Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Inc. Helicopters

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered Bell Textron Inc. (Bell) Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 8, 2024 (89 FR 38841). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracked barrel nuts on Model 412EP helicopters. According to Bell, the root cause for cracking can vary from corrosion damage, high time in service, or hydrogen embrittlement. Barrel nut cracking can also cause loss of torque on the associated bolt and subsequent bolt cracking. Due to design similarities, Model 212, 412, and 412CF helicopters are also affected.

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require, for certain serial-numbered Model 212, 412CF, 412, and 412EP helicopters, replacing the upper left-hand (LH) steel alloy barrel nut and bolt with a new nickel alloy barrel nut, retainer, and bolt. For certain other serial-numbered Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, the FAA proposed to require removing the upper LH steel alloy barrel nut, inspecting the removed upper LH steel alloy barrel nut and replacing it with a nickel alloy barrel nut and retainer, and either inspecting or replacing the upper LH bolt. For those serial-numbered Model 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters, the FAA also proposed to require removing the upper right-hand (RH), lower LH, and lower RH steel alloy barrel nuts, inspecting those removed steel alloy barrel nuts and replacing them with new nickel alloy barrel nuts and retainers, and either inspecting or replacing the upper RH, lower LH, and lower RH bolts. Thereafter for those helicopters, as well as for one additional serial-numbered Model 412/412EP helicopter, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the torque applied on each bolt to determine if the torque has stabilized and, depending on the results, replacing and inspecting certain tail boom attachment point hardware and repeating the torque inspections, or applying torque stripes. For all applicable helicopters, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting the torque applied on each bolt within a longer-term compliance time interval and, depending on the results, replacing and inspecting certain tail boom attachment point hardware and repeating the torque inspections and stabilization, or applying torque stripes. Additionally, for all applicable helicopters, within a longer-term compliance time interval, the FAA proposed to require repetitively replacing the upper LH bolt and inspecting the other three bolts and, depending on the results, taking corrective action. Following accomplishment of those actions, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the torque applied on each bolt to determine if the torque has stabilized and, depending on the results, replacing and inspecting certain tail boom attachment point hardware and repeating the torque inspections, or applying torque stripes. Lastly, the FAA proposed to prohibit installing steel alloy barrel nuts on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

The FAA received comments from Bell requesting changes to the Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information section in the NPRM (the Differences Between This AD and the Referenced Material section in this final rule). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Change the Torque Inspection Nomenclature

In the NPRM, the FAA explained that while the service information specifies checking torque, the proposed AD would require inspecting the torque. Bell requested the FAA change the torque inspection to a torque check consistent with the terminology in its manuals and in the service information required by this AD.

The FAA disagrees. The FAA's regulatory definition of “maintenance” includes inspections but does not include checks. In certain ADs, the FAA uses the term “check” in limited situations when allowing a pilot to perform actions as an exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations. For this AD, the specified torque verification requirement is a maintenance action that must be performed by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. Accordingly, this AD must use the term “inspection.”

Comments Regarding Torque Below Minimum Allowable Limit

In the NPRM, the FAA explained that for stabilizing the tail boom attachment hardware torque, the service information does not specify actions for if the torque on a bolt is below the minimum allowable torque, and therefore the proposed AD would require several actions. Bell stated that certain actions such as replacing the bolt, inspecting the associated barrel but, and repeating the torque inspection, are mandated by Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 412-21-187, Revision A, dated February 23, 2022, part II (torque stabilization) and part III (repetitive longer-term torque inspection) of ASB 412-21-187, Revision A, February 23, 2022.

The torque stabilization procedures in part II of the Bell service bulletins specify corrective action if the torque has not stabilized after checking the torque up to three times maximum. However, the procedures do not specify any corrective action if the torque is below the minimum allowable torque limit as a result of any individual instance of a torque stabilization inspection. Similarly, the repetitive longer-term torque inspection procedures in part III of the Bell service bulletins specify additional actions if the torque is below the minimum allowable torque limit as a result of an inspection. However, the FAA determined that those part III procedures are somewhat vague and may be interpreted in more than one way. Thus, this AD contains specific actions for addressing torque below the minimum limits. The FAA has clarified this explanation in the Differences Between This AD and the Referenced Material section of this final rule.

Comment Regarding the 5,000 Hours Time-in-Service (TIS) or 5 Year Required Actions

In the NPRM, the FAA explained the proposed AD would require replacing the upper LH bolt and visually inspecting the upper RH and lower bolts within 5,000 hours TIS or 5 years, while the service information did not contain those actions. Bell stated that its service bulletins specify that the maintenance manual will be revised to include those actions. Bell also cited the 5,000 hour/5-year inspection in the Bell Model 412/412EP Maintenance Manual, Issue 001, dated May 31, 2023.

The FAA has revised the Differences Between This AD and the Referenced Material in this final rule to explain that the referenced material specifies that the 5,000 hours TIS or 5 year threshold actions will be incorporated into the maintenance manual.

Additional Changes Made to This Final Rule

Since the NPRM published, the FAA determined that paragraph (c) of the proposed AD incorrectly included some serial-numbered helicopters that are not eligible for an FAA airworthiness certificate. Therefore, the FAA has revised the applicability of this AD to remove those helicopters. The FAA has also updated the model for serial number 37052 in paragraph (c)(4) of this AD to Model 412EP, since it is currently registered as such.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes and other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

The FAA reviewed the following Bell ASBs, each Revision A, and each dated February 23, 2022. This material specifies procedures for replacing the steel alloy barrel nuts with nickel alloy barrel nuts, inspecting and replacing the tail boom attachment hardware, stabilizing the tail boom attachment hardware torque, applying torque seals, and inspecting the torque.

• ASB 212-21-166 for Model 212 helicopters,
• ASB 412-21-187 for Model 412/412EP helicopters, and
• ASB 412CF-21-72 for Model 412CF helicopters.

This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Differences Between This AD and the Referenced Material

The referenced material specifies checking torque, whereas this AD requires inspecting torque because that action must be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.

When stabilizing the tail boom attachment hardware torque, the referenced material does not clearly specify actions for each time the torque is below the minimum limit during any torque stabilization inspection, whereas this AD requires replacing and inspecting certain tail boom attachment point hardware, stabilizing the torque of the replaced hardware set, and applying a torque stripe.

This AD requires replacing each upper LH bolt with a new (zero total hours TIS) bolt and visually inspecting the upper RH, lower LH, and lower RH bolts within a 5,000 hours TIS or 5 year threshold, whereas the referenced material states that these actions will be incorporated into the maintenance manual.

Costs of Compliance

The FAA estimates that this AD affects 105 helicopters of U.S. registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.

For the initial requirements for certain helicopters, replacing the four steel alloy barrel nuts with new nickel alloy barrel nuts, inspecting or replacing up to four bolts, inspecting and stabilizing the torque, and applying torque stripes will take up to approximately 8.5 work-hours for an estimated labor cost of up to $723. The parts cost for the four new nickel alloy barrel nuts (including retainers) is approximately $680. The parts cost for an upper LH bolt is approximately $196 and the parts cost for the other bolts is approximately $89 per bolt. The parts cost to apply torque stripes is a nominal amount. The estimated cost for these actions is up to approximately $1,866 per helicopter.

For all applicable helicopters, inspecting the torque applied on each bolt will take approximately 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $8,925 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.

For all applicable helicopters, replacing an upper LH bolt, stabilizing the torque, and applying a torque stripe will take up to approximately 5 work-hours. The parts cost for an upper LH bolt is approximately $196 and the parts cost to apply a torque stripe is a nominal amount. The estimated cost for these actions is up to approximately $621 per helicopter and $65,205 for the U.S. fleet, per replacement cycle. Inspecting one of the other bolts, stabilizing the torque, and applying a torque stripe will take up to approximately 3.5 work-hours for an estimated cost of $298 per bolt and $31,290 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. If required, replacing a bolt following that inspection will take a minimal amount of additional time and a parts cost of approximately $89.

If required as a result of failing a torque inspection, visually inspecting a barrel nut, replacing a bolt, stabilizing the torque, and applying a torque stripe will take up to approximately 5.5 work-hours per failed hardware set. The parts cost for an upper LH bolt is approximately $196 and the parts cost for the other bolts is approximately $89 per bolt. The parts cost to apply a torque stripe is a nominal amount. The estimated cost for these actions is $664 (upper LH bolt) or $557 (other bolts), per failed hardware set. If required, replacing a barrel nut following that inspection will take a minimal amount of additional time with a parts cost for a barrel nut (including retainer) of approximately $173.

If required as a result of failing a torque stabilization, replacing a barrel nut, visually inspecting a bolt, stabilizing the torque, and applying a torque stripe will take up to approximately 5.5 work-hours and the parts cost for a barrel nut (including retainer) is approximately $73. The estimated cost for these actions is $541. If required, replacing the bolt following that inspection will take a minimal amount of additional time with a parts cost for an upper LH bolt of approximately $196 and a parts cost for the other bolts of approximately $89 per bolt.

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.

The FAA is 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

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 above, I certify that this AD:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

(3) 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.

The Amendment

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

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:

2024-16-19 Bell Textron Inc.: Amendment 39-22825; Docket No. FAA-2024-0768; Project Identifier AD-2022-00504-R.

(a) Effective Date

This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 8, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to the Bell Textron Inc. helicopters, certificated in any category, that are identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD.

(1) Model 212 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 30501 through 30603 inclusive, 30611 through 30753 inclusive, 30755 through 30889 inclusive, 30891 through 30999 inclusive, 31101 through 31162 inclusive, 31164 through 31311 inclusive, 32101 through 32142 inclusive, and 35001 through 35103 inclusive;

(2) Model 412CF helicopters, S/N 46400 through 46499 inclusive;

(3) Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, S/N 33001 to 33078 inclusive, 33080 through 33129 inclusive, 33131 through 33138 inclusive, 33150 through 33213 inclusive, 36001 through 36687 inclusive, 36689 through 36999 inclusive, 37002 through 37018 inclusive, 37021 through 37051 inclusive, 38001, and 39101 through 39103 inclusive;

(4) Model 412EP helicopter, S/N 37052; and

(5) Model 412 and 412EP helicopters, S/N 36688, 37019, 37020, 37053 through 37999 inclusive, 38002 through 38999 inclusive, and 39104 through 39999 inclusive.

(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5302, Rotorcraft Tail Boom.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of cracked tail boom attachment barrel nuts (barrel nuts). The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking of barrel nuts, damage to the tail boom attachment bolts (bolts), and certain bolts remaining in service beyond fatigue limits. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in increased fatigue loading and subsequent failure of the bolts, which could lead to separation of the tail boom from the helicopter 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) Within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iv) of this AD, as applicable. For purposes of this AD, the word “new” is defined as having zero total hours TIS.

(i) For all helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD; and for helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this AD that have accumulated 5,000 or more total hours TIS or 5 or more years since new, or if the total hours TIS or age of the helicopter is unknown, remove the upper left-hand (LH) steel alloy barrel nut part number (P/N) NAS577B9A and upper LH bolt from service and replace them with a new nickel alloy barrel nut P/N NAS577C9A, new retainer P/N NAS578C9A, and a new bolt in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraphs 4 through 7, of Bell Alert Service Bulletin 212-21-166, Revision A, dated February 23, 2022 (ASB 212-21-166 Rev A), Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412CF-21-72, Revision A, dated February 23, 2022 (ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A), or Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412-21-187, Revision A, dated February 23, 2022 (ASB 412-21-187 Rev A), as applicable to your helicopter model, except you are not required to discard parts.

(ii) For helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this AD that have accumulated less than 5,000 total hours TIS and less than 5 years since new, remove the upper LH steel alloy barrel nut P/N NAS577B9A, the upper LH bolt, countersunk washer, and plain washers, and visually inspect the removed upper LH steel alloy barrel nut for cracking. If there is any cracking in the upper LH steel alloy barrel nut, before further flight, remove the upper LH bolt from service. If the upper LH bolt was not removed from service as a result of the upper LH steel alloy barrel nut inspection, visually inspect the upper LH bolt for any corrosion, damaged threads, wear, and fatigue cracking. If the upper LH bolt has any corrosion, a damaged thread, wear, or fatigue cracking, before further flight, remove the upper LH bolt from service. Regardless of the result of the upper LH steel alloy barrel nut inspection, remove the upper LH steel alloy barrel nut from service and replace it with a new nickel alloy barrel nut P/N NAS577C9A and new retainer P/N NAS578C9A. Install a new upper LH bolt or reinstall the existing upper LH bolt, as applicable, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraphs 6 and 7, of ASB 412-21-187 Rev A.

(iii) For helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, remove the upper right-hand (RH) steel alloy barrel nut P/N NAS577B8A, the upper RH bolt, countersunk washer, and plain washers, and visually inspect the removed upper RH steel alloy barrel nut for cracking. If there is any cracking in the upper RH steel alloy barrel nut, before further flight, remove the upper RH bolt from service. If the upper RH bolt was not removed from service as a result of the upper RH steel alloy barrel nut inspection, visually inspect the upper RH bolt for any corrosion, damaged threads, wear, and fatigue cracking. If the upper RH bolt has any corrosion, a damaged thread, wear, or fatigue cracking, before further flight, remove the upper RH bolt from service. Regardless of the result of the upper RH steel alloy barrel nut inspection, remove the upper RH steel alloy barrel nut from service and replace it with a new nickel alloy barrel nut P/N NAS577C8A and new retainer P/N NAS578C8A. Install a new upper RH bolt or reinstall the existing upper RH bolt, as applicable, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraphs 11 and 12, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model.

(iv) For helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, remove one of the lower steel alloy barrel nuts P/N NAS577B6A, its lower bolt, countersunk washer, and plain washers, and visually inspect the removed lower steel alloy barrel nut for cracking. If there is any cracking in the lower steel alloy barrel nut, before further flight, remove the lower bolt from service. If the lower bolt was not removed from service as a result of the lower steel alloy barrel nut inspection, visually inspect the lower bolt for any corrosion, damaged threads, wear, and fatigue cracking. If the lower bolt has any corrosion, a damaged thread, wear, or fatigue cracking, before further flight, remove the lower bolt from service. Regardless of the result of the lower steel alloy barrel nut inspection, remove the lower steel alloy barrel nut from service and replace it with a new nickel alloy barrel nut P/N NAS577C6A and new retainer P/N NAS578C6A. Install a new lower bolt or reinstall the existing lower bolt, as applicable, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraphs 16 and 17, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model. Repeat the actions required by this paragraph for the other lower tail boom attachment point.

(2) For helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, after accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, using the torque value information in the Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraph 1, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model, inspect the torque applied on each bolt. Thereafter, repeat the torque inspection of each bolt after accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS, to determine if the torque has stabilized. Do not exceed three torque inspections total for each bolt and accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.

Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (g)(2): This note applies to the introductory text of paragraph (g)(2), the introductory text of paragraph (g)(2)(i), paragraph (g)(2)(i)(B), and paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD. The Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraph 1, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, and ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A each refer to part I for allowable torque limits; part I of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, and ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A specify the different torque limits for the different bolts.

(i) If the torque on a bolt is below the minimum allowable torque limit as a result of any instance of the torque inspection or if after three torque inspection attempts, the torque on any bolt has not stabilized, before further flight, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A) and (B) of this AD.

(A) Remove the hardware set of one failed tail boom attachment point (barrel nut, retainer, bolt, countersunk washer, and plain washers). Remove the barrel nut and retainer from service as applicable to the affected tail boom attachment point. Visually inspect the removed bolt for any corrosion, damaged threads, wear, and fatigue cracking. If the bolt has any corrosion, a damaged thread, wear, or fatigue cracking, before further flight, remove the bolt from service.

(B) Install a new bolt or reinstall the existing bolt, as applicable, and a new nickel alloy barrel nut P/N NAS577C9A, NAS577C8A, or NAS577C6A, and new retainer P/N NAS578C9A, NAS578C8A, or NAS578C6A, with the P/N of the new nickel alloy barrel nut and the P/N of the new retainer being as applicable to the affected tail boom attachment point by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraphs 6 and 7, paragraphs 11 and 12, or paragraphs 16 and 17, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model and with the paragraphs as applicable to that bolt. Repeat the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i)(A) and (B) of this AD for each failed tail boom attachment point, one hardware set at a time. Then repeat the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD just for each newly installed or reinstalled bolt until the torque for all four tail boom attachment points stabilizes.

(ii) If the torque for all four tail boom attachment points has stabilized, before further flight, apply a torque stripe to all four bolts.

(3) For the helicopter identified in paragraph (c)(4) of this AD, within 5 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, inspect the torque applied on each bolt in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraphs 1 and 2, of ASB 412-21-187 Rev A. Thereafter, repeat the torque inspection of each bolt after accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS, to determine if the torque has stabilized. Do not exceed three torque inspections total for each bolt and accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.

Note 2 to paragraph (g)(3): The Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraph 1, of ASB 412-21-187 Rev A refers to part I for allowable torque limits; part I of ASB 412-21-187 Rev A specifies the different torque limits for the different bolts.

(4) For helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD, within 600 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first after applying torque stripes to all four bolts as required by paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, and thereafter within intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first; and for helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(5) of this AD, within 600 hours TIS or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and thereafter within intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS or 12 months, whichever occurs first, using the torque value information in the Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraph 1, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model, inspect the torque applied on each bolt. If the torque on any bolt is below the minimum allowable torque limit, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(4)(i) and (ii) of this AD.

(i) Before further flight, remove the hardware set of one failed tail boom attachment point (barrel nut, retainer, bolt, countersunk washer, and plain washers). Visually inspect the removed barrel nut for cracking, corrosion, and loss of tare torque. If the barrel nut has any cracking, corrosion, or has lost any tare toque, before further flight, remove the barrel nut and retainer from service and replace them with a new nickel alloy barrel nut P/N NAS577C9A, NAS577C8A, or NAS577C6A, and new retainer P/N NAS578C9A, NAS578C8A, or NAS578C6A, with the P/N of the new nickel alloy barrel nut and the P/N of the new retainer being as applicable to the affected tail boom attachment point. Regardless of the result of the barrel nut inspection, remove the bolt from service and replace it with a new bolt by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraphs 6 and 7, paragraphs 11 and 12, or paragraphs 16 and 17, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model and with the paragraphs as applicable to that bolt. Repeat the actions required by this paragraph for each failed tail boom attachment point, one hardware set at a time.

(ii) After accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this AD, using the torque value information in the Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraph 1, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model, inspect the torque applied on each newly installed bolt. Thereafter, repeat the torque inspection of those bolts after accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS, to determine if the torque has stabilized. Do not exceed three torque inspections total for those bolts and accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.

Note 3 to paragraph (g)(4): The Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraph 1, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, and ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, each refer to part I for allowable torque limits; part I of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, and ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, specify the different torque limits for the different bolts.

(5) Within the compliance times specified in Table 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (g)(5) of this AD, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(5)(i) through (iv) of this AD.

Table 1 to the Introductory Text of Paragraph (g)(5)

(i) Remove the upper LH bolt from service and replace it with a new upper LH bolt by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraphs 6 and 7, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model. Then accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(5)(v) of this AD.

Note 4 to paragraph (g)(5)(i): This note applies to paragraphs (g)(5)(i) through (v) of this AD. The Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraph 1, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, and ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, each refer to part I for allowable torque limits; part I of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, and ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, specify the different torque limits for the different bolts.

(ii) With the upper RH bolt removed, visually inspect the upper RH bolt for any corrosion, damaged threads, wear, and fatigue cracking. If the upper RH bolt has any corrosion, a damaged thread, wear, or fatigue cracking, before further flight, remove the upper RH bolt from service. Install a new upper RH bolt or reinstall the existing upper RH bolt, as applicable, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 11 and 12 of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model. Then accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(5)(v) of this AD.

(iii) With the lower LH bolt removed, visually inspect the lower LH bolt for any corrosion, damaged threads, wear, and fatigue cracking. If the lower LH bolt has any corrosion, a damaged thread, wear, or fatigue cracking, before further flight, remove the lower LH bolt from service. Install a new lower LH bolt or reinstall the existing lower LH bolt, as applicable, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 16 and 17 of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model. Then accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(5)(v) of this AD.

(iv) With the lower RH bolt removed, visually inspect the lower RH bolt for any corrosion, damaged threads, wear, and fatigue cracking. If the lower RH bolt has any corrosion, a damaged thread, wear, or fatigue cracking, before further flight, remove the lower RH bolt from service. Install a new lower RH bolt or reinstall the existing lower RH bolt, as applicable, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 16 and 17 of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model. Then accomplish the actions required by paragraph (g)(5)(v) of this AD.

(v) After accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g)(5)(i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this AD, using the torque value information in the Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraph 1, of ASB 212-21-166 Rev A, ASB 412-21-187 Rev A, or ASB 412CF-21-72 Rev A, as applicable to your helicopter model, inspect the torque applied on each bolt. Thereafter, repeat the torque inspection of those bolts after accumulating 1 hour TIS, but not to exceed 5 hours TIS, to determine if the torque has stabilized. Do not exceed three torque inspections total for those bolts and accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this AD.

(6) For helicopters identified in paragraph (c) of this AD, as of the effective date of this AD, do not install a steel alloy barrel nut P/N NAS577B9A, P/N NAS577B8A, or P/N NAS577B6A on any helicopter.

(h) Special Flight Permit

A one-time special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 in order to fly to a maintenance area to perform the required actions in this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Central Certification 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 Central Certification Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to 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.

(j) Additional Information

For more information about this AD, contact Jacob Fitch, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (817) 222-4130; email: jacob.fitch@faa.gov.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 212-21-166, Revision A, dated February 23, 2022.

(ii) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412-21-187, Revision A, dated February 23, 2022.

(iii) Bell Alert Service Bulletin 412CF-21-72, Revision A, dated February 23, 2022.

(3) For Bell material identified in this AD, contact Bell Textron Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; phone: (450) 437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax: (450) 433-0272; email: productsupport@bellflight.com; or website: bellflight.com/support/contact-support.

(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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 at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov.

[FR Doc. 2024-22929 Filed 10-3-24; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P