Airworthiness directives: Robinson Helicopter Co.,

[Federal Register: August 11, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 154)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 43638-43641]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr11au99-12]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-SW-08-AD]

Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters. The AD would require inspecting the wire harness for contact with the fuel line assembly, removing and replacing the fuel line assembly if chafing has occurred, and installing spiral wrap tubing on the fuel line assembly. This proposal is prompted by four incidents of contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent contact between the wire harness and the fuel line, which could result in chafing of the wire harness and a potential fire hazard.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 12, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-SW-08-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Bumann, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712-4137, telephone (562) 627-5265; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filedin the Rules Docket.

[[Page 43639]]

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. 99-SW-08-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-SW-08-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

Discussion: This document proposes the adoption of a new AD applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters. The AD would require inspecting for chafing and installing spiral wrap tubing on the fuel line at the wire harness contact point. This proposal is prompted by four incidents of contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly above the fuel shutoff valve. In three of the incidents, the wire harness contacted the fuel line just above the fuel valve. In the fourth incident, the wire harness contacted the apex of the fuel line nut. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly, which could result in chafing of the wire harness and a potential fire hazard.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Robinson Model R44 helicopters of the same type design, the proposed AD would require inspecting the wire harness, part number (P/N) C059, for contact with the fuel line assembly, P/N C726-2; removing and replacing the fuel line assembly if chafing has occurred; and installing spiral wrap tubing, P/N B161-8, on the fuel line.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 200 helicopters of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 0.3 work hour per helicopter to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $0.22 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,644.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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:

    Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. 99-SW-08-AD.

    Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0002 through 0462, 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 (e) 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 within 100 hours time-in-service or 90 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously.

    To prevent contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly, which could result in chafing of the wire harness and a potential fire hazard, accomplish the following:

    (a) Remove the cover, part number (P/N) C474-1, from between the rear seatbacks.

    (b) Inspect the wire harness, P/N C059, and the fuel line assembly, P/N C726-2, above the fuel shutoff valve for contact. If the wire harness contacts the fuel line assembly, inspect for chafing.

    (c) If chafing has occurred between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly, replace the fuel line with an airworthy fuel line assembly. Torque the fuel line nuts to 110-130 in-lbs. Verify that clearance exists between the fuel line assembly and the wire harness.

    (d) Install a 3-inch section of spiral wrap tubing, P/N B161-8, on the fuel line assembly as shown in Figure 1. Push the spiral wrap tubing down until it is against the fuel line fitting.

    Note 2: Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-31, dated October 28, 1998, pertains to the subject of this AD.

    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

    [[Page 43640]]

    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11AU99.000

    [[Page 43641]]

    (e) 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. 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.

    (f) 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.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 4, 1999. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

    [FR Doc. 99-20755Filed8-10-99; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4910-13-C

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT