{"id":"F2006B06425","name":"AD/R22/2 - Tailcone Support Structure - Inspection","slug":"ad-r22-2-tailcone-support-structure-inspection","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":47803,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B06425-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/R22/2 - Tailcone Support Structure - Inspection","content":"COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 \\- 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY\n\nSCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nRobinson R22 Series Helicopters\n\nAD/R22/2 Tailcone Support Structure \\- Inspection 2/81\n\nApplicability: All models R22 with S/Nos. 0002 to 0082.\n\nRequirement: To prevent loss of the tailcone resulting from supporting framework tube or tube weld fractures accomplish the following:\n\n    Using a dye penetrant technique inspect the tubes and welds for cracks per methods of, and in the areas identified as Items 1 to 4 of the figure of Robinson SB No. B-4.\n\n    2. On reassembling the P/N A 023 tailcone assembly use the following new parts: NAS - 679-A4 nut (5 each)\n\nNAS \\- 1304-22 bolt (4 each)\n\nNAS \\- 1304-3 bolt (1 each)\n\nPal Nuts (5 each)\n\nNote: FAA AD 80-24-01 Amdt. 39-3975 refers.\n\nCompliance: Initially inspect before achieving 110 hours time in service after manufacture and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service.\n\nBackground: Cracks may develop in the tailcone support structure during normal service.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The directive sets a focused scope: inspections and specified parts for Robinson R22 helicopters S/N 0002–0082 to prevent tailcone loss due to tube or weld fractures. The text contains no indication that the scope is broader or narrower than its stated applicability or that it amends an earlier scope; it prescribes inspection method, inspection areas (by reference), specific parts for reassembly, and precise inspection intervals. (Applicability; Requirement; Compliance)"},"complexity_factors":["Narrow applicability (only Robinson R22 S/N 0002–0082) reduces scope complexity (Applicability)","Single prescribed inspection method (dye penetrant) and stated inspection areas simplify execution but require technical capability (Requirement)","Clear, simple maintenance parts list to be used on reassembly but requires procurement of specific NAS part numbers (Requirement)","Fixed compliance timing (initial before 110 hours TIS, then every 100 hours) makes scheduling straightforward but creates recurring obligations (Compliance)","Dependence on an external service bulletin (Robinson SB No. B-4) to identify exact inspection areas adds a small dependency on another document (Requirement)","Reference to an FAA AD introduces an external cross-reference but does not add procedural steps in this text (Note)"],"plain_english_summary":"Requires dye‑penetrant inspections of the tailcone support tubes and welds on Robinson R22 helicopters S/N 0002–0082 (initial before 110 hours TIS, then every 100 hours) and mandates specific NAS nuts/bolts and pal nuts when reassembling P/N A‑023 tailcone assemblies. Owners/operators bear inspection, repair and parts costs; the directive aims to prevent tailcone loss from fractured tubes or welds."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a discrete, targeted safety directive focused specifically on a known structural defect in early Robinson R22 helicopters. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of mandating inspections to prevent tailcone failure."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (approximately 200 words)","Only 1 defined term implicitly referenced (\"time in service\")","Single, clear applicability criterion (serial number range)","Straightforward two-step compliance requirement (inspect + replace parts)","No cross-references to other legislation beyond a note about related FAA directive","Simple temporal compliance structure (initial + recurring intervals)"],"plain_english_summary":"This is an **Airworthiness Directive** (a mandatory safety order) for a specific type of helicopter — the **Robinson R22**.\n\n**What it does:**\nIt requires owners and operators of early-model R22 helicopters (serial numbers 0002 to 0082) to **inspect the tailcone support structure** for cracks. The tailcone is the rear section of the helicopter that holds the tail rotor — if it breaks off, the aircraft becomes uncontrollable.\n\n**What must be done:**\n- **Inspect** specific tubes and welds using a \"dye penetrant\" technique (a method where coloured dye is applied to reveal hidden cracks) following the manufacturer's Service Bulletin B-4\n- **Replace certain bolts and nuts** with new parts when reassembling the tailcone\n\n**When it must be done:**\n- First inspection: before the helicopter reaches **110 flight hours**\n- Repeat inspections: every **100 flight hours** thereafter\n\n**Why it matters:**\nCracks can develop in normal use. Without these inspections, the tailcone could separate in flight, causing a crash. This directive makes the inspection **legally mandatory** — you cannot fly the helicopter without doing it."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-r22-2-tailcone-support-structure-inspection","history":"/api/acts/ad-r22-2-tailcone-support-structure-inspection/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-r22-2-tailcone-support-structure-inspection/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-r22-2-tailcone-support-structure-inspection/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-r22-2-tailcone-support-structure-inspection/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-r22-2-tailcone-support-structure-inspection/documents"}}