[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 23 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5420-5423]
[FR Doc No: 2012-2423]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0083; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-022-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Aeronautical Accessories Inc. High
Landing Gear Aft Crosstube Assembly

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
Aeronautical Accessories Inc. (AAI) High Landing Gear Aft Crosstube
Assembly (aft crosstube) installed on certain Bell Helicopter Textron,
Inc. (Bell) and Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) model helicopters as an approved
Bell part installed during production or based on a Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC). This proposed AD is prompted by three reports of
failed crosstubes because of cracks. The proposed actions are intended
to prevent failure of a crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 3, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will

be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., P.O. Box 3689, Bristol, Tennessee
37625-3689, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER> or 1-800-251-7094, fax (423) 538-
8469 or at http://www.aero-access.com. You may also get service
information from Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort
Worth, TX 76101, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>, fax<PHONE_NUMBER>, or at
http://www.bellcustomer.com/files. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, TX
76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137, telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>, email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay.
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    This document proposes adopting a new AD for AAI aft crosstubes
installed during production or based on STC SR01502AT on certain Bell
and Agusta model helicopters. This proposal would require certain
recurring visual, dimensional, and fluorescent penetrant inspections of
each aft crosstube. If there is a crack, the AD would require, before
further flight, replacing any cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy
aft crosstube. This proposal would also require establishing a life
limit for one of the affected part-numbered aft crosstubes (as the
later part-numbered aft crosstube already has limits established) and
creating a component history card or equivalent record for aft
crosstube part number (P/N) 412-321-304. This proposal is prompted by
three reports of failed aft crosstubes. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    We have reviewed AAI Alert Service Bulletin No. AA-07109, dated
April 3, 2008 (ASB), which specifies recurring inspections and
maintenance of each aft crosstube, P/N 412-321-104, installed as an
approved part by Bell during production, and P/N 412-321-304, installed
under STC SR01052AT, on Bell Model 412, 412EP, and 412CF and Agusta
Model AB412 and AB412EP helicopters. The ASB specifies establishing a
high aft crosstube, P/N 412 321-304, ``takeoff/landing'' life limit of
20,000. Also, the ASB specifies that operators should follow helicopter
towing instructions to prevent crosstube damage or failure as a result
of ground handling or towing.
    We have also reviewed Bell ASB 412-08-129, dated May 12, 2008, for
Bell Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, serial numbers 33001 through
33213, 36001 and subsequent, with an aft crosstube P/N 412-321-104
installed. Bell issued its ASB ``to achieve complete distribution of
AA-07109 vendor bulletin to the current affected model distribution
list.''

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require:
     Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), establishing a life
limit of 20,000 takeoffs and landings for aft crosstube P/N 412 321
304; creating a component history card or equivalent record; and
determining and recording the total number of takeoffs and landings for
each aft crosstube.
     Within the next 450 takeoffs and landings, if an aft
crosstube has reached 20,000 or more takeoffs and landings, replacing
it with an airworthy aft crosstube.
     At specified intervals, preparing the aft crosstube
inspection areas and inspecting each aft crosstube for a crack. If
there are no cracks, thereafter at specified intervals, priming and
cleaning the inspection area, and inspecting each aft crosstube for a
crack. If there is a crack, before further flight, replacing the
cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy aft crosstube.
     At specified intervals, determining the horizontal
deflection of each aft crosstube from the centerline of the helicopter
(BL 0.0) to the outside of the skid tubes. If the measured horizontal
deflection exceeds aft crosstube limits, replacing the aft crosstube
with an airworthy aft crosstube.
     At specified intervals, removing the aft crosstube
assembly, removing paint and sealant, and fluorescent penetrant
inspecting each aft crosstube for a crack. If there are no cracks,
priming and painting the inspection area. If there is a crack, before
further flight, replacing each cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy
aft crosstube.
    This proposed AD would revise the Airworthiness Limitations section
of the applicable maintenance manuals or the Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness (ICA) by establishing a new retirement life of 20,000
takeoffs and landings for aft crosstube P/N 412-321-304 by making pen
and ink changes or inserting a copy of the AD into the maintenance
manual or the ICAs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 115 helicopters of
U.S. Registry.
    We also estimate that the proposed actions would take about:
     1 hour to create a component history card or equivalent
record and determine and record the number of accumulated takeoffs and
landings for each affected aft crosstube;
     3 hours to prepare the area for a visual inspection;
     \1/2\ hour to do the repetitive visual inspections,
assuming 14 repetitive visual inspections per year;
     1 hour to do a dimensional inspection of the skid gear,
assuming 3 inspections per year;
     24 hours to prepare and fluorescent penetrant inspect the
aft crosstube, assuming 2 inspections per year; and
     10 hours to replace an aft crosstube, if necessary,
assuming 3 aft crosstubes would be replaced.
    The average labor rate is $85 per work hour. Required parts would
cost about $9,315 per aft crosstube. Based on these

figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators to be $636,545.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Aeronautical Accessories, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2012-0083;
Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-022-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to High Landing Gear Aft Crosstube Assembly (aft
crosstube) part number (P/N) 412-321-104 and P/N 412-321-304,
installed on Agusta S.p.A. Model AB412 and AB412EP and Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc., Model 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters,
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a cracked aft crosstube
which could result in collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) 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.

(d) Required Actions

    (1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) establish a life limit
of 20,000 takeoffs and landings for each aft crosstube P/N 412-321-
304. For the purposes of this AD, a takeoff and landing is defined
as the cycle from when the helicopter gets light on the skids
(takeoff) unloading the aft crosstube and then settles on the skids
again (landing) reloading the aft crosstubes. Either the number of
landings or takeoffs may be counted.
    (i) Create a component history card or equivalent record.
    (ii) Determine and record on the history card or equivalent
record the total number of takeoffs and landings for each aft
crosstube. If the takeoff and landing information is unavailable,
estimate the number by multiplying the airframe hours by 10.
    (2) Within the next 450 takeoffs and landings, if an aft
crosstube has reached 20,000 or more takeoffs and landings, replace
it with an airworthy aft crosstube.
    (3) Before reaching 2,500 takeoffs and landings or for an aft
crosstube with 2,500 or more takeoffs and landings, within 50 hours
TIS or within the next 250 takeoffs and landings, whichever occurs
first, prepare the aft crosstube inspection areas as depicted in
Figure 1 of Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI) Alert Service
Bulletin No. AA-07109, dated April 3, 2008 (ASB), by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 1 through 4, of the
ASB. Using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect the prepared
areas of each aft crosstube for a crack. If there is a crack, before
further flight, replace the cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy
aft crosstube. If there are no cracks, after completing the aft
crosstube inspection, prime and paint the inspection area by
following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, paragraphs 6 and
7, of the ASB.
    (4) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 450 takeoffs and
landings, clean the inspection area. Using a 10X or higher
magnifying glass, inspect the clear-coated area of the aft crosstube
for a crack.
    (5) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the
cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy aft crosstube.
    (6) Within 30 days or before reaching 2,500 takeoffs and
landings, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 2,500 takeoffs and landings or 12 months, whichever occurs
first, determine the horizontal deflection of each aft crosstube
from the centerline of the helicopter (BL 0.0) to the outside of the
skid tubes by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part D,
paragraphs 1 through 3, of the ASB. If the measured aft crosstube
horizontal deflection depicted in Figure 2 of the ASB is less than
57 inches (1448 mm) or greater than 59 inches (1499 mm), replace the
aft crosstube with an airworthy aft crosstube.
    (7) Within 3 months or on or before reaching 7,500 takeoffs and
landings, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 5,000 takeoffs and landings:
    (i) Remove the aft crosstube assembly by removing the aft
crosstube support beam assembly, P/N 604-030-001, and both aft
crosstube clamp assemblies, P/N 604-027-002.
    (ii) Remove paint and sealant from the aft crosstube outboard of
the upper center support to top of saddles, both sides, as depicted
in Figure 3 of the ASB.
    (iii) Fluorescent penetrant inspect each aft crosstube outboard
of the upper center support as depicted in Figure 3 of the ASB for a
crack.
    (iv) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the
cracked aft crosstube with an airworthy aft crosstube.
    (8) Revise the helicopter Airworthiness Limitations section of
the applicable maintenance manuals or the Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness (ICA) by establishing a new retirement life of 20,000
takeoff and landings for aft crosstube P/N 412-321-304 by making pen
and ink changes or inserting a copy of this AD into the maintenance
manual or the ICAs.

(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Martin R. Crane,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft
Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137,
telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>, email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (2) For operations conducted under a Part 119 operating
certificate or under 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.

(f) Additional Information

    The FAA approved AAI Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
Report Number AA-01136 and the Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service
Bulletin No. 412-08-129, dated May 12, 2008, which are not
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about
inspecting the aft crosstube for a crack.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 32: Landing Gear.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on January 23, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-2423 Filed 2-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P