Robinson helicopters need new inspections after clutch failures

The US aviation regulator is requiring new inspections for certain Robinson R44 and R44 II helicopters. This is because several clutch actuators and their attachment rivets have failed.

Helicopter parts fail. When they do, regulators issue airworthiness directives. This means owners and operators of these specific Robinson helicopters must now check these parts or face grounding their aircraft. It is a routine safety measure, but it adds to the operational costs for these specific models.