[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 226 (Wednesday, November 24, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71532-71534]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-29203]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0711; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-25-AD;
Amendment 39-16521; AD 2010-24-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson)
Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner Helicopters, and Model
R44, and R44 II Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Robinson Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner helicopters,
and Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This AD requires visually
inspecting each tail rotor (T/R) control pedal bearing block support
(support) for a crack, measuring the thickness of each support,
installing support safety tabs on certain supports, and replacing
supports of a certain thickness during the next 2,200 hour overhaul.
This amendment is prompted by two reports of Model R22 helicopters
experiencing broken supports during flight, which resulted in the T/R
control pedals becoming jammed. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent the supports from breaking, which can bind the T/R
control pedals, resulting in a reduction of yaw control and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective December 29, 2010.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 29, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD
from Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance,
California 90505, telephone (310) 539-0508, fax (310) 539-5198.
Examining the Docket: You may examine the docket that contains this
AD, any comments, and other information on the Internet at http://
[[Page 71533]]
www.regulations.gov or at the Docket Operations office, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety
Engineer, telephone (562) 627-5348, fax (562) 627-5210, regarding
Robinson Model R22 helicopters, or Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety
Engineer, telephone (562) 627-5232, fax (562) 627-5210, regarding
Robinson Model R44 helicopters, at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood,
California 90712.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to
include an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered helicopters
on July 06, 2010. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
July 15, 2010 (75 FR 41104). That action proposed to require for
Robinson Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner helicopters,
serial numbers (S/N) 0002 through 3325, that have more than 2,200 hours
total time-in-service (TIS); and for Model R44 and R44 II helicopters,
S/N 0001 through 1200, that have more than 2,200 hours total TIS, the
following within 100 hours TIS:
Visually inspecting both A359-1 and A359-2 supports for a
crack and replacing any cracked support before further flight;
If not cracked, measuring the thickness of both supports
and if less than 0.050-inch thick, installing support safety tabs, and
at the next 2,200 hour TIS overhaul, replacing any support that is less
than 0.050-inch thick with a support that is at least 0.050-inch thick.
We have reviewed Robinson Service Bulletins SB-63 and SB-97, both
dated February 22, 2008, which describe procedures for inspecting both
supports for a crack, and if no crack is found, measuring each support
and installing safety tabs on supports that are less than 0.050-inch
thick, and at the next 2,200 hour TIS overhaul, replacing certain
supports.
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on the
determination of the cost to the public. Therefore, we are adopting the
actions as proposed.
This AD affects 4,524 helicopters of U.S. registry. It will take
approximately 0.5 work hour to inspect and measure the supports. We
estimate that 2,050 helicopters will require an additional 1 work hour
to install both safety tabs; 6 work hours to replace both supports if
cracked or broken or before overhaul, or 3 work hours to replace both
supports as part of a 2,200 hours TIS overhaul, at an average labor
rate of $85 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $20
per support if replacement is required. Based on these figures, we
estimate that the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is
$1,101,830, assuming 1,538 (approximately 75% of the 2,050 helicopters)
have both supports replaced during overhaul, and 512 helicopters
(approximately 25% of the 2,050 helicopters) have both supports
replaced before the next 2,200 hours TIS overhaul.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 the regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 Flexibility Act.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD. See the AD docket to examine the economic evaluation.
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.
We are 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 AD.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under 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
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 AD:
2010-24-03 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-16521; Docket
No. FAA-2010-0711; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-25-AD.
Applicability: Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner
helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0002 through 3325, that have more
than 2,200 hours total time-in-service (TIS); and Model R44, and R44
II helicopters, S/N 0001 through 1200, that have more than 2,200
hours total TIS, certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent the tail rotor (T/R) control pedal bearing block
support (support) from breaking, which can bind the T/R control
pedals, resulting in a reduction of yaw control and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 100 hours TIS, visually inspect each A359-1 (left)
and A359-2 (right) pedal support for a crack by referring to the
figure in Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Service Bulletin
SB-97, dated February 22, 2008 (SB-97) for all Model R22
helicopters, and Robinson Service Bulletin SB-63, dated February 22,
2008 (SB-63) for all Model R44 helicopters.
(1) If you find a crack in a support, before further flight,
replace the cracked support with an airworthy support that is at
least 0.050-inch thick.
(2) For each uncracked support, measure the thickness of the
support. If the support is less than 0.050-inch thick, before
further flight, install a safety tab on the support in accordance
with steps 4 and 5 of the Compliance Procedures section in SB-97 or
SB-63, as appropriate for your model helicopter.
(b) At the next 2,200 hours TIS overhaul, replace any support
that is less than 0.050-inch thick, with an airworthy support that
is at least 0.050-inch thick.
(c) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Contact the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
ATTN: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer,
[[Page 71534]]
3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562)
627-5348, fax (562) 627-5210 (regarding Model R22 helicopters); or
ATTN: Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, telephone (562) 627-
5232, fax (562) 627-5210 (regarding Model R44 helicopters) for
information about previously approved alternative methods of
compliance.
(d) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6720:
Tail Rotor Control System.
(e) The inspection and modification shall be done in accordance
with the specified portions of Robinson Helicopter Company Service
Bulletin SB-97 or SB-63, both dated February 22, 2008. The Director
of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be
obtained from Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive,
Torrance, California 90505, telephone (310) 539-0508, fax (310) 539-
5198. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call
202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 29, 2010.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 10, 2010.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-29203 Filed 11-23-10; 8:45 am]
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