Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 214ST Helicopters

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]

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