Document ID: FAA-2022-0286-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Helicopters
Posted Date: 2022-03-24T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 57 (Thursday, March 24, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16652-16654]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-05874]

 ========================================================================
 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. 57 / Thursday, March 24, 2022 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 16652]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0286; Project Identifier AD-2021-01081-R]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter 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 Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 
206L-4 helicopters with a certain part-numbered main rotor (M/R) blade 
installed under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02684LA. This 
proposed AD was prompted by delamination of M/R blades. This proposed 
AD would require a repetitive inspection for delamination, and 
depending on the results, removing the M/R blade from service and 
reporting certain information. 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 May 9, 
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 service information identified in this NPRM, contact Van Horn 
Aviation, L.L.C., ATTN: Dean Rosenlof, 1510 West Drake Drive, Tempe, AZ 
85283; telephone (480) 483-4202; email [email protected]. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0286; 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, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Jarzomb, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone 
(562) 627-5234; 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-2022-0286; Project Identifier 
AD-2021-01081-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 Peter 
Jarzomb, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5234; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for Bell Textron Canada Limited 
(type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 
Limited) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with a 
certain serial-numbered M/R blade part number (P/N) 20633000-101 
installed under STC SR02684LA. Testing by Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C., 
revealed the potential for delamination in M/R blade P/N 20633000-101. 
Delaminations were then confirmed by inspection of in-service M/R 
blades. Testing by Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C., has confirmed that the 
90[deg] plies fail in spanwise tension (normal to the fiber direction) 
at the inboard end of the weight receptacle near M/R blade station 
186.0. Delamination then propagates outboard from M/R blade station 
186.0 at the interface between the 0[deg] and 90[deg] plies. According 
to Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C., fatigue testing has shown that the

[[Page 16653]]

delamination initiates almost immediately and progresses slowly. 
Thereafter, the delamination grows more slowly in a stable, predictable 
manner. The delamination has been found to develop first on the lower 
surface and grow outboard from the inboard end of the weight receptacle 
and forward of the balance weight pocket. After approximately 4 to 6 
inches growth of the delamination on the lower surface, a similar 
delamination becomes detectable on the M/R blade upper surface. Should 
the delaminations continue to grow to the point of static overload, the 
receptacle could depart the M/R blade.
    Accordingly, this proposed AD would require a repetitive inspection 
for delamination, and depending on the results, removing the M/R blade 
from service and reporting certain information. This condition, if not 
addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the M/R 
blade, excessive vibration, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C., Service Bulletin Notice 
No. 33000-4R3, dated November 8, 2021 (SB 33000-4R3). This service 
information specifies procedures to identify ``Zone 1'' and ``Zone 2'' 
inspection areas, accomplish repetitive visual and tap inspections of 
the zones to detect and monitor the growth of any delamination, and 
depending on the results, removing the M/R blade from service and 
contacting Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require, at specified intervals, removing 
the affected M/R blade, drawing rectangular inspection areas ``Zone 1'' 
and ``Zone 2'' with a permanent marker, tap inspecting the inspection 
areas for delamination, marking and measuring the length of any 
delamination, and depending on the results, removing the M/R blade from 
service. This proposed AD would also require reporting certain 
information to Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This proposed AD would apply to additional M/R blades, serial 
numbers A007, A008, and A009, that are not identified in SB 33000-4R3 
as the FAA has determined that those serial-numbered blades are subject 
to the same unsafe condition. The proposed AD would require using 
certain part-numbered composite tap hammers, whereas SB 33000-4R3 does 
not. SB 33000-4R3 specifies procedures to visually inspect the M/R 
blade, whereas this proposed AD would not. If there is any delamination 
in the upper surface inspection zone (``Zone 1''), this proposed AD 
would require removing the M/R blade from service, whereas SB 33000-4R3 
does not specify procedures for this condition.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this proposed AD could be an interim action. 
The inspection reports that would be required by this AD will enable 
the FAA to obtain better insight into the unsafe condition. If final 
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 23 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.
    Removing, tap inspecting, and re-installing an M/R blade would take 
about 4.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $383 per M/R blade, per 
inspection cycle and up to $8,809 for the U.S. fleet per M/R blade, per 
inspection cycle. Replacing an M/R blade would take about 4 work-hours 
and parts would cost about $71,500 per M/R blade for a total of $71,840 
per M/R blade. Reporting information to Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C., 
would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per report.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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.

[[Page 16654]]

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 (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Docket No. FAA-2022-0286; 
Project Identifier AD-2021-01081-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by May 9, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate 
previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 
206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, certificated in any 
category, with main rotor (M/R) blade part number (P/N) 20633000-101 
with serial number A007, A008, A009, or A012 through A104 inclusive 
installed under Supplemental Type Certificate SR02684LA.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor 
Blades.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of delamination of M/R blades. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address delamination of an M/R blade 
initiating in the 90[deg] plies at the lower inboard end of the 
weight pocket receptacle. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the M/R blade, 
excessive vibration, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this 
AD at the following compliance time, whichever occurs later:
    (i) Before the M/R blade accumulates 400 total hours time-in-
service (TIS) or 2,400 engine starts since initial installation on 
any helicopter, whichever occurs first; or
    (ii) Within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Remove each M/R blade from the helicopter, place it on a 
flat, stable surface, and accomplish the following:
    (i) Use a permanent marker to draw rectangular inspection ``Zone 
1'' on the upper surface of the M/R blade at M/R blade stations 
186.0 and 191.0, beginning 1.1 inches from the leading edge of the 
M/R blade to 4.9 inches from the leading edge of the M/R blade. Draw 
lines from the inboard end to the outboard end to connect each end 
at 1.1 inches and 4.9 inches. Draw parallel lines from the inboard 
end of the inspection zone to the outboard end of the inspection 
zone, with the lines spaced 0.50 inch apart.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i): This note applies to paragraphs 
(g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD. Figure 4 of Van Horn Aviation, 
L.L.C., Service Bulletin Notice No. 33000-4R3, dated November 8, 
2021 (SB 33000-4R3) depicts ``Zone 1'' and ``Zone 2.''
    (ii) Use a permanent marker to draw rectangular inspection 
``Zone 2'' on the lower surface of the M/R blade at M/R blade 
stations 186.0 and 191.0, beginning from the forward edge of the 
weight receptacle pocket and extending 1 inch in the direction 
towards the leading edge of the M/R blade. Draw lines from the 
inboard end to the outboard end to connect each end at the weight 
receptacle pocket and 1 inch forward of the weight receptacle 
pocket. Draw parallel lines from the inboard end of the inspection 
zone to the outboard end of the inspection zone, with the lines 
spaced 0.50 inch apart.
    (iii) Using composite tap hammer Abaris Training Tap Hammer P/N 
ABATH, HeatCon Tap Hammer P/N HCS1104-01, Brown Tool Composite Tap 
Hammer P/N BAT-CTH8, or MATCO Tools Composite Tap Hammer P/N T4BAT-
CTH8, tap inspect the areas within ``Zone 1'' and ``Zone 2'' for any 
delamination by following Tap Inspect Balance Receptacle, paragraph 
A.(4) of SB 33000-4R3. Where SB 33000-4R3 specifies to mark the 
location where the delamination starts, use a permanent marker.
    (iv) If there are any marks where the delamination starts, 
connect the marks indicating the delamination location and measure 
the length at the farthest point from the inboard end of the 
inspection area.
    (v) If there is any delamination in the lower surface inspection 
zone (``Zone 2'') that is 6.0 or more inches in length or if there 
is any delamination in the upper surface inspection zone (``Zone 
1''), before further flight, remove the M/R blade from service.
    (3) Thereafter repeat the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) 
of this AD at intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS or 2,400 engine 
starts, whichever occurs first.
    (4) If there is any delamination, within 30 days after 
accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) or (3) of 
this AD, report each delamination size and location, and the total 
hours TIS and total engine starts since initial installation of the 
M/R blade, to Mr. Dean Rosenlof, Van Horn Aviation, L.L.C., 1510 
West Drake Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283, or by email to 
[email protected].

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO 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 certification office, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Peter Jarzomb, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5234; email 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Van 
Horn Aviation, L.L.C., ATTN: Dean Rosenlof, 1510 West Drake Drive, 
Tempe, AZ 85283; telephone (480) 483-4202; email 
[email protected]. 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.

    Issued on March 15, 2022.
Derek Morgan,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-05874 Filed 3-23-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P