AD 2024-26-02 Airworthiness Directives; Various Airplanes and Helicopters

(1) This AD applies to all airplanes and helicopters, certificated in any category, with a restraint system with a Pacific Scientific Company plastic rotary buckle assembly (buckle) part number (P/N) 1111430 or P/N 1111475 (all dash numbers) installed having a date of manufacture on or before May 31, 2007, or an unknown date of manufacture, except not those buckles repaired with the installation of an airworthy buckle handle after May 31, 2007, and marked with a BLUE logo on the center button. Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1): Information about the location of the date of manufacture can be found in Meggitt Service Information Letter SIL Restraint-25-002-2023, dated September 25, 2023. Note 2 to paragraph (c)(1): This AD does not apply to buckles made of metal or to buckles with a BLUE logo on the center button. (2) The buckles identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD may be installed on, but not limited to, The Boeing Company, Bombardier Inc., Learjet Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Textron Aviation, Inc. (type certificate (TC) previously held by Cessna Aircraft Company), and Viking Air Limited (TC previously held by de Havilland, Inc.) model airplanes and Airbus Helicopters (TC previously held by Eurocopter France) model helicopters, certificated in any category.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, unless already done, inspect the buckle handle for a crack. If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the buckle from service and replace it with an airworthy buckle, or remove the restraint system from service and replace it with an airworthy restraint system. (2) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, measure the thickness of the buckle handle vane as depicted in Figures 3 and 4 of Parker Meggitt Service Bulletin SB 25-1111432, Revision 002, dated September 12, 2023 (SB 25-1111432 Rev 002). If the buckle handle vane thickness is greater than 0.125 inch, before further flight, remove the buckle from service and replace it with an airworthy buckle, or remove the restraint system from service and replace it with an airworthy restraint system. Note 3 to paragraph (g)(2): SB 25-1111432 Rev 002 refers to a buckle as both a buckle and buckle assembly, interchangeably. Buckles with a buckle handle vane thickness equal to or less than 0.125 inch are considered airworthy. (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any plastic buckle P/N 1111430 or P/N 1111475 (all dash numbers), with a buckle handle vane thickness greater than 0.125 inch, or any restraint system with a buckle P/N 1111430 or 1111475 (all dash numbers), with a buckle handle vane thickness greater than 0.125 inch installed, with the buckle having a date of manufacture on or before May 31, 2007, or if the date of manufacture cannot be determined, on any airplane or helicopter, unless the buckle has been repaired with the installation of an airworthy buckle handle after May 31, 2007, and is marked with a BLUE logo on the center button.

This AD was prompted by reports of cracked buckle handles and updated manufacturer material. The FAA is issuing this AD to inspect for cracks and thickness of the buckle handle. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could prevent a strap from releasing when the buckle is rotated, which could result in occupants not being able to release the buckle in certain emergency landing conditions.

This AD replaces AD 2021-07-13, Amendment 39-21490 (86 FR 17703, April 6, 2021) (AD 2021-07-13).