2021-19-08: Tail Rotor Blades

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: \n\n2021-19-08 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-21726; Docket No. FAA-2021-0727; Project Identifier AD-2021-00835-R. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 22, 2021. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tRobinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N) C029-3 with serial number (S/N) 9410 through 9909 inclusive, installed. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail Rotor Blades. \n\n((Page 49917)) \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by reports of cracked blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and prevent cracks in the affected blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced controllability and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. \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) Before further flight and thereafter before each flight, check each blade at the leading edge for a crack. This action 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) through (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. \n\t(2) If there is any crack, before further flight, remove the blade from service. \n\t(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a blade identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter. \n\t(4) Within three months after the effective date of this AD, remove from service any blade identified in paragraph (c) of this AD. \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) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. \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\tFor more information about this AD, contact James Guo, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5357; email james.guo@faa.gov. \n\n(j) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n\n\tIssued on September 1, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2021-19300 Filed 9-2-21; 11:15 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P