2023-06-05: Tail Rotor Drive Shaft

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: 2023-06-05 Bell Textron Canada Limited: Amendment 39-22391; Docket No. FAA-2022-1488; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00788-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 206A, 206A-1 (OH-58A), 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6510, Tail Rotor Drive Shaft. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a loss of tail rotor (TR) drive due to a failure of an adhesively bonded joint between an adapter and a tube on one of the segmented TR drive shaft (TRDS) assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect degradation of the adhesive bond of the TRDS assembly. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of TR drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022 (Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33). (h) Exceptions To Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 requires compliance in terms of air time, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS). (2) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (3) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines "Affected TRDS," for this AD replace each instance of the text "affected TRDS," with "a TRDS with a part number (P/N) that is not one of the riveted TRDS P/Ns listed in the accomplishment instructions of Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206-20-139, Revision A, dated August 21, 2020 (ASB 206-20-139 Rev A) or Bell ASB 206L-20-184, Revision C, dated January 14, 2021 (ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C) as applicable to your model helicopter." (4) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 defines "Serviceable part," for this AD replace each instance of the text "serviceable part," with "a riveted TRDS with a P/N that is listed in the accomplishment instructions of ASB 206-20-139 Rev A or ASB 206L-20-184 Rev C as applicable to your model helicopter; or an affected TRDS that has been inspected and proof load tested in accordance with the requirements of this AD within the past 300 hours TIS or within the last 12 months, whichever occurs first." (5) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 specifies scrapping or discarding a part, this AD requires removing that part from service. (6) Where the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 specifies in the event of a bond line failure, recording the torque value at which it failed, the affected shaft position, part number, serial number, and which end failed, and notifying Bell Product Support Engineering of the findings, this AD does not require recording any discrepancies or reporting any information to Bell Product Support Engineering. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. (j) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits are prohibited. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@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. (l) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Kristi Bradley, Program Manager, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email kristin.bradley@faa.gov. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (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. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) Transport Canada AD CF-2022-33, dated June 15, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Transport Canada service information identified in this AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, CANADA; telephone 888-663-3639; email TC.AirworthinessDirectives-Consignesdenavigabilite.TC@tc.gc.ca; internet tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. (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 material 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on March 16, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-07779 Filed 4-13-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P