AD/R22/55 Helipod III Spray System STC 7/21E/9 Removal from Service (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

On the effective date specified below, and for the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct an unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Series Helicopters

AD/R22/55 Helipod III Spray System
STC 7/21E/9 - Removal from Service 24/2018

Applicability:

All Robinson Helicopter Company R22 helicopters fitted with an R22 Helipod III Spray System in accordance with New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 7/21E/9, as in force from time to time.

Requirement:

1.    a.     Remove the Helipod III Spray System and return the helicopter to an approved configuration.

b.    Remove the Flight Manual Supplement applicable to STC 7/21E/9 from the Aircraft Flight Manual.

Note:  New Zealand CAA AD DCA/R22/50 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within 42 days after the commencement date of this AD, unless previously accomplished.

This AD commences on 28 November 2018.

Background:

This AD is prompted by a review of the Helipod III Spray System STC 7/21E/9 designed and manufactured by Helipod NZ Limited. The New Zealand CAA has determined that there are safety concerns with the STC weight and balance considerations. In addition, Helipod NZ Limited no longer provides continued airworthiness support for STC 7/21E/9.

Pieter van Dijk
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

16 November 2018