AD 2020-08-10; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in certain tail rotor blades. This AD requires visually checking each tail rotor blade for a crack. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This AD is effective May 22, 2020.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Robinson Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with a tail rotor blade part number (P/N) C029-1 or P/N C029-2 installed.

The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 23, 2018 (83 FR 23829). The NPRM was prompted by reports of P/N C029-1 and P/N C029-2 tail rotor blades with fatigue cracks at the leading edge. The cracks were caused by high fatigue stresses due to resonance when the blades were at high pitch angles from large left pedal inputs. The NPRM proposed to require visually checking each tail rotor blade for a crack. The proposed requirements were intended to detect a cracked tail rotor blade and prevent loss of the blade and subsequent loss of directional control. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov