AD 91-03-12

91-03-12 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC. (BHTI): Amendment 39-6856. Docket No. 90-ASW-3.

Applicability: All Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, and 206L-3 helicopters equipped with emergency float bags, part numbers (P/N) 206-050-248-107, -109 and -111 manufactured prior to September 1, 1989. These float bags are used in BHTI emergency float kits 206-706-210 and 206-706-211.

Compliance: Required within the next 100 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD or upon installation of float bags from spares, unless already accomplished.

To prevent unequal float inflation which could result in aircraft rollover and impede emergency egress after an emergency water landing, accomplish the following:

(a) Inspect each float bag to determine if any square body, brass type inflation valves, P/N 222-336-101-19 or -23, are installed. If any of these valves are found, install an appropriate flow restrictor in accordance with the instructions in Appendix I of this AD for Models 206A and B, or Appendix II of this AD for Models 206L, L-1 and L-3, as applicable.

(b) An alternative method of compliance, which provides an equivalent level of safety, may be used if approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Certification Office, ASW-170, FAA Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0170, telephone (817) 624-5170.

(c) In accordance with FAR Sections 21.197 and 21.199, flight is permitted to a base where the requirements of this AD may be accomplished.

NOTE: Appendix I, which is not reprinted in this AD, includes material from Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., (BHTI) Alert Service Bulletin No. 206-89-49, and Appendix II, which is not reprinted in this AD, includes material from BHTI Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L-89-63, both dated October 10, 1989. A copy of the service bulletins may be obtained from BHTI, P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, Texas 76101.

This amendment (39-6856, AD 91-03-12) becomes effective on February 28, 1991.