AD 2000-07-03 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 Helicopters

Makes named: robinson. Models named: R44. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0002 through 0462, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required within 100 hours time-in-service or 90 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously. To prevent contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly, which could result in chafing of the wire harness and a potential fire hazard, accomplish the following: (a) Remove the cover, part number (P/N) C474-1, from between the rear seatbacks. (b) Inspect the wire harness, P/N C059, and the fuel line assembly, P/N C726-2, above the fuel shutoff valve for contact. If the wire harness contacts the fuel line assembly, inspect for chafing. (c) If chafing has occurred between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly, replace the fuel line with an airworthy fuel line assembly. Torque the fuel line nuts to 110-130 in-lbs. Verify that clearance exists between the fuel line assembly and the wire harness. (d) Install a 3-inch section of spiral wrap tubing, P/N B161-8, on the fuel line assembly as shown in Figure 1. Push the spiral wrap tubing down until it is against the fuel line fitting. Note 2: Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-31, dated October 28, 1998, pertains to the subject of this AD. Note 3: Advisory Circular 43.13-1B, Chapter 11, describes procedures acceptable for replacing the wire harness if required. BILLING CODE 4910-13-U ER06AP00.000 BILLING CODE 4910-13-C (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 11, 2000. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 28, 2000. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft DirectorateAircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-8519 Filed 4-5-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U