SAIB SW-09-07

FAA Aircraft Certification Service

SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: SW-09-07 SUBJ: JASC Code 2410 Alternator-Generator Drive, Robinson Helicopter Company Alternator Belts Date: January 30, 2009 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts owners and operators of the availability of improved alternator drive belts for increased safety and reliability on Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R22, R44, and R44 II helicopters.

Background

There are reports of alternator belts failing during flight. In-flight failures of the alternator belts could affect other systems. The alternator belt failures are due to heat deterioration of the rubber compound. New belts are now available that have been made with an improved rubber compound that should increase their service life. Robinson has issued R22 Service Letter SL-57 and R44 Service Letter SL-34, dated February 22, 2008, indicating the availability of the improved belts and recommending their use as replacement parts.

Recommendation

We recommend that owners/operators of Robinson helicopters use only part number B173-1 thru -4, Revision C or later belts as a replacement part.

For Further Information Contact

Danny Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Los Angeles Certification Office, ANM-140L, 3960 Paramount Boulevard., Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5247; fax: (562) 627-5210; e-mail:

danny.nguyen@faa.gov.

For Related Service Information Contact

Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Driv e, Torrance, CA 90505, phone: (310) 539-0508;

fax: (310) 539-5198; e-mail: www.robinsonheli.com.