Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 178 (Thursday, September 15, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56571-56573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19936]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0872; Project Identifier AD-2022-00431-R; 
Amendment 39-22181; AD 2022-19-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-19-
08, which applied to certain Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) 
Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. AD 2021-19-08 required checking each 
tail rotor blade (blade) for any crack and removing any cracked blade 
from service. AD 2021-19-08 also required removing all affected blades 
from service and prohibited installing any affected blade on any 
helicopter. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-19-08, it was determined that 
an additional model helicopter and additional blades are affected by 
the unsafe condition. This AD requires the same actions as AD 2021-19-
08 and adds certain Robinson Model R66 helicopters to the applicability 
and adds additional part-numbered and serial-numbered blades to the 
applicability. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 20, 2022.

ADDRESSES: AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0872; 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 address for Docket 
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone 
(562) 627-5357; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-19-08, Amendment 39-21726 (86 FR 
49915, September 7, 2021) (AD 2021-19-08). AD 2021-19-08 applied to 
Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with a blade part number (P/
N) C029-3 with serial number (S/N) 9410 through 9909 inclusive, 
installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 13, 2022 
(87 FR 41627). The NPRM was prompted by reports of spanwise cracks 
found along the leading edge of P/N C029-3 blades, S/N 9410 through 
9909. These affected blades were factory-installed or shipped as spares 
between March and December 2019. The cracks were found at different 
inspection intervals ranging from preflight inspections to 100-hour 
inspections. In one instance, a cracked blade was suspected when the 
pilot felt abnormal vibrations during flight; subsequent investigation 
determined that the blade was cracked. The cause of the cracks was 
determined to be a manufacturing defect in the properties of the blade 
skin that makes the blades prone to stress corrosion cracking. The NPRM 
was also prompted by a determination after AD 2021-19-08 was issued 
that an additional model helicopter and additional blades are affected 
by the unsafe condition. This condition, if not addressed, could result 
in reduced controllability and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter. AD 2021-19-08 required

[[Page 56572]]

checking each blade for any crack and removing any cracked blade from 
service. AD 2021-19-08 also required removing all affected blades from 
service and prohibited installing any affected blade on any helicopter. 
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require, before further 
flight and thereafter before each flight, checking each affected blade 
for any crack along the leading edge of the blade. An owner/operator 
(pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform this 
check and would have to enter compliance with the applicable paragraph 
of this AD in the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 
CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). A pilot may perform this check because 
it involves visually checking each blade for a crack. This action could 
be performed equally well by a pilot or a mechanic. This check is an 
exception to the FAA's standard maintenance regulations. The NPRM also 
proposed to continue to require, before further flight, removing from 
service any cracked blade and prohibit installing the affected blades 
on any helicopter. This NPRM also proposed to require, within three 
months after the effective date of AD 2021-19-08 or within six months 
after the effective date of this AD, as applicable, removing all 
affected blades from service. Finally, the NPRM revises the 
applicability of AD 2021-19-08 by adding blades with P/N C029-3 with S/
N 9910 through 10659 inclusive to the applicability for Robinson Model 
R44 and R44 II helicopters and also expands the applicability of AD 
2021-19-08 by adding Robinson Model R66 helicopters with blade P/N F-
029-1 with S/N 2410 through 2589 inclusive installed.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
requires adoption of the AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. 
Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in 
the NPRM.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-108, dated June 
30, 2021. This service bulletin specifies removing P/N C029-3 blades 
with S/N 9410 through 9909 from service. For continued operation until 
the affected blades are replaced, the service bulletin specifies a 
preflight inspection to be performed by the pilot.
    The FAA also reviewed Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-110, which 
specifies removing P/N C029-3 blades with S/N 9910 through 10659 from 
service and Robinson R66 Service Bulletin SB-40, which specifies 
removing P/N F029-1 blades with S/N 2410 through 2589 from service. 
Both of these service bulletins are dated January 6, 2022, and specify 
that a preflight inspection is to be performed by the pilot for 
continued operation until the affected blades are replaced.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 432 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. 
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Checking a blade for any crack takes about 0.25 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of up to $44 per helicopter (up to two affected blades 
per helicopter) and up to $19,008 for the U.S. fleet per check. 
Replacing a blade takes about 3.5 work-hours and parts cost about 
$3,320 for an estimated cost of $3,618 per blade and up to $3,125,952 
for the U.S. fleet.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

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

    The FAA has determined that 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,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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:

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-19-08, Amendment 39-21726 (86 
FR 49915, September 7, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-19-12 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-22181; Docket 
No. FAA-2022-0872; Project Identifier AD-2022-00431-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 20, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-19-08, Amendment 39-21726 (86 FR 49915, 
September 7, 2021) (AD 2021-19-08).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Robinson Helicopter Company 
(Robinson) helicopters, certificated in any category:
    (1) Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with a tail rotor 
blade (blade) part number (P/N) C029-3 with serial number (S/N) 9410 
through 9909 inclusive, installed;
    (2) Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with a blade P/N 
C029-3 with S/N 9910 through 10659 inclusive, installed; and
    (3) Robinson Model R66 helicopters with a blade P/N F029-1 with 
S/N 2410 through 2589 inclusive, installed.

[[Page 56573]]

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor 
Blades.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked blades. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect and prevent cracks in the affected blades. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced 
controllability and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD 
and thereafter before each flight, check each blade at the leading 
edge for a crack. This action may be performed by the owner/operator 
(pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be 
entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in 
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The 
record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 
135.439.
    (2) If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the 
blade from service.
    (3) For helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, 
within 3 months after September 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 
2021-19-08) remove from service any blade identified in paragraph 
(c)(1) of this AD.
    (4) For helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of 
this AD, within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, remove 
from service any blade identified in paragraph (c)(2) or (3) of this 
AD, as applicable to your model helicopter.
    (5) For helicopters identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, 
as of September 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-19-08), do 
not install a blade identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD on any 
helicopter.
    (6) For helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of 
this AD, as of the effective date of this AD, do not install a blade 
identified in paragraph (c)(2) or (3) of this AD, as applicable to 
your model helicopter, on any helicopter.

(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.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2021-19-08 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding requirements in paragraph (g) of this 
AD.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact James Guo, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 
90712; telephone (562) 627-5357; email [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on September 9, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19936 Filed 9-14-22; 8:45 am]
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