Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 121 (Thursday, June 24, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33745-33747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15903]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

RIN 2120-AA64
[Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD; Amendment 39-11204; AD 99-13-11]


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) 
Model R44 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters, that requires installing 
a shutoff clamp on the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain tube (drain tube) 
and a placard decal to alert operators as to the proper use of the 
auxiliary fuel tank drain. This amendment is prompted by a report of 
fuel leaking from a drain tube opening in the area of the horizontal 
and vertical firewalls. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent fuel leaks from the drain tube that could cause a fire and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 29, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Bumann, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5265; fax (562) 627-
5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters was 
published in the Federal Register on March 22, 1999 (64 FR 13732). That 
action proposed to require installation of a shutoff clamp on the drain 
tube to prevent fuel leakage and a placard decal to alert operators as 
to the proper use of the auxiliary fuel tank drain.
    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 with only minor editorial changes that 
will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase 
the scope of the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 200 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. The manufacturer has indicated that 
each operator will be provided parts at no cost. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $12,000.
    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.
    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

[[Page 33746]]

Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 
76137.

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 99-13-11  Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-11204. Docket 
No. 98-SW-71-AD.

    Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, Serial Numbers 0002 
through 0529 except 0440, 0485, 0512, 0515, 0519, 0526, 0527, and 
0528, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Within 100 hours time-in-service or 3 calendar 
months, whichever occurs first.
    To prevent fuel leaks from the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain, 
which could cause a fire and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Install a shutoff clamp, part number (P/N) D663-1, by 
sliding it onto the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain tube, P/N A729-7, 
as shown in Figure 1.
    (b) Install placard decal, P/N A654-93, as shown in Figure 1.

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR24JN99.101


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    (c) 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 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then 
send

[[Page 33747]]

it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: 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.

    (d) 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 29, 1999.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 15, 1999.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-15903 Filed 6-23-99; 8:45 am]
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