16112 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 67 / Thursday, April 9, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

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. 

• 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; 

• 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. 

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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 67 / Thursday, April 9, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 16113 

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. 

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: 

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: 

2009–08–03 Bell Helicopter Textron 

Canada Limited: Amendment 39–15876. 

Docket No. FAA–2009–0301; 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. 

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16114 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 67 / Thursday, April 9, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 

ASB No. Revision Date Helicopter model 

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. 

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 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. 

[FR Doc. E9–7783 Filed 4–8–09; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2008–0772; Directorate 

Identifier 2008–SW–30–AD; Amendment 39– 

15872; AD 2009–07–13] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; MD 

Helicopters, Inc. Model MD900 

(including the MD902 Configuration) 

Helicopters 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration, DOT. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a 

new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 

specified MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) 

model helicopters that requires, within 

30 days, reducing the current gross 

weight limit to a maximum gross weight 

limit of 5,400 pounds and inserting a 

copy of this AD into the Limitations 

section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual 

(RFM) or making certain optional 

modifications that constitute 

terminating actions. This amendment is 

prompted by flight tests that show that 

the information currently listed in the 

Limitations section of the RFM is 

inconsistent with the actual 

performance of the helicopter. The 

actions specified by this AD are 

intended to prevent loss of directional 

control of the helicopter. 

DATES: Effective May 14, 2009. 

The incorporation by reference of 

certain publications listed in the 

regulations is approved by the Director 

of the Federal Register as of May 14, 

2009. 

ADDRESSES: You may get the service 

information identified in this AD from 

MD Helicopters Inc., Attn: Customer 

Support Division, 4555 E. McDowell 

Rd., Mail Stop M615, Mesa, Arizona 

85215–9734, telephone 1–800–388– 

3378, fax 480–346–6813, or on the Web 

at http://www.mdhelicopters.com. 

Examining the Docket: You may 

examine the docket that contains this 

AD, any comments, and other 

information on the Internet at http:// 

www.regulations.gov or at the Docket 

Operations office, West Building 

Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 

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