AD 99-13-11

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters, that requires 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 amendment 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 this AD are intended to prevent fuel leaks from the drain tube that could cause a fire and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Final rule

99-13-11 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY: Amendment 39-11204. Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Model R44 helicopters, Serial Numbers 0002 through 0529 except 0440, 0485, 0512, 0515, 0519, 0526, 0527, and 0528, certificated in any category. \n\n\tNOTE 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 (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. \n\n\tCompliance: Within 100 hours time-in-service or 3 calendar months, whichever occurs first. \n\n\tTo 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: \n\n\t(a)\tInstall 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. \n\n\t(b)\tInstall placard decal, P/N A654-93, as shown in Figure 1. \n\n\t(c)\tAn 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. \n\n\tNOTE 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. \n\n\t(d)\tSpecial 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. \n\n\t(e)\tThis amendment becomes effective on July 29, 1999. \n\nFOR 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.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on March 22, 1999 (64 FR 13732). That action proposed to require 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. \n\n\tInterested 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 with only minor editorial changes that will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. \n\n\tThe FAA estimates that 200 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The manufacturer has indicated that each operator will be provided parts at no cost. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $12,000. \n\n\tThe 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. \n\n\tFor 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 economic impact, 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 Rules Docket at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\tAccordingly, 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: \n\nPART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 (Amended) \n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: