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):