80 FR 32460 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 110 (June 9, 2015)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 110 (June 9, 2015)
| Page Range | 32460-32461 | |
| FR Document | 2015-13846 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 9, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 32460-32461] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-13846] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2014-1020; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-078-AD; Amendment 39-18172; AD 2015-11-09] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (type certificate previously held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) (Sikorsky) Model 269D and Model 269D Configuration A helicopters. This AD requires reducing the life limit of the ring gear carrier assembly. This AD was prompted by cracks in the ring gear carrier assembly. The actions are intended to reduce the life of the ring gear carrier assembly to prevent failure of the main rotor transmission, loss of engine power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective July 14, 2015. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email [email protected]. You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman Perenson, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Propulsion & Services Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Westbury, New York; telephone (516) 228-7337; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On December 15, 2014, at 79 FR 74037, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Sikorsky Model 269D and Model 269D Configuration A helicopters with a certain part- numbered ring carrier assembly installed. The NPRM proposed to require reducing the life limit of the ring carrier assembly from 6,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 5,000 hours TIS by revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the applicable maintenance manual and by removing from service any ring carrier assembly that exceeded the new life limit. The NPRM was prompted by the discovery of a crack in the ring gear carrier assembly, which extended around the entire circumference of the flange and intersected some of the bolt holes but did not propagate ``bolt hole to bolt hole.'' A metallurgical evaluation determined that fretting caused multiple origin fatigue cracking on the ring gear carrier assembly. The proposed requirements were intended to reduce the life of the ring gear carrier assembly to prevent failure of the main rotor transmission, loss of engine power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (79 FR 74037, December 15, 2014). FAA's Determination We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Related Service Information Sikorsky issued 269D Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB DB- 040A, Revision A, dated December 4, 2012, to implement a reduction in service life of the ring gear carrier assembly, part number 269A5194, from 6,000 flight hours to 5,000 flight hours. [[Page 32461]] Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 16 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. We estimate a minimal cost to change the life limit of the ring gear. If required, we estimate it would take 27.5 hours to replace a ring gear carrier assembly at $85 per work hour. Required parts would cost $7,591 for a total of $9,929 per helicopter. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: 1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2015-11-09 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held By Schweizer Aircraft Corporation): Amendment 39- 18172; Docket No. FAA-2014-1020; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-078- AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model 269D and Model 269D Configuration A helicopters with ring gear carrier assembly, part number (P/N) 269A5194, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a fatigue crack in a ring gear carrier assembly. This condition could result in failure of the main rotor transmission, loss of engine power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective July 14, 2015. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Before further flight: (1) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the applicable maintenance manual by reducing the life limit of the ring gear carrier assembly, P/N 269A5194, from 6,000 hours time-in- service (TIS) to 5,000 hours TIS. (2) Remove from service any ring gear carrier assembly, P/N 269A5194, with 5,000 or more hours TIS. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Norman Perenson, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Propulsion & Services Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Westbury, New York; telephone (516) 228-7337; email [email protected]. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information Sikorsky 269D Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB DB-040A, Revision A, dated December 4, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email [email protected]. You may review a copy of information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300 Main Rotor Drive System. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 29, 2015. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015-13846 Filed 6-8-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![32460 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 110 / Tuesday, June 9, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Engineer, New York Aircraft
(AMOCs) Certification Office, Propulsion &
(1) The Manager, Safety Management Federal Aviation Administration Services Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this Ave., Westbury, New York; telephone
AD. Send your proposal to: James Blyn, 14 CFR Part 39 (516) 228–7337; email
Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and [Docket No. FAA–2014–1020; Directorate Norman.Perenson@faa.gov.
Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, Identifier 2013–SW–078–AD; Amendment SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 39–18172; AD 2015–11–09]
Discussion
76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email
RIN 2120–AA64 On December 15, 2014, at 79 FR
james.blyn@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 74037, the Federal Register published
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under our notice of proposed rulemaking
Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14
Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft
you notify your principal inspector, or CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
Corporation) Helicopters would apply to Sikorsky Model 269D
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or AGENCY: Federal Aviation and Model 269D Configuration A
certificate holding district office, before Administration (FAA), DOT. helicopters with a certain part-
operating any aircraft complying with this ACTION: Final rule. numbered ring carrier assembly
AD through an AMOC. installed. The NPRM proposed to
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new require reducing the life limit of the ring
(g) Additional Information
airworthiness directive (AD) for carrier assembly from 6,000 hours time-
(1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin No. 206L– Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (type in-service (TIS) to 5,000 hours TIS by
05–134, Revision A, dated April 9, 2007, certificate previously held by Schweizer revising the Airworthiness Limitations
which is not incorporated by reference, Aircraft Corporation) (Sikorsky) Model Section of the applicable maintenance
contains additional information about the 269D and Model 269D Configuration A manual and by removing from service
subject of this AD. For service information helicopters. This AD requires reducing any ring carrier assembly that exceeded
identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter the life limit of the ring gear carrier the new life limit. The NPRM was
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de assembly. This AD was prompted by prompted by the discovery of a crack in
l’Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone cracks in the ring gear carrier assembly. the ring gear carrier assembly, which
(450) 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) The actions are intended to reduce the extended around the entire
433–0272; or at http:// life of the ring gear carrier assembly to circumference of the flange and
www.bellcustomer.com/files/. You may prevent failure of the main rotor intersected some of the bolt holes but
review a copy of the service information at transmission, loss of engine power to did not propagate ‘‘bolt hole to bolt
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
the main rotor, and subsequent loss of hole.’’ A metallurgical evaluation
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
control of the helicopter. determined that fretting caused multiple
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
DATES: This AD is effective July 14, origin fatigue cracking on the ring gear
(2) STC No. SR00036SE, amended October
20, 1995; and reissued January 23, 2014, may 2015. carrier assembly. The proposed
be found on the Internet at http:// ADDRESSES: For service information
requirements were intended to reduce
www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky the life of the ring gear carrier assembly
2013–0489. Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service to prevent failure of the main rotor
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, transmission, loss of engine power to
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– the main rotor, and subsequent loss of
No. CF–2005–28R1, dated June 14, 2007. You Winged-S or 203–416–4299; email control of the helicopter.
may view the TCCA AD on the Internet at sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may Comments
http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. review a copy of the referenced service We gave the public the opportunity to
FAA–2013–0489. information at the FAA, Office of the participate in developing this AD, but
(h) Subject Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, we did not receive any comments on the
2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort NPRM (79 FR 74037, December 15,
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Worth, Texas 76137.
Code: 7250, Turbine Section. 2014).
Examining the AD Docket FAA’s Determination
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 29,
2015. You may examine the AD docket on We have reviewed the relevant
Lance T. Gant, the Internet at http:// information and determined that an
www.regulations.gov or in person at the unsafe condition exists and is likely to
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
Docket Operations Office between 9 exist or develop on other products of
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through these same type designs and that air
[FR Doc. 2015–13852 Filed 6–8–15; 8:45 am]
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD safety and the public interest require
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
docket contains this AD, the economic adopting the AD requirements as
evaluation, any comments received, and proposed.
other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations Office (phone: Related Service Information
800–647–5527) is U.S. Department of Sikorsky issued 269D Helicopter Alert
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Transportation, Docket Operations Service Bulletin No. ASB DB–040A,
Office, M–30, West Building Ground Revision A, dated December 4, 2012, to
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey implement a reduction in service life of
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. the ring gear carrier assembly, part
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: number 269A5194, from 6,000 flight
Norman Perenson, Aviation Safety hours to 5,000 flight hours.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 110 / Tuesday, June 9, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 32461
Costs of Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Stewart Ave., Westbury, New York;
telephone (516) 228–7337; email
We estimate that this AD will affect Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation Norman.Perenson@faa.gov.
16 helicopters of U.S. Registry. safety, Incorporation by reference, (2) For operations conducted under a 14
Safety. CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
We estimate that operators may incur
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that
the following costs in order to comply Adoption of the Amendment you notify your principal inspector, or
with this AD. We estimate a minimal Accordingly, under the authority lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
cost to change the life limit of the ring delegated to me by the Administrator, the local flight standards district office or
gear. If required, we estimate it would the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as certificate holding district office before
take 27.5 hours to replace a ring gear follows: operating any aircraft complying with this
carrier assembly at $85 per work hour. AD through an AMOC.
Required parts would cost $7,591 for a PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (g) Additional Information
total of $9,929 per helicopter. DIRECTIVES Sikorsky 269D Helicopter Alert Service
Authority for This Rulemaking Bulletin No. ASB DB–040A, Revision A,
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 dated December 4, 2012, which is not
Title 49 of the United States Code continues to read as follows: incorporated by reference, contains
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. additional information about the subject of
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, this AD. For service information identified in
section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended] this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding Corporation, Customer Service Engineering,
124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611;
Aviation Programs, describes in more the following new airworthiness telephone 1–800–Winged-S or 203–416–
detail the scope of the Agency’s directive (AD): 4299; email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You
authority. 2015–11–09 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation may review a copy of information at the
We are issuing this rulemaking under (Type Certificate Previously Held By FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
the authority described in Subtitle VII, Schweizer Aircraft Corporation): Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Amendment 39–18172; Docket No. Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that FAA–2014–1020; Directorate Identifier
2013–SW–078–AD. (h) Subject
section, Congress charges the FAA with Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (a) Applicability Code: 6300 Main Rotor Drive System.
air commerce by prescribing regulations This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 29,
for practices, methods, and procedures Corporation Model 269D and Model 269D
2015.
the Administrator finds necessary for Configuration A helicopters with ring gear
carrier assembly, part number (P/N) Lance T. Gant,
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority 269A5194, installed, certificated in any Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft
category. Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on (b) Unsafe Condition [FR Doc. 2015–13846 Filed 6–8–15; 8:45 am]
products identified in this rulemaking This AD defines the unsafe condition as a BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
action. fatigue crack in a ring gear carrier assembly.
This condition could result in failure of the
Regulatory Findings main rotor transmission, loss of engine power DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
This AD will not have federalism to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter. Federal Aviation Administration
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a (c) Effective Date
14 CFR Part 39
substantial direct effect on the States, on This AD becomes effective July 14, 2015.
the relationship between the national [Docket No. FAA–2014–0493; Directorate
(d) Compliance Identifier 2013–SW–019–AD; Amendment
government and the States, or on the
You are responsible for performing each 39–18173; AD 2015–11–10]
distribution of power and
action required by this AD within the
responsibilities among the various RIN 2120–AA64
specified compliance time unless it has
levels of government. already been accomplished prior to that time.
For the reasons discussed above, I Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky
certify that this AD: (e) Required Actions Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model
Before further flight: Helicopters
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
(1) Revise the Airworthiness Limitations
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Section of the applicable maintenance
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under manual by reducing the life limit of the ring Administration (FAA), DOT.
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures gear carrier assembly, P/N 269A5194, from ACTION: Final rule.
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 6,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) to 5,000
hours TIS. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in airworthiness directive (AD) for
(2) Remove from service any ring gear
Alaska to the extent that it justifies Sikorsky Model S–92A helicopters. This
carrier assembly, P/N 269A5194, with 5,000
making a regulatory distinction; and or more hours TIS. AD requires installing a main gearbox
4. Will not have a significant (MGB) failed pump sensor and vacuum
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
economic impact, positive or negative, switch wiring, installing an MGB oil
(AMOCs)
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
on a substantial number of small entities auto bypass system, activating Aircraft
under the criteria of the Regulatory (1) The Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, may approve Management System (AMS) 7.1 software
Flexibility Act. to show a new visual warning, and
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
We prepared an economic evaluation Norman Perenson, Aviation Safety Engineer, installing updated enhanced ground
of the estimated costs to comply with New York Aircraft Certification Office, proximity warning system (EGPWS)
this AD and placed it in the AD docket. Propulsion & Services Branch, FAA, 1600 software that includes an aural
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:56 Jun 08, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\09JNR1.SGM 09JNR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_32570/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-15 15:25:18
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 15:25:18
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This AD is effective July 14, 2015. | |
| Contact | Norman Perenson, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Propulsion & Services Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Westbury, New York; telephone (516) 228-7337; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 32460 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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