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2021-15-06 BELL TEXTRON CANADA LIMITED (TYPE CERTIFICATE PREVIOUSLY HELD BY BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA LIMITED): Amendment 39-21653; Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; Project Identifier 2010-SW-061-AD.
(a) EFFECTIVE DATE

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 27, 2021.

(b) AFFECTED ADS

    None.

(c) APPLICABILITY

    This AD  applies to  the following  Bell Textron  Canada Limited (type
    certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited)
    helicopters, certificated in any category:

(1) Model 206A, serial numbers 004 through 660 inclusive, and 672  through
    715 inclusive;

(2) Model 206B, all serial  numbers, including those converted from  Model
    206A;

(3) Model 206L,  serial numbers 45004  through 45153 inclusive,  and 46601
    through 46617 inclusive;

(4) Model 206L-1, serial numbers 45154 through 45790 inclusive;

(5) Model 206L-3, serial numbers 51001 through 51612 inclusive; and

(6) Model 206L-4, all serial numbers.

(d) SUBJECT

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 65, Tail Rotor Drive.

(e) UNSAFE CONDITION

    This  AD was  prompted by  a report  that a  certain  tail  rotor disc
    assembly, sold as an alternate part, does not conform to the  approved
    configuration.  The  FAA is  issuing  this AD  to  address helicopters
    operating  with  a  certain  tail  rotor  disc  assembly,  sold  as an
    alternate part, that does  not conform to the  approved configuration,
    which could result in loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) COMPLIANCE

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

(g) REQUIRED ACTIONS

    Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this  AD,
    in accordance with Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin  206-09-123,
    Revision A,  dated June  10, 2009;  or Bell  Helicopter Alert  Service
    Bulletin 206L-09-157, Revision A, dated June 10, 2009, as  applicable.

(1) Within 30 days or 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the  effective
    date  of  this  AD,  whichever  occurs  first,  review  the helicopter
    maintenance records to determine if a disc assembly, part number (P/N)
    101584-1 or -2, is installed.

(2) If, during the maintenance records review required by paragraph (g)(1)
    of this  AD, you  cannot positively  determine that  disc assembly P/N
    101584-1 or -2 is not installed, within 30 days or 100 hours TIS after
    the effective  date of  this AD,  whichever occurs  first, inspect the
    tail rotor driveshaft system to determine if disc assembly P/N  101584
    -1 or -2 is installed.

(3) If, during the maintenance records review required by paragraph (g)(1)
    of the this AD or  during the inspection required by  paragraph (g)(2)
    of this  AD, you  can positively  determine that  a disc  assembly P/N
    101584-1 or -2 is not installed, before further flight, make an  entry
    in the log book showing compliance with this AD.

(4) If, during the maintenance records review required by paragraph (g)(1)
    of this AD  or during the  inspection required by  paragraph (g)(2) of
    this AD, you can positively determine that a disc assembly P/N  101584
    -1 or  -2 is  installed, within  30 days  or 100  hours TIS  after the
    effective  date  of  this AD,  whichever  occurs  first, replace  disc
    assembly P/N 101584-1 or -2 with disc assembly P/N 32721-1.

(h) PARTS INSTALLATION PROHIBITION

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install disc assembly  P/N
    101584-1 or -2.

(i) 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 (j)(1)  of this AD. Information may  be
    emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.

(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.

(j) RELATED INFORMATION

(1) For  more  information about  this  AD,  contact  Kathleen  Arrigotti,
    Program  Manager,  Large  Aircraft  Section,  International Validation
    Branch, Compliance  & Airworthiness  Division, FAA,  2200 South  216th
    St., Des  Moines, WA  98198;  phone  and fax:  (206) 231-3218;  email:
    kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.

(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada Civil Aviation
    (TCCA) Canadian AD CF-2010-07, dated  February 24, 2010. You may  view
    the  TCCA AD  at https://www.regulations.gov  in Docket  No.  FAA-2010
    -0865.

(k) 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) Bell Helicopter Alert  Service Bulletin 206-09-123, Revision  A, dated
    June 10, 2009.

(ii) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157, Revision A, dated
     June 10, 2009.

(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter
    Textron  Canada  Limited,  12,800  Rue  de  l'Avenir,  Mirabel, Quebec
    J7J1R4;  phone:  450-437-2862 or  800-363-8023;  fax: (450)  433-0272;
    internet: https://www.bellcustomer.com.

(4) You may view this  service information at the FAA, Office  of the Reg-
    ional 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 refer-
    ence at the National  Archives and Records Administration  (NARA). For
    information  on  the availability  of  this material  at  NARA, email:
    fedreg.legal@nara.gov,  or  go  to:   https://www.archives.gov/federal
    -register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Issued  on  July  9,  2021.  Gaetano  A.  Sciortino,  Deputy  Director for
Strategic  Initiatives,  Compliance  &  Airworthiness  Division,  Aircraft
Certification Service.

FOR  FURTHER  INFORMATION CONTACT:  Kathleen  Arrigotti, Program  Manager,
Large  Aircraft  Section, International  Validation  Branch, Compliance  &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South  216th St., Des Moines, WA  98198;
phone and fax: (206) 231-3218; email: kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.
PREAMBLE 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; Project Identifier 2010-SW-061-AD; Amendment
39-21653; AD 2021-15-06]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada
Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4
helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that a certain tail rotor
disc assembly, sold as an alternate part, does not conform to the
approved configuration. This AD requires determining if an affected
part is installed (by doing a maintenance records check or inspection),
and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-affected part.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 27, 2021.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of August 27, 2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir,
Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; phone: 450-437-2862 or 800-363-8023; fax: (450)
433-0272; internet: https://www.bellcustomer.com. You may view the
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort
Worth, TX 76177. Service information that is incorporated by reference
is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2010-0865.

Examining the AD Docket


You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2010-0865; 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 AD, any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Program Manager,
Large Aircraft Section, International Validation Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: (206) 231-3218; email:
kathleen.arrigotti@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain
Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and
206L-4 helicopters. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on May
7, 2021 (86 FR 24560). The SNPRM proposed to require determining if an
affected part is installed (by doing a maintenance records check or
inspection), and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-
affected part. The SNPRM also revised the format, rearranged certain
paragraphs, converted a certain table to paragraph format, and removed
certain language. The SNPRM was prompted by a significant amount of
time elapsing since the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (75 FR
52914, August 30, 2010) was issued, requiring the FAA to reopen the
comment period to allow the public a chance to comment on the proposed
actions.

Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, issued Canadian AD CF-2010-07, dated February 24,
2010 (Canadian AD CF-2010-07), to correct an unsafe condition for
certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (now Bell Textron Canada
Limited) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4
helicopters. TCCA advises that a certain tail rotor disc assembly, sold
through Bell Helicopter Spares beginning March 2009, as an alternate,
does not conform to the approved configuration. TCCA stated operating a
helicopter with the affected tail rotor disc assembly could result in
loss of control of the helicopter.

Accordingly, the Canadian AD requires determining if an affected
part is installed, and if an affected part is found, replacement with a
non-affected part.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments


The FAA received a comment from one commenter, Bell Textron Canada
Limited. The following presents the comment received on the SNPRM and
the FAA's response to the comment.

Request To Add a Statement for Operators That Already Complied With the
Actions


Bell Textron Canada Limited requested that the FAA add a statement
to the effect that if the actions in Bell Helicopter Alert Service
Bulletin 206-09-123, Revision A, dated June 10, 2009; or Bell
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157, Revision A, dated June
10, 2009; have already been accomplished then the intent of the AD is
met and no further action is required. The commenter stated that many
operators will have already complied with the intent of the proposed AD
since the service information was released in 2009.

The FAA acknowledges the commenter's request and agrees to clarify.
Paragraph (g) of this AD requires accomplishing actions using Bell
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206-09-123, Revision A, dated June
10, 2009; or Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157,
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009. Paragraph (f) of this AD states to
accomplish the required actions within the compliance times specified,
"unless already done." Therefore, if operators have accomplished the
actions required for compliance with this AD before the effective date
of this AD, no further action is necessary. The FAA has not revised
this AD in this regard.

Conclusion


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, TCCA, its technical representative,
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in its AD. The
FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these helicopters.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51


The FAA reviewed the following service information. This service
information specifies procedures to determine if an affected part is
installed, and if an affected part is found, replacement with a non-
affected part. These documents are distinct since they apply to
different helicopter models.

Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206-09-123,
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009.

Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 206L-09-157,
Revision A, dated June 10, 2009.

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 the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance


The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,493 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

Estimated Costs for Required Actions

LABOR COST
PARTS COST
COST PER PRODUCT
COST ON U.S. OPERATORS
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85
$303
$388
$579,284

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 helicopters 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 above, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]


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