Show the full text (3,737 characters)
Adoption of 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
0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2016-20-01 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell): Amendment 39-18667; Docket No. FAA-2016-9144; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW- 014-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Bell Model 427 and 429 helicopters, certificated in any category, with an engine and transmission oil check valve part number (P/N) 209-062-520-001 manufactured by Circor Aerospace, marked ``Circle Seal'' and with a manufacturing date code of ``10/11'' (October 2011) through ``03/15'' (March 2015), installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a cracked or leaking check valve. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of lubrication to the engine or transmission, failure of the transmission or engine, and loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective October 17, 2016.
(d) Compliance
You 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.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service:
(i) Replace each transmission oil check valve.
(ii) For Model 429 helicopters, replace each engine oil check valve.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any check valve P/N 209-062-520-001 manufactured by Circor Aerospace, marked ``Circle Seal'' and with a manufacturing date code of ``10/ 11'' (October 2011) through ``03/15'' (March 2015), on any helicopter.
(f) Alternative Methods ofCompliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222- 5110; email 9-ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(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.
(g) Additional Information
(1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 427-15-37 for Model 427 helicopters and Bell ASB 429-15-23 for Model 429 helicopters, both dated September 4, 2015, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this final rule. For 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/. You may review a copy of the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD No. CF-2015-29, dated December 7, 2015. 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-2016-9144.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300 Engine and Transmission Lubrication System.
