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PROPOSED AD BELL TEXTRON CANADA LIMITED: Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R.
(a) COMMENTS DUE DATE

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD)  by
    January 12, 2023.

(b) AFFECTED ADS

    None.

(c) APPLICABILITY

    This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-
    58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters,  all
    serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) SUBJECT

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code:  6510,  Tail Rotor Drive
    Shaft.

(e) UNSAFE CONDITION

    This AD  was prompted  by a  loss of  tail rotor  (TR) drive  due to a
    failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on
    one of  the segmented  TR drive  shaft (TRDS)  assemblies. The  FAA is
    issuing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive bond of the TRDS
    assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss
    of TR drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) COMPLIANCE

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

(g) REQUIREMENTS

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply  with
    all  required  actions  and  compliance  times  specified  in,  and in
    accordance with, Transport Canada  AD CF-2022-33,  dated June 15, 2022
    (Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33).

(h) EXCEPTIONS TO TRANSPORT CANADA AD CF-2022-33

(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33  requires compliance  in terms of
    air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).

(2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33  refers  to  its  effective date,
    this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.

(3) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines "Affected TRDS," for this
    AD replace each instance  of  the  text "affected TRDS," with " a TRDS
    with a part number (P/N)  that  is  not  one  of the riveted TRDS P/Ns
    listed in the accomplishment instructions of Bell Alert Service Bulle-
    tin (ASB) 206-20-139 Revision A, dated August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139
    Rev A) or Bell ASB 206L-20-184 Revision C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB
    206L-20-184 Rev C) as applicable to your model helicopter."

(4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33  defines "Serviceable part,"  for
    this AD replace each instance of the text "serviceable part,"  with "a
    riveted TRDS with a P/N that is listed  in the accomplishment instruc-
    tions  of  ASB 206-20-139 Rev A or ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C as applicable
    to your model helicopter;  or an affected TRDS that has been inspected
    and proof load tested in accordance  with the requirements  of this AD
    within the past 300 hours TIS or within the last 12 months,  whichever
    occurs first."

(5) Where the service information  referenced  in  Transport Canada AD CF-
    2022-33 specifies scrapping or discarding a part, this AD requires re-
    moving that part from service.

(6) Where the service information  referenced  in  Transport Canada AD CF-
    2022-33 specifies in the event of a bond line failure,  recording  the
    torque value at which it failed,  the  affected  shaft position,  part
    number, serial number, and which end failed and notifying Bell Product
    Support Engineering of the findings,  this AD does not require record-
    ing any discrepancies  or  reporting  any information  to Bell Product
    Support Engineering.

(i) NO REPORTING REQUIREMENT

    Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-
    2022-33 specifies  to submit certain information  to the manufacturer,
    this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) SPECIAL FLIGHT PERMIT

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(k) 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 per-
    son identified in paragraph (l) 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 in-
    spector,  or  lacking a principal inspector,  the manager of the local
    flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(l) ADDITIONAL 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 (817) 222-5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.
    gov.

(m) 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) Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022.

(ii) [Reserved]

(3) For Transport Canada service information identified in this AD contact
    Transport Canada,  Transport  Canada  National Aircraft Certification,
    159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA;  telephone 888-
    663-3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@
    tc.gc.ca.  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 (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: fr.
    inspection@nara.gov), or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
    ibr-locations.html.

Issued on November 18, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compli-
ance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

DATES: The FAA  must receive comments  on this proposed AD  by January 12,
2023.
PREAMBLE 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives
; Bell 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 all Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B,
206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a failure of an
adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the
segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. This proposed AD would
require determining if an affected TRDS is installed; repetitively
inspecting the bond line for damage; repetitively performing a proof
load test of the TRDS assembly; and depending on the results of the
inspections or the proof load tests, removing an affected TRDS from
service and replacing it with a serviceable TRDS. This proposed AD
would also prohibit installing a TRDS unless it meets certain
requirements, as specified in a Transport Canada AD, which is proposed
for incorporation by reference. 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 January 12,
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: (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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; 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, the Transport Canada AD, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.

Material Incorporated by Reference

For Transport Canada material that is proposed for
incorporation by reference (IBR) in this NPRM, contact Transport
Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra
Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email
TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca;
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 material 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.
Other Related Service Information: For Bell service information
identified in this NPRM, contact Bell Textron Canada Limited, 12,800
Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-
2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-433-0272; email
productsupport@bellflight.com; or at bellflight.com/support/contact-support.
This service information is also available at the FAA contact
information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.

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 (817) 222-5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov.

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-2022-1488; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00788-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
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
Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110;
email kristin.bradley@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives
that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public
docket for this rulemaking.

Background

Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022 (Transport
Canada AD CF-2022-33), to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Textron
Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3
and 206L-4 helicopters, all serial numbers.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report in which a Bell Textron
Canada Limited Model 206L-1 helicopter experienced loss of TR drive
during a maintenance test flight, which was due to a failure of an
adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the
segmented TRDS assemblies.
The FAA is proposing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive
bond of the TRDS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in loss of TR drive and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter. See Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 for additional
background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires determining if a helicopter
has an affected TRDS installed. If there is an affected TRDS installed,
Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires performing a repetitive
detailed inspection of the bond line of the inboard end of the flange
and, if there is damage, replacing the affected TRDS with a serviceable
TRDS. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also requires performing a
repetitive proof load test of the TRDS assembly and replacing any TRDS
that fails the proof load test. Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 also
prohibits installing a TRDS unless certain requirements are met.
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 (ASB) 206-20-139,
Revision A, dated August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139 Rev A) for Model
206A, 206B, and TH-67 helicopters, and Bell ASB 206L-20-184, Revision
C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C) for Model 206L, 206L-
1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This service information specifies
procedures for repetitive detailed visual inspections and proof load
tests of installed bonded TRDSs, and replacement of an affected bonded
TRDS that fails a visual inspection or proof load test with a
serviceable segmented bonded TRDS or a riveted TRDS. This service
information also specifies that replacing all the bonded TRDS
assemblies with riveted TRDS assemblies is a terminating action for the
repetitive visual inspections and proof load tests.
The FAA reviewed Bell Helicopter Technical Bulletin (TB) No. 206-
06-186, Revision B, dated September 7, 2007, and Bell Helicopter
Textron TB No. 206L-02-207, Revision A, dated January 22, 2003, which
both specify procedures for installing a riveted TRDS and rotor break
disc; inspecting the aft short shaft and driveshaft assemblies; and
stripping and painting the aft short shaft and driveshaft assemblies.

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 AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all
known relevant information and determining that the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters
of these same type designs.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, described previously, as
incorporated by reference, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD and except as
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD, the Transport
Canada AD, and the Service Information.''

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, the
FAA proposes to incorporate Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 by reference
in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 in its entirety through
that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are
the same as the heading of a particular section in Transport Canada AD
CF-2022-33 does not mean that operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to ``Corrective
Actions,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to the
section titled ``Corrective Actions'' in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-
33. Service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33
for compliance will be available at regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-1488 after the FAA final rule is
published.

Differences Between This Proposed AD, the Transport Canada AD, and the
Service Information


Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-
2022-33 specifies recording certain information in the event of a bond
line failure and notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the
findings, this proposed AD would not require recording any information
or reporting any information to Bell Product Support Engineering.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 1,395 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.
Determining if an affected TRDS is installed would take about 0.5
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $59,985 for
the U.S. fleet.
Inspecting the bond line and performing a proof load test would
take about 1.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $128 per helicopter
per inspection cycle.
Replacing an affected TRDS assembly would take about 12 work-hours
and parts would cost up to $32,708 for an estimated cost of up to
$33,728 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.

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.

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

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: