Proposed Rule2023-26744
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
December 6, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44, R44 II, and R66 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of helicopters losing a tail rotor blade (TRB) tip cap. This proposed AD would require visually checking and inspecting certain part-numbered and serial-numbered TRB tip caps for evidence of corrosion and, depending on the results, removing the corrosion. This proposed AD would also require removing all affected TRBs from service and prohibit installing them on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 233 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 233 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 84761-84764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26744]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-2232; Project Identifier AD-2023-00943-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta,
R22 Mariner, R44, R44 II, and R66 helicopters. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of helicopters losing a tail rotor blade (TRB) tip
cap. This proposed AD would require visually checking and inspecting
certain part-numbered and serial-numbered TRB tip caps for evidence of
corrosion and, depending on the results, removing the corrosion. This
proposed AD would also require removing all affected TRBs from service
and prohibit installing them on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 22,
2024.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-2232; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and
[[Page 84762]]
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
<bullet> For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
Robinson Helicopter Company, Technical Support Department, 2901 Airport
Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; phone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198;
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#01757230413d6021697364673c" http: robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a>">ts1@<a href="http://robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a></a>; or at <a href="http://robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a>. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Guo, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-
5357; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d3b9b2beb6a0fdb4a6bc93b5b2b2fdb4bca5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="177d767a7264397062785771767639707861">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-2232; Project Identifier
AD-2023-00943-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to James
Guo, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5357; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2f454e424a5c01485a406f494e4e01484059"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7ddd6dad2c499d0c2d8f7d1d6d699d0d8c1">[email protected]</span></a>. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA has received three reports of TRB tip caps coming loose due
to corrosion at the bond on Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44
helicopters. Due to the similarity of the TRB tip caps on Robinson
Helicopter Company Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44 II,
and R66 helicopters, those model helicopters are also affected by this
issue. According to Robinson Helicopter Company, it has also seen TRBs
that have corroded to an unserviceable condition, including severe
leading edge pitting and degradation of the bond at the tip cap.
Robinson Helicopter Company advises that helicopters operating near
saltwater are particularly susceptible to corrosion, especially if
stored outdoors. Affected TRBs were factory-installed or shipped as
spares prior to November 2022. The three reports include a TRB tip cap
departing its helicopter. The separate incidents occurred during a run-
up check, after landing, and during a landing on different helicopters.
Accordingly, this proposed AD would require repetitively checking and
inspecting the tips caps of TRB part number (P/N) A029-2 with TRB
serial numbers (S/N) up to 11279 inclusive (P/N A029-2 REV A through U
inclusive), TRB P/N C029-3 with TRB S/N up to 14329 inclusive (P/N
C029-3 REV A through Q inclusive), and TRB P/N F029-1 with TRB S/N up
to 3099 inclusive (P/N F029-1 REV A through F inclusive) for evidence
of corrosion, removing corrosion, and eventual removal of those TRBs
from service.
A debonded TRB tip cap can cause severe vibration and possible
failure of the tail rotor gearbox housing. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in increased vibrations, reduced
controllability, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type designs.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin
SB-120, R44 Service Bulletin SB-112, and R66 Service Bulletin SB-41,
each dated December 22, 2022 (SB-120, SB-112, and SB-41). This service
information specifies procedures for revising the Pilot's Operating
Handbook of affected helicopters by inserting the included ``Special
Tail Rotor Tip Preflight Inspection'' page and briefing all pilots and
maintenance personnel regarding those inspection procedures. This
service information also specifies procedures for replacing, and
returning or sending photos of affected TRBs to Robinson Helicopter
Company.
The FAA also reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service
Letter SL-93, R44 Service Letter SL-82, and R66 Service Letter SL-40,
each dated June 30, 2021 (co-published as one document) (SL-93, SL-82,
and SL-40). This service information specifies procedures for removing
corrosion from TRBs, applying protectant, balancing TRBs after
corrosion removal or painting, chemical cleaning TRBs, and tap testing
the TRB tip cap area.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require visually checking the TRB tip cap
area of certain part-numbered and serial-numbered TRBs for an exposed
tip cap bond line or bubbled paint, repetitively inspecting those TRBs
for evidence of corrosion and, depending on the results, removing the
corrosion. The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate may check the TRB tip caps for an exposed tip cap bond line
or bubbled paint and must enter compliance with the applicable
paragraph of the proposed AD into the helicopter maintenance records in
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The pilot may
perform this action because it only involves visually checking the TRB
tip caps for an exposed tip cap bond line or bubbled paint. This action
could be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This is an
exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
This proposed AD would also require removing those TRBs from
service within 10 months and prohibit installing them on any helicopter
as of that date.
[[Page 84763]]
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The effectivity of Robinson Helicopter Company SB-120, SB-112, and
SB-41 identify the helicopter S/Ns that the affected TRBs were factory-
installed on and the shipping dates of affected TRB spares, whereas
this proposed AD would apply to the specified model helicopters with
certain part-numbered and serial-numbered TRBs installed. Robinson
Helicopter Company SB-120, SB-112, and SB-41 specify revising the
Pilot's Operating Handbook of affected helicopters and briefing all
pilots and maintenance personnel regarding the inspection requirements,
whereas this proposed AD would not require those actions. Robinson
Helicopter Company SB-120, SB-112, and SB-41 do not specify any visual
inspections accomplished by a mechanic, whereas this proposed AD would
require repetitive visual inspections of the TRBs by persons authorized
under 14 CFR 43.3. Robinson Helicopter Company SB-120, SB-112, and SB-
41 specify replacing, and returning or sending photos of affected TRBs
by December 31, 2024, whereas this proposed AD would require removing
affected TRBs from service within 10 months.
SL-93, SL-82, and SL-40 specify procedures for chemical cleaning
TRBs, tap testing the TRB tip care area, applying protectant, and
balancing TRBs after corrosion removal or painting, whereas this
proposed AD would not require those actions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 2,701 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are
estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Visually checking or inspecting the TRBs (up to two affected TRBs
per helicopter) would take about 0.25 work-hour for an estimated cost
of up to $22 per helicopter per check cycle, for a U.S fleet cost of up
to $59,422 per check cycle. If required, removing any corrosion would
take about 2 work-hours and parts would cost about $100 for an
estimated cost of $270 per TRB. Replacing a TRB would take about 3.5
work-hours and parts would cost up to about $3,600 for an estimated
cost of up to $3,898 per TRB.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. FAA-2023-2232; Project
Identifier AD-2023-00943-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 22, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Robinson Helicopter Company helicopters,
certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (3) of this AD.
(1) Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner helicopters
with tail rotor blade (TRB) part number (P/N) A029-2 with TRB serial
numbers (S/N) up to 11279 inclusive (P/N A029-2 REV A through U
inclusive), installed;
(2) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with TRB P/N C029-3 with
TRB S/N up to 14329 inclusive (P/N C029-3 REV A through Q
inclusive), installed; and
(3) Model R66 helicopters with TRB P/N F029-1 with TRB S/N up to
3099 inclusive (P/N F029-1 REV A through F inclusive), installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6410, Tail Rotor
Blades.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of helicopters losing a TRB tip
cap. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and prevent TRB tip cap
failures. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
increased vibrations, reduced controllability, and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD and thereafter before the first flight of each day,
visually check each TRB tip cap area (at and adjacent to the tip cap
bond line on each surface and edge of the TRB) for an exposed tip
cap bond line or bubbled paint, as depicted in Figure 1 of paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD. These items may indicate evidence of corrosion.
The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate may accomplish this TRB tip cap check and must enter
compliance with this paragraph of the AD into the helicopter
maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
[[Page 84764]]
Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--TRB Tip Cap Check/Inspection
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06DE23.084
(2) Within 100 hours TIS or during the next 100 hour or annual
inspection after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS or
during the next 100 hour or annual inspection, whichever occurs
first, visually inspect each TRB tip cap area (at and adjacent to
the tip cap bond line on each surface and edge of the TRB) for
evidence of corrosion, which may be indicated by an exposed tip cap
bond line or bubbled paint, as depicted in Figure 1 of paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
(3) As a result of the actions required by either paragraph
(g)(1) or (2) of this AD, if there is evidence of corrosion, an
exposed tip cap bond line, or bubbled paint, before further flight,
remove all of the corrosion.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(3): Robinson Helicopter Company R22
Service Letter SL-93, R44 Service Letter SL-82, and R66 Service
Letter SL-40, each dated June 30, 2021 (co-published as one
document), provide information regarding removing corrosion from
TRBs.
(4) Within 10 months of the effective date of this AD, remove
all TRBs identified in paragraph (c) of this AD from service.
(5) As of 10 months after the effective date of this AD, do not
install a TRB identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any
helicopter.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, West Certification Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the West Certification Branch, send it to
the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a79e8ae6e9ea8aebe6e6e4e88ae6eae8e48af5e2f6f2e2f4f3f4e7c1c6c689c0c8d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ab3a7cbc4c7a7c6cbcbc9c5a7cbc7c5c9a7d8cfdbdfcfd9ded9caecebeba4ede5fc">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Additional Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact James Guo,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5357; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d8b2b9b5bdabf6bfadb798beb9b9f6bfb7ae"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bdd7dcd0d8ce93dac8d2fddbdcdc93dad2cb">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference, contact Robinson Helicopter Company,
Technical Support Department, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA
90505; phone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#06727537463a67266e7463603b" http: robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a>">ts1@<a href="http://robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a></a>; or at <a href="http://robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a>. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth,
TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on November 29, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-26744 Filed 12-5-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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