Aircraft
Certification Service Washington, DC U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
SW-09-07
January 30, 2009
This is information only. Recommendations
aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts owners
and operators of the availability of improved alternator drive belts
for increased safety and reliability on Robinson Helicopter Company
(Robinson) Model R22, R44, and R44 II helicopters.
Background
There are reports of alternator belts failing during flight. In-flight
failures of the alternator belts could affect other systems. The
alternator belt failures are due to heat deterioration of the rubber
compound. New belts are now available that have been made with an
improved rubber compound that should increase their service life.
Robinson has issued R22 Service Letter SL-57 and R44 Service Letter
SL-34, dated February 22, 2008, indicating the availability of the
improved belts and recommending their use as replacement parts.
Recommendation
We recommend that owners/operators of Robinson helicopters use only
part number B173-1 thru -4, Revision C or later belts as a replacement
part.
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.