2019-12-18: Engine Air Intake System

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2019-12-18 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-19673; Docket No. FAA-2019-0361; Product Identifier 2019-SW-015-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective July 5, 2019. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 II helicopters certificated in any category. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 7160, Engine Air Intake System. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a report of separation between the outer and inner layers of a hose. This condition, if not addressed, could result in blockage of air flow to the engine, engine stoppage, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the unsafe condition on these helicopters. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Required Actions \n\n\n\t(1) For helicopters with an engine air induction hose (hose) part number A785-31 installed after April 30, 2018 or helicopter serial numbers 14248 through 14268 and 14270 through 14286, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS): \n\n((Page 32030)) \n\n\n\t(i) Inspect the inside of the hose for separation between the outer and inner layers, and flex the hose in all directions while listening for a crinkling sound, which is an indication of separation. \n\t(ii) If there is any separation or a crinkling sound, replace the hose before further flight. \n\t(iii) If there is no separation and no crinkling sound, replace the hose within 50 hours TIS. \n\t(2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install on any helicopter a hose part number A785-31 marked with code 1Q18. \n\n(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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]. \n\t(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. \n\n(i) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) For more information about this AD, contact Roger Gretler, Aviation Safety Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; phone 562-627-5251; email [email protected]. \n\t(2) For information about AMOCs, contact [email protected]. \n\t(3) For copies of the service information referenced in this AD, contact: Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; phone 310-539-0508; fax 310-539-5198; or at https://robinsonheli.com/robinson-r44-service-bulletins/. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. \n\n(j) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\tNone.