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 repeals Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/R44/25 Amdt 1 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.001 (1) of CASR 1998 and subsection 33 (3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. 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.
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Series Helicopters
AD/R44/25 Amdt 2
Main Rotor Blades
8/2015
 
Applicability:
All Robinson R44 series helicopters (R44 helicopters) equipped with main rotor blades P/N C016-7 that have not been modified in accordance with Robinson R44 Service Bulletin SB-89 issued on 30 March 2015 (Service Bulletin).

Requirement:
1.  Conduct a visual inspection of the trailing edge of the main rotor blade in accordance with Robinson R44 Safety Alert C016-7 Main Rotor Blade Crack issued on 23 February 2015 (Safety Alert), after ensuring the blade is clean. Also pay attention to defects in paint which may signify cracking.
2.  If any defect or damage to the main rotor blade is detected during the visual inspection:
(a)   remove the blade from the helicopter and quarantine it; and
(b)   report any blade defect or damage to CASA through the service difficulty reporting system.
Note: The Safety Alert has been superseded by the Service Bulletin. Continue to inspect the blade daily as per the Safety Alert until the modification detailed in the Service Bulletin is accomplished.

Compliance:
For requirement 1: Before daily preflight.
For requirement 2: Before further flight.

 
The effective date of this AD is 15 April 2015.

Background:
This AD was issued to prevent the possibility of a main rotor blade separation and consequent loss of the helicopter.
Amendment 2 has been issued to clarify that aircraft equipped with P/N C016-7 main rotor blades that have been modified in compliance with the Service Bulletin do not need to comply with this AD, and to ensure that the visual inspection requirements align with those contained in the Safety Alert.

 
 
 
Amendment 1 required the inspection carried out to be noted on the aircraft’s maintenance release (or approved alternative), where certification of each inspection should be made. The inspection was able to be performed and certified by the holder of a current pilot licence if that person is rated on the R44 helicopter and authorised under Instrument CASA 67/13.

Mike Higgins
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
13 April 2015