Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 429 Helicopters with Certain Clam Shell Doors

FAA Aviation Safety SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: SW-10-15R1 SUBJ: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 429 Helicopters with Certain Clam Shell Doors Date: August 5, 2010 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advises you, owners, operators, and modifiers of Bell Helicopter, Textron Inc. (Bell) Model 429 helicopters that SAIB No. SW-10-15 is revised. At this time, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Background

SAIB No. SW-10-15 was issued February 5, 2010 to owners, operators, and modifiers of the Bell Model 429 helicopter to advise them that any modification to incorporate the clam shell doors as passenger exits would need additional FAA evaluation and approval as the clam shell doors at initial type certification were not approved as passenger exits but were approved as baggage access doors only.

Since that time, Bell Helicopter has successfully demonstrated that this baggage area access can be used for loading and unloading of cargo or occupants safely.

Recommendations

For Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) applications for modification of the Bell 429 passenger configuration to an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) configuration that incorporates the baggage area and usage of the clam shell doors for loading and unloading occupants, safety of loading occupants through the rear access area has been successfully demonstrated and no further showing is required by the STC applicant. However, we recommend that STC applicants discuss these EMS modifications with their Aircraft Certification Office representative prior to formal submittal of the STC application in order to know the appropriate certification requirements and data needed for substantiation.

For Further Information Contact

Sharon Miles, Aerospace Engineer, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; phone: (817) 222-5122; fax: (817) 222-5962; e-mail: [email protected]. 1