FAA AD 2022-07-02: Rotorcraft Tail Boom
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 64 (Monday, April 4, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19369-19371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06973]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0006; Project Identifier AD-2021-01298-R;Amendment 39-21989; AD
2022-07-02]
RIN2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. Helicopters
AGENCY:Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:Final rule.
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SUMMARY:The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Textron Inc.
Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 210, 212, 412,412CF, and 412EP helicopters with a certain part-
numbered tailboom left hand fin spar cap (spar cap) installed. This AD was prompted by reports of
cracked spar caps. This AD requires inspecting each spar cap and depending on the inspection results,
removing the spar cap fromservice. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES:This AD is effective May 9, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation byreference of certain
publications listed in this AD as of May 9, 2022.
ADDRESSES:For service information identified in this final rule,contact Bell Textron, Inc., P.O.
Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101, United States; phone: (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450)
433-0272;email productsupport@bellflight.com; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-
support.You may view this service information at theFAA, 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. It is also available at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0006.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2022-0006; 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, any comments
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
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Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey AvenueSE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:Ameet Shrotriya, Aviation SafetyEngineer,
DSCO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth,
TX 76177-1524; phone: (817) 222-5525;email: Ameet.Shrotriya@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14CFR part39 by adding
an AD that would apply to certain serial-numberedBell Textron Inc. Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B,
210, 212, 412, 412CF, and412EP helicopters with a spar cap part number 212-030-447-117installed.
The NPRM published in the Federal Registeron January 21,2022 (87 FR 3244). The NPRM was
prompted by multiple reports of fatiguecracking in the spar caps. Metallurgical lab reports identified
thatthe cracks originate at the rivet holes, possibly from mechanicaldamage caused during
deburring. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed torequire inspecting each spar cap and depending on the
inspectionresults, removing the spar cap from service before further flight. TheFAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on theseproducts.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination ofthe costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safetyrequires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuingthis AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except forminor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
TheFAA reviewed the following Bell Alert Service Bulletins, eachdated April 15, 2020 (ASB):
ASB 205-20-116 for Model 205A and 205A-1 helicopters,serial numbers (S/N) 30001
through 30065, 30067 through 30165, 30167through 30187, 30189 through 30296, and
30298 through 30332;
ASB 205B-20-69 for Model 205B helicopters, S/N 30066,30166, 30188, and 30297;
ASB 210-20-13 for all serial-numbered Model 210helicopters;
ASB 212-20-162 for Model 212 helicopters, S/N 30502through 30603, 30611 through
30999, 31101 through 31311, 32101 through32142, and 35001 through 35103;
ASB 412-20-180 for Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, S/N33001 through 33213, 34001
through 34036, 36001 through 36999, 37002through 37999, 38001 through 38999, and
39101 through 39999; and
ASB 412CF-20-67 for Model 412CF helicopters, S/N 46400through 46499.
Bell received a report of a fractured fin spar cap that occurred at vertical fin station (F.S.) 71
through the first rivet hole attaching the skin to the spar cap. Bell states that if undetected, the spar
cap cracking may lead to additional structural damage. Each ASB specifies procedures for inspecting
both flanges of the spar capbetween F.S. 50 and F.S. 71 for cracks, loose rivets, and other damage
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using a 10x magnifying glass and flashlight and inspecting the exterior of the fin skin where it
contacts the spar cap for cracks, loose rivets, and/or distortion. If no cracks or other damage are
found, each ASB specifies returning the helicopter to service; if a crack or other damage is found,
each ASB specifies contacting Bell's Product Support Engineering before further flight. Additionally,
each ASB specifies that these inspections are to be accomplished within the next 100flight hours or
90 days after the ASB's release, whichever occurs first, and every 100 flight hours thereafter.
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.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. The design approval holder may develop a
modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is
developed,approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional rule making.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 226 helicopters of U.S.registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this AD,using an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour.
Each inspection takes about 1 work-hour, and there are no parts costs, for an estimated cost of
$85 per inspection and $19,210 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Replacing a spar cap, if
required,takes about 50 work-hours and parts costs about $2,000, for an estimated cost of $6,250 per
spar cap replacement.
Authority for This Rule making
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 rule making 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 forpractices,
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 rule making action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order13132. This AD will not
have a substantial direct effect on the States,on the relationship between the national government and
the States, oron 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.
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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:
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FAA
Aviation Safety
AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVE
www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/
www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html
2022-07-02 Bell Textron Inc.:Amendment 39-21989; Docket No. FAA-2022-0006; Project
Identifier AD-2021-01298-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 9, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Bell Textron Inc. helicopters certificated in any category, with
a tailboom left hand fin spar cap(spar cap) part number 212-030-447-117 installed.
(1) Model 205A and205A-1 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 30001through 30065 inclusive,
30067 through 30165 inclusive, 30167through 30187 inclusive, 30189 through 30296 inclusive, and
30298through 30332 inclusive;
(2) Model 205B helicopters, S/N 30066, 30166,30188, and 30297;
(3) Model 210 helicopters, all S/Ns;
(4) Model 212 helicopters, S/N 30502 through 30603 inclusive,30611 through 30999 inclusive,
31101 through 31311 inclusive, 32101through 32142 inclusive, and 35001 through 35103 inclusive;
(5) Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, S/N 33001 through 33213inclusive, 34001 through 34036
inclusive, 36001 through 36999inclusive, 37002 through 37999 inclusive, 38001 through 38999
inclusive, and 39101 through 39999 inclusive; and
(6) Model 412CF helicopters, S/N 46400 through 46499 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5302, Rotorcraft Tail Boom.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the discovery of fatigue cracking in thespar cap. A crack in the spar
cap, if not detected and corrected,could create stress concentrations at the edge of the rivet holes,
resulting in reduced structural integrity of the helicopter andsubsequent loss of control of the
helicopter. The FAA is issuingthis AD to detect and prevent this unsafe condition.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,unless already done.
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(g) Required Actions
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS:
(1) Using a 10x or higher power magnifying glass and a flashlight, inspect both flanges of the
spar cap between fin station(F.S.) 50 and F.S. 71 for any crack, loose rivet, and other damage such as
a scratch, dent, spalling, or corrosion, as depicted in Figure 1 of Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
205-20-116, ASB 205B-20-69, ASB 210-20-13, ASB 212-20-162, ASB 412-20-180, or ASB 412CF-
20-67, each dated April 15, 2020, as applicable to your helicopter.If either spar cap flange is cracked,
has a loose rivet, or has other damage, remove the spar cap from service before further flight.
(2) Inspect the exterior of the fin skin in the area that contacts the spar cap for any crack, loose
rivets, and distortion.If there is any crack, loose rivet, or distortion in the fin skin in the area that
contacts the spar cap, remove the spar cap from service before further flight.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, DSCO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspectoror 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)of this AD. Information maybe emailed to: 9-ASW-190-COS@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.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Ameet Shrotriya,Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177-1524;phone: (817) 222-5525; email: Ameet.Shrotriya@faa.gov.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 Alert Service Bulletin 205-20-116, dated April 15,2020.
(ii) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 205B-20-69, dated April 15,2020.
(iii) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 210-20-13, dated April 15,2020.
(iv) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 212-20-162, dated April 15,2020.
(v) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412-20-180, dated April 15,2020.
(vi) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412CF-20-67, dated April 15,2020.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Textron Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort
Worth, TX 76101; telephone (450)437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450)433-0272; email
productsupport@bellflight.com; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room6N-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 reference at the National
Archives and Records Administration(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
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NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
locations.html.
Issued on March 15, 2022.
Derek Morgan,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-06973 Filed 4-1-22; 8:45 am]
