2020-20-06: Flight Control 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\n2020-20-06 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 39-21262; Docket No. FAA-2018-0334; Product Identifier 2017-SW-133-AD. \n\n(a) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Model 429 helicopters with a bellcrank assembly part number (P/N) 429-001- 523-101, 429-001-523-103, 429-001-532-101, or 429-001-532-103 installed, certificated in any category. \n\n(b) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD defines the unsafe condition as precipitation in the forward portion of the roof structure that can lead to pooling at the bellcrankassembly and corrosion of the bearings. This condition could result in restrictions in the collective, directional or pitch control systems, and subsequent loss of helicopter control. \n\n(c) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD becomes effective October 30, 2020. \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\tWithin 12 months after the helicopter was manufactured or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months: \n\t(1) Disconnect the forward ends of the collective control tube, longitudinal stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) actuator, and lateral SCAS actuator. Stow the collective control tube and each SCAS actuator to prevent binding. \n\t(2) Slowly move the cyclic stick fore/aft and laterally, and the collective stick up/down from stop to stop to determine if there is any roughness. If there is any roughness in the flight control system, before further flight, replace all six pivot bearings, P/N MS27646-41, in the collective lateral bellcrank assembly and the longitudinal bellcrank assembly. \n\t(3) Inspect the collective arm assembly P/N 429-001-525-101, the lateral arm assembly P/N 429-001-527-101, and the longitudinal arm assembly P/N 429-001-530-101, by rotating each bearing and ensuring each bearing rotates freely. If there is any binding in any arm end bearing or on the longitudinal bellcrank assembly, before further flight, replace each arm end bearing. \n\n(f) Special Flight Permits \n\n\n\tSpecial flight permits are prohibited. \n\n(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, 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 \n\n((Page 60358)) \n\n14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests 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(h) Additional Information \n\n\n\t(1) Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 429-15-21, Revision B, dated May 11, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, 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 https://www.bellcustomer.com. You may view the referenced service information atthe FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. \n\t(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada Civil Aviation (Transport Canada) AD No. CF-2016-11R2, dated October 18, 2017. You may view the Transport Canada AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2018-0334. \n\n(i) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2700, Flight Control System. \n\n\n\tIssued on September 21, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2020-21127 Filed 9-24-20; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P