Tim Virdee
28th Mar 2019, 13:24
Does anyone have any experience of running a private helicopter under FAA Part 91 in the UK? Technically, if the machine hasn't timed out, you can keep using for private use. I have an R44 with 550 hours and the time limit is 2,200 hours or 12 years
hueyracer
28th Mar 2019, 14:38
Not my expertise...but i remembered i read about this a while back...did a search, and this came up:
Yes, you can operate past 12 years/2200 hours under Part 91. We cover this topic back in 2011.
Specific Part 91 operations for compensation or hire are governed by the inspection requirements found in § 91.409[b], which do not requires you to comply with the manufacturer's recommended maintenances. Exceptions listed under § 91.409[c]
Part 135 operations for compensation or hire are governed by the additional inspection requirements found in §135.421, which requires you comply with the manufacturer's recommended maintenance.
To continue operation after 12yr./2200 hours you must compile with The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness section in the R44, maintenance manual, titled Airworthiness Limitations, which is segregated and clearly distinguishable from the rest of the document.
The must do items are covered in that section of the manuals. Moreover, It depends on who said, “you must”. Did Lycoming say you must? Did Robinson Helicopters say you must? Or did the FAA say you must. The FAA’s “Must” is the one that counts.
The R44 maintenance manual Airworthiness Limitations are in Section 3 on page 3.9. Page 3.9 is FAA approved and sets forth each mandatory (must do) replacement times, structural inspection intervals, and related structural inspections. An engine overhaul was not included in those airworthiness limitations.
As long as the owner complies with section 3 (page 3.9) in the R44 maintenance manual, the aircraft and engine can be maintained under FAR 91.409a, 43.15, and Appendix D to Part 43 in an airworthy condition.
R44 12-Year Inspection Required for Part 91? - General Helicopter Forum - Vertical Reference Helicopter Forums (http://helicopterforum.verticalreference.com/topic/19084-r44-12-year-inspection-required-for-part-91/
)Not sure if this helps...