Federal Register #2026-08003

FAA Directive: Modification of B/E Aerospace Fischer Medical Seats 230/305 for Helicopter Safety Compliance

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking compliance with a new airworthiness directive (AD) targeting B/E Aerospace Fischer GmbH Medical Seats 230/305 due to safety concerns with incorrectly installed swivel units. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - OEMs and Vendors: - B/E Aerospace Fischer GmbH (manufacturer of medical seats) - Collins Aerospace (manufacturer of swivel unit modification kit and service bulletin author) - Products/Services Requested: - Modification of 59 B/E Aerospace Fischer Medical Seats 230/305 (P/N 9613135) installed on various helicopter models - Replace AF certified swivel unit (P/N 97151) with FF and AF certified swivel unit (P/N 97152) per Collins Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin SB 9613005, Issue D - Alternatively, install a placard stating 'Do not occupy' on affected seats - Services include modification and reidentification of seats or placard installation - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance is mandatory before further flight after the directive's effective date - Affected seats are installed on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland EC135, MBB BK 117, Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 429, and Bell Textron Inc. Model 412 helicopters - The directive aims to restore crashworthiness and prevent injuries during emergency landings - Estimated 59 seats affected - Additional FAA airworthiness directives (not the focus of this summary) address Pratt & Whitney engine inspections

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain B/E Aerospace Fischer GmbH Medical Seats 230/305. This AD was prompted by a determination that certain medical seats certified for aft facing and forward facing installations have been delivered with an incorrect version of the swivel unit. The AD requires modification and reidentification of the affected medical seats to address the unsafe condition. The directive aims to prevent injuries to occupants during emergency landings by ensuring the correct swivel unit is installed.

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