Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 3, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10301-10303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-5353]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-SW-62-AD; Amendment 39-10371; AD 98-05-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 
helicopters. This action requires replacing the aluminum elbows that 
connect the oil cooler lines to the engine accessory case with steel 
elbows. This amendment is prompted by two reports of cracks that were 
discovered in aluminum elbows. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to prevent failure of either the 45 deg. or 90 deg. aluminum 
elbows that connect the oil lines from the oil cooler to the engine 
accessory case, which would cause loss of engine oil, resulting in an 
engine failure and a subsequent forced landing.

DATES: Effective March 18, 1998.

    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before May 4, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-SW-62-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Elizabeth Bumann, Aerospace 
Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount 
Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712-4137,

[[Page 10302]]

telephone (562) 627-5265; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment adopts a new AD that is 
applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0001 
through 0330. This action requires removing the aluminum (blue-colored) 
AN823-8D (45 deg.) or MS20822-8D (90 deg.) elbows that connect the A723 
oil cooler lines to the engine accessory case and replacing them with 
steel MS20823-8 (45 deg.) or MS20822-8 (90 deg.) elbows. This amendment 
is prompted by two reports of cracks that were discovered in aluminum 
elbows. Subsequent inspections revealed that the cracks resulted from 
fatigue. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
failure of either the 45 deg. or 90 deg. aluminum elbows that connect 
the oil lines from the oil cooler to the engine accessory case, which 
would cause in loss of engine oil, resulting in an engine failure and a 
subsequent forced landing.
    The FAA has reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service 
Bulletin SB-25, dated October 1, 1997, which describes procedures for 
replacing both aluminum elbows with steel elbows.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Robinson Model R44 helicopters, S/N 0001 
through 0330, of the same type design, this AD is being issued to 
prevent failure of either the 45 deg. or 90 deg. aluminum elbows that 
connect the oil lines from the oil cooler to the engine accessory case, 
which would cause loss of engine oil, resulting in an engine failure 
and a subsequent forced landing. This AD requires, within 50 hours 
time-in-service, removing the aluminum (blue-colored) AN823-8D 
(45 deg.) or MS20822-8D (90 deg.) elbows that connect the A723 cooler 
lines to the engine accessory case and replacing them with steel 
MS20823-8 (45 deg.) or MS20822-8 (90 deg.) elbows. Due to the critical 
need for adequate lubrication of the engine and the short compliance 
time for replacing the aluminum elbows, this rule must be issued 
immediately to correct an unsafe condition in the affected helicopters.
    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 comments submitted 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. 97-SW-62-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The FAA estimates that 50 helicopters will be affected by this AD, 
that it will take approximately 2 work hours to accomplish the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will cost approximately $30 per helicopter. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $21,000.
    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, 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:
AD 98-05-10  Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-10371. Docket 
No. 97-SW-62-AD.

    Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0001 
through 0330, 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 (b) 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 within 50 hours time-in-service after the 
effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously.
    To prevent failure of either the 45 deg. or 90 deg. aluminum 
elbows that connect the oil lines from the oil cooler to the engine 
accessory case, which would cause loss of engine oil,

[[Page 10303]]

resulting in an engine failure and a subsequent forced landing, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Remove any aluminum (blue-colored) AN823-8D (45 deg.) or 
MS20822-8D (90 deg.) elbows that connect the A723 oil cooler lines 
to the engine accessory case and replace them with airworthy 
MS20823-8 (45 deg.) steel elbows or MS20822-8 (90 deg.) steel 
elbows, as applicable. If the color is difficult to distinguish, use 
a magnet to determine if the elbow is aluminum or steel. Apply B270-
6 thread sealant/lubricant to the replacement elbows' pipe threads. 
Torque the elbows to 160 in-lbs. plus as much additional torque as 
is necessary to align for correct position with the oil line.

    Note 2: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-25, 
dated October 1, 1997, pertains to the subject of this AD and 
describes procedures for replacing both aluminum elbows with steel 
elbows.

    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to 
the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 3: 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.

    (c) 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.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on March 18, 1998.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 24, 1998.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-5353 Filed 3-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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