Document ID: FAA-2017-1236-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
Posted Date: 2018-09-21T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47848-47850]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20490]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 184 / Friday, September 21, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 47848]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1236; Product Identifier 2017-SW-136-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson Helicopter) Model R66 
helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the oil tank 
outlet's fitting color. If the fitting is blue, this proposed AD would 
require replacing the tank with an oil tank that lacks a blue fitting. 
This proposed AD also would require determining the revision letter on 
the ink stamp, and installing an oil tank angle based on that 
determination. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of broken oil 
tank internal baffles. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to 
correct an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1236; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; 
telephone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198; or at http://www.robinsonheli.com/servelib.htm. You may review the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Danny Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5247; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for Robinson Helicopters Model R66 
helicopters with serial numbers 0003 through 0789, 0791, 0794, and 
0796. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of broken oil tank 
internal baffles caused by vibration. A broken baffle inside the oil 
tank could block the oil return port, causing loss of oil pressure and 
oil flow to the engine. This situation could result in engine failure.
    This proposed AD consequently would require installing an angle to 
the oil tank outlet or replacing the oil tank, depending on the oil 
tank's outlet fitting color or the revision level of the ink stamp on 
the tank's top surface.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Robinson Helicopter Company R66 Service Bulletin SB-
21A, Revision A, dated June 6, 2017, which specifies installing an 
angle in the tank outlet to prevent a failed baffle from blocking the 
outlet.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 100 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), visually inspecting the oil tank outlet fitting color to 
determine if it is blue. If the fitting is blue, before further flight, 
replace the tank with an oil tank that does not have a blue fitting 
would be required. The proposed AD would then require locating the 
G689-1 oil tank assembly identification ink stamp on

[[Page 47849]]

the top surface of the oil tank, and determining the revision letter. 
If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter F, G, 
H, or I, the proposed AD would require installing a G805-1 angle. If 
the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision letter J, you 
would be required to determine if there is a yellow dot near the ink 
stamp. A yellow dot indicates that the angle has been pre-installed and 
that no further action would be required by this proposed AD. If there 
is not a yellow dot near the ink stamp, installing a G805-1 angle would 
be required. If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter K, no further action would be required by this proposed AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Robinson Helicopters service information specifies performing the 
corrective actions within the next 100 hours TIS or by July 31, 2017, 
whichever comes first. This proposed AD would require the actions 
within 100 hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 265 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on 
these estimates, we expect the following costs:
     The cost for identifying the oil tank assembly 
identification ink stamp and outlet fitting color would be minimal.
     Inserting a G805-1 angle would require 1 work-hour for a 
labor cost of $85. Parts would cost $17 for a total cost of $102 per 
helicopter.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect 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.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Robinson Helicopter Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-1236; Product 
Identifier 2017-SW-136-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model 
R66 helicopters, serial numbers 0003 through 0789, 0791, 0794 and 
0796, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as broken baffle inside an 
oil tank. This condition could result in loss of oil pressure and 
oil flow to the engine, leading to engine failure and subsequent 
forced landing of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 20, 2018.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 100 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Visually inspect the oil tank outlet fitting color to 
determine if it is blue. If the fitting is blue, before further 
flight, replace the tank with an oil tank that does not have a blue 
fitting.
    (2) Locate the G689-1 oil tank assembly identification ink stamp 
on the top surface of the oil tank, and determine the revision 
letter.
    (i) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter F, G, H, or I unless previously installed, install a G805-1 
angle as follows:
    (A) Drain the engine oil and disconnect the F723-1 line assembly 
from the tank fitting at the firewall, using as reference Figure 1 
of Robinson Helicopter Company R66 Service Bulletin SB-21A, Revision 
A, dated June 6, 2017.
    (B) Pinch the flanges of G805-1 angle at the minimum required to 
enable insertion, and insert the angle in the oil tank outlet 
fitting until the angle snaps in place.
    (C) Connect the F723-1 line assembly to the tank fitting. 
Special torque nut to 675 in.-lb. Torque stripe the fitting.
    (ii) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter J, determine if there is a yellow dot near the ink stamp. A 
yellow dot indicates that the angle has been pre-installed and that 
no further action is required by this AD. If there is not a yellow 
dot near the ink stamp, install a G805-1 angle by following the 
procedures in paragraphs (e)(2)(i)(A) through (e)(2)(i)(C) of this 
AD.
    (iii) If the identification ink stamp is followed by a revision 
letter K, no further action is required by this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Danny Nguyen, Aerospace 
Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712; 
telephone (562) 627-5247; email [email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7910, Engine Oil 
Storage (Airframe Furnished).

[[Page 47850]]

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 11, 2018.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20490 Filed 9-20-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P