FAA · Airworthiness Directive
Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-19-11, which applies to all Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. AD 2024-19-11 requires visually inspecting a certain flex plate assembly (flex plate) and certain clutch shaft forward yokes (yokes), including each flex plate bolt, and depending on the results, taking corrective actions. AD 2024-19-11 also requires removing certain yokes from service within a specified threshold, or as an alternative, performing in-depth inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-19-11, it has been determined that clarifications regarding the alternative inspections are necessary. This proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2024-19-11 and would clarify that the alternative inspections are repetitive and add a particular paint remover option to use when performing those alternative inspections. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability
Aircraft makes and models this AD applies to, sorted by US-registered fleet size.
Federal Register text
Verbatim from the Federal Register publication — required actions, compliance times, parts/serial numbers, and methods of compliance. The Federal Register is the legally binding document; this rendering is for readability. Cite: 90 FR 8499.
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 19 (Thursday, January 30, 2025)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 8499-8505] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2025-01949]
======================================================================== 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. 90, No. 19 / Thursday, January 30, 2025 / Proposed Rules
[[Page 8499]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0011; Project Identifier AD-2024-00618-R] 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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-19-11, which applies to all Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. AD 2024-19-11 requires visually inspecting a certain flex plate assembly (flex plate) and certain clutch shaft forward yokes (yokes), including each flex plate bolt, and depending on the results, taking corrective actions. AD 2024-19-11 also requires removing certain yokes from service within a specified threshold, or as an alternative, performing in-depth inspections. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-19-11, it has been determined that clarifications regarding the alternative inspections are necessary. This proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2024-19-11 and would clarify that the alternative inspections are repetitive and add a particular paint remover option to use when performing those alternative inspections. 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 March 17, 2025.
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 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0011; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Related Material: For Robinson material identified in this proposed AD, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, Technical Support Department, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; phone: (310) 539-0508; fax: (310) 539-5198; email: robinsonheli.com">[email protected]; website: robinsonheli.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Moreland, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5364; email: [email protected].