Airworthiness directives: Robinson Helicopter Co.,
[Federal Register: March 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 54)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 13732-13734]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22mr99-29]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD]
Airworthiness Directives; 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 installing a shutoff clamp on the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain tube (drain tube) and a placard decal to alert operators as to the proper use of the auxiliary fuel tank drain. This proposal is prompted by a report of fuel leaking from a drain tube opening in the area of the horizontal and vertical firewalls. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fuel leaks from the drain tube that could cause a fire and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 21, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 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, 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.
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. 98-SW-71-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. 98-SW-71-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
Discussion
A Malfunction or Defect Report, FAA Form 8010-4, sent to the FAA by an operator, stated that the sump drain tube leaked fuel that accumulated at the junction of the horizontal and vertical firewalls creating a fire hazard. An investigation indicated that a leaky fuel drain valve may allow fuel to accumulate in the engine compartment. This accumulation of fuel creates an unsafe condition. This AD would correct the unsafe condition by requiring installation of a shutoff clamp on the drain tube to prevent fuel leakage and a placard decal to alert operators as to the proper use of the auxiliary fuel tank drain.
The FAA has reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-30, dated October 28, 1998 (SB). The SB describes procedures for adding a shutoff clamp to the drain tube as a redundant seal when the drain tube is stowed and a placard decal to alert operators as to the proper use of the auxiliary tank drain.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 helicopters of the same type design, the proposed AD would require installing a shutoff clamp to the drain tube to prevent fuel leakage and a placard decal to alert operators as to the proper use of the auxiliary fuel tank drain. These actions are intended to prevent a fire that could cause loss of control of the helicopter.
The FAA estimates that 200 helicopters of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work hour per helicopter to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The manufacturer has indicated that each operator will be provided the part at no cost. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $12,000.
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
[[Page 13733]]
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
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows:
Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD.
Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, Serial Numbers 0002 through 0529 except 0440, 0485, 0512, 0515, 0519, 0526, 0527, and 0528, 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 request 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: Within 100 hours time-in-service or 3 calendar months, whichever occurs first.
To prevent fuel leaks from the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain, which could cause a fire and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Install a shutoff clamp, part number (P/N) D663-1 by sliding it onto the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain tube P/N A729-7 as shown in Figure 1.
(b) Install placard decal P/N A654-93 as shown in Figure 1.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MR99.002
(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. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.
(d) 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.
[[Page 13734]]
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 10, 1999. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-6557Filed3-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
