Seat Belt Shoulder Harness - Inspection / Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Bell Textron Inc. helicopters must remove the specified comfort clips from all shoulder harness seat belts within 50 hours time-in-service. They must inspect each harness for rips or abrasions and replace any damaged harness before further flight. Additionally, no comfort clips with part numbers D7LZ-6560286-A, D7LZ-6560286-B, or 504636-401 may be installed after the effective date of September 3, 2020.
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2020-16-10 is a final rule issued by the FAA addressing certain Bell Textron Inc. helicopters, including Models 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 214B, 214B-1, 412, 412CF, and 412EP. The directive focuses on the removal and inspection of specific shoulder harness seat belt comfort clips with part numbers D7LZ-6560286-A, D7LZ-6560286-B, and 504636-401. It aims to prevent interference with the seat belt inertia reel that could compromise occupant safety during emergency landings.
What changed
This new Airworthiness Directive requires operators to remove the identified comfort clips from service and inspect the shoulder harness seat belts for any rips or abrasions within 50 hours time-in-service. It prohibits the installation of these comfort clips on affected helicopters after the effective date. Unlike previous service bulletins, this AD mandates an inspection for harness damage and sets a shorter compliance time.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk where the comfort clip can interfere with the seat belt locking mechanism, potentially causing injury during an emergency. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and passenger safety. The AD also impacts parts management and installation procedures by banning the use of the specified comfort clips.
More for Bell Textron Inc. (Bti) 204B
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- EASA AD US-2022-22-12NOT ADOPTED - EASA DECISION ATTACHEDNov 10, 2022
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