[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 218 (Monday, November 14, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-27927]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: November 14, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 91-ASW-28]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 
206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 Series Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) 
Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 series helicopters, that 
would have required installing a protective mechanical fuel valve 
switch guard on the fuel valve switch. That proposal was prompted by 
reports of airmen inadvertently placing the fuel valve switch to the 
``OFF'' position. This action revises the proposed rule by further 
proposing to require the installation of a protective mechanical fuel 
valve switch guard on an additional serial-numbered Model 206B 
helicopter, and further proposing that the rule apply to certain 
additional visual flight rule-equipped Model 206L-1 and 206L-3 
helicopters. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to 
prevent the fuel valve switch from being inadvertently placed in the 
``OFF'' position, which could result in an engine failure and a 
subsequent power-off landing.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 19, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 91-ASW-28, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, 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., Attention: Customer 
Support, P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. This information may be 
examined at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 
Meacham Boulevard, Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Lance Gant, Aerospace Engineer, 
Rotorcraft Certification Office, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, ASW-170, 
2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-
5141, fax (817) 222-5959.

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 Number 91-ASW-28.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of SNPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this SNPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 91-ASW-28, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Room 663, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137.

Discussion

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell 
Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 
series helicopters, was published as a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) in the Federal Register on May 5, 1992 (57 FR 19265). That NPRM 
would have required installation of a protective mechanical fuel valve 
switch guard (switch guard) on certain serial-numbered BHTI Model 206A, 
206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters. That NPRM was prompted by 
reports of airmen inadvertently placing the fuel valve switch to the 
``OFF'' position. That condition, if not corrected, could result in the 
fuel valve switch being inadvertently placed in the ``OFF'' position, 
which could result in engine failure and a subsequent power-off 
landing.
    Since the issuance of that NPRM, the FAA has determined that 
certain serial-numbered, visual flight rule (VFR)-equipped Model 206L-1 
and 206L-3 helicopters were inadvertently omitted from the proposed 
requirements of the NPRM. These certain serial-numbered, VFR-equipped 
model helicopters should have a switch guard installed on the fuel 
valve switch. The NPRM proposed adding a switch guard on those certain 
serial-numbered model helicopters only if they were instrument flight 
rule (IFR)-equipped. Also, the NPRM failed to propose that the AD apply 
to Model 206B, serial number 914. This SNPRM adds that serial numbered-
helicopter to paragraph (a)(3). Additionally, this proposal makes 
various other non-substantive editorial changes, including raising the 
average labor rate from $55 to $60.
    Proposing to expand the applicability of this AD to include other 
serial-numbered rotorcraft expands the scope of the originally proposed 
rule. Therefore, the FAA has decided to reopen the comment period to 
provide additional opportunity for public comment.
    The FAA estimates that 5,192 helicopters of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour per helicopter to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
nothing for these helicopters since the manufacturer is providing full 
warranty compensation for the parts. Based on these figures, the total 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$311,520.
    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 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 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [AMENDED]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI): Docket No. 91-ASW-28.

    Applicability: Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 series 
helicopters, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent inadvertent placement of the fuel switch in the 
``OFF'' position, which could result in an engine failure and a 
subsequent power-off landing, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service after the effective 
date of this airworthiness directive (AD), modify the fuel valve 
switch to add a protective mechanical fuel valve switch guard as 
follows:
    (1) For the Model 206A, serial numbers (S/N) 1 through 153, 
modify in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions 
in BHTI Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 206-90-54, dated May 31, 
1990.
    (2) For the Model 206A, S/N 154 through 660 and 672 through 715, 
and Model 206B, S/N 661 through 671 and 716 through 913, modify in 
accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions in ASB 
No. 206-90-54, dated May 31, 1990.
    (3) For the Model 206B, S/N 914 through 4069 and 4071 through 
4074, modify in accordance with Part III of the Accomplishment 
Instructions in ASB No. 206-90-54, dated May 31, 1990.
    (4) For the visual flight rule-equipped Model 206L, S/N 45001 
through 45153 and 46601 through 46617, Model 206L-1, S/N 45154 
through 45790, and Model 206L-3, S/N 51001 through 51319, modify in 
accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions in BHTI 
ASB No. 206L-90-67, Revision A, dated August 5, 1991.
    (5) For the Model 206L-1, S/N 45154 through 45790, and Model 
206L-3, S/N 51001 through 51319, equipped with instrument flight 
rule kit, part number 206-705-001-101, installed per BHTI Service 
Instructions No. 206-2030, modify in accordance with Part II of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in ASB No. 206L-90-67, Revision A, dated 
August 5, 1991.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used when approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate. 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: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office.

    (c) 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 3, 1994.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 94-27927 Filed 11-10-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P