[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 86 (Thursday, May 4, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21976-21977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-10589]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 91-ASW-28; Amendment 39-9209; AD 95-09-06]
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model
206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 206A, 206B,
206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters, that requires installing a
protective mechanical fuel valve switch guard on the fuel valve switch.
This amendment is prompted by reports of airmen inadvertently placing
the fuel valve switch to the ``OFF'' position. The actions specified by
this 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: Effective June 8, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 8, 1995.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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 Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Lance Gant, Aerospace Engineer,
Rotorcraft Certification Office, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5141, fax
(817) 222-5959.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
(BHTI) Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters was
published in the Federal Register on November 14, 1994 (59 FR 56436).
[[Page 21977]] That action proposed to require installing a protective
mechanical fuel valve switch guard on the fuel valve switch.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the
adoption of the rule as proposed, except for editorial changes.
The FAA estimates that 5,192 helicopters of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will 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 AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $311,520.
The regulations adopted herein will 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 final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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:
95-09-06 Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.: Amendment 39-9209. Docket
No. 91-ASW-28.
Applicability: Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3
helicopters, 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 (b) 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 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, 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 2: 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.
(d) The modification shall be done in accordance with Bell
Helicopter Textron, Inc. ASB 206-90-54, dated May 31, 1990, and ASB
206L-90-67, Revision A, dated August 5, 1991. This incorporation by
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be
obtained from Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Attention: Customer
Support, P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 8, 1995.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 24, 1995.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 95-10589 Filed 5-3-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
