AD 99-23-01

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters, that currently requires removing and replacing the pilot's cyclic control grip assembly (grip assembly) with an airworthy grip assembly. This amendment requires the same actions as the current AD but would change a part number (P/N) referenced in the current AD. This amendment is prompted by the discovery of an error in the P/N of the current AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent use of a grip assembly that may crack, resulting in failure of the grip assembly and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Final rule

99-23-01 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY: Amendment 39-11397. Docket No. 99-SW-12-AD. Issued October 26, 1999 Supersedes AD 98-21-36, Amendment 39-10845, Docket No. 97-SW-01-AD.

Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0001 through 0159, except S/N's 0143, 0150, and 0156, with pilot's cyclic control grip assembly (grip assembly), part number (P/N) A756-6, Revision N or prior revision, installed, certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect ofthe 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 25 hours time-in-service or 30 calendar days, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent use of a grip assembly that may crack, resulting in failure of the grip assembly and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Remove the grip assembly, P/N A756-6, Revision A through N, and replace it with an airworthy grip assembly other than P/N A756-6, Revision A through N.

NOTE 2: Robinson KI-112 R44 Pilot's Grip Assembly Upgrade Kit instructions, dated December 20, 1996, pertain to the subject of this AD.

(b) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

NOTE 3: 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.

(c) 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.

(d) This amendment becomes effective on December 8, 1999.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 98-21-36, Amendment 39-10845, Docket No. 97-SW-01-AD, (63 FR 55783, October 19, 1998), which is applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters, was published in the Federal Register on August 4, 1999 (64 FR 42296). That action proposed to require removing the grip assembly, P/N A756-6, Revision N or prior revision, and replacing it with an airworthy grip assembly other than P/N A765-6, Revision A through N.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

The FAA estimates that 5 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $576 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,080.

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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a significant economicimpact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-10845 (63 FR 55783), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), Amendment 39-11397, to read as follows: