Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 114 (Tuesday, June 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35890-35892]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12883]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0676; Project Identifier AD-2022-00533-R; 
Amendment 39-22080; AD 2022-12-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 BETA, R44, and R44 II 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of intermittent or 
abnormal operation of the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) governor 
(governor). This AD requires inspecting the engine RPM sensor wiring 
and installing a wiring kit. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 29, 
2022.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by July 29, 2022.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Robinson Helicopter Company, Technical Support Department, 2901 Airport 
Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-
5198; email [email protected]; or at https://robinsonheli.com. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. Service information that is 
incorporated by reference is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0676.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0676; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Chang, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone 
(562) 627-5263; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA is adopting a new AD for certain serial-numbered Robinson 
Helicopter Company Model R22 BETA, R44, and R44 II helicopters. This AD 
was prompted by reports of intermittent or abnormal operation of the 
governor. In normal conditions, a properly functioning governor 
maintains engine speed within acceptable limits. Intermittent or 
abnormal operation of the governor may result in engine overspeed or 
underspeed conditions during flight. If the engine governor 
malfunctions, the pilot may assume manual throttle control by firmly 
gripping the throttle and overriding the governor's friction clutch, or 
by switching the governor off. In the event of low rotor RPM, an alarm 
sounds. This condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced 
control of the helicopter and subsequent emergency landing or loss of 
control of the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in 
other products of the same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Robinson R22-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor 
Connector Upgrade Kit Instructions, KI-288 Revision A, and Robinson 
R44-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor Connector Upgrade Kit 
Instructions, KI-287 Revision A, each dated February 23, 2022. This 
service information specifies procedures to inspect the engine RPM 
sensor wiring for damage, repair that wiring, and modify the governor 
wiring connection to the airframe harness with different connectors for 
improved clearance and strain relief.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin 
SB-119, and Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-111, 
each dated February 23, 2022. This service information specifies 
inspecting the sensor wiring, installing a governor wiring kit, and 
accomplishing the starting engine and run-up checklist to verify proper 
governor operation.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires inspecting the engine RPM sensor wiring for 
damage, and depending on the outcome, accomplishing repairs. This AD 
also requires modifying the governor wiring connection to the airframe 
harness by installing wiring kit KI-288 for Model R22 BETA helicopters 
and wiring kit KI-287 for Model R44 and R44 II helicopters.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action as the design 
approval

[[Page 35891]]

holder continues to investigate the unsafe condition identified in this 
AD. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further 
rulemaking then.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies foregoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the next predicted event of intermittent or abnormal operation 
of a governor is within three months. In light of this, the required 
actions must be accomplished within 15 hours time-in-service or 15 
days, whichever occurs first. This compliance time is shorter than the 
time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the 
final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forego notice and 
comment.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0676 and Project Identifier 
AD-2022-00533-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Jeffrey 
Chang, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5263; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 43 helicopters (4 Model R22 
BETA helicopters and 39 Model R44 and R44 II helicopters) of U.S. 
Registry. Labor rates are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Inspecting the wiring and installing wiring kit KI-288 for Model 
R22 BETA helicopters takes about 3.5 work-hours and parts cost about 
$75 for an estimated cost of $373 per helicopter and $1,492 for the 
U.S. fleet (4 Model R22 BETA helicopters).
    Inspecting the wiring and installing wiring kit KI-287 for Model 
R44 and R44 II helicopters takes about 4.5 work-hours and parts cost 
about $125 for an estimated cost of $508 per helicopter and $19,812 for 
the U.S. fleet (39 Model R44 and R44 II helicopters).

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 35892]]


    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2022-12-08 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-22080; Docket 
No. FAA-2022-0676; Project Identifier AD-2022-00533-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 29, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Robinson Helicopter Company helicopters 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated 
in any category.
    (1) Model R22 BETA helicopters, serial numbers (S/Ns) 4825 
through 4857 inclusive, 4860, and 4861.
    (2) Model R44 helicopters, S/Ns 2625 through 2669 inclusive, 
30061, 30071 through 30080 inclusive, 30083, and 30084.
    Note 1 to paragraph (c)(2): Helicopters with an R44 Cadet 
designation are Model R44 helicopters.
    (3) Model R44 II helicopters, S/Ns 14364, 14412 through 14512 
inclusive, 14514 through 14517 inclusive, 14519 through 14521 
inclusive, and 14525.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2797, Flight 
Control System Wiring; 7697, Engine Control System Wiring; and 7714, 
Engine RPM Indicating System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of intermittent or abnormal 
operation of the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) governor 
(governor). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
governor. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
engine overspeed or underspeed conditions during flight, loss of 
engine thrust control, increased pilot workload, reduced control of 
the helicopter, and subsequent emergency landing or loss of control 
of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Within 15 hours time-in-service or 15 days after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first:
    (1) For Model R22 BETA helicopters, inspect the engine RPM 
sensor wiring and modify the wiring connection to the airframe 
harness by following paragraphs 1 through 31 of the Kit Instructions 
in Robinson R22-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor Connector 
Upgrade Kit Instructions, KI-288 Revision A, dated February 23, 
2022, except you are not required to discard parts.
    (2) For Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, inspect the engine RPM 
sensor wiring and modify the wiring connection to the airframe 
harness by following paragraphs 1 through 41 of the Kit Instructions 
in Robinson R44-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor Connector 
Upgrade Kit Instructions, KI-287 Revision A, dated February 23, 
2022, except you are not required to discard parts.

(h) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority 
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures 
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your 
request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards 
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may 
be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey Chang, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5263; email 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Robinson R22-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor Connector 
Upgrade Kit Instructions, KI-288 Revision A, dated February 23, 
2022.
    (ii) Robinson R44-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor Connector 
Upgrade Kit Instructions, KI-287 Revision A, dated February 23, 
2022.
    (3) For Robinson service information identified in this AD, 
contact Robinson Helicopter Company, Technical Support Department, 
2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone (310) 539-0508; 
fax (310) 539-5198; email [email protected]; or at https://robinsonheli.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on June 2, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12883 Filed 6-10-22; 4:15 pm]
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