I just finished the Robinson Safety Course last week. We were told by the instructor that the decision to do the bladder tank was Frank's decision. Since the R44 was certified the regulations on helicopter design had changed. The R66 required a bladder tank and Frank decided to make a change to the R44 using bladders. The instructor stated he did not foresee the Service Letter becoming an AD. However, an SB becomes mandatory for 'for hire' operators. Plus any factory overhaul or major repair will get the bladders. Other facilities that do overhauls are not required at this time to do the bladders on an overhaul.
As for the course itself, I was quite pleased with it. I came away with things that I feel I should have gotten during my initial training. And it is a shame that students don't get this. My opinion right now is that even if a pilot doesn't plan on flying a Robinson, the course is well worth the money spent.
Last edited by rick1128; 20th Jan 2011 at 14:05.