Robinson R44 Series Helicopters
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the 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.
AD/R44/14 Wire Harness and Fuel Line Chafing 6/2000
DM
Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0002 through 0462.
Requirement: 1. Accomplish the following actions to prevent contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly:
- Remove the cover, part number (P/N) C474-1, from between the rear seatbacks.
b. Inspect the wire harness, P/N C059, and the fuel line assembly, P/N C726-2, above the fuel shutoff valve for contact. If the wire harness contacts the fuel line assembly, inspect for chafing.
c. If chafing has occurred between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly, replace the fuel line with an airworthy fuel line assembly. Torque the fuel line nuts to 12.4-14.7 Nm (110-130 in-lbs). Verify that clearance exists between the fuel line assembly and the wire harness.
d. Install a 75 mm (3 in) section of spiral wrap tubing, P/N B161-8, on the fuel line assembly as shown in Figure 1. Push the spiral wrap tubing down until it is against the fuel line fitting.
AL 6/2000
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Figure 1
Note 1: Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-31, dated 28 October 1998, pertains to the subject of this Directive.
Note 2: United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 43.13-1B, Chapter 11, describes procedures acceptable for replacing the wire harness if required.
Note 3: FAA AD 2000-07-03 Amdt 39-11657 refers.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within 100 hours time in service or 90 calendar days after the effective date of this Directive, whichever occurs first.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 May 2000.
Background: The FAA has received reports of four incidents of contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly. This Directive requires inspection of the wire harness for contact with the fuel line assembly, removal and replacement of the fuel line assembly if chafing has occurred, and installing spiral wrap tubing on the fuel line assembly. These actions are intended to prevent contact between the wire harness and the fuel line, which could result in chafing of the wire harness and a potential fire hazard.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 27 April 2000
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 10 May 2000.