[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 17, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68817-68819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27117]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-1053; Product Identifier 2018-SW-037-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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with
an agricultural spray system installed by Supplemental Type Certificate
(STC) SR00286BO (spray system). This spray system is also known as a
Simplex Manufacturing Company (Simplex) Model 244 spray system. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of the
spray system elbow pump fitting (pump fitting). This proposed AD would
require repetitive inspections of the spray system pump fitting,
corrective action if necessary, replacement of the spray system pump
fitting, and installation of hose supports and a pump outlet cover. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 31,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Simplex
Manufacturing Company, 13340 NE Whitaker Way, Portland, OR 97230; phone
503-257-3511; fax 503-257-8556; internet www.simplex.aero. You may view
this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 817-222-5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1053; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Bonar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3521; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-1053;
Product Identifier 2018-SW-037-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Discussion
The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for Robinson Helicopter Company
Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with an agricultural spray system
installed by STC SR00286BO with spray systems serial-numbered 0045
through 0178 inclusive. STC SR00286BO approves the installation of a
Simplex spray system. This proposed AD would require a repetitive
inspection until the pump fitting is modified.
This proposed AD is prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of
the spray system pump fitting. Following the issuance of a Simplex
service letter, five
[[Page 68818]]
additional reports of failed fittings were received. Failure of the
pump fitting causes uncontrolled discharge of the spray liquid exiting
the system pump. The pump output port is in direct alignment with the
engine air intake, allowing the engine to ingest the spray liquid. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in an in-flight engine
shutdown.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following service information:
Simplex Mfg Alert Service Bulletin ASB2017-001, Initial
Release, dated March 28, 2017. This service information describes
procedures for inspecting the spray system pump fitting to detect
damage, including signs of stress, cracking, fatigue, and evidence of
leaking.
Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-017, Revision B, dated
March 14, 2018. This service information describes procedures for
replacing the spray system pump fitting with an improved pump fitting
and installing hose supports.
Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-030, Initial Release,
dated March 12, 2018. This service information describes procedures for
installing a pump outlet cover.
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 section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Simplex Mfg, Installation Manual, Simplex
Manufacturing Co. HPR44 III Spray System for the Robinson R44 Series
Helicopter, Installation Manual PM001-HPR44III-25-008, Revision 7,
dated May 2, 2017. This service information specifies unpacking,
installation, and system function test procedures.
The FAA also reviewed Simplex Mfg, Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness (ICA), Simplex Manufacturing Co. HPR44 III Spray System
for the Robinson R44 Series Helicopter, PM011-HPR44III-25-007 ICA,
Revision 9, dated April 20, 2018. This service information specifies
general, airworthiness limitation, inspection and maintenance,
dimension and access, lifting and shoring, leveling and weighing,
towing and taxiing, storing, placard and marking, servicing and
lubricating, standard practice, and equipment and furnishing
information.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all the relevant
information and determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require, before each flight, visually
inspecting the spray system pump fitting for signs of stress, cracking,
fatigue, and evidence of leaking. If there is any sign of stress,
cracking, fatigue, or evidence of leaking, this proposed AD would
require replacing pump fitting P/N P-58-0752-40 with pump fitting P/N
000[hyphen]123847[hyphen]000, and installing cushion clamp P/N 000-
115571-000, cable tie hose supports, and pump outlet cover P/N 244-
302056-001 before further flight. If there is no sign of stress,
cracking, fatigue, or evidence of leaking, this proposed AD would
require replacing the pump fitting with fitting P/N
000[hyphen]123847[hyphen]000, and installing cushion clamp P/N 000-
115571-000, cable tie hose supports, and pump outlet cover P/N 244-
302056-001 within 3 months. This proposed AD would also require
pressurizing and inspecting the spray system with fitting P/N
000[hyphen]123847[hyphen]000, the cushion clamp, the cable tie hose
supports, and the pump outlet cover installed, and depending on the
outcome of this inspection, replacing the parts and repeating the
inspection again.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The Simplex Mfg alert service bulletin and service letter service
information identify the spray system as the R44III spray system. The
Simplex Mfg installation manual and ICA service information identify
the spray system as the HPR44 III spray system. However, this proposed
AD identifies this modification as an agricultural spray system
installed by STC SR00286BO and acknowledges the marketing designation
of Simplex Model 244 spray system. The Simplex Mfg alert service
bulletin service information specifies contacting Simplex if there is
evidence of damage. This proposed AD would instead require replacing
the spray system pump fitting, and installing a cushion clamp, cable
tie hose supports, and a pump outlet cover if there is any sign of
stress, cracking, fatigue, or evidence of leaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 75 helicopters of
U.S. registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD.
Inspecting the fitting would take about 0.1 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $9 per helicopter and $675 for the U.S. fleet per
inspection cycle. Replacing the fitting and installing the cushion
clamp and hose supports would take about 1 work-hour with a nominal
parts costs for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $6,375 for
the U.S. fleet. Installing the pump outlet cover would take about 1
work-hour and parts would cost about $300 for an estimated cost of $385
per helicopter and $28,875 for the U.S. fleet.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, all costs are included in this cost
estimate.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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 above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
[[Page 68819]]
(3) 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.
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-2019-1053; Product
Identifier 2018-SW-037-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by January 31, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44
II helicopters, certificated in any category, with an agricultural
spray system installed by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
SR00286BO with spray systems serial-numbered 0045 through 0178
inclusive, installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: STC SR00286BO approves the
installation of Simplex Manufacturing Company Model 244 spray system
(spray system). Earlier models of this system have a metal flanged
fitting that is not affected by this AD.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2551, Agricultural
Spray System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of the
spray system elbow pump fitting (pump fitting). The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the pump fitting, which could result
in an in-flight engine shutdown.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before further flight, and thereafter before each flight,
visually inspect the spray system pump fitting for signs of stress,
cracking, fatigue, and evidence of leaking by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1. through 4., of Simplex
Mfg Alert Service Bulletin ASB2017-001, Initial Release, dated March
28, 2017 (ASB2017-001). If there is any sign of stress, cracking,
fatigue, or evidence of leaking, before further flight, accomplish
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
(2) Within 3 months, unless required before further flight by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD:
(i) Replace spray system pump fitting P/N P-58-0752-40 with
fitting P/N 000-123847-000 and install cushion clamp P/N 000-115571-
000 and cable tie hose supports by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 1. through 6., of Simplex Mfg Service
Letter SL2017-017, Revision B, dated March 14, 2018.
(ii) Install pump outlet cover P/N 244-302056-001 by following
the Accomplishments Instructions, paragraphs 1. through 7., of
Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-030, Initial Release, dated March
12, 2018 (SL2017-030), except refer to Figure 2 when instructed to
refer to Figure 1.
Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD: SL2017-030 includes
instructions that refer to a Figure 1; however, there is no Figure
1.
(iii) Pressurize the system and determine if the new fitting is
functioning correctly by visually inspecting the spray system pump
fitting for signs of stress, cracking, fatigue, and evidence of
leaking by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1.
through 4. of ASB2017-001. If there is any sign of stress, cracking,
fatigue, or evidence of leaking, before further flight, remove from
service the fitting, cushion clamp, cable tie hose supports, and
pump outlet cover and replace with a new fitting, new cushion clamp,
new cable tie hose supports, and new pump outlet cover, and repeat
the actions required by this paragraph.
(3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install a
Simplex Model 244 spray system approved under STC SR00286BO with
pump fitting P/N P-58-0752-40 on any Robinson Helicopter Company
Model R44 or R44 II helicopter.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Chris Bonar,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3521;
email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Simplex Manufacturing Company, 13340 NE Whitaker Way, Portland, OR
97230; phone 503-257-3511; fax 503-257-8556; internet
www.simplex.aero. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 11, 2019.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-27117 Filed 12-16-19; 8:45 am]
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