AD 97-25-05 Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 Helicopters

Makes named: robinson. Models named: R22. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model R22 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 2571 through 2664, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (c) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD.

Required within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously. To prevent inadvertent placement of the mixture control to the idle cutoff position during in-flight leaning of the engine, which could result in an engine shutdown and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Remove the MA-4-5 carburetor and carburetor air temperature (CAT) gage, part number (P/N) C604-6, and replace them with an airworthy MA-4SPA carburetor and remarked CAT gage, P/N A604-2, in accordance with Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB- 82, dated March 3, 1997, and Robinson Helicopter Company KI-114 O- 360 Engine Carburetor Change Kit instructions, Revision A, dated March 6, 1997. (b) Upon completion of paragraph (a) of this AD, insert the FAA- approved R22 Pilot's Operating Handbook Section 9, Supplements 7 (R22 Beta II) and 8 (R22 Mariner II), revised February 6, 1997, into the R22 Rotorcraft Flight Manual. (c) 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, FAA. 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 2: 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. (d) 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. (e) The modification shall be done in accordance with Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Service Bulletin SB-82, dated March 3, 1997, and Robinson Helicopter Company KI-114 O-360 Engine Carburetor Change Kit instructions, Revision A, dated March 6, 1997. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the [[Page 64513]] Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Robinson Helicopter Company, 2901 Airport Drive, Torrance, California 90505, telephone (310) 539-0508; fax (310) 539-5198. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 12, 1998. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 25, 1997. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-31677 Filed 12-5-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U