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2020-05-11 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY:
Amendment 39-19863; Docket No. FAA2019-1053; Product Identifier 2018-SW-037-AD.

(a) EFFECTIVE DATE

    This AD is effective April 16, 2020.

(b) AFFECTED ADS

    None.

(c) APPLICABILITY

    This AD  applies  to  Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II
    helicopters, certificated in any category,  with an agricultural spray
    system installed by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR00286BO with
    spray systems serial-numbered 0045 through 0178 inclusive, installed.

Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD:STC SR00286BO approves the installation
of Simplex Manufacturing Company  Model 244 spray system  (spray  system).
Earlier models of  this system have  a metal flanged  fitting that is  not
affected by this AD.

(d) SUBJECT

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2551, Agricultural Spray
    System.

(e) UNSAFE CONDITION

    This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of the  spray
    system elbow pump fitting (pump  fitting). The FAA is issuing  this AD
    to prevent failure of  the pump fitting, which  could result in an  in
    -flight engine shutdown.

(f) COMPLIANCE

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,  unless al-
    ready done.

(g) REQUIRED ACTIONS

(1) Before further flight, and thereafter before each flight, visually in-
    spect the  spray system  pump fitting  for signs  of stress, cracking,
    fatigue,  and  evidence  of leaking  by  following  the Accomplishment
    Instructions, paragraphs 1. through  4., of Simplex Mfg  Alert Service
    Bulletin ASB2017-001,  Initial Release,  dated March 28, 2017 (ASB2017
    -001). If there is any sign of stress, cracking, fatigue, or  evidence
    of leaking, before further flight, accomplish paragraph (g)(2) of this
    AD.

(2) Within 3 months, unless required  before further flight  by  paragraph
    (g)(1) of this AD:

(i) Replace spray system pump fitting  P/N P-58-0752-40  with  fitting P/N
    000-123847-000 and install cushion clamp  P/N 000-115571-000 and cable
    tie hose supports by following the Accomplishment Instructions,  para-
    graphs  1. through 6.,  of  Simplex  Mfg  Service  Letter  SL2017-017,
    Revision B, dated March 14, 2018.

(ii) Install pump outlet cover P/N 244-302056-001  by following the Accom-
     plishments Instructions,  paragraphs 1. through 7.,  of  Simplex  Mfg
     Service Letter  SL2017-030,  Initial  Release,  dated  March 12, 2018
     (SL2017-030),  except refer to Figure 2  when instructed  to refer to
     Figure 1.

Note 2 to paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD:SL2017-030 includes instructions
that refer to a Figure 1; however, there is no Figure 1.

(iii) Pressurize the system and determine  if the new fitting is function-
      ing correctly by visually  inspecting the spray system  pump fitting
      for signs of stress, cracking,  fatigue, and evidence of leaking  by
      following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1. through  4.
      of ASB2017-001. If there is  any sign of stress, cracking,  fatigue,
      or evidence of leaking,  before further flight, remove  from service
      the fitting, cushion clamp, cable tie hose supports, and pump outlet
      cover and replace with a  new fitting, new cushion clamp,  new cable
      tie hose supports, and new pump outlet cover, and repeat the actions
      required by this paragraph.

(3) After the effective date of this AD,  do not  install  a Simplex Model
    244 spray system approved  under STC SR00286BO  with  pump fitting P/N
    P-58-0752-40  on  any  Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 or R44 II
    helicopter.

(h) ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF COMPLIANCE (AMOCS)

(1) The  Manager,  Seattle ACO Branch,  FAA,  has the authority to approve
    AMOCs for this AD,  if requested  using the procedures found in 14 CFR
    39.19.  In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,  send your  request  to  your
    principal  inspector  or  local  Flight Standards District Office,  as
    appropriate.  If sending information directly  to  the  manager of the
    certification  office,  send it to the attention of the person identi-
    fied in paragraph  (i) of this  AD.  Information  may  be  emailed to:
    9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov.

(2) Before using any approved AMOC,  notify your appropriate principal in-
    spector,  or  lacking a principal inspector,  the manager of the local
    flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(i) RELATED INFORMATION

    For more information  about this AD,  contact  Chris Bonar,  Aerospace
    Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,  2200 South 216th
    St.,  Des Moines,  WA  98198;  phone  and  fax:  206-231-3521;  email:
    Christopher.Bonar@faa.gov.

(j) MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(1) The Director of the Federal Register  approved  the  incorporation  by
    reference (IBR) of  the service information  listed in this  paragraph
    under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use  this service information as applicable to do the actions
    required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Simplex Mfg Alert Service Bulletin ASB2017-001, Initial Release, dated
    March 28, 2017.

(ii) Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-017,  Revision B,  dated  March 14,
     2018.

(iii) Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-030, Initial Release,  dated March
      12, 2018.

(3) For Simplex Mfg service information identified  in  this  AD,  contact
    Simplex  Manufacturing  Company,  13340 NE Whitaker Way,  Portland, OR
    97230; phone 503-257-3511; fax 503-257-8556; internet www.simplex.aero

(4) You may view this service information  at FAA,  Office of the Regional
    Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Ft Worth,
    TX 76177.  For information on the availability of this material at the
    FAA, call 817-222-5110.

(5) You  may  view  this  service  information  that  is  incorporated  by
    reference at the National Archives and Records Administration  (NARA).
    For information on the availability  of this material  at NARA,  email
    fedreg.legal@nara.gov,  or  go  to:  https://www.archives.gov/federal-
    register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Issued on March 6, 2020. Lance T Gant, Director Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Bonar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
Section,  FAA,  Seattle ACO Branch,  2200 South 216th St.,  Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3521; email: Christopher.Bonar@faa.gov.
PREAMBLE 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1053; Product Identifier 2018-SW-037-AD; Amendment
39-19863; AD 2020-05-11]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters with an
agricultural spray system installed by Supplemental Type Certificate
(STC) SR00286BO (spray system). This spray system is also known as a
Simplex Manufacturing Company (Simplex) Model 244 spray system. This AD
was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of the spray system
elbow pump fitting (pump fitting). This AD requires repetitive
inspections of the spray system pump fitting, corrective action if
necessary, replacement of the spray system pump fitting, and
installation of hose supports and a pump outlet cover. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 16, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 16,
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Simplex Manufacturing Company, 13340 NE Whitaker Way, Portland,
OR 97230; phone 503-257-3511; fax 503-257-8556; internet
www.simplex.aero. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. It is also available on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-1053.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1053; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, any service information that is incorporated by
reference, any comments received, and other information. The address
for Docket Operations is Docket Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Bonar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3521; email:
Christopher.Bonar@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters
with an agricultural spray system installed by STC SR00286BO with spray
systems serial-numbered 0045 through 0178 inclusive. STC SR00286BO
approves the installation of a Simplex spray system. The NPRM proposed
to require a repetitive inspection until the pump fitting is modified.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2019 (84 FR
68817). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an in-flight failure of
the spray system pump fitting. Following the issuance of a Simplex
service letter, five additional reports of failed fittings were
received. Failure of the pump fitting causes uncontrolled discharge of
the spray liquid exiting the system pump. The pump output port is in
direct alignment with the engine air intake, allowing the engine to
ingest the spray liquid. This condition, if not addressed, could result
in an in-flight engine shutdown.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51


The FAA reviewed the following service information:
Simplex Mfg Alert Service Bulletin ASB2017-001, Initial
Release, dated March 28, 2017. This service information describes
procedures for inspecting the spray system pump fitting to detect
damage, including signs of stress, cracking, fatigue, and evidence of
leaking.
Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-017, Revision B, dated
March 14, 2018. This service information describes procedures for
replacing the spray system pump fitting with an improved pump fitting
and installing hose supports.
Simplex Mfg Service Letter SL2017-030, Initial Release,
dated March 12, 2018. This service information describes procedures for
installing a pump outlet cover.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

The FAA reviewed Simplex Mfg, Installation Manual, Simplex
Manufacturing Co. HPR44 III Spray System for the Robinson R44 Series
Helicopter, Installation Manual PM001-HPR44III-25-008, Revision 7,
dated May 2, 2017. This service information specifies unpacking,
installation, and system function test procedures.
The FAA also reviewed Simplex Mfg, Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness (ICA), Simplex Manufacturing Co. HPR44 III Spray System
for the Robinson R44 Series Helicopter, PM011-HPR44III-25-007 ICA,
Revision 9, dated April 20, 2018. This service information specifies
general, airworthiness limitation, inspection and maintenance,
dimension and access, lifting and shoring, leveling and weighing,
towing and taxiing, storing, placard and marking, servicing and
lubricating, standard practice, and equipment and furnishing
information.

Costs of Compliance


The FAA estimates that this AD affects 75 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this AD.
Inspecting the fitting takes about 0.1 work-hour for an estimated
cost of $9 per helicopter and $675 for the U.S. fleet per inspection
cycle. Replacing the fitting and installing the cushion clamp and hose
supports takes about 1 work-hour with a nominal parts costs for an
estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $6,375 for the U.S. fleet.
Installing the pump outlet cover takes about 1 work-hour and parts cost
about $300 for an estimated cost of $385 per helicopter and $28,875 for
the U.S. fleet.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, all costs are included in this cost estimate.

Authority for This Rulemaking


Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):