Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Model R44 Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 54 (Monday, March 22, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13732-13734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6557]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Model R44 Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) applicable to Robinson Model R44 helicopters. The AD 
would require installing a shutoff clamp on the auxiliary fuel tank 
sump drain tube (drain tube) and a placard decal to alert operators as 
to the proper use of the auxiliary fuel tank drain. This proposal is 
prompted by a report of fuel leaking from a drain tube opening in the 
area of the horizontal and vertical firewalls. The actions specified by 
the proposed AD are intended to prevent fuel leaks from the drain tube 
that could cause a fire and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 21, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Comments may be inspected at this location 
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Bumann, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, California 90712, telephone (562) 627-5265; fax (562) 627-
5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

Discussion

    A Malfunction or Defect Report, FAA Form 8010-4, sent to the FAA by 
an operator, stated that the sump drain tube leaked fuel that 
accumulated at the junction of the horizontal and vertical firewalls 
creating a fire hazard. An investigation indicated that a leaky fuel 
drain valve may allow fuel to accumulate in the engine compartment. 
This accumulation of fuel creates an unsafe condition. This AD would 
correct the unsafe condition by requiring installation of a shutoff 
clamp on the drain tube to prevent fuel leakage and a placard decal to 
alert operators as to the proper use of the auxiliary fuel tank drain.
    The FAA has reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin 
SB-30, dated October 28, 1998 (SB). The SB describes procedures for 
adding a shutoff clamp to the drain tube as a redundant seal when the 
drain tube is stowed and a placard decal to alert operators as to the 
proper use of the auxiliary tank drain.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 
helicopters of the same type design, the proposed AD would require 
installing a shutoff clamp to the drain tube to prevent fuel leakage 
and a placard decal to alert operators as to the proper use of the 
auxiliary fuel tank drain. These actions are intended to prevent a fire 
that could cause loss of control of the helicopter.
    The FAA estimates that 200 helicopters of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour per helicopter to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The manufacturer has indicated 
that each operator will be provided the part at no cost. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $12,000.
    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the

[[Page 13733]]

location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

    Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. 98-SW-71-AD.

    Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, Serial Numbers 0002 
through 0529 except 0440, 0485, 0512, 0515, 0519, 0526, 0527, and 
0528, 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 request an alternative 
method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. 
The request should include an assessment of the effect of the 
modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Within 100 hours time-in-service or 3 calendar 
months, whichever occurs first.
    To prevent fuel leaks from the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain, 
which could cause a fire and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Install a shutoff clamp, part number (P/N) D663-1 by sliding 
it onto the auxiliary fuel tank sump drain tube P/N A729-7 as shown 
in Figure 1.
    (b) Install placard decal P/N A654-93 as shown in Figure 1.

    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MR99.002
    
    (c) 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. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA 
Principal maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then 
send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff.

    (d) 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.


[[Page 13734]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 10, 1999.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 99-6557 Filed 3-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C