2022-12-08: Flight Control System Wiring, Engine Control System Wiring, Engine RPM Indicating System

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022-12-08 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-22080; Docket No. FAA-2022-0676; Project Identifier AD-2022-00533-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 29, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Robinson Helicopter Company helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this AD, certificated in any category. (1) Model R22 BETA helicopters, serial numbers (S/Ns) 4825 through 4857 inclusive, 4860, and 4861. (2) Model R44 helicopters, S/Ns 2625 through 2669 inclusive, 30061, 30071 through 30080 inclusive, 30083, and 30084. Note 1 to paragraph (c)(2): Helicopters with an R44 Cadet designation are Model R44 helicopters. (3) Model R44 II helicopters, S/Ns 14364, 14412 through 14512 inclusive, 14514 through 14517 inclusive, 14519 through 14521 inclusive, and 14525. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2797, Flight Control System Wiring; 7697, Engine Control System Wiring; and 7714, Engine RPM Indicating System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of intermittent or abnormal operation of the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) governor (governor). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the governor. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine overspeed or underspeed conditions during flight, loss of engine thrust control, increased pilot workload, reduced control of the helicopter, and subsequent emergency landing or loss of control of the helicopter. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Within 15 hours time-in-service or 15 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: (1) For Model R22 BETA helicopters, inspect the engine RPM sensor wiring and modify the wiring connection to the airframe harness by following paragraphs 1 through 31 of the Kit Instructions in Robinson R22-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor Connector Upgrade Kit Instructions, KI-288 Revision A, dated February 23, 2022, except you are not required to discard parts. (2) For Model R44 and R44 II helicopters, inspect the engine RPM sensor wiring and modify the wiring connection to the airframe harness by following paragraphs 1 through 41 of the Kit Instructions in Robinson R44-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor Connector Upgrade Kit Instructions, KI-287 Revision A, dated February 23, 2022, except you are not required to discard parts. (h) Special Flight Permits Special flight permits are prohibited. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (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 (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. (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. (j) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey Chang, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, Los Angeles ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5263; email jeffrey.chang@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Robinson R22-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor Connector Upgrade Kit Instructions, KI-288 Revision A, dated February 23, 2022. (ii) Robinson R44-series Governor & Engine RPM Sensor Connector Upgrade Kit Instructions, KI-287 Revision A, dated February 23, 2022. (3) For Robinson service information identified in this AD, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, Technical Support Department, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; telephone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198; email ts1@robinsonheli.com; or at https://robinsonheli.com. (4) You may view this service information at 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on June 2, 2022. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-12883 Filed 6-10-22; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P