Date of issue: May 11, 2000

Applicability: Model R44 Helicopters, serial number (S/N) 0001 through 0541, inclusive, 0543, 0550, 0556, and 0565 with sprag clutch, part number (P/N) C188-3, S/N 0003 through 0505, inclusive, installed, certificated in any category.

Effective date: June 15, 2000.

Compliance : Required as indicated in FAA AD 2000-08-04.

2000-08-04 ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY: Amendment 39-11690. Docket No. 99-SW-70-AD.

Applicability: Model R44 Helicopters, serial number (S/N) 0001 through 0541, inclusive, 0543, 0550, 0556, and 0565 with sprag clutch, part number (P/N) C188-3, S/N 0003 through 0505, inclusive, installed, certificated in any category.

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Within 30 calendar days or 50 hours time-in-service, whichever occurs first, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent sprag clutch failure, loss of main rotor RPM during autorotation, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:

(a) Replace sprag clutch, P/N C188-3, S/N 0003 through 0505, inclusive, with sprag clutch P/N C188-3, S/N 0506 or higher.

(b) Remove from the Rotorcraft Flight Manual the Special Pilot Caution, dated March 22, 1999, contained in Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Service Bulletin SB-32 dated March 22, 1999, or the Special Pilot Caution insert in the Normal Procedures Section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual between pages P.4-8 and P.4-9 required by AD 99-07-18, Docket No. 99-SW-25-AD, Amendment 39-11127 (64 FR 17964, April 13, 1999), as applicable.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on May 4, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Elizabeth Bumann, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, California 90712-4137, telephone (562) 627-5265; fax (562) 627-5210.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 10, 2000.

Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.