Rule2024-03920
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 27, 2024
Effective
April 2, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting 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 AD was prompted by reports of helicopters losing a tail rotor blade (TRB) tip cap. This AD requires 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 AD also requires removing all affected TRBs from service and prohibits installing them on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 39 (Tuesday, February 27, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 39 (Tuesday, February 27, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14377-14379]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03920]
[[Page 14377]]
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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;
Amendment 39-22681; AD 2024-04-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting 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 AD was prompted by
reports of helicopters losing a tail rotor blade (TRB) tip cap. This AD
requires 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 AD also requires removing
all affected TRBs from service and prohibits installing them on any
helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 2, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
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 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Related Service Information:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
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#33474002730f52135b4156550e" http: robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a>">ts1@<a href="http://robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a></a>; or website <a href="http://robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a>.
<bullet> 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#fd979c90988ed39a8892bd9b9c9cd39a928b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="482229252d3b662f3d27082e2929662f273e">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Robinson
Helicopter Company Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44,
R44 II, and R66 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on December 6, 2023 (88 FR 84761). The NPRM was prompted by 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.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 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. The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private
pilot certificate may accomplish the check of the TRB tip caps and must
enter compliance with the applicable paragraph of this 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.
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. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
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.
Differences Between This 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
[[Page 14378]]
spares, whereas this AD applies 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 AD does 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 AD requires 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 AD requires 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 AD
does not require those actions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 2,701 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Visually checking or inspecting the TRBs (up to two affected TRBs
per helicopter) will take approximately 0.25 work-hour for an estimated
cost of up to $22 per helicopter per cycle, for a U.S fleet cost of up
to $59,422 per cycle. If required, removing any corrosion will take
approximately 2 work-hours and the parts will cost approximately $100
for an estimated cost of $270 per TRB. Replacing a TRB will take
approximately 3.5 work-hours and the parts will cost up to
approximately $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 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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2024-04-02 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-22681; Docket
No. FAA-2023-2232; Project Identifier AD-2023-00943-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 2, 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 to 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 14379]]
Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)--TRB Tip Cap Check/Inspection
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27FE24.000
(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 to 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#ac9581ede2e181e0ededefe381ede1e3ef81fee9fdf9e9fff8ffeccacdcd82cbc3da"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f66721e111272131e1e1c10721e12101c720d1a0e0a1a0c0b0c1f393e3e71383029">[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#87ede6eae2f4a9e0f2e8c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dab0bbb7bfa9f4bdafb59abcbbbbf4bdb5ac">[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#a1d5d290e19dc081c9d3c4c79c" http: robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a>">ts1@<a href="http://robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a></a>; or website <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 February 13, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-03920 Filed 2-26-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 27, 2024.
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