AD Issued for Certain Robinson R22, R44 and R66 Tail Rotor Tip Caps

The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD 2024-04-02) for certain Robinson R22, R44 and R66 helicopters. Reports of helicopters losing a tail rotor blade (TRB) tip cap prompted this AD. Robinson has also seen TRBs that have corroded to an unserviceable condition, including severe leading edge pitting and degradation of the bond at the tip cap. A debonded TRB tip cap can cause severe vibration and possible failure of the tail rotor gearbox housing. 

This AD requires regular visual inspections of certain part-numbered and serial-numbered TRB tip caps for evidence of corrosion, removing corrosion and eventual removal of those TRBs from service. 

This AD is effective April 2, 2024.