99-6557. Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Model R44 Helicopters  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 54 (Monday, March 22, 1999)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 13732-13734]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-6557]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD]
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Model R44 Helicopters
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
    
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    SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
    directive (AD) applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters. The AD 
    would require installing a shutoff clamp on the auxiliary fuel tank 
    sump drain tube (drain tube) and a placard decal to alert operators as 
    to the proper use of the auxiliary fuel tank drain. This proposal is 
    prompted by a report of fuel leaking from a drain tube opening in the 
    area of the horizontal and vertical firewalls. The actions specified by 
    the proposed AD are intended to prevent fuel leaks from the drain tube 
    that could cause a fire and subsequent loss of control of the 
    helicopter.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 21, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
    Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Comments may be inspected at this location 
    between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
    holidays.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Bumann, Aerospace Engineer, 
    FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
    Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5265; fax (562) 627-
    5210.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
    proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
    they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
    and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
    communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
    specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
    proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
    light of the comments received.
        Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
    economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
    comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
    date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
    persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
    the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
        Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
    submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
    stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
    to Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
    returned to the commenter.
    
    Availability of NPRMs
    
        Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
    to the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
    Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
    
    Discussion
    
        A Malfunction or Defect Report, FAA Form 8010-4, sent to the FAA by 
    an operator, stated that the sump drain tube leaked fuel that 
    accumulated at the junction of the horizontal and vertical firewalls 
    creating a fire hazard. An investigation indicated that a leaky fuel 
    drain valve may allow fuel to accumulate in the engine compartment. 
    This accumulation of fuel creates an unsafe condition. This AD would 
    correct the unsafe condition by requiring installation of a shutoff 
    clamp on the drain tube to prevent fuel leakage and a placard decal to 
    alert operators as to the proper use of the auxiliary fuel tank drain.
        The FAA has reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin 
    SB-30, dated October 28, 1998 (SB). The SB describes procedures for 
    adding a shutoff clamp to the drain tube as a redundant seal when the 
    drain tube is stowed and a placard decal to alert operators as to the 
    proper use of the auxiliary tank drain.
        Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
    exist or develop on other Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 
    helicopters of the same type design, the proposed AD would require 
    installing a shutoff clamp to the drain tube to prevent fuel leakage 
    and a placard decal to alert operators as to the proper use of the 
    auxiliary fuel tank drain. These actions are intended to prevent a fire 
    that could cause loss of control of the helicopter.
        The FAA estimates that 200 helicopters of U.S. registry would be 
    affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
    hour per helicopter to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
    average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The manufacturer has indicated 
    that each operator will be provided the part at no cost. Based on these 
    figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
    estimated to be $12,000.
        The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
    effects 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. Therefore, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
    proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
    the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
    regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
    Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
    Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
    and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
    regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
    Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
    Docket at the
    
    [[Page 13733]]
    
    location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
    
    The Proposed Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
    part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
    follows:
    
    PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
    
        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]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    to read as follows:
    
        Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, Serial Numbers 0002 
    through 0529 except 0440, 0485, 0512, 0515, 0519, 0526, 0527, and 
    0528, certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
    requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, 
    altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
    this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request an alternative 
    method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. 
    The request should include an assessment of the effect of the 
    modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
    addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been 
    eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
    address it.
    
        Compliance: Within 100 hours time-in-service or 3 calendar 
    months, whichever occurs first.
        To prevent fuel leaks from the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain, 
    which could cause a fire and subsequent loss of control of the 
    helicopter, accomplish the following:
        (a) Install a shutoff clamp, part number (P/N) D663-1 by sliding 
    it onto the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain tube P/N A729-7 as shown 
    in Figure 1.
        (b) Install placard decal P/N A654-93 as shown in Figure 1.
    
        [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MR99.002
        
        (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
    used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
    Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA 
    Principal maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then 
    send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.
    
        Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.
    
        (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where 
    the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    
    
    [[Page 13734]]
    
    
        Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 10, 1999.
    Eric Bries,
    Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
    
    [FR Doc. 99-6557 Filed 3-19-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
03/22/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
99-6557
Dates:
Comments must be received on or before May 21, 1999.
Pages:
13732-13734 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD
PDF File:
99-6557.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13