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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 125 (Thursday, June 30, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39015-39019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-13858]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0807; Project Identifier AD-2022-00214-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2021-26-08, which applies to certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 
206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters. AD 2021-26-08 requires removing certain nuts from service; 
installing newly designed nuts; applying a specific torque, and a 
torque stripe to each newly installed nut; after the installation of 
each newly designed nut, inspecting the torque; and depending on the 
inspection results, either applying a torque stripe, or performing 
further inspections and removing certain parts from service. AD 2021-
26-08 also prohibits installing any affected nut on any tail rotor 
drive shaft (TRDS) disc pack (Thomas) coupling. Since the FAA issued AD 
2021-26-089, the FAA determined certain torque values and part numbers 
(P/Ns) need to be revised. This proposed AD would require removing 
certain nuts from service; installing newly designed nuts; applying 
torque and a torque stripe; and

[[Page 39016]]

additional corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would also 
prohibit installing any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling, as 
specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed for incorporation 
by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 
2022.

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 https://www.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.
    For Transport Canada material that is proposed for IBR in this 
NPRM, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft 
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; 
telephone 888-663-3639; email [email protected]; internet https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find the Transport Canada material on the Transport 
Canada website at https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. For Air Comm 
Corporation service information identified in this NPRM, contact Air 
Comm Corporation, 1575 West 124th Ave. #210, Westminster, CO 80234; 
telephone (303) 440-4075; email [email protected]; or at https://www.aircommcorp.com. For Bell service information identified in this 
NPRM, contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, 
Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-
8023; fax 1-450-433-0272; email [email protected]; or at 
https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view this 
material 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. The Transport Canada material is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0807.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0807; 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, the 
Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Fuller, AD Program Manager, 
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 
76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 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-2022-0807; Project Identifier 
AD-2022-00214-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 
https://www.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 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 Matt 
Fuller, AD Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2021-26-08, Amendment 39-21867 (86 FR 72833, 
December 23, 2021) (AD 2021-26-08) for Bell Textron Canada Limited 
Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters, with nut P/N MS21042L4 or P/N MS21042L5 installed on the 
TRDS Thomas couplings. AD 2021-26-08 requires removing certain nuts 
from service, installing newly designed nuts, and applying a specific 
torque and a torque stripe to each newly installed nut. AD 2021-26-08 
also requires, after the installation of each newly designed nut, 
inspecting the torque and, depending on the inspection results, either 
applying a torque stripe or performing further inspections and removing 
certain parts from service. Finally, AD 2021-26-08 prohibits installing 
any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling. The FAA issued AD 2021-
26-08 to prevent failure or loss of a nut on any TRDS Thomas coupling.
    AD 2021-26-08 was prompted by Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15, dated 
May 13, 2020 (Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15). Transport Canada, which 
is the aviation authority for Canada, issued Transport Canada AD CF-
2020-15 to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron Canada Limited 
Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters, all serial numbers. Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 
specifies for certain model helicopters, newly designed nuts cannot be 
installed because Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH2750NM and 
Transport Canada STC SH99-202 install a pulley at the Thomas coupling 
location causing insufficient clearance. Transport Canada advises, for 
certain model helicopters with STC SH2750NM or Transport Canada STC 
SH99-202 installed, different part-numbered nuts may be installed and 
are now required to be replaced with a new part-numbered nut that is 
not vulnerable to the unsafe condition.

[[Page 39017]]

Actions Since AD 2021-26-08 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2021-26-08, the FAA determined that certain 
P/Ns and certain torque values in paragraph (g) of AD 2021-26-08 need 
to be revised. The FAA advises that the 50-70 in lb torque values are 
only applicable to certain bolts and nuts, and a 150-180 in lb torque 
value is required for other bolts and nuts that are required to be 
installed by this proposed AD. The FAA also advises that certain part-
numbered nuts that are required to be installed according to AD 2021-
26-08 need to be removed from service and replaced due to a certain 
pulley configuration.
    This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked or missing nuts 
installed on the TRDS Thomas couplings. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
prevent failure or loss of a nut on the TRDS Thomas couplings, which if 
not addressed could result in loss of the tail rotor and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter. See Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 
for additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 requires the replacement of certain 
part-numbered nuts with newly designed nuts at each TRDS Thomas 
coupling and prohibits installing any affected nut on any TRDS Thomas 
coupling. The replacement includes applying torque, and a torque 
stripe.
    The FAA reviewed Air Comm Corporation Service Bulletin SB 206EC-
092619, Revision NC, dated September 26, 2019, which also specifies 
procedures for replacing the affected nuts with the newly designed 
corrosion-resistant nuts, but explains that affected helicopters 
equipped with Air Comm Corporation air conditioning systems installed 
under STC SH2750NM use the affected nut to attach a pulley onto the 
TRDS, which causes clearance issues for the nuts to be installed at the 
coupling. Therefore, this service bulletin specifies replacing the nut 
with a lower profile nut.
    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 the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-19-136, 
dated August 27, 2019, for FAA-certificated Model 206, 206A-series, and 
206B-series helicopters, and non FAA-certificated Model TH-67 
helicopters; and Bell ASB 206L-19-181, dated August 27, 2019, and 
Revision A, dated August 29, 2019, for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 
206L-4 helicopters. This service information specifies procedures for 
replacing the affected nuts with the newly designed corrosion-resistant 
nuts. Revision A of Bell ASB 206L-19-181 corrects a typographical 
error.
    Additionally, the FAA reviewed Bell Service Instruction BHT-206-SI-
2052, Revision 1, dated October 14, 2010. This service information 
specifies procedures to upgrade Model 206L-1 and 206L-3 helicopters to 
allow operations at an increased internal gross weight.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15

    Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 requires compliance with certain 
actions within 600 hours air time or within the next 24 months, 
whichever occurs first, whereas this proposed AD would require 
compliance within 600 hours time-in-service only. Service information 
referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 specifies if any P/N 
MS21042L4 nuts are found loose or damaged, reporting the location and 
providing the information to Bell, whereas this proposed AD would 
require if any P/N MS21042L4 nuts are found loose or damaged, 
inspecting each TRDS Thomas coupling, including each bolt, nut, and 
washer, for any elongated holes, fretting on the fasteners, and damaged 
fasteners, and depending on the results of the inspection, removing 
from service each affected part and replacing it with an airworthy 
part.

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, its 
technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all 
known relevant information and determining that the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters 
of these same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15, described previously, as 
incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as 
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and Transport 
Canada AD CF-2020-15.''

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been 
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the 
FAA proposes to incorporate Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 by reference 
in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require 
compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 in its entirety through 
that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions 
in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are 
the same as the heading of a particular section in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2020-15 does not mean that operators need comply only with that 
section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ``corrective 
actions,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the 
section titled ``Corrective Actions'' in Transport Canada AD CF-2020-
15. Service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 
for compliance will be available at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0807 after the FAA final 
rule is published.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 1,359 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.
    Replacing each affected nut with the newly designed nut and 
applying torque and a torque stripe would take about 4 work-hours, and 
parts would cost about $75 for an estimated cost of $415 per nut 
replacement and $563,985 per nut replacement for the U.S. fleet.
    In addition, the costs of the actions that are part of the required 
replacement are as follows:
    If required due to loose or damaged nuts found, inspecting each 
TRDS Thomas coupling, and each bolt, nut, and washer for elongated 
holes and fretting on the fasteners would take about 0.5 work-hour for 
an estimated cost of $43 per inspection.

[[Page 39018]]

    If required, replacing each TRDS Thomas coupling would take about 4 
work-hours, and parts would cost about $4,000 for an estimated cost of 
$4,340 per TRDS Thomas coupling replacement.
    If required, replacing a bolt or washer would take a minimal amount 
of time and parts would cost a nominal amount.

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 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-26-08, Amendment 39-21867 (86 
FR 72833, December 23, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Bell Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2022-0807; Project 
Identifier AD-2022-00214-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by August 15, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-26-08, Amendment 39-21867 (86 FR 72833, 
December 23, 2021) (AD 2021-26-08).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206, 206A, 
206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, 
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
    Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an OH-58A designation 
are Model 206A-1 helicopters.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor 
Drive Shaft.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked or missing nuts 
installed on the tail rotor drive shaft (TRDS) disc pack (Thomas) 
couplings. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure or loss of 
a nut on the TRDS Thomas couplings. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in loss of the tail rotor and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply 
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in 
accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15, dated May 13, 2020 
(Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15).

(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15

    (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 requires compliance in 
terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service 
(TIS).
    (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 refers to the effective 
dates specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD, this AD 
requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (i) October 9, 2019 (the effective date of Transport Canada AD 
CF-2019-34, dated September 25, 2019).
    (ii) The effective date of Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15.
    (3) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 defines Group 1 
helicopters as those models ``that have not been modified by 
installing STC SH2750NM or STC SH99-202,'' replace ``that have not 
been modified by installing STC SH2750NM or STC SH99-202'' with 
``that have not been modified by installing STC SH2750NM.''
    (4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 defines Group 4 
helicopters as those models ``that have been modified by installing 
STC SH2750NM or STC SH99-202,'' replace ``that have been modified by 
installing STC SH2750NM or STC SH99-202'' with ``that have been 
modified by installing STC SH2750NM.''
    (5) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 requires compliance 
within 600 hours air time or 24 months, whichever occurs first, this 
AD requires compliance within 600 hours TIS only and does not allow 
a compliance time of 24 months.
    (6) Where any paragraph of Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 
specifies to replace part number (P/N) MS21042 nuts with P/N NAS9926 
nuts, this AD requires removing P/N MS21042 nuts from service and 
replacing with P/N NAS9926 nuts.
    (7) Where any paragraph of any service information referenced in 
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 specifies to replace P/N MS21042L4 
nuts with P/N 90-132L4 nuts, this AD requires removing P/N MS21042L4 
nuts from service and replacing with P/N 90-132L4 nuts, in 
accordance with Air Comm Corporation Service Bulletin SB 206EC-
092619, Revision NC, dated September 26, 2019 (SB 206EC-092619 Rev 
NC).
    (8) Where any paragraph of any service information referenced in 
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 specifies to replace P/N MS21042L5 
nuts with P/N 90-132L5 nuts, this AD requires removing P/N MS21042L5 
nuts from service and replacing with P/N 90-132L5 nuts, in 
accordance with SB 206EC-092619 Rev NC.
    (9) Where any paragraph of any service information referenced in 
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15 specifies if any P/N MS21042L4 nuts 
are found loose or damaged, report at which location and provide the 
information to Product Support Engineering at 
[email protected], this AD requires if any P/N MS21042L4 
nuts are found loose or damaged, before further flight, inspecting 
each TRDS Thomas coupling, including each bolt, nut, and washer, for 
any elongated holes, fretting on the fasteners, and damaged 
fasteners. If there is any elongated hole, fretting on the 
fasteners, or damaged fasteners, this AD requires before further 
flight, removing from service each affected part and replacing it 
with an airworthy part.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2020-15 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

[[Page 39019]]

(j) 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 (k)(2) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For Transport Canada AD CF-2020-15, contact Transport 
Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 
Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-
663-3639; email [email protected]; internet https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find the Transport Canada material on the 
Transport Canada website at https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You 
may view this material 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. This material may be found in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0807.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Matt Fuller, AD 
Program Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Unit, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].
    (3) For Air Comm Corporation service information identified in 
this AD, contact Air Comm Corporation, 1575 West 124th Ave. #210, 
Westminster, CO 80234; telephone (303) 440-4075; email 
[email protected]; or at https://www.aircommcorp.com. You may 
view this material 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.

    Issued on June 23, 2022.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-13858 Filed 6-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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