[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 213 (Friday, November 4, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page 0] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-26879] [[Page Unknown]] [Federal Register: November 4, 1994] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 94-SW-10-AD; Amendment 39-9059; AD 94-17-07] Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 Series Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-17-07 which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 series helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires an inspection and repetitive visual checks for slippage of the tail rotor (T/R) drive and replacement of the T/R gearbox, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by two incidents in which the T/R output key (key) was not installed between the output shaft and the output pinion during assembly of the T/R gearbox. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent slippage of the T/ R drive, loss of directional control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: Effective on November 21, 1994, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Priority Letter AD 94-17-07, issued on August 25, 1994, which contained the requirements of this amendment. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 21,1994. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before January 3, 1995. ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-SW-10-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. The applicable service information may be obtained from Robinson Helicopter Company, 24747 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505. This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 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: Ms. Elizabeth Bumann, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, Propulsion Branch, FAA, 3229 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425, telephone (310) 988-5265, fax (310) 988-5210. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 25, 1994, the FAA issued Priority Letter AD 94-17-07, applicable to Robinson Helicopter Company R22 series helicopters, which requires an inspection and repetitive visual checks for slippage of the tail rotor (T/R) drive, and replacement of the T/R gearbox, if necessary. That action was prompted by two incidents in which the T/R output key (key) was not installed between the output shaft and the output pinion during assembly of the T/R gearbox. The key is required to prevent the output gear from rotating on the output shaft. Both incidents resulted in slippage of the T/R drive. On June 2, 1994, Registro Aeronautico Italiano (RAI), the Airworthiness Authority of Italy, issued RAI AD No. 94-131 to require a daily inspection to determine if there had been any slippage of the T/R drive between the output shaft and the output pinion. This condition, if not corrected, could result in slippage of the T/R drive, loss of directional control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA has reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin (SB) #74, dated July 18, 1994, that describes procedures for determining slippage of the T/R drive using a 35-lb. load on the T/R blade and checking for correct alignment of dots that have been marked in accordance with SB #74, dated July 18, 1994. The FAA is issuing this AD to require the initial marking of dots and an inspection prior to further flight, rather than within the next 20 hours time-in-service (TIS) as specified by SB #74, dated July 18, 1994. Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop on other Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 series helicopters of the same type design, the FAA issued Priority Letter AD 94-17-07 to prevent slippage of the T/R drive, loss of directional control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The AD requires the installation of alignment marks, an initial inspection prior to further flight, daily pre-flight visual checks for slippage of the T/R drive, and replacement of the T/R gearbox, if necessary. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously. This AD is considered to be an interim action. The FAA is considering further rulemaking to require opening the T/R gearbox and verifying installation of the key as the terminating action to this AD. Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters issued on August 25, 1994, to all known U.S. owners and operators of Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 series helicopters. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all persons. 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. 94-SW-10-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. 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, 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: AD 94-17-07 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-9059. Docket No. 94-SW-10-AD. Applicability: Model R22 series helicopters, certificated in any category with tail rotor (T/R) gearboxes that were manufactured or overhauled by Robinson Helicopter Company prior to June 8, 1992. The following gearbox S/N's have been determined to have the T/R output key (key) installed and are therefore exempt from this AD: 0012, 0013, 0014, 0020, 0021, 0040, 0054, 0062, 0091, 0095, 0098, 0108, 0121, 0134, 0137, 0153, 0169, 0179, 0185, 0191, 0201, 0205, 0227, 0228, 0235, 0248, 0258, 0262, 0272, 0277, 0280, 0321, 0333, 0342, 0365, 0432, 0439, 0444, 0503, 0504, 0525, 0548, 0558, 0559, 0565, 0574, 0576, 0592, 0594, 0597, 0603, 0604, 0605, 0615, 0632, 0641, 0644, 0650, 0656, 0662, 0663, 0674, 0686, 0689, 0696, 0697, 0700, 0702, 0707, 0722, 0734, 0735, 0736, 0742, 0759, 0767, 0777, 0778, 0805, 0832, 0836, 0839, 0842, 0850, 0862, 0866, 0868, 0887, 0892, 0937, 0939, 0983, 0986, 0996, 0998, 1018, 1021, 1029, 1030, 1035, 1072, 1081, 1087, 1104, 1116, 1121, 1126, 1129, 1132, 1141, 1151, 1176, 1186, 1187, 1199, 1205, 1208, 1217, 1222, 1228, 1233, 1245, 1249, 1269, 1274, 1290, 1293, 1299, 1301, 1307, 1311, 1323, 1330, 1333, 1339, 1341, 1350, 1361, 1379, 1385, 1388, 1392, 1404, 1412, 1428, 1438, 1442, 1450, 1460, 1468, 1494, 1499, 1505, 1509, 1512, 1514, 1526, 1541, 1544, 1578, 1586, 1593, 1595, 1597, 1605, 1610, 1627, 1628, 1636, 1643, 1647, 1648, 1652, 1654, 1686, 1687, 1698, 1701, 1702, 1706, 1710, 1724, 1731, 1732, 1738, 1741, 1750, 1752, 1757, 1759, 1769, 1783, 1800, 1803, 1808, 1814, 1816, 1830, 1844, 1846, 1851, 1852, 1861, 1868, 1871, 1886, 1889, 1901, 1911, 1912, 1927, 1928, 1948, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1992, 2025, 2034, 2037, 2051, 2071, 2100, 2101, 2103, 2126, 2129, 2136, 2160, 2166, 2170, 2180, 2193, 2203, 2242, 2254, 2265, 2269, 2272, 2279, 2280, 2283, 2294, 2298, 2299, 2304, 2314, 2357, 2377, 2380, 2381, 2395, 2406, 2420, 2421, 2422, 2423, 2425, 2431, 2435, 2436, 2459, 2479, 2492, 2498, 2531, 2539, 2574, 2579, 2582, 2587, 2627, 2634, 2672, 2683, 2697, 2716, 2719, 2721, 2731, 2797, 2863, 2937, 2945. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent slippage of the T/R drive, loss of directional control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, install the alignment dots and perform an inspection in accordance with Part A of Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin (SB) #74, dated July 18, 1994. Apply the 35-lb. weight very gently to avoid overstressing the T/R blade or T/R drive. Any slippage detected must be reported within 10 days after the inspection to the Manager, Los Angeles Manufacturing Inspection District Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 3229 E. Spring St., Long Beach, California 90806-2425, telephone (310) 988-5290, fax (310) 988-5293. Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056. (b) Before the first flight of each day, check for misalignment of the alignment dots installed on the tail cone skin and the drive shaft flange by rotating the T/R blade so that the alignment dot is visible in the inspection window and the tip of the T/R blade leading edge aligns with the dot on the tail cone skin. Next, ensure that the drive shaft flange dot is aligned with the dot on the centerline of the tail cone skin at the edge of the inspection window. If any misalignment is detected, before further flight, conduct the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD. The checks required by this AD may be performed by an owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD, in accordance with section 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v) of the Federal Aviation Regulations. (c) Verification of the presence of the key through disassembly and reassembly of the T/R gearbox in accordance with FAA-approved procedures constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA. 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: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. (e) 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. (f) The installation, inspection, and checks shall be done in accordance with Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin #74, dated July 18, 1994. 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, 24747 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 21, 1994, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Priority Letter AD 94-17-07, issued August 25, 1994, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 24, 1994. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 94-26879 Filed 11-3-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P