2024-20-03: Flight Control 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: 2024-20-03 Robinson Helicopter Company: Amendment 39-22862; Docket No. FAA-2024-1886; Project Identifier AD-2023-01018-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 29, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 Beta, R22 Mariner, R44, and R44 II helicopters, certificated in any category, with a governor controller part number (P/N) D270-1, Revision A through E inclusive, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 2700, Flight Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of engine governor failures caused by water intrusion. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent engine governor failures. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of engine speed governing such as an engine overspeed or underspeed condition, and subsequent unexpected loss of power during critical phases of flight and landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, remove the governor controller from service and install a governor controller P/N D270-1, Revision F or later approved revision by following the Compliance Procedure, paragraphs 2. though 5., of Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-121 or R44 Service Bulletin SB-114, each dated June 28, 2023 (SB-121 or SB-114), as applicable to your helicopter model, except the procedures in paragraph 4. of SB-121 and SB-114 must be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any governor controller P/N D270-1, Revision A through E inclusive, on any helicopter. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, West Certification 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 West Certification Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@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. (i) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Eric Moreland, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562) 627-5364; email: eric.r.moreland@faa.gov. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-121, dated June 28, 2023. (ii) Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-114, dated June 28, 2023. (3) For Robinson Helicopter Company material identified in this AD, contact Robinson Helicopter Company, Technical Support Department, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505; phone: (310) 539-0508; fax: (310) 539-5198; email: ts1@robinsonheli.com; or at robinsonheli.com. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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 material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on October 3, 2024. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-24531 Filed 10-23-24; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P