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[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]

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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.

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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
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