[4910-13-P]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0400; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-48-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 

Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 

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

helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting each bearing to determine if it 

has been properly staked and replacing the bearing or assembly if it has not been staked 

properly. This proposed AD is prompted by bearings not being staked as required and 

migrating out of their proper position, which may limit the functionality of the affected 

part. The proposed actions are intended to prevent failure of a bearing and the assembly 

in which it is installed and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by [INSERT DATE

60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

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.
2

 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 

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 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, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 

Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety

Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham 

Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 

sharon.y.miles@faa.gov.
3

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 

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

Canadian AD No. CF-2009-32, dated July 24, 2009, to correct an unsafe condition for the 

specified Bell model helicopters. Transport Canada advises that some bearings may not 

have been staked as required, which may limit the proper functioning of the affected part.

Bell, the helicopter manufacturer, received two reports stating that a bearing migrated out 

of a flight control lever. Investigation revealed that, although the inspection witness mark 
4

was applied to the part, the bearing had not been staked during manufacturing. Affected 

parts were associated with a single Bell supplier. Review of the supplier’s manufacturing 

and quality process indicates inspection of additional parts is necessary.

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, Transport Canada 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 helicopters of 

these same type designs.

Related Service Information

Bell has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-09-122 for Model 206A/B 

series; No. 206L-09-156 for Model 206L series; No. 222-09-107 for Model 222 and 

222B; No. 222U-09-78 for Model 222U; No. 230-09-39 for Model 230; No. 407-09-88 

for Model 407; No. 427-09-25 for Model 427; and No. 430-09-42, for Model 430, all

dated April 7, 2009. The ASBs specify inspecting for parts that contain bearings that have 

not been staked. 

Proposed AD Requirements

This proposed AD would require using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass 

or a boroscope to inspect each bearing in each affected part to determine if each bearing 

has been properly staked. This proposed AD would only require parts that contain a serial 

number with a prefix of “TI” or “TIFS,” or parts without a serial number even if the part 

has a supplier marking with a circle around a “T.M.” over a “1,” to be inspected. If you 
5

cannot access the part to determine if the bearing is properly staked, this proposed AD 

would require removing the part from the helicopter to inspect it.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 2,601 helicopters of U.S. 

registry. Based on an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, we estimate that operators 

may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. It would take about 1 to 5 

work-hours per helicopter, depending on the model, to inspect for properly staked 

bearings. Replacing a bearing would require about 2 work-hours and would cost $3,306 

for required parts. Based on an average inspection time of 2 work-hours, we estimate the 

cost of this proposed AD to inspect the helicopters would be $170 per helicopter and 

$442,170 for the U.S. operator fleet. Replacing a bearing would cost $3,476 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 
6

because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on product(s) 

identified in this rulemaking action.

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;
7

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 

amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

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 adding the following new airworthiness directive 

(AD):

BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA LIMITED: Docket No. 

FAA-2013-0400; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-48-AD.
8

(a) Applicability.

This AD applies to Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222,

222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters as follows, certificated in any category.

(1) Model 206A, Model 206B helicopters converted from Model 206A, and 

Model 206B with Bellcrank Assembly, part-number (P/N) 206-001-526-001 or

206-001-538-009; Idler Link Assembly, P/N 206-010-336-109; or Link Assembly, P/N 

206-031-589-001, installed.

(2) Model 206L, Model 206L-1, Model 206L-3, and Model 206L-4 with Idler 

Assembly, P/N 206-001-549-101; Bellcrank Assembly, P/N 206-001-552-001; or Link 

Assembly, P/N 206-010-336-109, installed.

(3) Model 222 and Model 222B with 

(i) Cyclic Link Assembly, P/N 222-010-419-110; or

(ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-001 or 

222-001-736-005, installed.

(4) Model 222U with

(i) Cyclic Link Assembly, P/N 222-010-419-110; or

(ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-001 or 

222-001-736-005, installed.

(5) Model 230 with

(i) Fitting Assembly Engine Bipod Mount, P/N 230-060-113-101, 

230-060-113-102, 230-060-114-101, or 230-060-114-102; Cyclic Link Assembly P/N 

222-010-419-110; or
9

(ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-001, or 

222-001-736-005, installed.

(6) Model 407 with

(i) Bearing and Liner Assembly, P/N 406-010-417-101; Cyclic Mixer Follower 

Assembly, P/N 407-001-325-101; Bellcrank Assembly, P/N 407-001-524-105, 

407-001-524-109, 407-001-526-105, 407-001-526-109, 407-001-528-101, or 

407-001-528-105; or

(ii) Beam Assembly, P/N 407-001-723-101, installed.

(7) Model 427 with Swashplate Lateral Link Assembly (upper and lower bearing), 

P/N 427-001-021-101; Swashplate Longitudinal Link Assembly (upper and lower 

bearing), P/N 427-001-022-101; Transmission Mounted Longitudinal Bellcrank 

Assembly (pivot bearing), P/N 427-001-521-105/-109; Transmission Mounted Lateral 

Bellcrank Assembly (pivot bearing), P/N 427-001-520-109/-113; or Bearing and Liner 

(lower drive link bearing), P/N 406-010-417-109, installed.

(8) Model 427 with Tail Rotor Actuator Output Idler, P/N 427-001-723-101,

installed.

(9) Model 430 with 

(i) Fitting Assembly Engine Bipod Mount, P/N 230-060-113-101, 

230-060-113-102, 230-060-114-101, or 230-060-114-102; Bearing Assembly M/R 

Rotating Controls, P/N 430-010-449-101; Rod End Assembly Lift link, P/N 

430-010-204-101 or 430-010-204-103, or

(ii) Bellcrank Assembly Directional Controls, P/N 222-001-734-001, or 

222-001-736-005, installed.
10

(b) Unsafe Condition.

This AD defines the unsafe condition as bearings that may not have been staked 

as required and may migrate out of their proper position and limit the functionality of the

affected part. This condition could result in failure of a bearing and the lever assembly in 

which it is installed and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date.

We must receive comments by [INSERT DATE 60 DAYS AFTER DATE OF 

PUBLICATION IN THE Federal Register].

(d) 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.

(e) Required Actions.

(1) Perform each action required by this AD within the compliance time for each 

part listed in the applicability paragraph of this AD as follows: (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(6)(i), 

(a)(7), and (a)(8), within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs 

first; (a)(3)(i), (a)(4)(i), (a)(5)(i), and (a)(9)(i), within 5 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever 

occurs first; (a)(3)(ii), (a)(4)(ii), (a)(5)(ii), and (a)(9)(ii) within 150 hours TIS or 12 

months, whichever occurs first; and (a)(6)(ii) within 300 hours TIS or 12 months, 

whichever occurs first.

(2) Using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass or using a boroscope, inspect 

each bearing and determine if the bearing has been properly staked for each part that 

contains a part serial number with a prefix of either “TI” or “TIFS.”
11

(i) If a part does not contain a serial number, inspect the bearing of that part even 

if that part contains a supplier marking.

(ii) If you cannot access the bearing while the part is installed on the helicopter to 

make a determination as to whether the bearing in the part is properly staked, remove the 

part and inspect the bearing using a 10X or higher power magnifying glass or using a 

boroscope.

(iii) If you find a part that is not properly staked, replace the bearing or the 

assembly with an airworthy bearing or assembly before further flight.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs).

(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for 

this AD. Send your proposal to Sharon Miles, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, 

Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 

Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5110, email sharon.y.miles@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.

(g) Additional Information.

(1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-09-122 for Models 206A and 

206B; No. 206L-09-156 for Models 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4; No. 222-09-107 

for Models 222 and 222B; No. 222U-09-78 for Model 222U; No. 230-09-39 for Model 

230; No. 407-09-88 for Model 407; No. 427-09-25 for Model 427; and No. 430-09-42 for 
12

Model 430, all dated April 7, 2009, which are not incorporated by reference, contain 

additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in 

this proposed 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 the 

referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 

Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD No. CF-2009-32, 

dated July 24, 2009.

(h) Subject.

Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code: 6700 Rotorcraft Flight Controls 

and 6710 Main Rotor Control.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 26, 2013.

Kim Smith,

Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,

Aircraft Certification Service.