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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 20, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51123-51126]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20309]

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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]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron (Bell) Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 
430 helicopters. The existing AD currently requires inspecting parts of 
the main rotor hydraulic servo actuator (servo actuator) for certain 
conditions and

[[Page 51124]]

replacing any unairworthy parts before further flight. Since we issued 
the AD, a new stainless steel piston rod has been manufactured. We 
propose requiring the installation of a servo actuator assembly with 
this piston rod and setting an interval for the next overhaul at 10,000 
hours time-in-service (TIS) or 10 years, whichever comes first. The 
proposed actions are intended to detect pitting or penetration of the 
base metal of the piston rod that could lead to the piston rod's 
failure, the servo actuator's failure, and the loss of helicopter 
control.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 21, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD 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 proposed AD, the foreign 
authority's AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Bell Helicopter Textron, 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 service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Wilbanks, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email matt.wilbanks@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    On November 24, 2010, we published AD 2010-19-51, Amendment 39-
16523 (75 FR 71540), for Bell Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 430 
helicopters. AD 2010-19-51 requires inspecting parts of the servo 
actuator for certain conditions and replacing any unairworthy parts 
before further flight. AD 2010-19-51 was prompted by a collective servo 
actuator malfunction. A subsequent investigation revealed that the 
output piston rod assembly had fractured at the threaded end because of 
corrosion cracking. The investigation also showed a nonconforming grind 
relief on a separate piston rod. The actions of AD 2010-19-51 were 
intended to detect corrosion or a nonconforming piston rod that, if not 
corrected, could result in the failure of the piston rod, failure of 
the servo actuator, and subsequent loss of the helicopter.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2010-19-51 (75 FR 71540, November 24, 2010), 
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority 
for Canada, issued Canadian AD No. CF-2010-29R1, dated July 26, 2012, 
to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Model 222, 222B, 222U, 230, and 
430 helicopters with servo actuator part number (P/N) 222-382-001-107. 
TCCA AD No. CF-2010-29R1 supersedes AD No. CF-2010-29, dated August 26, 
2010. The original TCCA AD required a one-time inspection of the servo 
actuator for corrosion or a crack, and if needed, repair of the servo 
actuator. AD No. CF-2010-29 also set intervals for a required overhaul 
of the servo actuator, depending on the primer or plating on the piston 
rod.
    TCCA's subsequent 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. 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.

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 
its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known 
relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (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 color and amount of corrosion 
found and type of plating on the piston rod. The Bell ASBs also provide 
an alternative inspection and procedure for servo actuator P/N 222-382-
001-107 which have 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

[[Page 51125]]

ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would supersede AD 2010-19-51, Amendment 39-16523 
(75 FR 71540, November 24, 2010) and would require within 5 hours time-
in-service (TIS), inspecting servo actuator, P/N 222-382-001-107, using 
a 10X or higher power magnifying glass to determine whether the piston 
rod has any pitting or penetration of the base metal.
    If the piston rod has pitting or penetration of the base metal, the 
proposed AD would require, before further flight, replacing the servo 
actuator with servo actuator P/N 222-382-001-111 or P/N 222-382-001-
111FM. Thereafter, the proposed AD would require 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 TIS, whichever comes first.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the TCCA AD

    This proposed AD differs from the TCCA AD as follows:
    The TCCA AD sets three different timelines or time-in-service 
requirements for the overhaul or upgrade of the applicable servo 
actuators, depending on the damage and type of material applied to 
protect the piston rod.
    We would require replacing, before further flight, the piston rod 
if it has pitting or any penetration of the base metal.
    The TCCA AD requires returning parts to the manufacturer, and this 
proposed AD would not.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 146 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 an hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     Inspecting the servo actuators would require 4 work-hours 
for a labor cost of $340 per helicopter, and $49,640 for the U.S. 
fleet.
     Overhauling the servo actuators would require 8 work-hours 
for a labor cost of $680. Parts would cost $11,900 for a total cost of 
$12,580 per helicopter.
     Replacing the servo actuators would require 8 hours work-
hours for a labor cost of $680. Parts would cost $35,700 for a total 
cost of $36,380 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.
    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 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
    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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed 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.

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 removing Amendment 39-16523, 75 FR 
71540, and adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Bell Helicopter Textron: 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 pitting or any other 
penetration of the base metal on the output piston rod assembly. 
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) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 21, 2013.

(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

    (1) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect servo 
actuator, P/N 222-382-001-107, using a 10X or higher power 
magnifying glass to determine whether the piston rod has any pitting 
or penetration of the base metal.
    (2) If the piston rod has pitting or any penetration of the base 
metal, replace with servo actuator P/N 222-382-001-111 or P/N 222-
382-001-111FM, before further flight. Thereafter, overhaul 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 TIS, whichever comes first.

 (g) 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, Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 
222-5110; email matt.wilbanks@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.

[[Page 51126]]

(h) Additional Information

    (1) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation AD No. CF-2010-29R1, dated July 26, 2012. A copy of 
this document is available for review in Docket No. FAA-2013-0734 on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) 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, contain information to replace and overhaul the 
servo actuator. You may review service information at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(i) Subject

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

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 12, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20309 Filed 8-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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