2016-02-06: Tail Rotor System

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2016-02-06 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39- 18387; Docket No. FAA-2016-2068; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-002- AD. \n\n(a) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters with a tail rotor (T/R) pitch link (link) part number (P/N) 429-012-112-101, -101FM, -103, or -103FM installed, certificated in any category. \n\n(b) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a T/R link. This condition could result in loss of T/R flight control and subsequent lossof control of the helicopter. \n\n(c) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD becomes effective February 2, 2016. \n\n(d) Compliance \n\n\n\tYou are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. \n\n(e) Required Actions \n\n\n\t(1) For T/R link P/N 429-012-112-101 and 429-012-112-103, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS): \n\t(i) Remove each T/R link assembly. Prior to cleaning the T/R link bearing bores, using 10X or higher power magnification, inspect each T/R link bearing bore for aluminum oxide corrosion extruding from between the roll staked lip of the bearing outer race and the link bearing bore. Aluminum oxide corrosion appears as a white crystalline material in contrast with the black finish and any accumulated soot. An example of this corrosion is shown in Figure 1 of Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-26, dated December 7, 2015 (ASB 429-15-26). \n\t(ii) If there is anyaluminum oxide corrosion, replace the T/R link before further flight. \n\t(iii) If there is no aluminum oxide corrosion, clean each T/R link bearing bore with isopropyl alcohol and inspect for pitting. \n\t(A) If there is any pitting, replace the T/R link before further flight. \n\t(B) If there is no pitting, apply corrosion preventative sealant by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 5. of Part I, of ASB 429-15-26. \n\t(2) For all T/R links listed in paragraph (a) of this AD, within 50 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, using 10X or higher power magnification, inspect each T/R link bearing bore for missing corrosion preventative sealant. If any corrosion preventative sealant is missing, perform the actions in paragraph (e)(1)(i) through (e)(1)(iii) of this AD before further flight. \n\t(3) Do not install T/R link P/N 429-012-112-101 or -103 on any helicopter before complying with the actions in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. \n\n(f) AlternativeMethods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Matt Fuller, Senior Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. \n\t(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. \n\n(g) Additional Information \n\n\n\tThe subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD CF- 2016-01, dated January 5, 2016. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2016-2068. \n\n(h) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6400, Tail Rotor System. \n\n(i) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(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. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-26, dated December 7, 2015. \n\t(ii) Reserved. \n\t(3) For Bell Helicopter service information identified in this final rule, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 433-0272; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/files/. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For informationon the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. \n\t(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 NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.