2022-22-08: Main Rotor Blades

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: 2022-22-08 Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Amendment 39-22223; Docket No. FAA-2022-0286; Project Identifier AD-2021-01081-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 23, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, certificated in any category, with main rotor (M/R) blade part number (P/N) 20633000-101 with serial number A007, A008, A009, or A012 through A104 inclusive, installed under Supplemental Type Certificate SR02684LA. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6210, Main Rotor Blades. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of delamination of M/R blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to address delamination of an M/R blade initiating in the 90° plies at the lower inboard end of the weight pocket receptacle. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the M/R blade, excessive vibration, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD at the following compliance time, whichever occurs later: (i) Before the M/R blade accumulates 400 total hours time-in-service (TIS) or 2,400 engine starts since initial installation on any helicopter, whichever occurs first; or (ii) Within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD. (2) Remove each M/R blade from the helicopter, place it on a flat, stable surface, and accomplish the following: (i) Use a permanent marker to draw rectangular inspection "Zone 1" on the upper surface of the M/R blade at M/R blade stations 185.75 and 192.75, or measured from the tip end of the M/R blade between 36.25 inches and 29.25 inches, beginning 1.2 inches from the leading edge of the M/R blade to 5.0 inches from the leading edge of the M/R blade. Draw lines from the inboard end to the outboard end to connect each end at 1.2 inches and 5.0 inches. Draw parallel lines from the inboard end of the inspection zone to the outboard end of the inspection zone, with the lines spaced 0.50 inch apart. Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2)(i): This note applies to paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD. Figure 4 of Van Horn Aviation, LLC, Service Bulletin Notice No. 33000-4R3, dated November 8, 2021 (SB 33000-4R3), and Van Horn Aviation, LLC, Service Bulletin Notice No. 33000-4R4, dated March 31, 2022 (SB 33000-4R4) depict "Zone 1" and "Zone 2." (ii) Use a permanent marker to draw rectangular inspection "Zone 2" on the lower surface of the M/R blade at M/R blade stations 185.9 and 192.9, or measured from the tip end of the M/R blade between 36.1inches and 29.1 inches, beginning from the forward edge of the weight receptacle pocket and extending 1 inch in the direction towards the leading edge of the M/R blade. Draw lines from the inboard end to the outboard end to connect each end at the weight receptacle pocket and 1 inch forward of the weight receptacle pocket. Draw parallel lines from the inboard end of the inspection zone to the outboard end of the inspection zone, with the lines spaced 0.50 inch apart. (iii) Using composite tap hammer Abaris Training Tap Hammer P/N ABATH, HeatCon Tap Hammer P/N HCS1104-01, Brown Tool Composite Tap Hammer P/N BAT-CTH8, MATCO Tools Composite Tap Hammer P/N T4BAT-CTH8, or Van Horn Aviation Tap Hammer P/N VHACS0003, tap inspect the areas within "Zone 1" and "Zone 2" for any delamination by following Tap Inspect Balance Receptacle, paragraph A.(4) of SB 33000-4R3 or SB 33000-4R4. Where SB 33000-4R3 and SB 33000-4R4 specify to mark the location where the delamination starts, use a permanent marker. (iv) If there are any marks where the delamination starts, connect the marks indicating the delamination location and measure the length at the farthest point from the inboard end of the inspection area. (v) If there is any delamination in the lower surface inspection zone ("Zone 2") that is 6.0 or more inches in length or if there is any delamination in the upper surface inspection zone ("Zone 1"), before further flight, remove the M/R blade from service. (3) Thereafter repeat the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS or 2,400 engine starts, whichever occurs first. (4) If there is any delamination, within 30 days after accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) or (3) of this AD, report each delamination size and location, and the total hours TIS and total engine starts since initial installation of the M/R blade, to Mr. Dean Rosenlof, Van Horn Aviation, LLC, 1510 West Drake Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283, or by email to [email protected]. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO 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: [email protected]. (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 Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5313; email [email protected]. (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) Van Horn Aviation, LLC, Service Bulletin Notice No. 33000-4R3, dated November 8, 2021. (ii) Van Horn Aviation, LLC, Service Bulletin Notice No. 33000-4R4, dated March 31, 2022. (3) For Van Horn Aviation, LLC, service information identified in this AD, contact Dean Rosenlof, Van Horn Aviation, LLC, 1510 West Drake Drive, Tempe, AZ, 85283, United States; phone: (480) 483-4202; email: [email protected]. (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 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: [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on October 21, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-25030 Filed 11-17-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P