EASA AD US-2022-12-08
Flight Controls - Engine Revolutions per Minute (RPM) Indicating System - Inspection / Installation
Summary
Federal Register Volume 87, Number 114 (June 14, 2022) is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA addressing certain Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 BETA, R44, and R44 II helicopters. The directive targets issues with the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) governor, requiring inspection and wiring modifications to ensure safe operation. It mandates inspection of the engine RPM sensor wiring and installation of specific wiring kits to prevent intermittent or abnormal governor operation.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections of the engine RPM sensor wiring and requires installation of wiring kit KI-288 for Model R22 BETA helicopters and KI-287 for Model R44 and R44 II helicopters. It addresses reports of intermittent or abnormal operation of the engine RPM governor by specifying repair procedures and wiring modifications to improve clearance and strain relief. The directive is issued as an interim action with potential for further rulemaking.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because malfunctioning engine RPM governors can lead to engine overspeed or underspeed conditions, reducing helicopter control and increasing the risk of emergency landings or loss of control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain safe flight operations and avoid potential accidents. The directive also provides clear instructions for inspection and repair, facilitating compliance and safety assurance.
What To Do
Operators of affected Robinson Helicopter Company Model R22 BETA, R44, and R44 II helicopters must inspect the engine RPM sensor wiring for damage and perform necessary repairs. They must also install the specified wiring kits (KI-288 or KI-287) to modify the governor wiring connection. These actions must be completed by June 29, 2022, or within 15 hours time-in-service or 15 days after that date, whichever occurs first.
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