AD 98-25-10 R1 ACTIVE

This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Aircraft Belts, Inc. Model CS, CT, FM, FN, GK, GL, JD, JE, JT, JU, MD, ME, MM, MN, NB, PM, PN, RG, and RH seat restraint systems installed on, but not limited to, Beech Aircraft Corp., Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Cessna Aircraft Co., Dassault Aviation, Eurocopter Deutschland, Eurocopter France, Gulfstream Aerospace, Learjet Corp., Lockheed Aircraft Corp., and Piper Aircraft Corp. aircraft, that currently requires inspecting to ensure the locking mechanism is engaging properly and replacing the buckle-half of the seat restraint system, if necessary. This amendment will allow an owner/operator (pilot) to determine if the locking mechanism is engaging properly and will require replacing the buckle-half of the seat restraint system, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a determination made by the FAA that pilots may perform the one-time check of the locking mechanism and that only affectedseat restraint systems manufactured between March 1997 and November 1998 must be checked. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the seat restraint system due to the buckle assembly locking mechanism not engaging properly, which could result in the seat restraint system failing to properly secure the occupant during turbulence or landing.

Final rule.

98-25-10 R1 AIRCRAFT BELTS, INC.: Amendment 39-11460. Docket No. 98-SW-33-AD. Revises AD 98-25-10, Amendment 39-10936. \n\n\tApplicability: Model CS, CT, FM, FN, GK, GL, JD, JE, JT, JU, MD, ME, MM, MN, NB, PM, PN, RG, and RH seat restraint systems manufactured between March 1997 and November 1998 that are installed on, but not limited to, Beech Aircraft Corp., Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Cessna Aircraft Co., Dassault Aviation, Eurocopter Deutschland, Eurocopter France, Gulfstream Aerospace, Learjet Corp., Lockheed Aircraft Corp., and Piper Aircraft Corp. aircraft, certificated in any category. \n\n\tNOTE 1: This AD applies to each seat restraint system identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For seat restraint systems that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. \n\n\tCompliance: Required within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent failure of the seat restraint system due to the buckle assembly (buckle) locking mechanism not engaging properly, which could result in the seat restraint system failing to properly secure the occupant during turbulence or landing, accomplish the following: \n\n\tNOTE 2: The part number (P/N) of the seat restraint system is on the identification label located on each end of the seat restraint system near the anchor point (Example: P/N MD A2626-E010). The model is designated by the first two letters of the P/N. \n\n\t(a)\tVisually check all affected seat restraint systems to determine if the locking mechanism is engaging properly in accordance with the following: \n\n\t\t(1)\tOpen the lift lever of the buckle fully until it will not open any further. This will cause the locking mechanism to pivot on the pivot pin. \n\n\t\t(2)\tAllow the spring to close the lift lever slowly until the lift lever is back to its at-rest position. \n\n\t\t(3)\tAfter the lever is completely closed, examine the slot in the bottom of the buckle. The locking mechanism should be firmly seated against the edge of the slot as shown in Figure 1. \n\n\t(b)\tIf the locking mechanism does not seat properly, replace the buckle with an airworthy buckle. \n\n\t(c) The requirements of this AD may be performed by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with sections 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR sections 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v)). \n\n\tNOTE 3: If the seat restraint systems' locking mechanisms are found to be functioning properly after the visual check described in paragraph (a) of this AD, the following is an example of a maintenance record entry that may be used: \n\n\t"AD (number), paragraph (a) complied with by visual check. Seat belt buckle locking mechanism(s) found serviceable. (Date) (Aircraft total time-in-service). (Signature) (Certificate number and type of certificate held)" \n\n\tIf any of the seat restraint systems' locking mechanisms are found to malfunction after the visual check described in paragraph (a), the following is an example of a maintenance record entry that may be used: \n\n\t"AD (number), paragraphs (a) and (b) complied with by visual check and replacement of seat belt buckle locking mechanism(s) on (seat location(s)) with airworthy buckle(s). (Date) (Aircraft total time-in-service).(Signature) (Certificate number and type of certificate held)" \n\n\t(d)\tAn 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, Airplane Certification Office, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through a FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Airplane Certification Office. \n\n\tNOTE 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Airplane Certification Office. \n\n\t(e)\tSpecial 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. \n\n\t(f)\tThis amendment becomes effective on January 14, 2000.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising AD 98-25-10, Amendment 39-10936 (63 FR 67775, December 9, 1998), which is applicable to Aircraft Belts, Inc. Model CS, CT, FM, FN, GK, GL, JD, JE, JT, JU, MD, ME, MM, MN, NB, PM, PN, RG, and RH seat restraint systems, was published in the Federal Register (64 FR 47715, September 1, 1999). The action proposed to allow a pilot to determine if the seat restraint system's locking mechanism is engaging properly and required replacing the buckle-half of the seat restraint system, if necessary.\n\n\tInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comments received.\n\n\tOne commenter states that the proposal should be withdrawn because it serves no useful purpose and will only generate confusion. In lieu of a withdrawal, the commenter requests that the effective date of the existing AD be stated in the compliance provision and that a note be included in the revision that indicates operators who previously complied with the AD are not affected by the revision. The FAA does not concur with the commenter's suggestions.\n\n\tWhile the AD revision is not intended to create any additional requirements, there are valid reasons for its issuance. This revision allows pilots to perform the required visual check; further, it establishes limits on the manufacture dates to which the AD is applicable. As to inserting a note giving credit to those that have already performed the requirements, that is unnecessary since the compliance provision allows this credit when it states "unless accomplished previously."\n\n\tThe commenter also states that the cost estimate given in the proposal is incorrect as the affected operators have already accomplished the inspection/replacement. Additionally, the commenter states that it would be more accurate to include in the cost estimate thepaperwork costs that operators must generate to update their AD records to reflect the revised amendment number. The FAA does not concur because all operators may not have reached the 10 hours time-in-service compliance time.\n\n\tAfter careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.\n\n\tThe FAA estimates that 12,278 seat restraint systems of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately one-half work hour to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $10 per buckle half. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $368,340.\n\n\tThe regulations adopted herein will not impose substantial direct compliance costs on states or local governments or have substantial direct effects on the States, onthe 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 13132, the FAA has not consulted with States or local authorities prior to the publication of this rule.\n\n\tFor 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 FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas.\n\nList ofSubjects in 14 CFR Part 39\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.\n\nAdoption of the Amendment\n\tAccordingly, 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:\n\nPART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.\n\n§ 39.13 (Amended)\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-10936 (63 FR 67775, December 9, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), Amendment 39-11460, to read as follows:

Rob Romero, Aerospace Engineer, Airplane Certification Office, ASW-150, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5102, fax (817) 222-5960.