Summary
This document proposes to revise 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 an inspection to ensure the locking mechanism is engaging properly, and replacing the buckle-half of the seat restraint system, if necessary. This action would allow an owner/operator (pilot) to determine if the locking mechanism is engaging properly, but would still require replacing the buckle-half of the seat restraint system, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by a determination made by the FAA that pilots may perform the one-time check, and that only affected seat restraint systems manufactured between March, 1997 and November, 1998 need to be checked. The actions specified by the proposed 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.