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AD 96-09-29

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Airworthiness directive · Replace V-Belt Sheave · Robinson Helicopter R22, R22 ALPHA, R22 BETA and 1 more

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Official PDF· 3 pages, 126 KB
Download from govinfo.gov
AboutSource files 3
Effective
June 7, 1996
Published
May 3, 1996 · 61 FR 19809–19811
Models
R22, R22 ALPHA, R22 BETA, R22 MARINER
Data sheet
TCDSH10WE
Registered aircraft
817 matched by model
Product
Aircraft · Rotorcraft
Amendment
39-9605
Docket
95-SW-23-AD
Issued as
Final rule

Unofficial copy of the text in the FAA’s Dynamic Regulatory System. Only the govinfo PDF is the legal edition. DRS record last changed May 30, 2024.

On this page

Summary

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R22 helicopters, that requires replacement of the upper V-belt sheave (sheave). This amendment is prompted by three reports of cracks in the flange of the sheave. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the sheave, which could result in damage to other drive system components, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

The airworthiness directive

96-09-29 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY: Amendment 39-9605. Docket No. 95-SW-23-AD.

Applicability: Model R22 helicopters with upper V-belt sheave (sheave) part number (P/N) A170-1I or J, or P/N A170-2J, 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.

NOTE 2: Determination of whether the affected sheave has been installed can be accomplished by measuring the depth from the edge of the forward retainer plate to the flange of the sheave in an area located between the webs as shown in Figure 2 of Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-77, dated April 25, 1995. If the depth is greater than 0.30 inch, then either sheave, P/N A170-1I or J, or sheave, P/N A170-2J, is installed.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of the sheave, which could result in damage to other drive system components, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 60 calendar days, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, replace the sheave, P/N A170-1I or J, or P/N A170-2J, with an airworthy sheave, P/N A170-1, or P/N A170-2, having a dimension equal to or less than 0.30 inch measured from the edge of the forward retainer plate to the flange of the sheave in an area located between the webs, in accordance with paragraphs 2 through 15 of the Compliance Procedures of Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-77, dated April 25, 1995.

(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, 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 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) Replacement of the sheave shall be done in accordance with paragraphs 2 through 15 of the Compliance Procedures of Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-77, dated April 25, 1995. 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 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.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 7, 1996.

Rule preamble

The FAA’s background, reasoning and cost estimate, published with the AD.

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 R22 helicopters was published in the Federal Register on November 28, 1995 (60 FR 58579). That action proposed to require, within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 60 calendar days, whichever comes first, replacement of the upper sheave, part number (P/N) A170-1I or J or P/N A170-2J, with a sheave having a dimension equal to or less than 0.30 inch measured from the edge of the forward retainer plate to the flange of the sheave.

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.

The FAA estimates that 650 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 $1,216 per helicopter for the sheave, part number (P/N) A170-1, and $2,298 per helicopter for the sheave, P/N A170-2. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,298,050, assuming replacement of the sheave in all 650 helicopters, and assuming that one-half of the helicopters have the sheave, P/N A170-1, installed, and one-half of the helicopters have the sheave, P/N A170-2, installed.

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 thatthis 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 AviationAdministration 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

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

Affected TCDS · 1

The type certificate data sheets for the models this AD names, matched by model and maker.

TCDS H10WERobinson Helicopter CompanyNames all 4 models: R22, R22 MARINER, R22 ALPHA and R22 BETA

Registered aircraft · 817

Registered aircraft whose airframe or engine model this AD names. Matched by model only, so check each against the AD’s applicability.

By aircraft maker
  • Robinson Helicopter817
By year built
19462026

161 with no year recorded

By model

Aircraft

N100WRBuehler Andrew · Eatonville, WABuilt 1981 · S/N 157N106EHKnueven Timothy P · Huntsville, ALS/N 1475N106RDMarinaphoto Helicopter LLC · Rehoboth Beach, DEBuilt 1989 · S/N 925M
See all 817 aircraft