Published: 21 March 2011
Effective: 21 March 2011

ATA Chapter: 27

Subject:

Robinson R44 Helicopters Flight Control Hydraulic Servos

Applicability:

All operators and maintainers of Robinson R44 series helicopters fitted with a hydraulic assisted flight control system

Applicability:

All operators and maintainers of Robinson R44 series helicopters fitted with a hydraulic assisted flight control system.

Purpose:

This Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) advises operators and maintainers of affected R44 helicopters to accomplish an inspection of the flight control system hydraulic servos.

Background:

This CAN is prompted by Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) Safety Advisory Notice AO-2011-016-SAN-001 which is issued after an overseas R44 Astro training flight accident. A preliminary examination of the wreckage identified that a bolt securing part of the flight control system had detached.

Recommendation:

Although the overseas accident is still under investigation the ATSB in the interest of aviation safety have issued Safety Advisory Notice AO-2011-016-SAN-001 recommending and inspection of the hydraulic flight control servos fitted to Robinson R44 aircraft.

The CAA recommends that operators and maintainers of Robinson R44 fitted with a hydraulic assisted flight control system review Safety Advisory Notice AO-2011-016-SAN-001 and inspect the aircraft flight control system paying particular attention to the attachment of the flight control hydraulic servos.

For further background information on the subject of this CAN a copy of ATSB Safety Advisory Notice AO-2011-016-SAN-001 and the Preliminary ATSB Safety Report can be obtained from: https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2011/aair/ao-2011-016(external link)