{"id":"F2018L01580","name":"AD/R22/55 Helipod III Spray System STC 7/21E/9 - Removal from Service","slug":"ad-r22-55-helipod-iii-spray-system-stc-7-21e-9-removal-from-service","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":98248,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2018L01580-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Series H","sectionType":"part","heading":"Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Series Helicopters","content":"# Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Series Helicopters\n\n| AD/R22/55 | Helipod III Spray SystemSTC 7/21E/9 - Removal from Service | 24/2018 |\n| --------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | ------- |\n\n| Applicability: | All Robinson Helicopter Company R22 helicopters fitted with an R22 Helipod III Spray System in accordance with New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 7/21E/9, as in force from time to time.                                                                                                              |\n| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Requirement:   | 1. a. Remove the Helipod III Spray System and return the helicopter to an approved configuration.b. Remove the Flight Manual Supplement applicable to STC 7/21E/9 from the Aircraft Flight Manual.Note: New Zealand CAA AD DCA/R22/50 refers.                                                                                                      |\n| Compliance:    | 1. Within 42 days after the commencement date of this AD, unless previously accomplished.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |\n|                | This AD commences on 28 November 2018.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |\n| Background:    | This AD is prompted by a review of the Helipod III Spray System STC 7/21E/9 designed and manufactured by Helipod NZ Limited. The New Zealand CAA has determined that there are safety concerns with the STC weight and balance considerations. In addition, Helipod NZ Limited no longer provides continued airworthiness support for STC 7/21E/9. |\n\n![](image.001.jpeg)\n\nPieter van Dijk  \nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority\n\n16 November 2018","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/R22/55","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/R22/55","content":"## AD/R22/55","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Helipod III Spray SystemSTC 7/21E/9 - Re","sectionType":"part","heading":"Helipod III Spray SystemSTC 7/21E/9 - Removal from Service","content":"## Helipod III Spray System  \nSTC 7/21E/9 - Removal from Service","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"24/2018","sectionType":"part","heading":"24/2018","content":"## 24/2018","sortOrder":3}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a standard single-issue Airworthiness Directive with narrow, specific scope targeting one particular piece of equipment on one helicopter type. It has not expanded beyond its original safety purpose."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (approximately 250 words)","Only 1 defined term implicitly referenced (STC - Supplemental Type Certificate, explained in text)","Single straightforward requirement with two sub-points (removal of equipment and manual)","No cross-references to other legislation beyond a single note about a related New Zealand directive","Simple conditional logic: one deadline, one applicability criterion, no exceptions or nested conditions","No interpretation section or extensive definitions"],"plain_english_summary":"This AD requires owners/operators to remove the Helipod III Spray System and its flight manual supplement from Robinson R22 helicopters within 42 days of 28 November 2018. It applies to R22s fitted with the New Zealand‑approved crop‑spray kit.\n\nThe directive responds to identified weight‑and‑balance safety problems and the manufacturer’s cessation of support, affecting Australian R22 operators and agricultural spraying operators who would otherwise operate unsupported, potentially unsafe equipment."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"This AD withdraws permission to operate the Helipod III under STC 7/21E/9 by requiring its removal and the deletion of the Flight Manual Supplement (see Requirement, Applicability, Background). That narrows permissible aircraft configurations: helicopters previously approved with the STC must be returned to an approved configuration, shifting operational scope and costs onto owners/operators."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow applicability: affects only R22 helicopters fitted under STC 7/21E/9 (straightforward to identify from records).","Single clear action: physical removal of equipment and Flight Manual Supplement (operational work by owners/operators or maintainers).","Short compliance window of 42 days increases logistical pressure on operators and maintenance providers.","Technical considerations: removal may require weight‑and‑balance re‑assessment and reconfiguration to an approved state.","Regulatory cross‑reference: AD refers to New Zealand CAA AD DCA/R22/50, requiring coordination with the STC paperwork and foreign AD.","Loss of continued airworthiness support from STC holder raises follow‑on obligations for owners/operators to ensure ongoing compliance."],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive orders owners/operators of Robinson R22 helicopters fitted under NZ CAA STC 7/21E/9 (Helipod III Spray System) to remove the spray system and the associated Flight Manual Supplement and return the helicopter to an approved configuration within 42 days. CASA cites weight‑and‑balance safety concerns and that the STC holder no longer provides continued airworthiness support. Owners/operators pay for removal and reconfiguration; CASA’s delegate enforces compliance."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-r22-55-helipod-iii-spray-system-stc-7-21e-9-removal-from-service","history":"/api/acts/ad-r22-55-helipod-iii-spray-system-stc-7-21e-9-removal-from-service/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-r22-55-helipod-iii-spray-system-stc-7-21e-9-removal-from-service/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-r22-55-helipod-iii-spray-system-stc-7-21e-9-removal-from-service/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-r22-55-helipod-iii-spray-system-stc-7-21e-9-removal-from-service/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-r22-55-helipod-iii-spray-system-stc-7-21e-9-removal-from-service/documents"}}