AD 95-09-07 ACTIVE

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.

Final rule; request for comments

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 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 donein 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.

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 safetyof 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 commentssubmitted 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.

39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows:

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.

Ms. Lirio Liu, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (310) 627-5229, fax (310) 627-5210.