[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 49 (Thursday, March 12, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14411-14413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05024]


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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; Amendment 
39-19863; AD 2020-05-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting 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 AD 
was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of the spray system 
elbow pump fitting (pump fitting). This AD requires 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 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 16, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 16, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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. It is also available on 
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-1053.

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 final rule, any service information that is incorporated by 
reference, any comments received, and other information. The address 
for Docket Operations is Docket Operations, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

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: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would

[[Page 14412]]

apply to 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. The NPRM proposed 
to require a repetitive inspection until the pump fitting is modified. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2019 (84 FR 
68817). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of 
the spray system pump fitting. Following the issuance of a Simplex 
service letter, five 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.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or 
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this 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 AD.
    Inspecting the fitting takes 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 takes 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 takes about 1 work-hour and parts 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 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

    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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):

2020-05--11 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-19863; Docket 
No. FAA-2019-1053; Product Identifier 2018-SW-037-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 16, 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

[[Page 14413]]

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) 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

    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].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Simplex Mfg Alert Service Bulletin ASB2017-001, Initial 
Release, dated March 28, 2017.
    (ii) Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-017, Revision B, dated 
March 14, 2018.
    (iii) Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-030, Initial Release, 
dated March 12, 2018.
    (3) For Simplex Mfg 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 6, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-05024 Filed 3-11-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P