AD 2007-01-06

Active

Tail rotor blade (blade)

Key Information
2007-01-06
Active
February 13, 2007
December 26, 2006
FAA-2005-22696
39-14877
Applicability
["Aircraft"]
["Rotorcraft"]
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
206A 206B 206L 206L-1 206L-3 206L-4
Summary

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) model helicopters. The existing AD currently requires certain inspections and checks of the tail rotor blade (blade) for a deformation, a crack, and a bent or deformed tail rotor weight (weight). Also, that AD requires, before further flight, replacing each blade with an airworthy blade if a deformation, a crack, or a bent or deformed weight is found. This action contains the same actions as the existing AD and also adds to the applicability certain serial-numbered blades inadvertently omitted from the current AD. This action also requires replacing each affected blade, which is a terminating action. This amendment is prompted by three reports of skin cracks originating near the blade trailing edge balance weight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Action Required

Final rule.

Regulatory Text

2007-01-06 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39-14877. Docket No. FAA-2005-22696; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-22-AD. Supersedes AD 2004-24-08, Amendment 39-13884, Docket No. 2004-SW-12- AD. \n\nApplicability \n\n\tModel 206A, B, L, L-1, L-3, and L-4 helicopters, with a tail rotor blade (blade) with the following part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) installed, certificated in any category. \n\n\nModel 206A & B; Blade, P/N 206-016-201- 133, S/N with prefix "CS"and no "V"suffix \n\nModel 206A, B, L, L-1, L-3, & L-4; Blade, P/N 206-016-201-131, S/N with prefix "CS"and no "V"suffix \n1381 through 1442 \n7000 through 7018 \n10174 through 10218 \n1492 through 1517 \n7020 through 7043 \n10220 \n1520 through 1542 \n7045 through 7050 \n10232 \n1550 \n7052 through 7132 \n10235 \n1556 \n7134 through 7246 \n10237 through 10241 \n1560 \n7248 through 7270 \n10244 \n1562 \n7272 through 7277 \n10245 \n1564 through 1567 \n7279 through 7339 \n10248 \n1569 through 1606 \n7342 through 736810250 through 10264 \n1609 \n7784 \n10266 through 10268 \n1611 \n7786 \n10270 through 10274 \n1612 \n7788 \n10276 through 10278 \n1614 through 1631 \n7790 through 7796 \n10280 through 10282 \n1633 through 1675 \n7798 through 7819 \n10284 through 10292 \n1677 \n7821 through 7833 \n10296 \n1678 \n7835 through 7839 \n10300 through 10330 \n1680 through 1682 \n7841 through 8001 \n10332 \n1684 through 1787 \n8003 through 8026 \n10333 \n1789 through 1803 \n8029 through 8061 \n10335 through 10347 \n1810 through 1812 \n8064 through 8117 \n10349 \n1814 \n8119 \n10351 through 10359 \n1816 \n8121 through 8139 \n10363 through 10365 \n1820 \n8142 through 8176 \n10367 \n1823 through 1831 \n8178 through 8262 \n10373 \n1834 through 1836 \n8264 through 8294 \n10374 \n1838 \n8298 through 8368 \n10377 through 10385 \n1840 through 1844 \n8370 through 8375 \n10387 through 10408 \n1846 \n8378 through 8416 \n10410 \n1848 through 1882 \n8419 \n10414 through 10417 \n1884 through 1887 \n8421 \n10419 through 10427 \n1889 through 1893 \n8425 through 8428 \n10430 \n1896 through 1898 \n8430 through 8438 \n10432 \n1900 \n8440 \n10437 \n1904 \n8441 \n10438 \n1909 through 1912 \n8443 \n10442 through 10445 \n1915 \n8445 through 8447 \n10458 through 10466 \n1916 \n8449 through 8606 \n10469 \n1919 through 1921\n8608 through 8622\n10470\n1924 \n8624 through 8626 \n10474 \n1928 through 1931 \n8628 through 8632 \n10476 through 10478 \n1933 \n8635 through 8653 \n10480 through 10487 \n1934 through 1939 \n8655 through 8686 \n10489 through 10491 \n1943 \n8690 \n10493 through 10495 \n1945 \n8692 through 8700 \n10497 through 10503 \n1947 \n8703 through 8715 \n10505 through 10588 \n1948 \n8717 through 8722 \n10591 through 10606 \n1952 through 1957 \n8724 through 8742 \n10608 through 10610 \n1960 \n8745 through 8828 \n10612 through 10620 \n1962 through 1965 \n8830 through 8835 \n10623 \n\n8838 through 8840 \n10624 \n\n8842 through 8881 \n10631 through 10655 \n\n8883 through 9032 \n10657 through 10669 \n\n9034through 9139 \n10672 \n\n9141 through 9198 \n10673 \n\n9200 \n10676 through 10678 \n\n9202 through 9302 \n10680 through 10683 \n\n9304 through 9339 \n10685 \n\n9341 through 9371 \n10687 \n\n9373 through 9411 \n10689 through 10702 \n\n9413 \n10707 \n\n9415 through 9417 \n10712 \n\n9419 through 9496 \n10715 \n\n9498 through 9585 \n10730 \n\n9587 through 9594 \n10732 through 10734 \n\n9596 through 9618 \n10736 \n\n9621 through 9629 \n10738 \n\n9632 through 9642 \n10739 \n\n9645 through 9651 \n10746 \n\n9653 through 9673 \n10750 \n\n9675 through 9707 \n10756 \n\n9709 through 9724 \n10760 \n\n9727 through 9731 \n10761 \n\n9733 through 9735 \n10765 \n\n9737 through 9739 \n10770 \n\n9741 through 9748 \n10774 through 10776 \n\n9751 through 9785 \n10778 \n\n9787 \n10781 \n\n9788 \n10783 through 10785 \n\n9790 through 9792 \n10792 \n\n9795 through 9847 \n10794 \n\n9849 through 9928 \n10798 \n\n9930 through 9937 \n10799 \n\n9940 through 9942 \n10806 through 10808 \n\n9944 through 9952 \n108119955 through 9972 \n10814 through 10822 \n\n9974 through 9989 \n10824 \n\n9991 through 9995 \n10825 \n\n9997 through 10004 \n10829 \n\n10006 through 10009 \n10831 \n\n10011 \n10917 \n\n10013 through 10018 \n10923 \n\n10021 through 10030 \n10931 \n\n10034 \n10936 \n\n10036 through 10057 \n10937 \n\n10061 through 10082 \n10940 \n\n10090 through 10092 \n10943 \n\n10094 through 10100 \n10945 \n\n10102 through 10114 \n10947 \n\n10116 \n10948 \n\n10119 \n10964 \n\n10121 \n10965 \n\n10123 through 10134 \n10973 \n\n10136 through 10140 \n10982 \n\n10142 through 10144 \n10985 \n\n10146 through 10172 \n10986 \n\nCompliance \n\n\tRequired as indicated. \n\n\tTo prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following: \n\n\t(a) Before further flight, unless accomplished previously, and before installing any blade with a P/N and S/N listed in the applicability section of this AD, clean the blade. Using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect both sides of each bladefor a deformation, a crack, and a bent or deformed weight in the area shown in Figure 1 of this AD. \n\n\tNote 1: Paint irregularities on the blade may indicate a crack. \n\n\n\n\n\t(b) After doing paragraph (a) of this AD, at the following intervals, clean both sides of each blade and do either paragraph (1) or (2) as follows: \n\n\t(1) At intervals not to exceed 12 hours time-in-service (TIS), using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect both sides of each blade for a deformation, a crack, and a bent or deformed weight in the area shown in Figure 1 of this AD, or \n\n\t(2) Inspect and check both sides of each blade for a deformation, a crack, and a bent or deformed weight in the area shown in Figure 1 of this AD as follows: \n\n\t(i) Using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect at intervals not to exceed 24 hours TIS, and \n\n\t(ii) Check at intervals not to exceed 3 hours TIS between the inspections required by paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this AD. An owner/ operator (pilot), holding at least a private pilot certificate, may perform this visual check and must enter compliance with this paragraph into the helicopter maintenance records by following 14 CFR sections 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v). \n\n\t(c) Before further flight, replace any blade that has a deformation, a crack, or a bent or deformed weight with an airworthy blade. \n\n\tNote 2: Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 206- 04-100 for Model 206A and B and No. 206L-04-127 for Model 206L series, both Revision C, both dated March 5, 2005, pertain to the subject of this AD. \n\n\t(d) On or before April 27, 2007, for any affected part-numbered blade with a S/N listed in the applicability section of this AD: \n\n\t(1) Replace the blade with a blade that has a S/N other than one listed in the applicability section of this AD, or \n\n\t(2) Replace the blade with a blade that has a S/N listed in the applicability section of this AD and also has a "V" suffix. \n\n\t(e) Replacing each blade with an airworthy blade as required by paragraph (d) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. \n\n\t(f) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222- 5122, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. \n\n\t(g) This amendment becomes effective on February 13, 2007. \n\n\tNote 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada (Canada) AD No. CF-2004-05R1, dated June 28, 2004.

Supplementary Information

A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 by superseding AD 2004-24-08, Amendment 39-13884 (69 FR 69810, December 1, 2004), for the specified BHTC model helicopters was published in the Federal Register on October 17, 2005 (70 FR 60246). This action contains the same actions as the existing AD. Also, when we issued AD 2004-24-08, we intentionally did not include the long-term requirement (no later than April 27, 2007) for removing and sending the affected blades to Rotor Blades, Inc. as specified by the manufacturer. We are including a long-term requirement in this AD that the affected blades be replaced on or before April 27, 2007, as terminating action. Additionally, in AD 2004-24-08, we inadvertently omitted blade serial numbers 10102 through 10114 from the applicability. We are correcting that oversight with this action. \n\n\tSince issuing AD 2004-24-08, BHTC has issued Alert Service Bulletin 206-04-100 for Bell Model 206A and B helicopters, and 206L-04-127 forBell Model 206L series helicopters, both Revision C, both dated March 5, 2005 (ASB). These ASBs add two warnings in the compliance section specifying returning the blade for balancing to Rotor Blades, Inc., and introduce new skin damage limits that supersede the previous damage limits. The ASB also gives a new address for Rotor Blades Inc. \n\n\tTransport Canada, the airworthiness authority for Canada, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on these helicopter models. Transport Canada advises of three reports of skin cracks originating near the blade trailing edge balance weight. Two of the occurrences caused a loss of the weight and a strip of material along the trailing edge leading to an imbalance, which caused the fracture of three of the four tail rotor gearbox attachments. One of these occurrences resulted in the gearbox shifting that caused failure of the drive shaft and resulting loss of yaw control. Transport Canada issued AD No. CF-2004- 05R1, dated June 28, 2004,to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in Canada. \n\n\tThese helicopter models are manufactured in Canada and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.29 and the applicable bilateral agreement. Pursuant to the applicable bilateral agreement, Transport Canada has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of Transport Canada, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of these type designs that are certificated for operation in the United States. \n\n\tInterested 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. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed, except for a change in paragraph (f) of the AD to add additional contactinformation. This change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. \n\n\tThe FAA estimates that this AD will: \n\n\tAffect 2194 helicopters of U.S. registry, \n\n\tTake about \1/4\ work hour for a blade check or inspection, and \n\n\tTake 3 work hours to replace a blade at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. \n\n\tCost about $5848 per helicopter. (In its ASB, the manufacturer states it will give warranty credit based on hour usage on the blade with remaining life hours and other restrictions.) \n\n\tBased on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $19,989,973. Costs assume--200 pilot checks, 26 mechanic inspections, and one blade replacement for 90 percent of the fleet with a nonconforming blade. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\tWe have determined that 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. \n\n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation: \n\n\t1. Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; \n\n\t2. Is not a "significant rule" under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and \n\n\t3. 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. \n\n\tWe prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD. See the DMS to examine the economic evaluation. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 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. \n\n\tWe are 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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\nAccordingly, 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: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n1. The authority citation for part39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-13884 (69 FR 69810, December 1, 2004) and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), Amendment 39-14877, to read as follows:

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Related ADs
2004-24-08 This AD replaces the above
Contact Information

Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222- 5961.

References
(Federal Register: January 9, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 5))
--- - Part 39
(Page 889-892)
FAA Documents
ADs Superseded by This AD
AD Number Subject Effective Date Actions
2004-24-08 Tail rotor blade (blade) 2004-12-16 View