AD 98-05-10 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 0001 through 0330, 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 (b) 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 failure of either the 45 deg. or 90 deg. aluminum elbows that connect the oil lines from the oil cooler to the engine accessory case, which would cause loss of engine oil, [[Page 10303]] resulting in an engine failure and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) Remove any aluminum (blue-colored) AN823-8D (45 deg.) or MS20822-8D (90 deg.) elbows that connect the A723 oil cooler lines to the engine accessory case and replace them with airworthy MS20823-8 (45 deg.) steel elbows or MS20822-8 (90 deg.) steel elbows, as applicable. If the color is difficult to distinguish, use a magnet to determine if the elbow is aluminum or steel. Apply B270- 6 thread sealant/lubricant to the replacement elbows' pipe threads. Torque the elbows to 160 in-lbs. plus as much additional torque as is necessary to align for correct position with the oil line. Note 2: Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-25, dated October 1, 1997, pertains to the subject of this AD and describes procedures for replacing both aluminum elbows with steel elbows. (b) 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 Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Note 3: 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. (c) 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. (d) This amendment becomes effective on March 18, 1998. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 24, 1998. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-5353 Filed 3-2-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P