[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 87 (Friday, May 3, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19809-19811]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10870]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-SW-23-AD; Amendment 39-9605; AD 96-09-29]


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 
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 Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R22 
helicopters, that requires replacement of the upper V-belt sheave 
(sheave). This amendment is prompted by three reports of cracks in the 
flange of the sheave. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent failure of the sheave, which could result in damage to other 
drive system components, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: Effective June 7, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 7, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained

[[Page 19810]]

from Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, 
California 90505. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office 
of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort 
Worth, Texas 76137, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Elizabeth Bumann, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (310) 627-5265, 
fax (310) 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 R22 helicopters was 
published in the Federal Register on November 28, 1995 (60 FR 58579). 
That action proposed to require, within the next 100 hours time-in-
service (TIS) or 60 calendar days, whichever comes first, replacement 
of the upper sheave, part number (P/N) A170-1I or J or P/N A170-2J, 
with a sheave having a dimension equal to or less than 0.30 inch 
measured from the edge of the forward retainer plate to the flange of 
the sheave.
    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.
    The FAA estimates that 650 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$1,216 per helicopter for the sheave, part number (P/N) A170-1, and 
$2,298 per helicopter for the sheave, P/N A170-2. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $1,298,050, assuming replacement of the sheave in all 650 
helicopters, and assuming that one-half of the helicopters have the 
sheave, P/N A170-1, installed, and one-half of the helicopters have the 
sheave, P/N A170-2, installed.
    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 
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 location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 96-09-29  Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-9605. Docket 
No. 95-SW-23-AD.

    Applicability: Model R22 helicopters with upper V-belt sheave 
(sheave) part number (P/N) A170-1I or J, or P/N A170-2J, installed, 
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.
    Note 2: Determination of whether the affected sheave has been 
installed can be accomplished by measuring the depth from the edge 
of the forward retainer plate to the flange of the sheave in an area 
located between the webs as shown in Figure 2 of Robinson Helicopter 
Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-77, dated April 25, 1995. If the 
depth is greater than 0.30 inch, then either sheave, P/N A170-1I or 
J, or sheave, P/N A170-2J, is installed.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the sheave, which could result in damage 
to other drive system components, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 60 
calendar days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of 
this AD, replace the sheave, P/N A170-1I or J, or P/N A170-2J, with 
an airworthy sheave, P/N A170-1, or P/N A170-2, having a dimension 
equal to or less than 0.30 inch measured from the edge of the 
forward retainer plate to the flange of the sheave in an area 
located between the webs, in accordance with paragraphs 2 through 15 
of the Compliance Procedures of Robinson Helicopter Company R22 
Service Bulletin SB-77, dated April 25, 1995.
    (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, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA 
Principal 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) Replacement of the sheave shall be done in accordance with 
paragraphs 2 through 15 of the Compliance Procedures of Robinson 
Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-77, dated April 25, 1995. 
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register 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. Copies may be inspected 
at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas, or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 7, 1996.


[[Page 19811]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 24, 1996.
Larry M. Kelly,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-10870 Filed 5-2-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U