2022-07-02: Rotorcraft Tail Boom

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022-07-02 Bell Textron Inc.: Amendment 39-21989; Docket No. FAA-2022-0006; Project Identifier AD-2021-01298-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 9, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the following Bell Textron Inc. helicopters certificated in any category, with a tailboom left hand fin spar cap (spar cap) part number 212-030-447-117 installed. (1) Model 205A and 205A-1 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 30001 through 30065 inclusive, 30067 through 30165 inclusive, 30167 through 30187 inclusive, 30189 through 30296 inclusive, and 30298 through 30332 inclusive; (2) Model 205B helicopters, S/N 30066, 30166, 30188, and 30297; (3) Model 210 helicopters, all S/Ns; (4) Model 212 helicopters, S/N 30502 through 30603 inclusive, 30611 through 30999 inclusive, 31101 through 31311 inclusive, 32101 through 32142 inclusive, and 35001 through 35103 inclusive; (5) Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, S/N 33001 through 33213 inclusive, 34001 through 34036 inclusive, 36001 through 36999 inclusive, 37002 through 37999 inclusive, 38001 through 38999 inclusive, and 39101 through 39999 inclusive; and (6) Model 412CF helicopters, S/N 46400 through 46499 inclusive. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5302, Rotorcraft Tail Boom. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the discovery of fatigue cracking in the spar cap. A crack in the spar cap, if not detected and corrected, could create stress concentrations at the edge of the rivet holes, resulting in reduced structural integrity of the helicopter and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and prevent this unsafe condition. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS: (1) Using a 10x or higher power magnifying glass and a flashlight, inspect both flanges of the spar cap between fin station (F.S.) 50 and F.S. 71 for any crack, loose rivet, and other damage such as a scratch, dent, spalling, or corrosion, as depicted in Figure 1 of Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 205-20-116, ASB 205B-20-69, ASB 210-20-13, ASB 212-20-162, ASB 412-20-180, or ASB 412CF-20-67, each dated April 15, 2020, as applicable to your helicopter. If either spar cap flange is cracked, has a loose rivet, or has other damage, remove the spar cap from service before further flight. (2) Inspect the exterior of the fin skin in the area that contacts the spar cap for any crack, loose rivets, and distortion. If there is any crack, loose rivet, or distortion in the fin skin in the area that contacts the spar cap, remove the spar cap from service before further flight. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, DSCO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ASW-190-COS@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (i) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Ameet Shrotriya, Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524; phone: (817) 222-5525; email: Ameet.Shrotriya@faa.gov. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 205-20-116, dated April 15, 2020. (ii) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 205B-20-69, dated April 15, 2020. (iii) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 210-20-13, dated April 15, 2020. (iv) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 212-20-162, dated April 15, 2020. (v) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412-20-180, dated April 15, 2020. (vi) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412CF-20-67, dated April 15, 2020. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Textron Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (450) 437-2862 or (800) 363-8023; fax (450) 433-0272; email productsupport@bellflight.com; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (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, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on March 15, 2022. Derek Morgan, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-06973 Filed 4-1-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P