{"id":"F2006B06464","name":"AD/R44/14 - Wire Harness and Fuel Line Chafing","slug":"ad-r44-14-wire-harness-and-fuel-line-chafing","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":47946,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B06464-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","sectionType":"part","heading":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","content":"# AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\n![](image.002.png)\n\n![](image.002.png)  \nFor the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 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.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/R44/14 Wire Harness and Fuel Line Cha","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/R44/14 Wire Harness and Fuel Line Chafing 6/2000","content":"# AD/R44/14 Wire Harness and Fuel Line Chafing 6/2000\n\nDM\n\nApplicability: Model R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0002 through 0462.\n\nRequirement: 1. Accomplish the following actions to prevent contact between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly:\n\n    Remove the cover, part number (P/N) C474-1, from between the rear seatbacks.\n\n    b. Inspect the wire harness, P/N C059, and the fuel line assembly, P/N C726-2, above the fuel shutoff valve for contact. If the wire harness contacts the fuel line assembly, inspect for chafing.\n\n    c. If chafing has occurred between the wire harness and the fuel line assembly, replace the fuel line with an airworthy fuel line assembly. Torque the fuel line nuts to 12.4-14.7 Nm (110-130 in-lbs). Verify that clearance exists between the fuel line assembly and the wire harness.\n\n    d. Install a 75 mm (3 in) section of spiral wrap tubing, P/N B161-8, on the fuel line assembly as shown in Figure 1. Push the spiral wrap tubing down until it is against the fuel line fitting.\n\nAL 6/2000","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a standard, narrow Airworthiness Directive addressing a specific mechanical defect in a specific aircraft model. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of correcting the wire harness/fuel line chafing issue."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (under 300 words)","Only 4 specific procedural steps required","Single applicability criterion (specific model and serial number range)","No defined terms section or interpretation provisions","No cross-references to other legislation or regulations","Clear, linear compliance instructions with no conditional branches beyond 'if chafing found, then replace'","Single compliance reference (AL 6/2000 — likely an Alert Service Bulletin reference)"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of certain Robinson R44 helicopters (S/N 0002–0462) to inspect and repair a hazardous condition where an electrical wire harness can chafe a fuel line.  \n\nThe AD makes mandatory a local inspection, replacement of any damaged fuel line, and installation of protective wrap/tightening of fittings to eliminate the serious fire and crash risk — aircraft may not be flown until compliant."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The AD is narrowly focused on preventing contact/chafing between a particular wire harness (P/N C059) and a specific fuel line assembly (P/N C726‑2) on R44 helicopters (serials 0002–0462). The actions required (inspection, replacement if chafed, torquing, and fitting spiral wrap) align with that purpose. Based on the text supplied, this version does not expand beyond that original safety objective and therefore has not materially changed scope."},"complexity_factors":["Short, self‑contained AD with a single requirement section","Four explicit procedural steps (1.a–1.d) with minimal nested conditions","Limited number of part numbers: P/N C474‑1, C059, C726‑2, B161‑8","One numeric torque specification (12.4–14.7 Nm) to be complied with","Applicability limited to a defined serial number range (0002–0462)","Missing compliance timing in the provided excerpt increases practical complexity for implementers"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanically)**\n\n- Applies to Robinson R44 helicopters, serial numbers 0002 through 0462 (Applicability).\n- Requires inspection and, if necessary, repair or modification to prevent the wire harness (P/N C059) from contacting the fuel line assembly (P/N C726-2) above the fuel shutoff valve (Requirement 1).\n- Specific steps required (Requirement 1):\n  - Remove cover P/N C474-1 located between the rear seatbacks (1.a).\n  - Inspect the wire harness and fuel line assembly for contact and, if contact is found, inspect for chafing (1.b).\n  - If chafing is found, replace the fuel line assembly with an airworthy unit, tighten the fuel line nuts to 12.4–14.7 Nm (110–130 in‑lbs), and verify there is clearance between the fuel line and the harness (1.c).\n  - Install a 75 mm (3 in) section of spiral wrap tubing P/N B161‑8 on the fuel line assembly, pushed down against the fuel line fitting, as shown in the AD figure (1.d).\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Owners/operators of Robinson R44 helicopters with serial numbers 0002–0462.\n- Maintenance organisations and certificated mechanics who perform the inspections and repairs.\n\n**Why it matters (stated purpose and the mechanical effect)**\n\n- The AD is issued to prevent contact and potential chafing between a wire harness and the fuel line assembly. Chafing of the fuel line could lead to fuel leakage, which is an unsafe condition in flight operations. The AD prescribes inspection, correction (replacement, torquing, clearance verification), and a protective measure (spiral wrap) to eliminate contact and the risk of chafing.\n\n**Who pays, who decides, and what changes in behaviour**\n\n- Aircraft owners/operators pay for labour, parts (replacement fuel line assembly if required, spiral wrap tubing), and any aircraft downtime needed to carry out the work.\n- The CASA delegate issued the AD; maintenance personnel must carry out the inspections and corrective actions in accordance with the AD instructions (Requirement section) and applicable maintenance regulations.\n- Behaviour changes: operators must add these inspections/modifications to their maintenance activity for affected helicopters and must not return an aircraft to service with the unsafe condition present. If chafing is found, the line must be replaced and torqued as specified and clearance verified.\n\n**Costs, incentives, and trade‑offs**\n\n- Direct costs: labour time, parts (spiral wrap is small but replacement fuel line assemblies and certified installation/two‑man checks may be more expensive), and aircraft downtime.\n- Incentives: owners/operators are incentivised to comply promptly to restore/retain airworthiness and avoid grounding or regulatory action. Because the AD specifies particular part numbers and torque values, there is limited room to substitute non‑specified parts without establishing the alternative as airworthy.\n- Trade‑offs and operational effects: if parts are scarce or inspections find chafing widely, operators may face concentrated near‑term repair costs and scheduling delays. The AD does not describe long‑term design modification; it prescribes field correction and a protective sleeve.\n\n**Implementation risks and compliance burden**\n\n- Implementation risks include incorrect torque application (the AD specifies 12.4–14.7 Nm), improper installation of the spiral wrap tubing, or incomplete verification of clearance, any of which could leave the unsafe condition uncorrected.\n- Compliance burden is modest in technical terms (inspection, possible line replacement, fitting of short spiral wrap), but may be non‑trivial for operators with many affected airframes or limited spare parts/maintenance capacity.\n\n**Where to look for timing and record requirements**\n\n- The AD text references a compliance section for when the actions must be completed; that timing is not included in the excerpt provided. Operators should consult the AD’s compliance section for exact time limits and make appropriate maintenance logbook entries per regulatory requirements.\n\n(References: Applicability and Requirement 1.a–1.d in the AD.)"},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-r44-14-wire-harness-and-fuel-line-chafing","history":"/api/acts/ad-r44-14-wire-harness-and-fuel-line-chafing/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-r44-14-wire-harness-and-fuel-line-chafing/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-r44-14-wire-harness-and-fuel-line-chafing/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-r44-14-wire-harness-and-fuel-line-chafing/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-r44-14-wire-harness-and-fuel-line-chafing/documents"}}