Airworthiness directives: Robinson Helicopter Co.,

[Federal Register: October 19, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 201)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 55783-55784]

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

[DOCID:fr19oc98-3]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-SW-01-AD; Amendment 39-10845; AD 98-21-36]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 helicopters, that requires removing and replacing the cyclic control pilot's grip assembly (grip assembly) with an airworthy grip assembly. This amendment is prompted by a report of a crack in the welded corner of a grip assembly. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent use of a grip assembly that may crack, resulting in failure of the grip assembly and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective November 23, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 23, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, California 90505, telephone (310) 539-0508, fax (310) 539- 5198. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on October 17, 1997 (62 FR 53977). That action proposed to require removing and replacing the cyclic control pilot's grip assembly (grip

[[Page 55784]]

assembly) with an airworthy grip assembly.

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 except that credit is given in the final rule for previous compliance with the requirement of this AD by adding ``unless accomplished previously'' in the compliance section. The FAA has determined that this change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

The FAA estimates that 5 helicopters of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per helicopter to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $576 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,080.

The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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 location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, 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:

   AD 98-21-36 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-10845. Docket No. 97-SW-01-AD.

   Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0001 through 0159, except S/N 0143, 0150, and 0156, with cyclic control pilot's grip assembly (grip assembly), part number (P/N) A756-6 Revision N or prior, 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 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

   Compliance: Within 25 hours time-in-service or 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously.

   To prevent use of a grip assembly that may crack, resulting in failure of the grip assembly and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

   (a) Remove the grip assembly, P/N A756-6 Revision N (or prior), and replace it with an airworthy grip assembly, P/N A756-6 Revision M (or later), in accordance with KI-112 R44 Pilot's Grip Assembly Upgrade Kit instructions, dated December 20, 1996.

   (b) 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 2: 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.

   (c) 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.

   (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with KI-112 R44 Pilot's Grip Assembly Upgrade Kit instructions, dated December 20, 1996. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, California 90505. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

   (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 23, 1998.

   Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 7, 1998. Larry M. Kelly, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 98-27760Filed10-16-98; 8:45 am]

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