AD 98-05-10

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AD Number:
98-05-10
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
97-SW-62-AD
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 Helicopters
Subject:
Aluminum Elbows
Status:
Current
Citation:
Federal Register: March 03, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 41)
Citation Publish Date:
03/03/1998
Effective Date:
03/18/1998
Make:
Robinson Helicopter Company
Model:
R44
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Rotorcraft
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39 [63 FR 10301 NO. 41 03/03/98]
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 98-05-10
CITATION:   [Federal Register: March 03, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 41)]

PAGE NUMBER:   [Page 10301]

DOCKET NUMBER:   97-SW-62-AD

AMENDMENT:   39-10371

AD NUMBER:   98-05-10

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 Helicopters

ACTION:   Final rule; request for comments

SUMMARY:   This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 helicopters. This action requires replacing the aluminum elbows that connect the oil cooler lines to the engine accessory case with steel elbows. This amendment is prompted by two reports of cracks that were discovered in aluminum elbows. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of either the 45 degree or 90 degree aluminum elbows that connect the oil lines from the oil cooler to the engine accessory case, which would cause loss of engine oil, resulting in an engine failure and a subsequent forced landing.

DATES:   Effective March 18, 1998. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before May 4, 1998.

ADDRESSES:   Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-SW-62-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  

This amendment adopts a new AD that is applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 0001 through 0330. This action requires removing the aluminum (blue-colored) AN823-8D (45 degree) or MS20822-8D (90 degree) elbows that connect the A723 oil cooler lines to the engine accessory case and replacing them with steel MS20823-8 (45 degree) or MS20822-8 (90 degree) elbows. This amendment is prompted by two reports of cracks that were discovered in aluminum elbows. Subsequent inspections revealed that the cracks resulted from fatigue. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of either the 45 degree or 90 degree aluminum elbows that connect the oil lines from the oil cooler to the engine accessory case, which would cause in loss of engine oil, resulting in an engine failure and a subsequent forced landing.

The FAA has reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-25, dated October 1, 1997, which describes procedures for replacing both aluminum elbows with steel elbows.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Robinson Model R44 helicopters, S/N 0001 through 0330, of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of either the 45 degree or 90 degree aluminum elbows that connect the oil lines from the oil cooler to the engine accessory case, which would cause loss of engine oil, resulting in an engine failure and a subsequent forced landing. This AD requires, within 50 hours time-in-service, removing the aluminum (blue-colored) AN823-8D (45 degree) or MS20822-8D (90 degree) elbows that connect the A723 cooler lines to the engine accessory case and replacing them with steel MS20823-8 (45 degree) or MS20822-8 (90 degree) elbows. Due to the critical need for adequate lubrication of the engine and the short compliance time for replacing the aluminum elbows, this rule must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in the affected helicopters.

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption "ADDRESSES." All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the 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 that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket No. 97-SW-62-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

The FAA estimates that 50 helicopters will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $30 per helicopter. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $21,000.

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.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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, 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows:

REGULATORY TEXT:  
98-05-10 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY: Amendment 39-10371. Docket No. 97-SW-62-AD.

Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0001 through 0330, 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: Required within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of either the 45 degree or 90 degree aluminum elbows that connect the oil lines from the oil cooler to the engine accessory case, which would cause loss of engine oil, resulting in an engine failure and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following:

(a) Remove any aluminum (blue-colored) AN823-8D (45 degree) or MS20822-8D (90 degree) elbows that connect the A723 oil cooler lines to the engine accessory case and replace them with airworthy MS20823-8 (45 degree) steel elbows or MS20822-8 (90 degree) steel elbows, as applicable. If the color is difficult to distinguish, use a magnet to determine if the elbow is aluminum or steel. Apply B270-6 thread sealant/lubricant to the replacement elbows' pipe threads. Torque the elbows to 160 in-lbs. plus as much additional torque as is necessary to align for correct position with the oil line.

NOTE 2: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-25, dated October 1, 1997, pertains to the subject of this AD and describes procedures for replacing both aluminum elbows with steel elbows.

(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 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.

(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) This amendment becomes effective on March 18, 1998.

FOOTER: