Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11657 · Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 Helicopters
Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 Helicopters
Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0002 through 0462, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) 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.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 helicopters, that requires inspecting the wire harness for contact with the fuel line assembly, removing and replacing the fuel line assembly if chafing has occurred, and installing spiral wrap tubing on the fuel line assembly. This amendment is prompted by four incidents of contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent contact between the wire harness and the fuel line, which could result in chafing of the wire harness and a potential fire hazard.
To prevent contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly, which could result in chafing of the wire harness and a potential fire hazard, accomplish the following:
(a) Remove the cover, part number (P/N) C474-1, from between the rear seatbacks.
(b) Inspect the wire harness, P/N C059, and the fuel line assembly, P/N C726-2, above the fuel shutoff valve for contact. If the wire harness contacts the fuel line assembly, inspect for chafing.
(c) If chafing has occurred between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly, replace the fuel line with an airworthy fuel line assembly. Torque the fuel line nuts to 110-130 in-lbs. Verify that clearance exists between the fuel line assembly and the wire harness.
(d) Install a 3-inch section of spiral wrap tubing, P/N B161-8, on the fuel line assembly as shown in Figure 1. Push the spiral wrap tubing down until it is against the fuel line fitting.
Note 2: Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-31, dated October 28, 1998, pertains to the subject of this AD.
Note 3: Advisory Circular 43.13-1B, Chapter 11, describes procedures acceptable for replacing the wire harness if required.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
