SAIB SW-13-11

FAA Aviation Safety

SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS

INFORMATION BULLETIN SAIB: SW-13-11 SUBJ: JASC Code 2810 Fuel Storage Robinson Helicopter Company Bladder Fuel Tank Retrofit Date: December 26, 2012 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts owners and operators of the availability of a fuel tank bladder retrofit program for enhanced safety on Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters.

Background

Robinson Helicopter Company has issued Service Bulletin SB-78B, Revision B, dated September 28, 2012, which specifies that R44 helicopters with aluminum fuel tanks be retrofitted to add bladder-type tanks and associated fuel system components. In addition to a factory retrofit program, a field kit is also available. The new bladder tank and fuel system components will improve the R44 fuel system’s resistance to a post-accident fuel leak and possible fire.

Recommendation

We recommend that owners/operators of Robinson helicopters incorporate SB-78B, Revision B, dated September 28, 2012.

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.