Aircraft
Certification Service Washington, DC U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
SW-09-36
June 30, 2009
This is information only. Recommendations
aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts owners
and operators of the potential for fuel vapor in high ambient
temperatures and altitude on Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) Model
R44 II helicopters.
Background
There is a report of unexplained engine power loss in a new Model R44
Raven II during its ferry flight from factory. The power loss occurred
in ambient conditions of approximately 100 ºF. Initially, fuel
system vapor was the suspected cause, and RHC recommended restricting
operations to temperatures below 105 ºF. Subsequent factory tests
have shown satisfactory fuel system operation in ambient temperatures
up to 115 ºF.
Recommendation
We recommend that owners/operators of RHC helicopters be aware of the
potential for fuel system vapor in high ambient temperatures. An
intermittent or flickering auxiliary fuel pump warning light may be an
early indication of vapor formation. If vapor formation is suspected,
we recommend that you decrease altitude and/or discontinue operations
until cooler conditions exist.
For Further Information Contact
Danny Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Los Angeles Certification Office,
ANM-140L, 3960 Paramount Boulevard., Lakewood, CA 90712; phone: (562)
627-5247; fax: (562) 627-5210; e-mail: danny.nguyen@faa.gov