Document ID: FAA-2022-1488-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
Posted Date: 2022-11-28T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 227 (Monday, November 28, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72899-72902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-25709]

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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 227 / Monday, November 28, 2022 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 72899]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 
206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This proposed AD 
was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a failure of an 
adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the 
segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. This proposed AD would 
require determining if an affected TRDS is installed; repetitively 
inspecting the bond line for damage; repetitively performing a proof 
load test of the TRDS assembly; and depending on the results of the 
inspections or the proof load tests, removing an affected TRDS from 
service and replacing it with a serviceable TRDS. This proposed AD 
would also prohibit installing a TRDS unless it meets certain 
requirements, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed 
for incorporation by reference. 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 January 12, 
2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

     For Transport Canada material that is proposed for 
incorporation by reference (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 tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find this IBR material on 
the Transport Canada website at 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.
    Other Related Service Information: 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 bellflight.com/support/contact-support. This service information is also available at the FAA contact 
information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS 
Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, 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-2022-1488; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00788-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 
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 
Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; 
email [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives 
that

[[Page 72900]]

is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public 
docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022 (Transport 
Canada AD CF-2022-33), to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron 
Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3 
and 206L-4 helicopters, all serial numbers.
    This proposed AD was prompted by a report in which a Bell Textron 
Canada Limited Model 206L-1 helicopter experienced loss of TR drive 
during a maintenance test flight, which was due to a failure of an 
adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the 
segmented TRDS assemblies.
    The FAA is proposing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive 
bond of the TRDS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in loss of TR drive and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter. See Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 for additional 
background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires determining if a helicopter 
has an affected TRDS installed. If there is an affected TRDS installed, 
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires performing a repetitive 
detailed inspection of the bond line of the inboard end of the flange 
and, if there is damage, replacing the affected TRDS with a serviceable 
TRDS. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also requires performing a 
repetitive proof load test of the TRDS assembly and replacing any TRDS 
that fails the proof load test. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also 
prohibits installing a TRDS unless certain requirements are met.
    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) 206-20-139, 
Revision A, dated August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139 Rev A) for Model 
206A, 206B, and TH-67 helicopters, and Bell ASB 206L-20-184, Revision 
C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C) for Model 206L, 206L-
1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This service information specifies 
procedures for repetitive detailed visual inspections and proof load 
tests of installed bonded TRDSs, and replacement of an affected bonded 
TRDS that fails a visual inspection or proof load test with a 
serviceable segmented bonded TRDS or a riveted TRDS. This service 
information also specifies that replacing all the bonded TRDS 
assemblies with riveted TRDS assemblies is a terminating action for the 
repetitive visual inspections and proof load tests.
    The FAA reviewed Bell Helicopter Technical Bulletin (TB) No. 206-
06-186, Revision B, dated September 7, 2007, and Bell Helicopter 
Textron TB No. 206L-02-207, Revision A, dated January 22, 2003, which 
both specify procedures for installing a riveted TRDS and rotor break 
disc; inspecting the aft short shaft and driveshaft assemblies; and 
stripping and painting the aft short shaft and driveshaft assemblies.

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-2022-33, 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, the Transport 
Canada AD, and the Service Information.''

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-2022-33 by reference 
in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require 
compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 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-2022-33 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-2022-
33. Service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 
for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1488 after the FAA final rule is 
published.

Differences Between This Proposed AD, the Transport Canada AD, and the 
Service Information

    Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-
2022-33 specifies recording certain information in the event of a bond 
line failure and notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the 
findings, this proposed AD would not require recording any information 
or reporting any information to Bell Product Support Engineering.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 1,395 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.
    Determining if an affected TRDS is installed would take about 0.5 
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $59,985 for 
the U.S. fleet.
    Inspecting the bond line and performing a proof load test would 
take about 1.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $128 per helicopter 
per inspection cycle.
    Replacing an affected TRDS assembly would take about 12 work-hours 
and parts would cost up to $32,708 for an estimated cost of up to 
$33,728 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.

[[Page 72901]]

    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Bell Textron Canada Limited: Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 12, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-
1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a 
failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube 
on one of the segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive bond of the 
TRDS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result 
in loss of TR drive 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-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022 
(Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33).

(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33

    (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires compliance in 
terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service 
(TIS).
    (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 refers to its effective 
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines ``Affected 
TRDS,'' for this AD replace each instance of the text ``affected 
TRDS,'' with '' a TRDS with a part number (P/N) that is not one of 
the riveted TRDS P/Ns listed in the accomplishment instructions of 
Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-20-139, Revision A, dated 
August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139 Rev A) or Bell ASB 206L-20-184, 
Revision C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C) as 
applicable to your model helicopter.''
    (4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines ``Serviceable 
part,'' for this AD replace each instance of the text ``serviceable 
part,'' with ``a riveted TRDS with a P/N that is listed in the 
accomplishment instructions of ASB 206-20-139 Rev A or ASB 206L-20-
184 Rev C as applicable to your model helicopter; or an affected 
TRDS that has been inspected and proof load tested in accordance 
with the requirements of this AD within the past 300 hours TIS or 
within the last 12 months, whichever occurs first.''
    (5) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-33 specifies scrapping or discarding a part, this AD 
requires removing that part from service.
    (6) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-33 specifies in the event of a bond line failure, 
recording the torque value at which it failed, the affected shaft 
position, part number, serial number, and which end failed, and 
notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the findings, this AD 
does not require recording any discrepancies or reporting any 
information to Bell Product Support Engineering.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2022-33 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(k) 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 (l) 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.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, 
Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety 
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Transport Canada service information identified in this 
AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft 
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, 
CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email [email protected]. You may find the Transport 
Canada material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/
aviation.

[[Page 72902]]

    (4) You may view this service information 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected]), or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 18, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-25709 Filed 11-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P