Summary
The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would have applied to all AmSafe Inc. seatbelts, as installed in, but not limited to, various airplanes and rotorcraft. The NPRM was prompted by reports of multiple failed keepers on seatbelt hook assemblies. The NPRM would have required an inspection for affected parts, repetitive general visual inspections of the seatbelt hook assembly for damage, repetitive functional checks, and replacement of all affected parts. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that a significant portion of the affected seatbelt hook assemblies have been replaced. The FAA has also determined that the majority of the affected parts have exceeded their typical replacement cycle and are likely no longer in service. The FAA performed a new risk assessment based on this data and determined there is now an acceptable level of risk. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.