[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 225 (Wednesday, November 20, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59033-59034]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29610]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-SW-27-AD]
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model
214ST Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY:This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
(BHTI) Model 214ST helicopters. This proposal would require replacement
of each emergency float inflation solenoid valve (valve). This proposal
is prompted by two inadvertent inflations of emergency float systems
that resulted from self-activations of the valves. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent self-activation of
the valves, and subsequent inadvertent inflation of the emergency float
system, which could lead to loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Comments must be received by January 21, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention:
Rules Docket No. 96-SW-27-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas 76137. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00
a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth,
Texas 76101.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Uday Garadi, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth,
Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5157; fax (817) 222-5960.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 96-SW27-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 96-SW-27-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas
76137.
Discussion
This document proposes the adoption of a new AD, applicable to BHTI
Model 214ST helicopters, equipped with an emergency float kit, part
number (P/N) 214-706-120, containing valves, P/N 214-073-929-103 or -
105 in the solenoid valve assemblies, P/N 214-073-940-101 and -103.
There have been two reported inadvertent inflations of emergency float
systems that resulted from self-activations of the valves. An
investigation of the two valves involved in the incidents revealed the
actuating pins had not properly seated. Additionally, one pin showed
evidence of an unauthorized field repair or modification. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in self-activation of the
valves, and subsequent inadvertent inflation of the emergency float
system, which could lead to loss of control of the helicopter.
The FAA has reviewed Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Alert Service
Bulletin No. 214ST-96-74, dated May 28, 1996, which describes
procedures for replacement of all existing valves, P/N 214-073-929-103
and -105, in solenoid valve assemblies, P/N 214-073-940-101 and -103.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other BHTI Model 214ST helicopters of the same type
design, the proposed AD would require replacement of all existing
valves, P/N 214-073-929-103 and -105, in valve assemblies, P/N 214-073-
940-101 and -103.
The FAA estimates that 9 helicopters of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 2 work hours per
helicopter to replace the valves, and that the average labor rate is
$60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $2,100 per
helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $19,980.
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation
[[Page 59034]]
Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Docket No. 96-SW-27-AD.
Applicability: Model 214ST helicopters, equipped with an
emergency float kit, part number (P/N) 214-706-120, containing
emergency float inflation solenoid valves, P/N 214-073-929-103 or -
105, in solenoid valve assemblies, P/N 214-073-940-101 or -103,
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority
provided in paragraph (c) to request approval from the FAA. This
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration
eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair
remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent self-activation of the valves, and subsequent
inadvertent inflation of the emergency float system, which could
lead to loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) At the next scheduled ``B'' (250 hour) inspection, or 180-
day float inspection, or 3-year float system operational inspection,
whichever occurs first, remove solenoid valves, P/N 214-073-929-103
or -105, from solenoid valve assemblies, P/N 214-073-940-101 or -
103, and replace with solenoid valves, P/N 214-073-929-107.
Note 2: Solenoid valve assemblies, P/N 214-073-940, consist of a
valve, P/N 214-073-929 and a decal, P/N 31-023-8B. Solenoid valve
assembly, P/N 214-073-940-105, contains solenoid valve, P/N 214-073-
929-107.
(b) Installation of solenoid valves, P/N 214-073-929-107, or
solenoid valve assemblies, P/N 214-073-940-105, constitutes
terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
Note 3: Bell Helicopter Textron Alert Service Bulletin 214ST-96-
74, dated May 28, 1996, pertains to this AD.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office,
Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests
through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or
comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification
Office.
Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 7, 1996.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-29610 Filed 11-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U