Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 206 (Thursday, October 24, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 84808-84810]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-24531]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1886; Project Identifier AD-2023-01018-R; 
Amendment 39-22862; AD 2024-20-03]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson Helicopter) Model R22 Beta, R22 
Mariner, R44, and R44 II helicopters with a certain governor controller 
installed. This AD was prompted by reports of engine governor failure, 
which was a result of water intrusion inside of the governor 
controller. This AD requires replacing certain governor controllers and 
prohibits installing those governor controllers on any helicopter. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 29, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 29, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2024-1886; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For Robinson Helicopter material identified in this AD, 
contact Robinson Helicopter Company, Technical Support Department, 2901 
Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; phone: (310) 539-0508; fax: (310) 
539-5198; email: robinsonheli.com">ts1@robinsonheli.com; or at robinsonheli.com.
    <bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2024-1886.
    Other Related Material: For Robinson Helicopter material identified 
in this AD, contact Robinson Helicopter Company at its contact 
information under Material Incorporated by Reference above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Moreland, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: 
(562) 627-5364; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Robinson Helicopter 
Model R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44, and R44 II helicopters with a 
governor controller part number (P/N) D270-1, Revision A through E 
inclusive, installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
July 17, 2024 (89 FR 58084). The NPRM was prompted by three reports of 
governor controller failures involving Robinson Helicopter Model R22 
Beta and R44 II helicopters. Prior to these governor controller 
failures, several operators notified Robinson Helicopter of a 
malfunction of the governor controller. As a result of an 
investigation, it has been determined

[[Page 84809]]

that the root cause for these malfunctions is water intrusion in the 
circuit board of the governor controller. In light of this, Robinson 
Helicopter issued service bulletins which specify exchanging the 
existing governor controller with a governor which provides additional 
moisture protection.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require removing any governor 
controller P/N D270-1, Revision A thru E inclusive, from service and 
installing a governor controller P/N D270-1, Revision F or later 
approved revision. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to prohibit 
installing governor controller P/N D270-1, Revision A through E 
inclusive, on any helicopter, since the affected parts may also be 
installed on Robinson Helicopter Model R22 Mariner and R44 helicopters. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of engine 
speed governing such as an engine overspeed or underspeed condition, 
and subsequent unexpected loss of power during critical phases of 
flight and landing. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from one commenter, Robinson Helicopter, 
who stated that they had no comment.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Robinson Helicopter R22 Service Bulletin SB-121 
and Robinson Helicopter R44 Service Bulletin SB-114, each dated June 
28, 2023 (SB-121 and SB-114). This material specifies procedures for 
removing governor controller, part number D270-1, Revision A thru E, 
and replacing it with governor controller P/N D270-1, Revision F (or 
subsequent). This material is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Material

    The FAA also reviewed Robinson R22 and R44 Engine Monitoring Unit 
(EMU) Technician's PC Software Guide, dated Oct 9, 2020. This material 
provides information to program the new EMU ID for the governor 
controller.

Differences Between This AD and the Referenced Material

    The referenced material applies to Robinson Helicopter Model R22-
series and R44-series helicopters with certain P/N D270-1 governor 
controllers installed and also identifies which serial-numbered 
helicopters the affected parts were factory installed on, whereas this 
AD applies to all Robinson Helicopter Model R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44, 
and R44 II helicopters with a certain P/N D270-1 governor controller 
installed. This AD requires accomplishing certain actions specified in 
SB-121 or SB-114, as applicable to your helicopter model, except the 
procedures in paragraph 4. of SB-121 and SB-114 must be accomplished by 
persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3., instead of ``an appropriately 
rated person.''

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 140 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Replacing the governor controller will take 2 work-hours and parts 
will cost $1,800 for an estimated cost of $1,970 per helicopter and 
$275,800 for the U.S. fleet.

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,
    (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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2024-20-03 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-22862; Docket 
No. FAA-2024-1886; Project Identifier AD-2023-01018-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 29, 
2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 
Beta, R22 Mariner, R44, and R44 II helicopters, certificated in any 
category, with a governor controller part number (P/N) D270-1, 
Revision A through E inclusive, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2700, Flight 
Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of engine governor failures 
caused by water intrusion. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
engine governor failures. The unsafe

[[Page 84810]]

condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of engine speed 
governing such as an engine overspeed or underspeed condition, and 
subsequent unexpected loss of power during critical phases of flight 
and landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, remove 
the governor controller from service and install a governor 
controller P/N D270-1, Revision F or later approved revision by 
following the Compliance Procedure, paragraphs 2. though 5., of 
Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-121 or R44 
Service Bulletin SB-114, each dated June 28, 2023 (SB-121 or SB-
114), as applicable to your helicopter model, except the procedures 
in paragraph 4. of SB-121 and SB-114 must be accomplished by persons 
authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
governor controller P/N D270-1, Revision A through E inclusive, on 
any helicopter.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, West Certification 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 West Certification Branch, send it to 
the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) 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.

(i) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Eric Moreland, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5364; email: [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph 
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-121, 
dated June 28, 2023.
    (ii) Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-114, 
dated June 28, 2023.
    (3) For Robinson Helicopter Company material identified in this 
AD, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, Technical Support 
Department, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; phone: (310) 
539-0508; fax: (310) 539-5198; email: robinsonheli.com">ts1@robinsonheli.com; or at 
robinsonheli.com.
    (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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 material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email protected]">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/[email protected].

    Issued on October 3, 2024.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-24531 Filed 10-23-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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