Superseded by FAA AD 2022-19-12

Published: Sep 13, 2021
Effective: Sep 22, 2021
Deadline: Sep 22, 2021

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Affected operators must inspect tail rotor blades P/N C029-3, S/N 9410 through 9909, before each flight and remove any cracked blades from service immediately. All affected blades must be removed from service within three months of September 22, 2021. Installation of these blades on any helicopter is prohibited.

Summary

FAA Airworthiness Directive 2021-19-08 is a final rule addressing certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. It targets tail rotor blades part number C029-3 with serial numbers 9410 through 9909 due to reports of cracks along the leading edge. The directive mandates inspections and removal of cracked or affected blades to ensure continued airworthiness.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive requires pilots and maintenance personnel to perform preflight inspections of the specified tail rotor blades for cracks and to remove any cracked blades from service immediately. It also prohibits installing affected blades on any helicopter and mandates removal of all affected blades within three months of the effective date.

Why it matters

This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a manufacturing defect causing stress corrosion cracks that could lead to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to maintain safety and regulatory compliance, preventing potential accidents related to tail rotor blade failure.

More for Robinson R44 (Raven)

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