# Proposed AD FAA-2024-0237: Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2024-19-11
- Products: Robinson Helicopter
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: February 28, 2024, 89 FR 14596
- Comments due: April 15, 2024
- Became: [AD 2024-19-11](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2024-19-11)
- Docket: FAA-2024-0237 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2024-0237, where comments are filed)
- Project: AD-2023-00491-R
- FR document: 2024-03970
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/89/d9/89d9544b719a48fa4dd47e73df878ce788b9d9ab0202d6716c2d7f516608092a (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-28/pdf/2024-03970.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/28/2024-03970/airworthiness-directives-robinson-helicopter-company-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2024-03970-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2024-0237

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a fractured clutch shaft forward yoke (yoke) on the main rotor (M/R) drive due to fatigue cracking. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting a certain part-numbered flex plate assembly (flex plate) and certain part- numbered yokes, including each yoke bolt, and depending on the inspection results, removing an affected part from service and replacing an affected part with an airworthy part. This proposed AD would also require removing a certain part-numbered yoke from service after accumulating a certain number of hours time-in-service (TIS) or a certain number of years, or as an alternative to removing the part from service, performing a 10X or higher power magnification visual inspection and, if needed, a magnetic particle inspection. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Feb 28, 2024: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2024-03970, comments due Apr 15, 2024 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/28/2024-03970/airworthiness-directives-robinson-helicopter-company-helicopters)

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