Document ID: FAA-2007-0055-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 206A and 206B Series Helicopters
Posted Date: 2007-10-22T04:00Z

[Federal Register: October 22, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 203)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 59475-59477]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22oc07-1]                         

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[[Page 59475]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0055; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-12-AD; 
Amendment 39-15237; AD 2007-22-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Model 
206A and 206B Series Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell 
Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 206A and 206B series 
helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority to identify and 
correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The aviation 
authority of Canada, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states 
in the MCAI:

    Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigation into 
an accident involving Model 206B has revealed that the Spindle 
repaired by Cadorath Aerospace Inc., failed during flight resulting 
in loss of control of the helicopter. A similar repair was performed 
by H-S Tools & Parts Inc.

    This AD requires actions that are intended to address this unsafe 
condition related to certain repaired transmission pylon support 
spindles.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 6, 2007.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 21, 2007.

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 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: 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.

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 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-
5961.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Streamlined Issuance of AD

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt 
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce 
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD 
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure 
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our 
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct 
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
    This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we 
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe 
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this 
reason might not follow our plain language principles.

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Airworthiness Directive No. CF-2007-02R1, dated August 23, 2007 
(referred to after this as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition 
for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigation into 
an accident involving Model 206B has revealed that the Spindle 
repaired by Cadorath Aerospace Inc., failed during flight resulting 
in loss of control of the helicopter. A similar repair was performed 
by H-S Tools & Parts Inc.

    All serial-numbered spindles that were repaired by Cadorath 
Aerospace, Inc., and H-S Tools & Parts, Inc., have reduced strength 
which could result in failure of the spindle and create an unsafe 
condition.
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of Canada, 
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our 
bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, we have been 
notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and any service 
information. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent 
information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in the ``FAA AD Differences'' section in the AD.

[[Page 59476]]

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
investigation of a Bell Model 206B fatal accident in Canada revealed 
that the pylon support spindle repaired by Cadorath Aerospace, Inc. 
failed during flight resulting in loss of control of the helicopter. We 
have determined that all spindles repaired by the same company and H-S 
Tools & Parts, Inc., which performed a similar repair, must be replaced 
within a very short time interval. 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. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0055; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-SW-12-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://regulations.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We 

will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 87 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 8 work-hours per 
helicopter to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts will cost about $2111 per helicopter. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators 
to be $239,337 or $2751 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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, 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, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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 AD: 2007-22-
01: Amendment 39-15237. Docket No. FAA-2007-0055; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-SW-12-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
6, 2007.

Other Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) 
Model 206A and 206B series helicopters, certificated in any 
category, that have the following serial numbered transmission pylon 
support spindle (spindle), part number (P/N) 206-031-554, installed:
    Spindles repaired by Cadorath Aerospace Inc., B12-11568, B12-
12244, B12-12260, B12-12647, B12-12676, B12-12847, B12-13292, B12-
14395, B12-15750, B12-17149, B12-17266, B12-1828, B12-18649, B12-
19330, B12-19381, B12-20668, B12-2224, B12-2286, B12-3595, B12-3774, 
B12-3808, B12-5171, B12-757, B12-8053, B12-8605, B12-932, B-21223, 
B-21297, B22005, B22515, B-22558, CAI3852, CAI3853, EA287, EA318, 
EA322, EA393, EA751, EA-761, MW546, RE1044, RE113, or RE743.
    Spindles repaired by H-S Tools & Parts Inc., B12-11127, B12-
12883, B12-13158, B12-13535, B12-13545, B12-13593, B12-13657, B12-
13716, B12-14061, B12-14078, B12-15131, B12-15908, B12-16078, B120-
16267, B12-16825, B12-16867, B12-17149, B12-17266, B12-18157, B12-
18163, 12-18456, B12-19450, B12-21573, B12-3106, B12-605, B12-7627, 
B-22385, EA-391, MW445, MW506, MW546, RE278, RE329, or RE582.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigation into 
an accident involving Model 206B has revealed that the Spindle 
repaired by Cadorath Aerospace Inc., failed during flight resulting 
in loss of control of the helicopter. A similar repair was performed 
by H-S Tools & Parts Inc.
    All serial-numbered spindles that were repaired by Cadorath 
Aerospace, Inc., and by H-S Tools & Parts, Inc., have reduced 
strength which could result in failure of the spindle and create an 
unsafe condition.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Within the next 16 hours time-in-service, unless already 
done, replace the spindle with an airworthy spindle that does not 
contain a serial number listed in the applicability of this AD.

Differences Between FAA AD and the MCAI

    (f) None.

Subject

    (g) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 6320: Main 
Rotor Gearbox.

Other Information

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if

[[Page 59477]]

requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-
5961.
    (2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAA-approved corrective actions. 
Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved 
by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent) if that 
State of Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement with the 
United States. You are required to assure the product is airworthy 
before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (i) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-02R1, dated August 
23, 2007, contains related information.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 11, 2007.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-20681 Filed 10-19-07; 8:45 am]

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