The average labor rate is $80 per workhour and required parts cost about $20,173 for the Model 206L series and $25,669 for the Model 407 helicopters. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $1,663,519, assuming the entire fleet is examined for the affected part; 59 helicopters with the affected parts undergo the initial inspection; 30 helicopters with the affected part undergo one recurring 600hour inspection; and all 59 affected parts are replaced.

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 product(s) identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We determined that 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.

Therefore, I certify this AD:

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); 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.

We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39AIRWORTHINESS 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: 20081406 Bell Helicopter Textron Canada: Amendment 3915601, Docket No. FAA20080258; Directorate Identifier 2007SW22AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective on August 14, 2008.
Other Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Models 206L, 206L1, 206L3, and 206L4 helicopters with
[[Page 39572]]
horizontal stabilizer, part number (P/N) 206023119167, and Model 407 helicopters with horizontal stabilizer, P/N 407023801109, installed, certificated in any category.
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: ``Horizontal stabilizers part numbers 206023119167 and 407023801109 may have manufacturing flaws on the inside surface of the upper and/or lower skin at the tailboom attachment inserts. These flaws may result in cracking of the skin and failure of the horizontal stabilizer.''

The manufacturer's service information states that in addition to cracks, the horizontal stabilizer may have deformation or debonding around and between the inserts. This AD requires actions that are intended to address all these unsafe conditions.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Within the next 100 hours timeinservice (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs first, unless done previously.
(1) Determine whether you have an affected serial numbered horizontal stabilizer installed by removing the elevators from the horizontal stabilizer. Access the horizontal stabilizer
identification tag containing the horizontal stabilizer serial number as shown in Figure 1 and remove the elevators by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (BHTC) Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206L06141, dated September 12, 2006, applicable to the Model 206L series helicopter (206L ASB) or BHTC ASB No. 4070672, dated September 12, 2006, applicable to the Model 407 helicopters (407 ASB).
(2) If the serial number on the identification tag is a serial number listed in Table 1 of the 206L ASB or 407 ASB, inspect the horizontal stabilizer as follows:
(i) Using a 10x or higher magnifying glass, inspect the horizontal stabilizer for a crack or deformation around the areas of the inserts. Also, using a tap test method, inspect for debonding between the inserts by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, of either the 206L ASB or 407 ASB, as applicable.
(ii) If you find a crack, deformation, or debonding, replace the horizontal stabilizer with an airworthy horizontal stabilizer that does not have a serial number listed in Table 1 of the 206L ASB or 407 ASB. Replace the horizontal stabilizer by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, of either the 206L ASB or the 407 ASB, as applicable.
(iii) If you do not find a crack, deformation, or debonding, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS or during each annual inspection, whichever occurs first, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD.
(f) Replacing any horizontal stabilizer containing a serial number listed in Table 1 of 206L ASB or 407 ASB with a horizontal stabilizer that does not contain such a serial number by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, of either the 206L ASB or 407 ASB, as applicable, constitutes terminating actions for the requirements of this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI AD
(g) The MCAI requires compliance ``within the next 100 hours air time but no later than 9 May 2007.'' This AD requires compliance within the next 100 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first, unless done previously. Also, the MCAI requires replacing the horizontal stabilizer by September 30, 2008, and we have not mandated a compliance time for replacing the horizontal stabilizer. Other Information
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 761930111, telephone (817) 2225122, fax (817) 222 5961.
Related Information
(i) MCAI Transport Canada AD No. CF200703, dated March 27, 2007, contains related information.
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code
(j) ATA Code 5510: Horizontal Stabilizer Structure.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the specified portions of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L06141 or No. 40706 72, both dated September 12, 2006, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4, telephone (450) 4372862 or (800) 3638023, fax (450) 433 0272.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76193; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 7416030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/ federalregister/cfr/ibrlocations.html.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on June 19, 2008.
Judy I. Carl,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E814719 Filed 7908; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 761930111, telephone (817) 2225122, fax (817) 222 5961.