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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-SW-15-AD; Amendment 39-9084; AD 94-24-11]

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model

206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 206A, 206B, 206L,

206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters, that requires a one-time inspection for

cracks in the tail rotor drive shaft hanger bearing support brackets

(brackets), and repair or replacement, as necessary. This amendment is

prompted by reports of cracks in the bend radius of the brackets. The

actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent misalignment of

the tail rotor drive shaft, failure of the tail rotor drive shaft

system, loss of control of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of

control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective January 6, 1995.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as

of January 6, 1995.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be

obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Attention

Customer Support, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. This information may be

examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (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, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort

Worth, Texas 76193-0170, telephone (817) 222-5172, fax (817) 222-5995.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal

Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.

Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters was published in

the Federal Register on September 21, 1993 (58 FR 48989). That action

proposed to require a one-time inspection for cracks of tail rotor

drive shaft hanger bearing support brackets (brackets), and repair or

replacement, as necessary.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate

in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the

proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. However,

in the cost/benefit analysis section of the preamble, the average labor

rate has been changed from the proposed rate of $55 per work hour to

the more current rate of $60 per work hour. This rate change increases

the proposed estimated total cost of $1,265,000 by $55,000 to

$1,320,000. Additionally, there have been some editorial changes made

to the proposal. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public

interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed with the changes

noted. Although the labor rate and, correspondingly, the estimated

total cost amounts have been changed to reflect the more current labor

rate, these changes have been made to the preamble information and not

to the proposed regulatory requirements of the AD. The FAA has

determined that the editorial changes made to the regulatory

requirements of the rule will neither increase the economic burden on

any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

The FAA estimates that 5,500 helicopters of U.S. registry will be

affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per

helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average

labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately

$120 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of

the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,320,000.

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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is

not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;

(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and

Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action

and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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

to read as follows:

94-24-11 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI): Amendment 39-9084.

Docket No. 93-SW-15-AD.

Applicability: Model 206A and 206B helicopters, with tail rotor

drive shaft hanger bearing support brackets (brackets), part number

(P/N) 206-030-407 or -433, installed; and Models 206L, 206L-1, and

206L-3 helicopters, with brackets, P/N 206-033-412, installed,

certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent misalignment of the tail rotor drive shaft, failure

of the tail rotor drive shaft system, loss of control of the tail

rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish

the following:

(a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the

effective date of this AD, and prior to installing any affected

brackets on a helicopter, accomplish the following:

(1) Inspect and rework brackets, P/N 206-030-407 or -433, in

accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BHTI Alert

Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-92-69, dated September 29, 1992.

(2) Inspect and rework brackets, P/N 206-033-412, in accordance

with the Accomplishment Instructions of BHTI ASB 206L-92-84, dated

September 29, 1992.

(b) If multiple cracks are found, or if a crack is found that

equals or exceeds 0.10 inches in length, replace the bracket before

further flight.

(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, Southwest Region, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas

76193-0170. 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

Secs. 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.

(e) The inspections, rework, and replacement, if necessary,

shall be done in accordance with BHTI Alert Service Bulletin 206-92-

69, dated September 29, 1992, that is applicable to BHTI Model 206A

and 206B helicopters; and BHTI Alert Service Bulletin 206L-92-84,

dated September 29, 1992, that is applicable to BHTI Model 206L,

206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters. 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, Customer Support, 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 January 6, 1995.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 22, 1994.

James D. Erickson,

Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 94-29510 Filed 12-01-94; 8:45 am]

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