Document ID: FAA-2013-0500-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model Helicopters
Posted Date: 2013-06-11T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 11, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34958-34960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-13797]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0500; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-45-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), 
Model Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for the Bell Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. 
The AD currently requires reidentifying each affected part-numbered 
main rotor yoke (yoke) on its data plate, reducing the retirement life 
of the reidentified yoke, and revising the Airworthiness Limitations 
section of the maintenance manual or the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness (ICAs) accordingly. Since we issued the AD, we have 
discovered that the affected yokes do not have a data plate, making 
compliance with the part-marking requirements of the existing AD 
impossible. This proposed AD would retain the current requirements with 
the exception of the P/N marking location. The actions specified in 
this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of a yoke, failure of 
the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 12, 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 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, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; 
telephone (817) 280-3391; fax (817) 280-6466; 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: Michael Kohner, ASW-170, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification 
Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 
222-5170, fax (817) 222-5783, email 7-avs-asw-170@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

[[Page 34959]]

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 February 12, 2009, we issued AD 2009-05-09, Amendment 39-15833 
(74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009), for Bell Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP 
helicopters. The AD requires reidentifying each affected part-numbered 
yoke based on whether it was ever installed on a Model 412CF helicopter 
or on a Model 412 or 412EP helicopter with a slope landing kit. The AD 
also requires reducing the retirement life of each reidentified yoke 
from 5,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 4,500 hours TIS and revising 
the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual or ICAs 
accordingly. Finally, the AD requires recording each reidentified yoke 
P/N and the reduced retirement life on the component history card or 
equivalent record. The AD was prompted by a fatigue analysis that shows 
that the retirement life should be reduced on certain yokes. Those 
actions are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of a yoke, failure of 
the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2009-05-09 (74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009), we 
have discovered that the affected yokes do not have a data plate, 
making compliance with the part-marking requirements of the existing AD 
impossible. Bell determined the new P/N should be etched on the side of 
the yoke rather than on the data plate and issued Revision A to Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 412-08-128 for the Bell Model 412 and 412EP 
helicopters (ASB 412-08-128A) and ASB No. 412CF-08-35 for the Bell 
Model 412CF helicopters (ASB 412CF-08-35A), both dated April 14, 2009. 
Bell also determined the etched surface on the side of the yoke would 
need to be treated with a chemical film and refinished after 
reidentifying the P/N to protect the yoke from corrosion.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other helicopters of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    ASB 412-08-128A and ASB 412CF-08-35A contain procedures for 
reidentifying the yoke by using a vibrating stylus to etch a new P/N on 
the side of the yoke. These ASBs also specify recording the new P/N on 
the component history card and reducing the retirement life of the 
yoke.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain the current requirements of AD 2009-
05-09 (74 FR 11001, March 16, 2009), with the exception of the P/N 
marking location. This proposed AD would require that the new P/N be 
etched on the side of the yoke instead of on the data plate as required 
by AD 2009-05-09. This action would also require treating the etched 
surface on the side of yoke with a chemical film and refinishing the 
yoke after reidentifying the P/N.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 115 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. It would take about 3 work hours to 
review and revise the records to reflect the new retirement life and 
reidentify the P/N at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Based 
on these estimates, the cost would be $255 per helicopter and $29,325 
for the U.S. operator fleet. Replacing a yoke would take about 20 work 
hours and $50,196 for the required parts for a cost of $51,896 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 airworthiness directive (AD) 
2009-05-09, Amendment 39-15833 (74

[[Page 34960]]

FR 11001, March 16, 2009), and adding the following new AD:

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0500; Directorate 
Identifier 2012-SW-45-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model 412 and 412EP helicopters with a main 
rotor yoke assembly (yoke), part number (P/N) 412-010-101-123, -127, 
-129, or -133, installed; and Model 412CF helicopters with a yoke, 
P/N 412-010-101-127 or -129, installed; certificated in any 
category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as fatigue cracking of a 
yoke, failure of the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2009-05-09, Amendment 39-15833 (74 FR 
11001, March 16, 2009).

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time, unless it has been 
accomplished previously.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (1) Review the helicopter records to determine all of the 
helicopter models on which an affected yoke has been installed since 
its production and the hours TIS of each affected yoke.
    (2) If an affected part-numbered yoke is installed or has ever 
been installed on a Model 412CF helicopter or on a Model 412 or 
412EP helicopter with a (BHT-412-SI-62) slope landing kit, P/N 412-
704-012-101, installed, do the following:
    (i) Reidentify the P/N on the side of the yoke by using a 
vibrating stylus and etching two lines through the last three digits 
of the existing P/N and etching ``137FM'' adjacent to where you 
etched through the last three digits of the original P/N. This 
converts each affected yoke P/N to a new yoke P/N 412-010-101-137FM. 
The serial number remains the same.

    Note 1 to paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD: The ``FM'' P/N suffix 
denotes a field-modified part.

    (ii) Treat the etched surface with chemical film, and apply 
primer and paint.
    (iii) Record the reidentified P/N on the applicable component 
history card or equivalent record.
    (3) If you cannot determine all the model helicopters on which 
an affected yoke has been installed since its production or whether 
it has ever been installed on a Model 412 or 412EP helicopter with a 
(BHT-412-SI-62) slope landing kit, P/N 412-704-012-101, installed, 
perform the actions required by paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through 
(e)(2)(iii) of this AD.
    (4) For each reidentified yoke, P/N 412-010-101-137FM, reduce 
the retirement life from 5,000 hours TIS to 4,500 hours TIS. Record 
the revised life limit on the applicable component history card or 
equivalent record.
    (5) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the 
applicable maintenance manual or the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness by reducing the retirement life from 5,000 hours TIS 
to 4,500 hours TIS for each reidentified yoke, P/N 412-010-101-
137FM.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits will not be issued.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Kohner, 
ASW-170, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5170, fax (817) 222-5783; email 7-avs-asw-170@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under 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.

(h) Additional Information

    Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service Bulletins No. 412-
08-128 and No. 412CF-08-35, both Revision A and both dated April 14, 
2009, 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, Inc., P.O. 
Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817) 280-3391; fax (817) 
280-6466; 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.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Main Rotor 
Head.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 3, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-13797 Filed 6-10-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P