All Robinson R22 helicopters fitted with aluminium fuel tanks.
All Robinson R22 helicopters fitted with aluminium fuel tanks.
This Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) is prompted by the latest revision of Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) R22 Service Bulletin SB-109A “Bladder Fuel Tank Retrofit” dated 15 January 2018.
The intent of the CAN is to ensure that all operators/maintainers of Robinson R22 helicopters are aware of RHC SB-109A pertaining to bladder fuel tanks.
RHC SB-109A requires operators/maintainers of Robinson R22 helicopters to embody bladder-type fuel tanks to improve the fuel system’s resistance to a post-accident fuel leak.
The fuel system design features introduced by RHC SB-109A on Robinson R22 helicopters increase the level of safety in the event of a survivable crash by either decreasing the likelihood, or delaying the onset of a post-crash fire. The improved features minimize crash-induced fuel leaks and their contact with potential fuel ignition sources, both during and after the crash, and increase the time occupants have available to egress before a post-crash fire could become critical.
RHC require compliance with SB-109A as soon as practical, but no later than next 2200-hour overhaul, 12 year inspection, or 15 January 2020, whichever occurs first. The SB provides information on a discount kit and a rebate available by way of incentive to accomplish the SB.
The CAA strongly recommends that all operators/maintainers of Robinson R22 helicopters comply with the requirements in RHC SB-109A, dated 15 January 2018.
· ATSB Occurrence Investigation 200000125(external link).
· FAA SAIB SW-17-31(external link) Fuel System.
· CASA AWB 28-017(external link) issue 1 – 1 February 2018 Robinson R22 Fuel Tanks.
· Robinson Helicopter Company SB-109A, dated 15 January 2018.
All other enquires regarding this CAN should be made to:
Owen Olls
Airworthiness Specialist
Email: owen.olls@caa.govt.nz
Phone: 04 560 9569
