2022-25404. Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited Helicopters

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the discovery of a potential fouling condition between the rotating swashplate outer ring and the non-rotating collective lever. This AD requires inspecting the collective control system rigging and depending on the results, rigging the collective and cyclic control systems, as specified in a Transport Canada emergency AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also requires reporting certain information. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD becomes effective December 6, 2022.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 6, 2022.

The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 5, 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: [phone].

• 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-2022-1481; 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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

Material Incorporated by Reference:

• For Transport Canada material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this final rule, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; 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 service information at the FAA, 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 [phone]. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1481.

Other Related Service Information: For Bell service information identified in this final rule, contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone [phone] or 1-800-363-8023; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; or at bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view this service information at the FAA contact information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1481; 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 final rule, the Transport Canada emergency AD, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 [phone]; email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62, dated November 9, 2022 (Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62), to correct an unsafe condition for certain serial-numbered Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters. Transport Canada considers its emergency AD an interim action and stated that further AD action may follow.

This AD was prompted by the discovery of a potential fouling condition between the rotating swashplate outer ring and the non-rotating collective lever. The FAA is issuing this AD to address improper clearances in the collective control system installation. See Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62 for additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62 requires accomplishing a collective control system rigging check and, depending on the results, rigging the collective control system and then the cyclic control system.

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 505-22-33, dated November 3, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for a one-time rigging check of the collective control system for minimum clearances and flight control rigging.

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 emergency AD. The FAA is issuing this AD after evaluating all pertinent information and determining that the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of the same type design.

Requirements of This AD

This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62, described previously, as IBRed, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. This AD also requires reporting certain information to Bell Product Support Engineering if any of the minimum clearance parameters are not met as a result of the collective control system rigging inspection (check).

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, Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62 is IBRed in this FAA final rule. This AD, therefore, requires compliance with Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62 does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to “all required actions and compliance times,” compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the sections titled “Compliance” and “Corrective Actions” in Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62. Service information referenced in Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62 for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1481 after this final rule is published.

Interim Action

The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date

Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for “good cause,” finds that those procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause.

An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the affected parts are critical to maintaining controlled flight and failure of a part could occur as a result of the unsafe condition during any phase of flight without any previous indications. In light of this, the initial action required by this AD must be accomplished within 10 hours time-in-service or 30 days, whichever occurs first. This compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).

In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and comment.

Comments Invited

The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES . Include “Docket No. FAA-2022-1481; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01442-R” at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.

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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. 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 [phone]; email [e-mail]. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 118 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 AD.

Inspecting the collective control system rigging takes about 1.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $128 per helicopter and $15,104 for the U.S. fleet.

If required, rigging the collective and cyclic control systems takes about 4 work-hours and tooling costs about $29,000 for an estimated cost of $29,340 per helicopter. Reporting information takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.

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 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 currently 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 be 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

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, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866, and

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-24-08 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-22248; Docket No. FAA-2022-1481; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01442-R.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 6, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters serial numbers 65011 through 65412 inclusive, 65414 through 65416 inclusive, 65419 through 65426 inclusive, 65428, 65430, and 65431, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6710, Main Rotor Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by the discovery of a potential fouling condition between the rotating swashplate outer ring and the non-rotating collective lever. The FAA is issuing this AD to address improper clearances in the collective control system installation. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Requirements

(1) Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62, dated November 9, 2022 (Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62).

(2) If any of the minimum clearance parameters are not met as a result of the actions required by paragraph A. of Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62, within 10 days after completing the actions required by paragraph A. of Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62, report the information identified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD by email to [e-mail].

(i) In the subject line of the email: The helicopter serial number and “ASB 505-22-33.”

(ii) In the body of the email: Total hours time-in-service of the helicopter, and identify each clearance parameter that did not meet its minimum tolerance and the dimension of its measured parameter.

(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62

(1) Where Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62 requires compliance in terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.

(2) Where Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(3) Where paragraph A. of Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62 requires a “check,” this AD requires an inspection.

(i) Special Flight Permit

A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, provided that there are no known out of tolerance minimum clearance parameters.

(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) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail].

(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

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 [phone]; email [e-mail].

(l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62, dated November 9, 2022.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) For Transport Canada Emergency AD CF-2022-62, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; internet tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. You may find the Transport Canada material on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.

(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 [phone].

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

Issued on November 10, 2022.

Christina Underwood,

Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.