On November 13, 2002, the FAA issued EAD 2002-23-51 to require, before further flight, a visual check to ensure that the two cup washers are installed correctly. If either cup washer is installed incorrectly, removing and replacing the swashplate outer ring, each cup washer, bearing and liner, and drive link where the cup washer was installed incorrectly are also required. That action was prompted by two reported failures of the stud portion of the swashplate drive link. One or both cup washers may have been installed incorrectly. The requirements of that EAD are intended to detect an incorrectly installed cup washer, which could limit the travel of the swashplate outer ring and lead to failure of the stud portion of the swashplate drive link, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. \n\n\tBell has issued Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin No. 407-02-55, dated October 29, 2002, which describes procedures for a one-time visual check of bothcup washers to ensure that they are correctly installed. The check must be accomplished before each flight. Transport Canada classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD No. CF-2002-46, dated November 6, 2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters in Canada. \n\n\tThis helicopter model is manufactured in Canada and is 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 this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States. \n\n\tSince the issuance of that EAD, the FAA determined that the paragraphs in the AD should be restructured to clarify that only the visual check may beperformed by an owner/operator. \n\n\tSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Bell Model 407 helicopters of the same type design, this AD supersedes EAD 2002-23-51 to require the same actions as the existing EAD--a visual check of the two cup washers; if a cup washer is installed incorrectly, remove and replace the swashplate outer ring, part number (P/N) 406-010-411-117, each cup washer, P/N 406-010-412-101, bearing and liner, P/N 406-010-417-101, and drive link, P/N 406-010-426-101, where the cup washer was installed incorrectly. This AD reorganizes the intended requirements of the existing EAD. The actions must be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously. The short compliance time involved is required because the previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the controllability and structural integrity of the helicopter. Therefore, the visual check and replacements, if necessary,are required before further flight and this AD must be issued immediately. \n\n\tSince a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. \n\n\tThe FAA estimates that 294 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.5 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the visual checks and 12 work hours per helicopter to replace certain parts, as necessary, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $17,549 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,379,906. \n\n\tThe regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distributionof power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. \n\n\tFor 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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, 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\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 (Amended) \n\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), Amendment 39-13087, to read as follows: