Robinson R44 12 year

[as350nut]

So to start I live in Australia and a Robinson due its 12 year has to have it done to keep flying but many of the ads for R44's in the US say the ac is still serviceable but 12 yr not complied with, could someone explain, is it due to some obscure Part? in use, what am i missing?

[aa777888]

The US requirements are thoroughly discussed in this thread:

R44 12 Year Inspection

[wrench1]

Originally Posted by as350nut

So to start I live in Australia and a Robinson due its 12 year has to have it done to keep flying but many of the ads for R44's in the US say the ac is still serviceable but 12 yr not complied with, could someone explain, is it due to some obscure Part? in use, what am i missing?

To add/summarize to the thread link above, for FAA Part 91 aircraft, to include the R44, the only regulatory requirements are an Annual inspection, compliance with any approved Airworthiness Limitations Sections, and all applicable ADs. Any other OEM recommendation like the 12 year inspection it's up to the owner whether they choose to comply with it or not. If it is operated for hire under Part 91 then an additional 100 hr inspection is also required as needed. It's not until one operates at the Part 135 level that OEM recommendations start to become required but even then it depends on the operation which recommendations are mandatory or not.

[aa777888]

Good summary, wrench1. It was a rather lengthy thread!

One additional point of clarification: even under the least rigorous Part 91 requirements, calendar life limited components in the Type Certificate must be replaced, so MRBs and TRBs are non-negotiable. I think about $60K USD is the going rate for the MRBs and TRBs together, including labor.

[wrench1]

Originally Posted by aa777888

One additional point of clarification: even under the least rigorous Part 91 requirements, calendar life limited components in the Type Certificate must be replaced, so MRBs and TRBs are non-negotiable. I think about $60K USD is the going rate for the MRBs and TRBs together, including labor.

I don't quite follow what you mean by "Type Certificate" but the only calendar limited parts in the R44 ALS that I recall are the M/R and T/R blades at 12 years. I believe all the GB items are all hourly limits in the ALS. The R22 is different with a few bearings at 12 years (I think). Did something change on the R44?

[aa777888]

Is that information not specified by the type certificate? If not then I apologize. Nothing has changed so no need to be confused.

[rotormatic]

Originally Posted by as350nut

So to start I live in Australia and a Robinson due its 12 year has to have it done to keep flying but many of the ads for R44's in the US say the ac is still serviceable but 12 yr not complied with, could someone explain, is it due to some obscure Part? in use, what am i missing?

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...rpretation.pdf

[wrench1]

Originally Posted by aa777888

Is that information not specified by the type certificate?

Yes, but those life limited parts and inspections are listed and enforced under “Airworthiness Limitations” vs the “type certificate.” And given the context of the OPs post I think it is important to use the proper terminology for those who may not understand the FARs. But given the number of FAA LOIs out there, as the one above, there are a number of people on this side of the pond who are just as confused on the topic. Hence my question to you.

[aa777888]

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[rotormatic]

Originally Posted by aa777888

Is that information not specified by the type certificate? If not then I apologize. Nothing has changed so no need to be confused.

https://fsims.faa.gov/wdocs/other/rc...a%20sheets.pdf