AD/R44/21 - Seat Belt Buckles (Cth)

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 39.001(1) of CASR 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.

Robinson R44 Series Helicopters AD/R44/21 Seat Belt Buckles 7/2007

Applicability: Model R44 helicopters, through serial number (S/N) 1576, and Model R44 II helicopters, through S/N 11107, with a seat belt buckle assembly part number C628-4, revision M or prior, installed. Requirement: Remove the buckle assembly and any A130-52 buckle assembly spacer, and replace them with a C628-4, revision N buckle assembly and a new A130-52 buckle assembly spacer, in accordance with the Compliance Procedure, paragraph 3, in Robinson Helicopter Company Service Bulletin SB-56, dated 29 March 2006.

Replacing the buckle assembly and buckle assembly spacer with a C628-4, Revision N buckle assembly and a new A130-52 buckle assembly spacer is a terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

Note 1: FAA AD 2007-11-01 refers.

Note 2: The new A130-52 buckle assembly spacers have been redesigned to be slightly longer than the previous A130-52 buckle assembly spacers, to reduce friction in the joint. Compliance: Within 100 hours time-in-service, unless accomplished previously. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 5 July 2007. Background: This Airworthiness Directive is prompted by an accident in which a seat belt failed, and also by reports of cracking in the buckle assembly stainless support strap. The actions specified by this Airworthiness Directive are intended to prevent cracking in the support strap and failure of a seat belt.