Proposed Rule2025-01949
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
January 30, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-19-11, which applies to all Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. AD 2024-19-11 requires visually inspecting a certain flex plate assembly (flex plate) and certain clutch shaft forward yokes (yokes), including each flex plate bolt, and depending on the results, taking corrective actions. AD 2024-19-11 also requires removing certain yokes from service within a specified threshold, or as an alternative, performing in-depth inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-19-11, it has been determined that clarifications regarding the alternative inspections are necessary. This proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2024-19-11 and would clarify that the alternative inspections are repetitive and add a particular paint remover option to use when performing those alternative inspections. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 19 (Thursday, January 30, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 19 (Thursday, January 30, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8499-8505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-01949]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 19 / Thursday, January 30, 2025 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 8499]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0011; Project Identifier AD-2024-00618-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2024-19-11, which applies to all Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44
and R44 II helicopters. AD 2024-19-11 requires visually inspecting a
certain flex plate assembly (flex plate) and certain clutch shaft
forward yokes (yokes), including each flex plate bolt, and depending on
the results, taking corrective actions. AD 2024-19-11 also requires
removing certain yokes from service within a specified threshold, or as
an alternative, performing in-depth inspections. Since the FAA issued
AD 2024-19-11, it has been determined that clarifications regarding the
alternative inspections are necessary. This proposed AD would retain
all the requirements of AD 2024-19-11 and would clarify that the
alternative inspections are repetitive and add a particular paint
remover option to use when performing those alternative inspections.
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 March 17,
2025.
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-2025-0011; 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 NPRM, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Related Material:
<bullet> For Robinson material identified in this proposed AD,
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#3e4a4d0f7e025f1e564c5b5803" http: robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a>">ts1@<a href="http://robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://robinsonheli.com">robinsonheli.com</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Moreland, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone:
(562) 627-5364; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d095a2b9b3fe82fe9dbfa2b5bcb1beb490b6b1b1feb7bfa6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cd88bfa4aee39fe380a2bfa8a1aca3a98dabacace3aaa2bb">[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 the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-0011;
Project Identifier AD-2024-00618-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 revise 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 Eric
Moreland, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5364; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7530071c165b275b381a071019141b11351314145b121a03"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3f7a4d565c116d1172504d5a535e515b7f595e5e11585049">[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 issued AD 2024-19-11, Amendment 39-22853 (89 FR 78785,
September 26, 2024) (AD 2024-19-11), for all Robinson Helicopter
Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. AD 2024-19-11 was prompted by
reports of a fractured yoke on the main rotor (M/R) drive due to
fatigue cracking.
AD 2024-19-11 requires visually inspecting flex plate part number
(P/N) C947-1, yoke P/N C907-1 or C907-2, as applicable, yoke P/N C908-
1, and each flex plate bolt, and depending on the results, replacing
parts. AD 2024-19-11 also requires removing yoke P/N C907-1 or C907-2,
as applicable, from service before reaching a specified threshold or,
as an alternative to removing the part from service, using a 10X or
higher power magnifying glass, visual inspecting the yoke and,
depending on the results, magnetic particle inspecting the yoke or
replacing parts. The FAA issued AD 2024-19-11 to detect fatigue
cracking on the yoke, which if not addressed, could result in loss of
M/R drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
[[Page 8500]]
Actions Since AD 2024-19-11 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2024-19-11, the FAA has determined that
clarification regarding the alternative yoke inspections and the
addition of a particular paint remover option to use when performing
the alternative inspections are necessary. This proposed AD clarifies
that the alternative inspections are repetitive and adds the option to
use Bonderite stripper S-ST 5251 instead of Cee-Bee stripper A-292
since Cee-Bee stripper A-292 could be difficult for some operators to
obtain.
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 design.
Related Material
The FAA reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Maintenance Manual
and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Volume 1, Chapter 2 and
Chapter 23, dated September 2023, which specifies procedures for
inspecting the yoke and flex plate of the M/R drive, removing paint,
applying torque, and performing a magnetic particle inspection.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2024-19-11 and
update the alternative action to repetitively inspect a yoke that has
reached the specified threshold instead of replacing it.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 1,725 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 inspecting a flex plate would take 0.25 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $21 per helicopter and $36,225 for the U.S. fleet. If
required, replacing a flex plate would take 1 work-hour and parts would
cost $1,240 for an estimated cost of $1,325 per helicopter.
Visually inspecting a yoke, including inspecting each flex plate
bolt, would take 1.25 work-hours for an estimated cost of $106 per
helicopter and $182,850 for the U.S. fleet.
Replacing a yoke would take 6 work-hours and parts would cost $890
for an estimated cost of $1,400 per helicopter and $2,415,000 for the
U.S. fleet, per replacement cycle.
Alternatively, removing paint and inspecting a yoke using 10X or
higher power magnifying glass would take 1.5 work-hours for an
estimated cost of $128 per helicopter. If required, performing a
magnetic particle inspection would take 1.5 work-hours for an estimated
cost of $128 per helicopter.
Applying torque to a set of bolts, nuts, and palnuts would take 1
work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter.
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 that the 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2024-19-11, Amendment 39-22853 (89
FR 78785, September 26, 2024); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. FAA-2025-0011; Project
Identifier AD-2024-00618-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 17, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2024-19-11, Amendment 39-22853 (89 FR 78785,
September 26, 2024).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44
II helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6310, Engine/
Transmission coupling.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of a fractured clutch shaft
forward yoke (yoke) on the main rotor (M/R) drive due to fatigue
cracking. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect fatigue cracking on
the yoke. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of M/R drive 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 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs
(g)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD.
(i) Visually inspect forward flex plate assembly part number (P/
N) C947-1 (flex plate) for any loose fasteners, cracks, fretting,
corrosion, wear, and to ensure that the washers are bonded to both
sides of each flex plate arm, in the areas depicted in Figure 1 to
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD. If there is any loose fastener (can
be moved by hand), crack, fretting, corrosion, or wear that consists
of the washers not securely bonded to both sides of each flex plate
arm, before further flight, remove the flex plate from service and
replace it with an airworthy flex plate.
[[Page 8501]]
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1)(i): The flex plate may be installed
in order to accomplish the visual inspection.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(1)(i)--Flex Plate Inspection
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP30JA25.004
(ii) Visually inspect yoke P/N C907-1 or C907-2, as applicable,
and yoke P/N C908-1, for any cracks, corrosion, and fretting. If
there is any crack, corrosion, or fretting, before further flight,
remove the yoke from service and replace it with an airworthy yoke,
and torque each newly-installed bolt, nut, and palnut P/N B330-19
using the torque value information in Appendix 1 to this AD.
(iii) Visually inspect each flex plate bolt for any missing or
unaligned torque stripes, loose fasteners, loose nuts, and to ensure
that palnuts are installed. If there is a missing or unaligned
torque stripe, loose fastener (can be moved by hand), loose nut (can
be turned by hand), or if a palnut is not installed, before further
flight, remove the associated yoke from service and replace it with
an airworthy yoke, and torque each newly-installed bolt, nut, and
palnut P/N B330-19 using the torque value information in Appendix 1
to this AD.
(2) Within the compliance times specified in Table 1 to the
introductory text of paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, accomplish the
actions required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD or, as an
alternative to accomplishing the actions required by paragraph
(g)(2)(i) of this AD, accomplish the actions required by paragraph
(g)(2)(ii) of this AD within the same compliance times.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
[[Page 8502]]
Table 1 to the Introductory Text of Paragraph (g)(2)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP30JA25.005
[[Page 8503]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP30JA25.006
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
(i) Remove the yoke from service and replace it with an
airworthy yoke, and torque each newly-installed bolt, nut, and
palnut P/N B330-19 using the torque value information in Appendix 1
to this AD, or
(ii) With yoke P/N C907-1 or C907-2 removed, as applicable,
remove the paint from the yoke using Cee-Bee stripper A-292 or
Bonderite stripper S-ST 5251 without using a plastic media abrasive
paint stripper and accomplish the actions required by paragraphs
(g)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) of this AD.
(A) Using 10X or higher power magnifying glass, visually inspect
the yoke for any crack, seam, lap, shut, and any flaw that is open
to the surface. If there is any crack, seam, lap, shut, or flaw,
before further flight, remove the yoke from service and replace it
with an airworthy yoke, and torque each newly-installed bolt, nut,
and palnut P/N B330-19 using the torque value information in
Appendix 1 to this AD.
(B) If the yoke is not removed from service as a result of the
actions required by paragraph (g)(2)(ii)(A) of this AD, perform a
magnetic particle inspection for any crack, seam, lap, shut, and any
flaw that is open to the surface using a method in accordance with
FAA-approved procedures. If there is any crack, seam, lap, shut, or
flaw, before further flight, remove the yoke from service and
replace it with an airworthy yoke, and torque each newly-installed
bolt, nut, and palnut P/N B330-19 using the torque value information
in Appendix 1 to this AD.
(h) Special Flight Permit
A one-time flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to fly to a maintenance area to perform the
required actions in this AD, provided there are no passengers
onboard.
(i) 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 (j) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e8a9a5a7aba88e8989c68f879e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c2d21232f2c0a0d0d420b031a">[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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Eric Moreland,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5364; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d693a4bfb5f884f89bb9a4b3bab7b8b296b0b7b7f8b1b9a0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="286d5a414b067a0665475a4d4449464c684e4949064f475e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
[[Page 8504]]
Appendix 1 to AD ####-##-####
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP30JA25.007
[[Page 8505]]
Issued on January 23, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-01949 Filed 1-29-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on January 30, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.