Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16717 · Robinson Helicopter Company Model (Robinson) R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44, and R44 II Helicopters
Robinson Helicopter Company Model (Robinson) R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44, and R44 II Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2014-23-16. Comply with the one in force.
Model R22, R22 Alpha, R22 Beta, and R22 Mariner helicopters, with main rotor blade (blade), part number (P/N) A016-4; and Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, with blade, P/N C016-2 or C016-5, certificated in any category.
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Robinson model helicopters that currently requires a visual inspection for skin separation along the leading edge of blade skin aft of the skin-to-spar bond line on the lower surface of each main rotor blade (blade) and in the tip cap area. The existing AD also requires a "tap test" for detecting a separation or void in both bonded areas and repainting any exposed area of the blades. If any separation or void is detected, the AD requires, before further flight, replacing the blade. Thereafter, before each flight, the existing AD also requires checking for any exposed (bare) metal along the skin-to- spar bond line on the lower surface of each blade near the tip. If any bare metal is found, that AD requires an inspection by a qualified mechanic. This amendment contains the same requirements but expands the applicability to include all serial-numbered model helicopters and limits the applicability to specific blade part numbers. This amendment also requires a repetitive inspection of the blade and any necessary rework. This amendment is prompted by a fatal accident in Israel. We have also included responses to comments objecting to the recording requirements in the current AD relating to the pilot checks before each flight and to comments that the burden of the before-each-flight pilot check exceeds the benefit. We have concluded that a check before the first flight of each day is sufficient for aviation safety. The actions specified by this AD are intended to provide more specific AD actions, to relieve the burdens associated with the before-each-flight check by changing it to a daily check, to detect blade skin debond, and to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To detect blade skin debond and prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Before the first flight of each day, visually check for any exposed (bare metal) skin-to-spar joint area on the lower surface of each blade. The actions required by this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. This authorization is an exception to our standard maintenance regulations.
(b) If you find any bare metal in the area of the skin-to-spar bond line, before further flight, inspect the blade by following the requirements of paragraph (d) of this AD.
(c) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless done previously, and at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS or at each annual inspection, whichever occurs first, inspect each blade for corrosion, a separation, a gap, or a dent by following the Compliance Procedure, paragraphs 1 through 6 and 8, of Robinson R22 Service Bulletin SB-103, dated April 30, 2010 (SB103) for the R22 series helicopters, and Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-72, dated April 30, 2010 (SB72), for the R44 series helicopters. Although the Robinson service information limits the magnification to 10 ×, a higher magnification is acceptable for this inspection. Also, an appropriate tap test tool which provides similar performance, weight, and consistency of tone may be substituted for the “1965 or later United States Quarter-dollar coin,” which is specified in the Compliance Procedure, paragraph 2, of SB-72 and SB-103.
(d) Before further flight, refinish any exposed area of a blade by following the Compliance Procedure, paragraphs 2 through 6, of Robinson R22 Service Letter SL-56B and R44 Service letter SL-32B, dated April 30, 2010, for both the R22 and R44 series helicopters.
(e) Before further flight, replace any unairworthy blade with an airworthy blade.
Note: The Robinson letter titled “Additional Information Regarding Main Rotor Blade Skin Debonding,” dated May 25, 2007, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. This document is available at http://www.robinsonheli.com.
(f) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Send your request to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Airframe Branch, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712, regarding Model R22 helicopters ATTN: Eric D. Schrieber, Aviation Safety Engineer, telephone (562) 627-5348, fax (562) 627-5210, or regarding Model R44 helicopters Attn: Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, telephone (562) 627-5232, fax (562) 627-5210.
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
