AD 98-21-36 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 (S/N) 0001 through 0159, except S/N 0143, 0150, and 0156, with cyclic control pilot's grip assembly (grip assembly), part number (P/N) A756-6 Revision N or prior, installed, 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.

Within 25 hours time-in-service or 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously. To prevent use of a grip assembly that may crack, resulting in failure of the grip assembly and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Remove the grip assembly, P/N A756-6 Revision N (or prior), and replace it with an airworthy grip assembly, P/N A756-6 Revision M (or later), in accordance with KI-112 R44 Pilot's Grip Assembly Upgrade Kit instructions, dated December 20, 1996. (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 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. (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) The modification shall be done in accordance with KI-112 R44 Pilot's Grip Assembly Upgrade Kit instructions, dated December 20, 1996. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 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. 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 23, 1998. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 7, 1998. Larry M. Kelly, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-27760 Filed 10-16-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U