{"id":"F2006B06473","name":"AD/R44/5 Amdt 1 - Low RPM Warning Unit","slug":"ad-r44-5-amdt-1-low-rpm-warning-unit","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":47974,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B06473-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"AD/R44/5 Amdt 1 - Low RPM Warning Unit","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 R44 Series Helicopters\n\nAD/R44/5\n\nAmdt 1\n\n  \n\nLow RPM Warning Unit 5/97 DM\n\nApplicability: This Directive is applicable to R44 helicopters serial numbers 0001 through 0312 inclusive, 0314 and 0315.\n\nRequirement: Adjust the A569-6 low RPM warning unit so that the warning horn operates between 96% and 97% rotor RPM in accordance with the procedures contained in the Maintenance Manual.\n\nNote: FAA AD 97-02-15 Amdt 39-9900 refers.\n\nCompliance: Unless previously accomplished, then prior to 12 April 97.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 12 March 97.\n\nBackground: The actions specified by this Directive are intended to minimise the possibility of pilot mismanagement of the main rotor RPM, which could result in an unrecoverable main rotor stall and subsequent loss of the helicopter.\n\nThe amendment to the AD increases the applicability to include all serial numbers that have not had this action completed by the manufacturer in response to FAA AD 97-02-15. The amendment also aligns the rotor RPM threshold to that detailed in FAA AD 97-02-15.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The amendment expanded the original directive's scope. Originally it covered fewer helicopters; Amendment 1 increased applicability to include all serial numbers that hadn't already had this fix done at the factory. It also aligned the technical threshold (96-97% RPM) with the US FAA standard, suggesting the original Australian directive may have had different parameters."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (under 300 words)","Only 3 defined elements: applicability (serial numbers), specific technical procedure, and compliance date","Single straightforward requirement with no conditional logic or exceptions","No cross-references to other legislation (only a reference to related FAA directive for context)","Clear, direct language throughout"],"plain_english_summary":"This safety order requires owners/operators of specified early-model Robinson R44 helicopters to adjust the low‑rotor‑speed warning unit so the horn activates at 96–97% of normal rotor speed, performed per the Maintenance Manual. It affects those aircraft and their maintenance personnel and matters because the earlier warning helps pilots avoid dangerous low‑RPM stalls. The required work was due before 12 April 1997."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The amendment broadens applicability to include all R44 serial numbers that have not had the action completed by the manufacturer in response to FAA AD 97-02-15 and aligns the rotor RPM warning threshold with the FAA AD (adjusting the trigger to 96%–97% rotor RPM)."},"complexity_factors":["Technical change is narrowly defined: adjustment of a single A569-6 warning unit to a 96%–97% rotor RPM threshold.","Applicability is limited to specified serial numbers and those not yet modified by the manufacturer, requiring verification of an aircraft's modification status.","Maintenance Manual procedures govern how the adjustment is performed, so certified maintenance capability is required.","A clear, short compliance window (effective 12 March 1997; compliance prior to 12 April 1997 unless already done) creates scheduling pressure for operators.","Alignment with FAA AD 97-02-15 increases regulatory coordination but does not add substantive technical steps."],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive requires that the A569-6 low‑RPM warning unit on Robinson R44 helicopters be adjusted so the warning horn sounds between 96% and 97% rotor RPM. It applies to specified serial numbers and to any R44s not already modified by the manufacturer. The change is intended to reduce the chance of an unrecoverable main rotor stall. Owners/operators must arrange the adjustment by the compliance date and will bear the cost and scheduling responsibilities."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-r44-5-amdt-1-low-rpm-warning-unit","history":"/api/acts/ad-r44-5-amdt-1-low-rpm-warning-unit/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-r44-5-amdt-1-low-rpm-warning-unit/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-r44-5-amdt-1-low-rpm-warning-unit/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-r44-5-amdt-1-low-rpm-warning-unit/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-r44-5-amdt-1-low-rpm-warning-unit/documents"}}