New Zealand Clears Robinson R44s for Return to Flight

The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority lifted a mandatory grounding order for Robinson R44s imposed on Saturday after determining that a fatal crash of one of the helicopters there last week was not caused by a cracked main rotor blade. Australian aviation officials, who issued a grounding order following the Zealand action, are expected to follow suit.

Meanwhile, on Monday Robinson issued a safety alert calling for all R44 operators to perform a visual inspection of the trailing edge of helicopter main rotor blades P/N CH016-7 ("Dash 7") for any damage that could precipitate a crack before each flight. Operators are also urged to land immediately if they detect any unusual vibration.