94-23441. Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 206A, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 Helicopters  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 184 (Friday, September 23, 1994)]
    [Unknown Section]
    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-23441]
    
    
    [[Page Unknown]]
    
    [Federal Register: September 23, 1994]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 94-SW-07-AD; Amendment 39-9031; AD 94-20-03]
    
     
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 
    206A, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 Helicopters
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
    (AD) applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 206A, 
    206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, that 
    currently requires an inspection of the main rotor hub trunnion 
    (trunnion) for a mislocated master spline and replacement of any 
    trunnion that has a mislocated master spline. This amendment is 
    prompted by a report that certain main rotor hub trunnions (trunnions) 
    were manufactured with a mislocated master spline. The actions 
    specified by this AD are intended to identify and require replacement 
    of any trunnion with a mislocated master spline to prevent pitch link 
    misalignment, altered cyclic stick control position, loss of the main 
    rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    
    DATES: Effective October 11, 1994.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of October 11, 1994.
        Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
    before November 7, 1994.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: 
    Rules Docket No. 94-SW-07-AD, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Room 663, Fort 
    Worth, Texas 76137-4298.
        The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
    Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. 
    This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the Assistant 
    Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or 
    at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
    suite 700, Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Ms. Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 
    FAA, Southwest Region, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, 
    Fort Worth, Texas 76137-4298, telephone (817) 222-5172, fax (817) 222-
    5959.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 18, 1993, the FAA issued 
    Priority Letter AD 93-22-11, applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, 
    Inc. (BHTI) Model 206A, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
    helicopters, to require an inspection of the main rotor hub trunnion 
    (trunnion), part number (P/N) 206-011-113-103 and P/N 206-011-120-103, 
    for proper positioning of the trunnion master spline and replacement of 
    any trunnion that had a mislocated master spline. That action was 
    prompted by a manufacturer's report that certain trunnions were 
    manufactured with a mislocated master spline. The manufacturer's data 
    showed that when the trunnion master spline is mislocated, the main 
    rotor mast does not align properly, so the operator's input to the 
    cyclic stick does not produce the desired result in the main rotor 
    system. After reviewing the manufacturer's data, the FAA determined 
    that any mislocated trunnion master spline creates an unsafe condition. 
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in pitch link 
    misalignment, altered cyclic stick control position, loss of the main 
    rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
        Since the issuance of that AD, BHTI has issued a revised Alert 
    Service Bulletin (ASB) for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 
    helicopters. ASB 206L-93-90, Revision A, dated November 9, 1993, 
    changed Figure 3 to show that the center line of the trunnion should go 
    through the crown rather than the inset of the master spline. ASB 206-
    93-75, dated October 19, 1993, which is applicable to Model 206A, 206B, 
    and 206B-1 helicopters, has a correct Figure 3 showing that the center 
    line of the trunnion should go through the inset rather than the crown 
    of the master spline.
        Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
    exist or develop on other BHTI Model 206 helicopters of this same type 
    design, this AD supersedes Priority Letter AD 93-22-11 to require, 
    within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 90 calendar days 
    after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, an 
    inspection of the trunnion for proper positioning of the trunnion 
    master spline, and replacement of any trunnion that has a mislocated 
    master spline. The actions are required to be accomplished in 
    accordance with the BHTI ASB 206-93-75, dated October 19, 1993, for 
    Model 206A, 206B, and 206B-1 helicopters, and BHTI ASB 206L-93-90, 
    Revision A, dated November 9, 1993, for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 
    206L-4 helicopters, described previously. Due to the criticalness of 
    correct alignment of the trunnion master spline and a compliance time 
    that is short for some operators of frequently-used helicopters, this 
    rule must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in 
    aircraft.
        Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
    this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
    public comment hereon are impracticable, and good cause exists for 
    making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
    requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
    notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
    this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
    submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
    Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
    in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
    communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
    be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
    received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
    suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
    AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
    needed.
        Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
    economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
    suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
    available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
    Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
    summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
    AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
        Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
    submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
    stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
    to Docket Number 94-SW-07-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
    returned to the commenter.
        The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects 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. Therefore, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
    rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
    regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
    condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
    action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
    that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
    Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
    determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
    significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
    regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
    A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
    location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
    reference, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
    the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
    106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD), Amendment 39-9031, to read as follows:
    
    AD 94-20-03 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., (BHTI): Amendment 39-
    9031. Docket Number 94-SW-07-AD. Supersedes Priority Letter AD 93-
    22-11, issued November 18, 1993.
    
        Applicability: Model 206A, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 
    and 206L-4 helicopters, equipped with main rotor hub trunnion 
    (trunnion), part number (P/N) 206-011-113-103 or P/N 206-011-120-
    103, certificated in any category.
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent pitch link misalignment, altered cyclic stick control 
    position, loss of the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of 
    control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
        (a) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 90 
    calendar days after the effective date of this airworthiness 
    directive (AD), whichever occurs first, inspect the trunnion master 
    spline for proper positioning in accordance with Parts I and II of 
    the Accomplishment Instructions contained in BHTI Alert Service 
    Bulletin 206-93-75, dated October 19, 1993, for Model 206A, 206B, 
    and 206B-1 helicopters, and BHTI Alert Service Bulletin 206L-93-90, 
    Revision A, dated November 9, 1993, for Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 
    and 206L-4 helicopters.
        (b) If the master spline is not in the proper position, before 
    further flight remove and replace the trunnion with an airworthy 
    trunnion in accordance with the provisions of the applicable 
    maintenance manual.
        (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
    used when approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 
    FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests 
    through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or 
    comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification 
    Office.
    
        Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office.
    
        (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where 
    the requirements of this AD can be accomplished provided there is no 
    interference between the pitch link clevices and the swashplate 
    outer ring or pitch horn lugs, through full motion of the cyclic and 
    collective controls.
        (e) The inspection and replacement, if necessary, shall be done 
    in accordance with BHTI Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-93-75, dated 
    October 19, 1993, and Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L-93-90, 
    Revision A, dated November 9, 1993. This incorporation by reference 
    was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
    with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from 
    Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 
    76101. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant 
    Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; 
    or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
    NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
        (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 11, 1994.
    
        Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 16, 1994.
    Larry M. Kelly,
    Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
    [FR Doc. 94-23441 Filed 9-22-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
10/11/1994
Published:
09/23/1994
Department:
Transportation Department
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Final rule; request for comments.
Document Number:
94-23441
Dates:
Effective October 11, 1994.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: September 23, 1994, Docket No. 94-SW-07-AD, Amendment 39-9031, AD 94-20-03
CFR: (2)
14 CFR Sec
14 CFR 39.13