[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24553-24555]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-11223]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-SW-16-AD; Amendment 39-9210; AD 95-09-07]
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 helicopters.
This action requires removal of the push-pull tube sleeve guide
assembly (sleeve guide) and replacement with a push-pull tube roller
guide assembly (roller guide); and, inspections of the push-pull tube
sleeves for signs of wear and replacement as necessary. This amendment
is prompted by a report of an operator experiencing binding in the
cyclic control system caused by torn heat-shrink material (material) on
the cyclic push-pull tubes binding in the sleeve guide. The actions
specified in this AD are intended to prevent binding in the cyclic
control system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective May 24, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 24, 1995.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before July 10, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention:
Rules Docket No. 95-SW-16-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, California
90505. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the
Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lirio Liu, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd.,
Lakewood, [[Page 24554]] California 90712, telephone (310) 627-5229,
fax (310) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment adopts a new AD that is
applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters. The Civil Aviation
Authority of England reported that on October 11, 1994, an operator of
a Model R44 helicopter experienced binding in the cyclic control
system. An inspection revealed that the material on the cyclic control
push-pull tubes had torn and caused the push-pull tubes to bind in the
push-pull tube guide. After reviewing this report, as well as the
manufacturer's data on wear-testing of the material used on the push-
pull tube, and the maintenance history of the wear of this material at
the existing sleeve guide, the FAA has determined that the existing
sleeve guide should be replaced with a roller guide within the next 25
hours time-in-service (TIS) in order to reduce the wear on the push-
pull tube material, and preserve the integrity of the cyclic control
system. The cyclic control system controls the attitude of the
helicopter. If it binds, the operator loses the ability to control
inputs to the main rotor. Due to the criticality of the cyclic control
system and the relatively short compliance time, this rule must be
issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in the affected
helicopters. This condition, if not corrected, could result in binding
in the cyclic control system and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
The FAA has reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service
Bulletin SB-4 (SB), dated January 24, 1995, which describes procedures
for removal of the existing sleeve guide and replacement with a roller
guide within the next 50 hours TIS. It also describes procedures for
inspecting the push-pull sleeve tube for signs of wear, and replacement
as necessary. However, based upon the manufacturer's test data as well
as the TIS of the helicopter that was involved in the one reported
incident (56.5 hours TIS), the FAA has determined that a compliance
time of 25 hours TIS is necessary to ensure the safety of the affected
helicopters.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other Robinson Model R44 helicopters of the same
type design, this AD is being issued to prevent binding in the cyclic
control system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This
AD requires removal of the sleeve guide and replacement with a roller
guide. This AD also requires an initial inspection and repetitive
inspections at 100 hours TIS intervals of the C121-7 push-pull tube
sleeve for signs of wear, and replacement as necessary. The actions are
required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin
described previously.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 95-SW-16-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein will 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 final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
95-09-07 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-9210. Docket No.
95-SW-16-AD.
Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0001
through 0150, 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 use the authority
provided in paragraph (c) to request approval from the FAA. This
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration
eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request
should include an assessment of the [[Page 24555]] effect of the
changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD.
In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or
repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent binding in the cyclic control system and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of
this AD, remove the existing push-pull tube sleeve guide assembly
(sleeve guide) and replace it with a C439-7 push-pull tube roller
guide assembly (roller guide), which is included in the KI-88 push-
pull tube guide kit, in accordance with the Compliance Procedure in
Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-4, dated January 24,
1995.
(b) Inspect the C121-7 push-pull tube sleeve for signs of wear
and replace, if necessary, using the sleeves and adhesive in the KI-
88 push-pull tube guide kit in accordance with the Compliance
Procedure in Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-4,
dated January 24, 1995. Repeat this inspection at each 100 hours TIS
in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests
through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or
comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
(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.
(e) The removal and replacement shall be done in accordance with
Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-4, dated January 24,
1995. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Robinson Helicopter Company,
2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, California, 90505. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on May 24, 1995.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 1, 1995.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 95-11223 Filed 5-8-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
