[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 199 (Monday, October 15, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52312-52313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25693]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-SW-67-AD; Amendment 39-12466; AD 2001-20-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) Model R44 helicopters that requires 
establishing a life limit of 2200 hours time-in-service (TIS) for 
affected horizontal stabilizers. This amendment is prompted by 
engineering analysis which indicates that certain vertical-to-
horizontal stabilizer attach channels (channels) will crack sooner than 
the original life limit of the horizontal stabilizer. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent a crack through a channel, 
separation of the stabilizers, and subsequent loss of directional 
control of the helicopter.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 19, 2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Airframe Branch, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5232, 
fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for RHC R44 helicopters was published in the Federal 
Register on June 25, 2001 (66 FR 33653). That action proposed a life 
limit of 2200 hours TIS for affected horizontal stabilizers and 
removing, inspecting, and replacing certain channels with airworthy 
channels.
    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 3 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately \1/2\ work hour 
per helicopter to inspect the horizontal stabilizer and replace the 
channels. The average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The manufacturer 
states

[[Page 52313]]

in their service bulletin that there will be no charge for the parts. 
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $90.
    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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 FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas.

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:

2001-20-18  Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-12466. Docket 
No. 2000-SW-67-AD.

    Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, with horizontal stabilizer 
assembly (assembly), part number (P/N) C044-1; horizontal stabilizer 
serial number (S/N) 0009 through 0224, except S/N 0018, 0090, 0094, 
0111, 0129, 0144, 0161, 0178, 0201, and 0223, 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 
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: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent a crack through a vertical-to-horizontal stabilizer 
attach channel (channel), which can cause separation of the 
stabilizers and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Before accumulating 2200 hours time-in-service (TIS) on the 
assembly:
    (1) Remove the vertical stabilizer to inspect the nutplate on 
channels, P/N D283-1 and -2.
    (2) If the nutplates are P/N MS21086L4, no further action is 
required by this AD.
    (3) If the nutplates are P/N NAS697A4, replace the channels with 
airworthy channels, P/N D296-1 or -2.

    Note 2: Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-39, 
dated September 12, 2000, pertains to the subject of this AD.

    (b) This AD revises the Limitations section of the maintenance 
manual by establishing a retirement life of 2200 hours TIS for 
assembly, P/N CO44-1, with channels, P/N D283-1 or -2, with 
nutplates, P/N NAS697A4, installed.
    (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 (LAACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through 
an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment 
and then send it to the Manager, LAACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the LAACO.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 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 November 19, 2001.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 3, 2001.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 01-25693 Filed 10-12-01; 8:45 am]
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