determined that our AD should retain all of the 
inspection requirements of AD 2010-19-51 and also include compliance 
times specified in Revision A of the ASB for replacing servo actuator 
P/N 222-382-001-107 with servo actuator P/N 222-382-001-111 or -111FM. 
Therefore, we revised the proposed actions accordingly. Because those 
changes expanded the scope of the original NPRM, we determined that it 
was necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional 
opportunity for the public to comment. A supplemental notice of 
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) was published in the Federal Register on 
June 16, 2015 (80 FR 34332).
    Since the SNPRM was issued, the FAA Southwest Regional Office has 
relocated and a group email address has been established for requesting 
an FAA Alternative Method of Compliance for a helicopter of foreign 
design. We have updated this information throughout this AD.
    We have also removed the proposed paragraph (f)(7) from the 
Required Actions section, which would have required overhauling servo 
actuator P/N 222-382-001-111 or P/N 222-382-001-

[[Page 24011]]

111FM at intervals not to exceed 10 years or 10,000 hours TIS, 
whichever occurs first. Because replacement of servo actuator P/N 222-
382-001-107 with P/N 222-382-001-111 or -111FM corrects the unsafe 
condition, we have determined that AD action for this overhaul 
requirement is not appropriate.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the SNPRM (80 FR 34332, June 
16, 2015).

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, TCCA, its technical 
representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the TCCA AD. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by TCCA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same 
type designs and that air safety and the public interest require 
adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the TCCA AD

    The TCCA AD requires inspecting each servo actuator to determine 
the condition of the piston rod assembly no later than 5 hours upon 
receiving the original issue of its AD. This AD requires inspecting 
each servo actuator to determine the condition of the piston rod 
assembly before further flight.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Woodward HRT Service Bulletin 141600-67-02, dated 
August 18, 2010, which provides instructions for disassembling the 
servo actuator and for cleaning and inspecting the piston rod and nut. 
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 ASB 222-11-111 for Model 222 and 222B 
helicopters, ASB 222U-11-82 for Model 222U helicopters, ASB 230-11-43 
for Model 230 helicopters, and ASB 430-11-46 for Model 430 helicopters, 
all Revision A and all dated June 22, 2012. The ASBs contain, and 
require compliance with, Woodward HRT Service Bulletin 141600-67-03, 
dated February 14, 2012, to upgrade the servo actuator by replacing the 
piston rod and then re-identifying the servo actuator dash number with 
``-111FM.'' The compliance time for upgrading the servo actuator varies 
depending on the results of the inspections required by Woodward HRT 
Service Bulletin 141600-67-02, dated August 18, 2010. The Bell ASBs 
also provide an alternative inspection procedure for servo actuator P/N 
222-382-001-107 that has not reached certain hours TIS and where the 
servo actuator cannot be upgraded. TCCA classified these ASBs as 
mandatory and issued AD No. CF-2010-29R1, dated July 26, 2012, to 
ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 146 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, 
we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting a servo actuator requires 4 work-hours per 
actuator for a labor cost of $340. No parts are needed for a total cost 
of $1,020 per helicopter and $148,920 for the U.S. fleet given 3 
actuators per helicopter.
     Replacing a servo actuator requires 8 work-hours for a 
labor cost of $680. Parts cost $35,700 for a total cost of $36,380 per 
actuator.

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 have 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2010-19-51, Amendment 39-16523 (75 FR 71540, November 24, 2010), and 
adding the following new AD:

2016-08-17 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39-18494; 
Docket No. FAA-2013-0734; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-080-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 
222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 helicopters, with a main rotor 
hydraulic servo actuator (servo actuator) part number (P/N) 222-382-
001-107 installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as corrosion or a 
nonconforming grind relief on the output piston rod assembly (piston 
rod). This condition could lead to failure of the piston rod, 
failure of the servo actuator, and subsequent loss of helicopter 
control.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2010-19-51, Amendment 39-16523 (75 FR 
71540, November 24, 2010).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 31, 2016.

[[Page 24012]]

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    Before further flight:
    (1) Disassemble each servo actuator to gain access to the piston 
rod as shown in Figures 1 through 5 and by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A., Part I., of Woodward 
HRT Alert Service Bulletin No. 141600-67-02, dated August 18, 2010 
(Woodward ASB).
    (2) Clean the entire piston rod and nut using acetone and a 
nylon bristle brush removing all contaminates to allow for 
inspection. Inspect the grind relief configuration for the piston 
rod and nut as shown in Figure 6 of the Woodward ASB. If the grind 
relief is unacceptable as shown in Figure 6, replace the piston rod 
and the nut with airworthy parts.
    (3) Using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect the 
nut for any corrosion or any damage to the threads. If you find any 
corrosion or any damage to the threads, replace the nut with an 
airworthy nut.
    (4) Using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, visually inspect the 
piston rod as shown in Figure 7 of the Woodward ASB for any 
corrosion, visible lack of cadmium plate (gold or gray color), or 
damage to the piston rod. For the purposes of this AD, damage to the 
piston rod is defined as pitting, a visible scratch, a crack, or a 
visible abrasion.
    (i) If there is any corrosion or visible lack of cadmium plate 
or any damage to the piston rod in the Critical Areas as shown in 
Figure 7 of the Woodward ASB, replace the servo actuator with servo 
actuator P/N 222-382-001-111 or P/N 222-382-001-111FM before further 
flight.
    (ii) If there is any corrosion or visible lack of cadmium plate 
on the piston rod in areas that are not considered Critical Areas as 
shown in Figure 7 of the Woodward ASB, rework the piston rod by 
removing any surface corrosion that has not penetrated into the base 
material by lightly buffing. Clean the part using acetone and a 
nylon bristle brush to remove any residue. Comply with paragraphs 
(f)(5) through (f)(6) of this AD. Within 1,200 hours time-in-service 
(TIS) or 1 year, whichever occurs first, replace the servo actuator 
with servo actuator P/N 222-382-001-111 or P/N 222-382-001-111FM.
    (iii) If there is any corrosion that is red or orange in color, 
magnetic particle inspect the piston rod for a crack.
    (A) If there is a crack, replace the servo actuator with servo 
actuator, P/N 222-382-001-111 or P/N 222-382-001-111FM before 
further flight.
    (B) If there is no crack, comply with paragraphs (f)(5) through 
(f)(6) of this AD. Within 2,400 hours TIS or 2 years, whichever 
occurs first, replace the servo actuator with servo actuator P/N 
222-382-001-111 or P/N 222-382-001-111FM.
    (iv) If there is no corrosion, visible lack of cadmium plate, or 
damage to the piston rod, comply with paragraphs (f)(5) through 
(f)(6) of this AD. Within 3,000 hours TIS or 4 years, whichever 
occurs first, replace the servo actuator with servo actuator P/N 
222-382-001-111 or P/N 222-382-001-111FM.
    (5) Inspect the portion of the piston rod for any absence of 
cadmium plating (bare base metal), as shown in Figure 7 of the 
Woodward ASB. If there is any bare base metal on the piston rod in 
this area, apply brush cadmium plating to all bare and reworked 
areas using SPS5070 or equivalent 0.0002 to 0.0005 inch thick and 
rework the piston rod by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph C., Part III, C.1.1.1. through C.1.1.3., of the Woodward 
ASB.
    (6) Reassemble the servo actuator by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph C, Part III, 1.1.4. through 
3.3.4. of the Woodward ASB.

(g) Credit for Actions Previously Completed

    Compliance with the Woodward ASB or with AD 2010-19-51 (75 FR 
71540, November 24, 2010) before the effective date of this AD is 
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
inspections specified in paragraph (f) of this AD. If you replaced 
the piston rod pursuant to the Woodward ASB or paragraph (d)(1) or 
(d)(3) of AD 2010-19-51, apply the requirements of paragraph 
(f)(4)(iv) of this AD.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, 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 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.

(i) Additional Information

    (1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 222-11-111 for Model 
222 and 222B helicopters, ASB No. 222U-11-82 for Model 222U 
helicopters, ASB No. 230-11-43 for Model 230 helicopters, and ASB 
No. 430-11-46 for Model 430 helicopters, all Revision A and all 
dated June 22, 2012, which are not incorporated by reference, 
contain 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 a 
copy of the 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 the Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD No. CF-2010-29R1, dated July 26, 2012. You 
may view the TCCA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FAA-2013-0734.

(j) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6730, Rotorcraft 
Servo System.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 9, 2010 (75 FR 71540, November 24, 2010).
    (i) Woodward HRT Alert Service Bulletin No. 141600-67-02, dated 
August 18, 2010.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For Woodward HRT 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/.
    (5) You may view this service information at 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.
    (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 13, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-09236 Filed 4-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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