[Federal Register: October 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 200)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 60926-60927]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17oc06-33]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22806; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-04-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron Model 206B
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
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SUMMARY: The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that
proposed adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell
Helicopter Textron (Bell) Model 206B helicopters modified with
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI) Supplemental Type Certificate
(STC) No. SH8435SW or SH8419SW with energy attenuating seat
installation wire (energy attenuating wire). The proposed AD would have
required replacing certain energy attenuating wire with airworthy
energy attenuating wire. Since issuing the proposed AD, we have
determined that no unsafe condition exists with respect to the STC
installed energy attenuating wire. Accordingly, the proposed AD is
withdrawn.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2005-22806; the directorate
identifier for this docket is 2005-SW-04-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marc Belhumeur, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Certification Office,
Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0170, telephone (817) 222-5177, fax (817) 222-
5783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We proposed to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations
(14 CFR part 39) with an NPRM for a new AD for Bell Model 206B
helicopters with AAI STC No. SH8435SW or SH8419SW. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on October 28, 2005 (70 FR 62085).
The NPRM would have required replacing energy attenuating wire
manufactured or invoiced during a specified time frame. The NPRM
resulted from the disclosure that certain energy attenuating wire may
not have the yield strength necessary to allow seats to attenuate
energy during an emergency landing. The proposed actions were intended
to prevent failure of a seat to attenuate energy during an emergency
landing and resulting in injury to an occupant.
Actions Since NPRM Was Issued
Since issuing the NPRM, we have determined that the seat with the
affected energy attenuating wire will support the occupant adequately
during an emergency landing and therefore no unsafe condition exists
for Bell Model 206B helicopters modified with the two STCs.
FAA's Conclusions
Upon further consideration, we have determined that the actions
proposed in the NPRM are not needed for Bell Model 206B helicopters.
Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.
Withdrawal of the NPRM does not preclude the FAA from issuing
another related action or commit the FAA to any course of action in the
future.
Regulatory Impact
Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed
nor a final rule and therefore is not covered under Executive Order
12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979).
[[Page 60927]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Withdrawal
Accordingly, we withdraw the NPRM, Docket No. FAA-2005-22806;
Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-04-AD, which was published in the
Federal Register on October 28, 2005 (70 FR 62085).
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 29, 2006.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-17185 Filed 10-16-06; 8:45 am]
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