[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