AD FAA-2013-0481

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell), Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L- 3, 206L-4, and 407 helicopters with an Apical Industries, Inc. (Apical) emergency float kit installed under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Number SR01535LA. This AD was prompted by an incident in which the floats installed on a helicopter failed to deploy. This AD requires inspecting, labeling, and replacing the float inflation hoses. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the emergency floatation gear to deploy during an emergency event.