[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 17, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68817-68819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27117]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1053; Product Identifier 2018-SW-037-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with 
an agricultural spray system installed by Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) SR00286BO (spray system). This spray system is also known as a 
Simplex Manufacturing Company (Simplex) Model 244 spray system. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of the 
spray system elbow pump fitting (pump fitting). This proposed AD would 
require repetitive inspections of the spray system pump fitting, 
corrective action if necessary, replacement of the spray system pump 
fitting, and installation of hose supports and a pump outlet cover. The 
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 31, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Simplex 
Manufacturing Company, 13340 NE Whitaker Way, Portland, OR 97230; phone 
503-257-3511; fax 503-257-8556; internet www.simplex.aero. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 817-222-5110.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1053; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Bonar, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3521; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-1053; 
Product Identifier 2018-SW-037-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for Robinson Helicopter Company 
Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with an agricultural spray system 
installed by STC SR00286BO with spray systems serial-numbered 0045 
through 0178 inclusive. STC SR00286BO approves the installation of a 
Simplex spray system. This proposed AD would require a repetitive 
inspection until the pump fitting is modified.
    This proposed AD is prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of 
the spray system pump fitting. Following the issuance of a Simplex 
service letter, five

[[Page 68818]]

additional reports of failed fittings were received. Failure of the 
pump fitting causes uncontrolled discharge of the spray liquid exiting 
the system pump. The pump output port is in direct alignment with the 
engine air intake, allowing the engine to ingest the spray liquid. This 
condition, if not addressed, could result in an in-flight engine 
shutdown.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following service information:
     Simplex Mfg Alert Service Bulletin ASB2017-001, Initial 
Release, dated March 28, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for inspecting the spray system pump fitting to detect 
damage, including signs of stress, cracking, fatigue, and evidence of 
leaking.
     Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-017, Revision B, dated 
March 14, 2018. This service information describes procedures for 
replacing the spray system pump fitting with an improved pump fitting 
and installing hose supports.
     Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-030, Initial Release, 
dated March 12, 2018. This service information describes procedures for 
installing a pump outlet cover.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Simplex Mfg, Installation Manual, Simplex 
Manufacturing Co. HPR44 III Spray System for the Robinson R44 Series 
Helicopter, Installation Manual PM001-HPR44III-25-008, Revision 7, 
dated May 2, 2017. This service information specifies unpacking, 
installation, and system function test procedures.
    The FAA also reviewed Simplex Mfg, Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness (ICA), Simplex Manufacturing Co. HPR44 III Spray System 
for the Robinson R44 Series Helicopter, PM011-HPR44III-25-007 ICA, 
Revision 9, dated April 20, 2018. This service information specifies 
general, airworthiness limitation, inspection and maintenance, 
dimension and access, lifting and shoring, leveling and weighing, 
towing and taxiing, storing, placard and marking, servicing and 
lubricating, standard practice, and equipment and furnishing 
information.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all the relevant 
information and determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same 
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, before each flight, visually 
inspecting the spray system pump fitting for signs of stress, cracking, 
fatigue, and evidence of leaking. If there is any sign of stress, 
cracking, fatigue, or evidence of leaking, this proposed AD would 
require replacing pump fitting P/N P-58-0752-40 with pump fitting P/N 
000[hyphen]123847[hyphen]000, and installing cushion clamp P/N 000-
115571-000, cable tie hose supports, and pump outlet cover P/N 244-
302056-001 before further flight. If there is no sign of stress, 
cracking, fatigue, or evidence of leaking, this proposed AD would 
require replacing the pump fitting with fitting P/N 
000[hyphen]123847[hyphen]000, and installing cushion clamp P/N 000-
115571-000, cable tie hose supports, and pump outlet cover P/N 244-
302056-001 within 3 months. This proposed AD would also require 
pressurizing and inspecting the spray system with fitting P/N 
000[hyphen]123847[hyphen]000, the cushion clamp, the cable tie hose 
supports, and the pump outlet cover installed, and depending on the 
outcome of this inspection, replacing the parts and repeating the 
inspection again.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The Simplex Mfg alert service bulletin and service letter service 
information identify the spray system as the R44III spray system. The 
Simplex Mfg installation manual and ICA service information identify 
the spray system as the HPR44 III spray system. However, this proposed 
AD identifies this modification as an agricultural spray system 
installed by STC SR00286BO and acknowledges the marketing designation 
of Simplex Model 244 spray system. The Simplex Mfg alert service 
bulletin service information specifies contacting Simplex if there is 
evidence of damage. This proposed AD would instead require replacing 
the spray system pump fitting, and installing a cushion clamp, cable 
tie hose supports, and a pump outlet cover if there is any sign of 
stress, cracking, fatigue, or evidence of leaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 75 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD.
    Inspecting the fitting would take about 0.1 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $9 per helicopter and $675 for the U.S. fleet per 
inspection cycle. Replacing the fitting and installing the cushion 
clamp and hose supports would take about 1 work-hour with a nominal 
parts costs for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $6,375 for 
the U.S. fleet. Installing the pump outlet cover would take about 1 
work-hour and parts would cost about $300 for an estimated cost of $385 
per helicopter and $28,875 for the U.S. fleet.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, all costs are included in this cost 
estimate.

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.
    The FAA is 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 rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

[[Page 68819]]

    (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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. FAA-2019-1053; Product 
Identifier 2018-SW-037-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by January 31, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 
II helicopters, certificated in any category, with an agricultural 
spray system installed by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
SR00286BO with spray systems serial-numbered 0045 through 0178 
inclusive, installed.
    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: STC SR00286BO approves the 
installation of Simplex Manufacturing Company Model 244 spray system 
(spray system). Earlier models of this system have a metal flanged 
fitting that is not affected by this AD.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2551, Agricultural 
Spray System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of the 
spray system elbow pump fitting (pump fitting). The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the pump fitting, which could result 
in an in-flight engine shutdown.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight, and thereafter before each flight, 
visually inspect the spray system pump fitting for signs of stress, 
cracking, fatigue, and evidence of leaking by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1. through 4., of Simplex 
Mfg Alert Service Bulletin ASB2017-001, Initial Release, dated March 
28, 2017 (ASB2017-001). If there is any sign of stress, cracking, 
fatigue, or evidence of leaking, before further flight, accomplish 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
    (2) Within 3 months, unless required before further flight by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD:
    (i) Replace spray system pump fitting P/N P-58-0752-40 with 
fitting P/N 000-123847-000 and install cushion clamp P/N 000-115571-
000 and cable tie hose supports by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 1. through 6., of Simplex Mfg Service 
Letter SL2017-017, Revision B, dated March 14, 2018.
    (ii) Install pump outlet cover P/N 244-302056-001 by following 
the Accomplishments Instructions, paragraphs 1. through 7., of 
Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-030, Initial Release, dated March 
12, 2018 (SL2017-030), except refer to Figure 2 when instructed to 
refer to Figure 1.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD: SL2017-030 includes 
instructions that refer to a Figure 1; however, there is no Figure 
1.
    (iii) Pressurize the system and determine if the new fitting is 
functioning correctly by visually inspecting the spray system pump 
fitting for signs of stress, cracking, fatigue, and evidence of 
leaking by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1. 
through 4. of ASB2017-001. If there is any sign of stress, cracking, 
fatigue, or evidence of leaking, before further flight, remove from 
service the fitting, cushion clamp, cable tie hose supports, and 
pump outlet cover and replace with a new fitting, new cushion clamp, 
new cable tie hose supports, and new pump outlet cover, and repeat 
the actions required by this paragraph.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a 
Simplex Model 244 spray system approved under STC SR00286BO with 
pump fitting P/N P-58-0752-40 on any Robinson Helicopter Company 
Model R44 or R44 II helicopter.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Chris Bonar, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3521; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Simplex Manufacturing Company, 13340 NE Whitaker Way, Portland, OR 
97230; phone 503-257-3511; fax 503-257-8556; internet 
www.simplex.aero. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 11, 2019.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-27117 Filed 12-16-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P