FAA issues AD for blade debonding on Robinson R22 and R44
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) helicopters. This action requires a one-time visual inspection for skin separation along the leading edge of blade skin aft of the skin-to-spar bond line on the lower surface of each blade and in the tip cap area. This action also requires a "tap test'' for detecting a separation or void in both bonded areas. This action also requires repainting any exposed area of the blades. If any separation or void is detected, replacing the blade before further flight is required. Thereafter, before each flight, this AD also requires checking for any exposed (bare metal) along the skin-to-spar bond line on the lower surface of each blade near the tip. If any bare metal is found, a mechanic must inspect the area. This amendment is prompted by 11 reports of blade debond, some occurring in flight causing the pilot to feel excessive vibrations and land, and some found during routine maintenance. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect blade skin debond and to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective January 18, 2008.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 18, 2008.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before March 3, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this AD:
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to
http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically;
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590;
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the "Mail'' address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays; or
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
You may get the service information identified in this AD from Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, CA 90505, telephone (310) 539-0508, fax (310) 539-5198.