Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 6, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40541-40542]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-15129]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-SW-30-AD, Amendment 39-13704, AD 95-26-05 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; rescission.

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SUMMARY: This amendment rescinds an existing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) for Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 helicopters, 
which currently requires revisions to the R44 Rotorcraft Flight Manual 
(RFM). The RFM revisions limit operations in high winds and turbulence. 
The RFM revisions also provide information about main rotor stall and 
mast bumping with recommendations for avoiding these situations and 
additional emergency procedures for use in certain conditions. This 
amendment is prompted by the FAA's determination that the limitations 
and the procedures required by that AD are no longer necessary to 
correct an unsafe condition. The actions specified by this AD rescind 
all the requirements of AD 95-26-05, Amendment 39-9463, Docket 95-SW-
30-AD.

DATES: Effective July 6, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gordon Acker, FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, Flight Test Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712-4137, telephone (562) 627-5374, fax 
(562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 by 
rescinding AD 95-26-05, Amendment 39-9463, Docket 95-SW-30-AD (60 FR 
66488, December 22, 1995), for the Robinson Model R44 helicopters was 
published in the Federal Register on March 26, 2004 (69 FR 15743). That 
action proposed to rescind the limitations and procedures required by 
AD 95-26-05.
    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 515 helicopters of U.S. registry are 
affected by AD 95-26-05, and the required actions take about \1/2\ work 
hour per helicopter to do at an average labor rate of $65 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $16,738. However, adopting this rescission 
eliminates those costs.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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 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 is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy 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.

[[Page 40542]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 
39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

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2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-9463 (60 FR 66488, 
December 22, 1995).

95-26-05 R1 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-13704, Docket 
No. 95-SW-30-AD. Rescinds AD 95-26-05, Amendment 39-9463.

    Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, certificated in any 
category.
    This rescission is effective July 6, 2004.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 24, 2004.
Kim Smith,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-15129 Filed 7-2-04; 8:45 am]
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