AD 97-17-06

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 214ST helicopters, that requires replacement of each emergency float inflation solenoid valve (valve). This amendment is prompted by two inadvertent inflations of emergency float systems that resulted from self-activations of the valves. The actions specified by this 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.

Final rule

97-17-06 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC.: Amendment 39-10108. 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: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Certification Office.

(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.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on September 24, 1997.

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 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 solenoid valve assemblies (valve assemblies), P/N 214-073-940-101 or -103, was published in the Federal Register on November 20, 1996 (61 FR 59033). That action proposed to 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.

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.

The FAA estimates that 9 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,100 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $19,980.

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, 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended byadding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: