80 FR 63422 - Airworthiness Directives; Various Sikorsky-Manufactured Transport and Restricted Category Helicopters
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 202 (October 20, 2015)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 202 (October 20, 2015)
| Page Range | 63422-63425 | |
| FR Document | 2015-25976 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 202 (Tuesday, October 20, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 63422-63425] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-25976] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2008-0442; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-24-AD; Amendment 39-18291; AD 2015-20-12] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Various Sikorsky-Manufactured Transport and Restricted Category Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-26-02 for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-61A, D, E, L, N, NM, R, and V helicopters. AD 98-26-02 required determining whether the main rotor shaft (MRS) was used in repetitive external lift (REL) operations, performing a nondestructive inspection (NDI) for cracks, replacing any unairworthy MRS, and establishing retirement lives for each REL MRS. This new AD retains some of the requirements of AD 98-26- 02 but determines a new retirement life for each MRS, expands the applicability to include additional helicopters, and requires removing from service any MRS with oversized dowel pin bores. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's reevaluation of the retirement life for the MRS based on torque, ground-air-ground (GAG) cycle, and fatigue testing. We are issuing this AD to prevent MRS structural failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective November 24, 2015. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 24, 2015. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut, telephone (203) 383-4866, email [email protected], or at http://www.sikorsky.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2008-0442; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy Murphy, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7172; email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion On April 10, 2008, we issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (73 FR 21556, April 22, 2008) proposing to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-61A, D, E, L, N, NM, R, and V; Croman Corporation Model SH-3H; Carson Helicopters, Inc., Model S-61L; Glacier Helicopters, Inc., Model CH-3E; Robinson Air Crane, Inc., Model CH-3E, CH-3C, HH-3C and HH-3E; and Siller Helicopters Model CH-3E and SH-3A helicopters. The NPRM proposed superseding AD 98-26-02 (63 FR 69177, December 16, 1998), which required determining whether the MRS was used in REL operations, performing an NDI for cracks, replacing any unairworthy MRS, and establishing retirement lives for each REL MRS. The NPRM proposed to retain some of the requirements of AD 98-26-02 but also proposed a new retirement life determination for each MRS, removing from service any MRS with oversized dowel pin bores, and expanding the applicability to include certain restricted category models. The NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer's reevaluation of the retirement life for the MRS based on torque, GAG cycle, and fatigue testing. [[Page 63423]] Those proposals were intended to prevent MRS structural failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. On April 16, 2013, we issued a supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) (78 FR 24363, April 25, 2013) that proposed to revise the NPRM based on comments received on the NPRM and a reevaluation of the relevant data. The SNPRM proposed retaining the proposals in the NPRM but extending the hours TIS required for identifying the MRS as an REL MRS to coincide with the NDI to prevent repeated disassembly of the shaft. The SNPRM also proposed to extend the time required to replace the MRS and revise calculations for establishing the retirement life. On September 19, 2014, we issued a second SNPRM (79 FR 60789, October 8, 2014). In addition to retaining previously-proposed requirements, the second SNPRM revised the Cost of Compliance section to reflect an increased cost for parts to replace an MRS and clarified some of the wording for complying with the AD. Since the SNPRM (79 FR 60789, October 8, 2014) was issued, the FAA Southwest Regional Office has relocated. We have revised the physical address to reflect the new address. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the second SNPRM (79 FR 60789, October 8, 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 helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed except for a minor change. Sikorsky Aircraft was inadvertently omitted as one of the current type certificate holders of some of the applicable model helicopters; we are correcting that error in this AD. This change is consistent with the intent of the proposals in the SNPRM (79 FR 60789, October 8, 2014) and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Sikorsky issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 61B35-69, dated April 19, 2004, which provides procedures for determining REL and Non-REL status, assigns new REL and Non-REL MRS retirement lives, and provides a method for marking the REL MRS. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this AD. Other Related Service Information Sikorsky issued Customer Service Notice (CSN) No. 6135-10, dated March 18, 1987, and Service Bulletin (SB) No. 61B35-53, dated December 2, 1981, both revised with Revision A on April 19, 2004, for Model S- 61L, N, and NM (serial number (S/N) 61454), and R series transport category helicopters; and S-61A, D, E, and V series restricted category helicopters. CSN 6135-10A specifies replacing the planetary assembly and MRS assembly attaching hardware with high strength hardware. CSN 6135-10A also specifies reworking the dowel retainer to increase hole chamfer and related countersink diameters. SB 61B35-53A specifies replacing the existing planetary matching plates with new steel matching plates during overhaul at the operator's discretion. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation also issued an All Operators Letter CCS-61-AOL-04-0005, dated May 18, 2004, which contains an example and additional information about tracking cycles and the moving average procedure. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 60 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. It will take about 2.2 work-hours to NDI an REL MRS at $85 per work-hour plus a $50 consumable cost, for a total estimated cost of $237 per helicopter and $14,220 for the U.S. fleet. It will take about 2.2 work-hours to replace an MRS at $85 per work- hour plus parts cost of $81,216, for a total estimated cost of $81,403 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 We have determined that 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 a regulatory distinction is required, 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. 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-26-02, Amendment 39-10943 (63 FR 69177, December 16, 1998), and adding the following new AD: 2015-20-12 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation; Sikorsky Aircraft; Croman Corporation; Carson Helicopters, Inc.; Glacier Helicopters, Inc.; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and Siller Helicopters: Amendment 39- 18291; Docket No. FAA-2008-0442; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-24- AD. [[Page 63424]] (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model S-61A, D, E, L, N, NM (serial number (S/N) 61454), R, V, CH-3C, CH-3E, HH-3C, HH-3E, SH-3A, and SH-3H helicopters with main rotor shaft (MRS), part number S6135-20640- 001, S6135-20640-002, or S6137-23040-001, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as MRS structural failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 98-26-02, Amendment 39-10943 (63 FR 69177, December 16, 1998). (d) Effective Date This AD becomes effective November 24, 2015. (e) 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. (f) Required Actions (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS): (i) Create a component history card or equivalent record for each MRS. (ii) If there is no record of the hours TIS on an individual MRS, substitute the helicopter's hours TIS or the helicopter's transmission hours TIS if both the shaft and transmission were installed new at the same time. (iii) If the record of external lift cycles (lift cycles) on an individual MRS is incomplete, add the known number of lift cycles to a number calculated by multiplying the number of hours TIS of the individual MRS by the average lift cycles calculated according to the instructions in Section I of Appendix 1 of this AD or by a factor of 13.6, whichever is higher. An external lift cycle is defined as a flight cycle in which an external load is picked up, the helicopter is repositioned (through flight or hover), and the helicopter hovers and releases the load and departs or lands and departs. (iv) At the end of each day's operations, record the number of lift cycles performed and the hours TIS. (2) Within 250 hours TIS, determine whether the MRS is a repetitive external lift (REL) or Non-REL MRS. (i) Calculate the first moving average of lift cycles by following the instructions in Section I of Appendix 1 of this AD. (A) If the calculation results in 6 or more lift cycles per hour TIS, the MRS is an REL-MRS. (B) If the calculation results in less than 6 lift cycles per hour TIS, the MRS is a Non-REL MRS. (ii) If the MRS is a Non-REL MRS based on the calculation performed in accordance with paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD, thereafter at intervals of 50 hour TIS, recalculate the average lift cycles per hour TIS by following the instructions in Section II of Appendix 1 of this AD. (iii) Once an MRS is determined to be an REL MRS, you no longer need to perform the 250-hour TIS moving average calculation, but you must continue to count and record the lift cycles and number of hours TIS. (iv) If an MRS is determined to be an REL MRS, it remains an REL MRS for the rest of its service life and is subject to the retirement times for an REL MRS. (3) Within 1,100 hours TIS: (i) Conduct a Non-Destructive Inspection for a crack on each MRS. If there is a crack in an MRS, before further flight, replace it with an airworthy MRS. (ii) If an MRS is determined to be an REL MRS, identify it as an REL MRS by etching ``REL'' on the outside diameter of the MRS near the part S/N by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C., of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 61B35-69, dated April 19, 2004. (4) Replace each MRS with an airworthy MRS on or before reaching the revised retirement life as follows: (i) For an REL MRS that is not modified by following Sikorsky Customer Service Notice (CSN) No. 6135-10, dated March 18, 1987, and Sikorsky Service Bulletin (SB) No. 61B35-53, dated December 2, 1981 (unmodified REL MRS), the retirement life is 30,000 lift cycles or 1,500 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. (ii) For an REL MRS that is modified by following Sikorsky CSN No. 6135-10, dated March 18, 1987, and Sikorsky SB No. 61B35-53 dated December 2, 1981; or Sikorsky CSN No. 6135-10A and Sikorsky SB No. 61B35-53A, both Revision A, and both dated April 19, 2004 (modified REL MRS), the retirement life is 30,000 lift cycles or 5,000 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. (iii) For a Non-REL MRS, the retirement life is 13,000 hours TIS. (5) Establish or revise the retirement lives of the MRS as indicated in paragraphs (f)(4)(i) through (f)(4)(iii) of this AD by recording the new or revised retirement life on the MRS component history card or equivalent record. (6) Within 50 hours TIS, remove from service any MRS with oversized (0.8860'' or greater diameter) dowel pin bores. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Tracy Murphy, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7172; 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. (h) Additional Information Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation All Operators Letter CCS-61-AOL- 04-0005, dated May 18, 2004; Sikorsky Customer Service Notice (CSN) No. 6135-10, dated March 18, 1987; Sikorsky CSN No. 6135-10A, Revision A, dated April 19, 2004; Sikorsky Service Bulletin (SB) No. 61B35-53, dated December 2, 1981; and Sikorsky SB No. 61B35-53A, Revision A, dated April 19, 2004, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For more information about these documents, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut, telephone (203) 383-4866, email [email protected], or at http://www.sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main Rotor Gearbox. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 61B35-69, dated April 19, 2004. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Sikorsky service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut, telephone (203) 383-4866, email [email protected], or at http://www.sikorsky.com. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N- 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Appendix 1 to AD 2015-20-12 Section I: The First Moving Average of External Lift Cycles (Lift Cycles) per Hour Time-in-Service (TIS) The first moving average calculation is performed on the main rotor shaft (MRS) assembly when the external lift component history card record reflects that the MRS assembly has reached its first 250 hours TIS. To perform the calculation, divide the total number of lift cycles performed during the first 250 hours TIS by 250. The result will be the first moving average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS. [[Page 63425]] Section II: Subsequent Moving Average of Lift Cycles per Hour TIS Subsequent moving average calculations are performed on the MRS assembly at intervals of 50 hour TIS after the first moving average calculation. Subtract the total number of lift cycles performed during the first 50-hour TIS interval used in the previous moving average calculation from the total number of lift cycles performed on the MRS assembly during the previous 300 hours TIS. Divide this result by 250. The result will be the next or subsequent moving average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS. Section III: Sample Calculation for Subsequent 50 Hour TIS Intervals Assume the total number of lift cycles for the first 50 hour TIS interval used in the previous moving average calculation = 450 lift cycles and the total number of lift cycles for the previous 300 hours TIS = 2700 lift cycles. The subsequent moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS = (2700 - 450) divided by 250 = 9 lift cycles per hour TIS. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 4, 2015. Lance T. Gant, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015-25976 Filed 10-19-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![63422 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 202 / Tuesday, October 20, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
directly to the ACO, send it to ATTN: Issued in Renton, Washington, on October sikorsky.com, or at http://
Program Manager, Continuing Operational 6, 2015. www.sikorsky.com. You may view this
Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Jeffrey E. Duven, referenced service information at the
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. Aircraft Certification Service. 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321,
Before using any approved AMOC, notify [FR Doc. 2015–26218 Filed 10–19–15; 8:45 am] Fort Worth, TX 76177.
your appropriate principal inspector, or BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of Examining the AD Docket
the local flight standards district office/ You may examine the AD docket on
certificate holding district office. The AMOC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the Internet at http://
approval letter must specifically reference www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
this AD. Federal Aviation Administration FAA–2008–0442; or in person at the
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any Docket Management Facility between 9
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective 14 CFR Part 39 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
actions from a manufacturer, the action must Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0442; Directorate
be accomplished using a method approved docket contains this AD, any
Identifier 2007–SW–24–AD; Amendment 39–
by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE–170, 18291; AD 2015–20–12] incorporated-by-reference information,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation the economic evaluation, any comments
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design RIN 2120–AA64
received, and other information. The
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by address for the Docket Office (phone:
the DAO, the approval must include the Airworthiness Directives; Various
Sikorsky-Manufactured Transport and 800–647–5527) is Document
DAO-authorized signature.
Restricted Category Helicopters Management Facility, U.S. Department
(k) Related Information of Transportation, Docket Operations,
AGENCY: Federal Aviation M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
Administration (FAA), DOT. Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Airworthiness Directive CF–2014–31R2, ACTION: Final rule. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
dated November 14, 2014, for related FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUMMARY: We are superseding Tracy Murphy, Aviation Safety
information. This MCAI may be found in the
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98–26–02 Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification
AD docket on the Internet at http://
for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2015–1985–0003.
(Sikorsky) Model S–61A, D, E, L, N, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park,
(2) Service information identified in this
NM, R, and V helicopters. AD 98–26–02 Burlington, Massachusetts 01803;
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
required determining whether the main telephone (781) 238–7172; email
available at the addresses specified in rotor shaft (MRS) was used in repetitive tracy.murphy@faa.gov.
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD. external lift (REL) operations,
performing a nondestructive inspection SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference (NDI) for cracks, replacing any Discussion
(1) The Director of the Federal Register unairworthy MRS, and establishing
On April 10, 2008, we issued a notice
approved the incorporation by reference retirement lives for each REL MRS. This
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (73 FR
(IBR) of the service information listed in this new AD retains some of the
21556, April 22, 2008) proposing to
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR requirements of AD 98–26–02 but
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD
part 51. determines a new retirement life for
for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model
(2) You must use this service information each MRS, expands the applicability to
S–61A, D, E, L, N, NM, R, and V;
as applicable to do the actions required by include additional helicopters, and
Croman Corporation Model SH–3H;
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. requires removing from service any
Carson Helicopters, Inc., Model S–61L;
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8–24–84, MRS with oversized dowel pin bores.
Glacier Helicopters, Inc., Model CH–3E;
Revision D, dated April 10, 2014. This AD was prompted by the
(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8–24–89, Robinson Air Crane, Inc., Model CH–3E,
manufacturer’s reevaluation of the
Revision C, dated November 4, 2014. CH–3C, HH–3C and HH–3E; and Siller
retirement life for the MRS based on
(3) For service information identified in Helicopters Model CH–3E and SH–3A
torque, ground-air-ground (GAG) cycle,
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series helicopters. The NPRM proposed
and fatigue testing. We are issuing this
Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, superseding AD 98–26–02 (63 FR 69177,
AD to prevent MRS structural failure,
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; December 16, 1998), which required
loss of power to the main rotor, and
telephone 416–375–4000; fax 416–375–4539; determining whether the MRS was used
subsequent loss of control of the
email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; in REL operations, performing an NDI
helicopter.
Internet http://www.bombardier.com. for cracks, replacing any unairworthy
(4) You may view this service information DATES: This AD is effective November MRS, and establishing retirement lives
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 24, 2015. for each REL MRS. The NPRM proposed
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For The Director of the Federal Register to retain some of the requirements of AD
information on the availability of this approved the incorporation by reference 98–26–02 but also proposed a new
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. of a certain publication listed in this AD retirement life determination for each
(5) You may view this service information as of November 24, 2015. MRS, removing from service any MRS
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
that is incorporated by reference at the ADDRESSES: For service information with oversized dowel pin bores, and
National Archives and Records identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky expanding the applicability to include
Administration (NARA). For information on Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, certain restricted category models. The
the availability of this material at NARA, call Commercial Technical Support, NPRM was prompted by the
202–741–6030, or go to: http:// mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, manufacturer’s reevaluation of the
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Stratford, Connecticut, telephone (203) retirement life for the MRS based on
locations.html. 383–4866, email tsslibrary@ torque, GAG cycle, and fatigue testing.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 202 / Tuesday, October 20, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 63423
Those proposals were intended to assigns new REL and Non-REL MRS air commerce by prescribing regulations
prevent MRS structural failure, loss of retirement lives, and provides a method for practices, methods, and procedures
power to the main rotor, and subsequent for marking the REL MRS. This service the Administrator finds necessary for
loss of control of the helicopter. information is reasonably available safety in air commerce. This regulation
On April 16, 2013, we issued a because the interested parties have is within the scope of that authority
supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) (78 FR access to it through their normal course because it addresses an unsafe condition
24363, April 25, 2013) that proposed to of business or by the means identified that is likely to exist or develop on
revise the NPRM based on comments in the ADDRESSES section of this AD. products identified in this rulemaking
received on the NPRM and a action.
Other Related Service Information
reevaluation of the relevant data. The
SNPRM proposed retaining the Sikorsky issued Customer Service Regulatory Findings
proposals in the NPRM but extending Notice (CSN) No. 6135–10, dated March We have determined that this AD will
the hours TIS required for identifying 18, 1987, and Service Bulletin (SB) No. not have federalism implications under
the MRS as an REL MRS to coincide 61B35–53, dated December 2, 1981, Executive Order 13132. This AD will
with the NDI to prevent repeated both revised with Revision A on April not have a substantial direct effect on
disassembly of the shaft. The SNPRM 19, 2004, for Model S–61L, N, and NM the States, on the relationship between
also proposed to extend the time (serial number (S/N) 61454), and R the national government and the States,
required to replace the MRS and revise series transport category helicopters; or on the distribution of power and
calculations for establishing the and S–61A, D, E, and V series restricted responsibilities among the various
retirement life. category helicopters. CSN 6135–10A levels of government.
On September 19, 2014, we issued a specifies replacing the planetary
For the reasons discussed above, I
second SNPRM (79 FR 60789, October assembly and MRS assembly attaching
certify that this AD:
8, 2014). In addition to retaining hardware with high strength hardware.
previously-proposed requirements, the CSN 6135–10A also specifies reworking (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
second SNPRM revised the Cost of the dowel retainer to increase hole action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
Compliance section to reflect an chamfer and related countersink (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
increased cost for parts to replace an diameters. SB 61B35–53A specifies DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
MRS and clarified some of the wording replacing the existing planetary (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
for complying with the AD. matching plates with new steel (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
Since the SNPRM (79 FR 60789, matching plates during overhaul at the in Alaska to the extent that a regulatory
October 8, 2014) was issued, the FAA operator’s discretion. distinction is required, and
Southwest Regional Office has Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation also (4) Will not have a significant
relocated. We have revised the physical issued an All Operators Letter CCS–61– economic impact, positive or negative,
address to reflect the new address. AOL–04–0005, dated May 18, 2004, on a substantial number of small entities
which contains an example and under the criteria of the Regulatory
Comments additional information about tracking Flexibility Act.
We gave the public the opportunity to cycles and the moving average
participate in developing this AD, but procedure. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
we did not receive any comments on the
second SNPRM (79 FR 60789, October Costs of Compliance Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
8, 2014). We estimate that this AD affects 60 safety, Incorporation by reference,
helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate Safety.
FAA’s Determination that operators may incur the following Adoption of the Amendment
We have reviewed the relevant costs in order to comply with this AD.
information and determined that an It will take about 2.2 work-hours to NDI Accordingly, under the authority
unsafe condition exists and is likely to an REL MRS at $85 per work-hour plus delegated to me by the Administrator,
exist or develop on other helicopters of a $50 consumable cost, for a total the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
these same type designs and that air estimated cost of $237 per helicopter follows:
safety and the public interest require and $14,220 for the U.S. fleet. It will
adopting the AD requirements as PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
take about 2.2 work-hours to replace an
proposed except for a minor change. DIRECTIVES
MRS at $85 per work-hour plus parts
Sikorsky Aircraft was inadvertently cost of $81,216, for a total estimated cost
omitted as one of the current type ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
of $81,403 per helicopter.
certificate holders of some of the continues to read as follows:
applicable model helicopters; we are Authority for This Rulemaking Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
correcting that error in this AD. This Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue § 39.13 [Amended]
change is consistent with the intent of
the proposals in the SNPRM (79 FR rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
60789, October 8, 2014) and will not Section 106, describes the authority of removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
increase the economic burden on any the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, 98–26–02, Amendment 39–10943 (63
operator nor increase the scope of the Aviation Programs, describes in more FR 69177, December 16, 1998), and
AD. detail the scope of the Agency’s adding the following new AD:
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authority.
Related Service Information Under 1 We are issuing this rulemaking under 2015–20–12 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation;
CFR Part 51 Sikorsky Aircraft; Croman Corporation;
the authority described in Subtitle VII, Carson Helicopters, Inc.; Glacier
Sikorsky issued Alert Service Bulletin Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, Helicopters, Inc.; Robinson Air Crane,
No. 61B35–69, dated April 19, 2004, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Inc.; and Siller Helicopters: Amendment
which provides procedures for section, Congress charges the FAA with 39–18291; Docket No. FAA–2008–0442;
determining REL and Non-REL status, promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–24–AD.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 202 / Tuesday, October 20, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 63425
Section II: Subsequent Moving Average of Points, and subsequent amendments can Order 7400.9Z, dated August 6, 2015,
Lift Cycles per Hour TIS be viewed on line at http:// and effective September 15, 2015, which
Subsequent moving average calculations www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications. is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
are performed on the MRS assembly at For further information, you can contact part 71.1. The Class E airspace
intervals of 50 hour TIS after the first moving the Airspace Policy and ATC designations listed in this document
average calculation. Subtract the total Regulations Group, Federal Aviation will be published subsequently in the
number of lift cycles performed during the Administration, 800 Independence Order.
first 50-hour TIS interval used in the
previous moving average calculation from the
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 29591;
Availability and Summary of
total number of lift cycles performed on the telephone: 202–267–8783. The order is
Documents for Incorporation by
MRS assembly during the previous 300 hours also available for inspection at the
Reference
TIS. Divide this result by 250. The result will National Archives and Records
be the next or subsequent moving average Administration (NARA). For This document amends FAA Order
calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS. information on the availability of this 7400.9Z, Airspace Designations and
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015,
Section III: Sample Calculation for
Subsequent 50 Hour TIS Intervals or go to http://www.archives.gov/ and effective September 15, 2015. FAA
federal_register/code_of_federal- Order 7400.9Z is publicly available as
Assume the total number of lift cycles for listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
the first 50 hour TIS interval used in the regulations/ibr_locations.html.
previous moving average calculation = 450 FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace document. FAA Order 7400.9Z lists
lift cycles and the total number of lift cycles Designations and Reporting Points is Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
for the previous 300 hours TIS = 2700 lift published yearly and effective on air traffic service routes, and reporting
cycles. The subsequent moving average of lift September 15. points.
cycles per hour TIS = (2700 ¥ 450) divided FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
by 250 = 9 lift cycles per hour TIS.
The Rule
Rebecca Shelby, Central Service Center, This action amends Title 14, Code of
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 4, Operations Support Group, Federal
2015. Federal Regulations (14 CFR), Part 71 by
Aviation Administration, Southwest establishing Class E airspace extending
Lance T. Gant, Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort upward from 700 feet above the surface
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Worth, TX 76177; telephone: 817–222–
Certification Service.
within a 6.0-mile radius of Trego
5857. Wakeeney Airport, Wakeeney, KS, to
[FR Doc. 2015–25976 Filed 10–19–15; 8:45 am] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: accommodate new Standard Instrument
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Authority for This Rulemaking Approach Procedures for IFR operations
at the airport. The correct airport name
The FAA’s authority to issue rules is noted in the airspace description,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION regarding aviation safety is found in changing it from Sheridan Municipal
Title 49 of the United States Code. Airport.
Federal Aviation Administration
Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Regulatory Notices and Analyses
14 CFR Part 71
Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, The FAA has determined that this
[Docket No. FAA–2015–1832; Airspace describes in more detail the scope of the regulation only involves an established
Docket No. 14–ACE–10] agency’s authority. This rulemaking is body of technical regulations for which
promulgated under the authority frequent and routine amendments are
Establishment of Class E Airspace; described in Subtitle VII, Part A, necessary to keep them operationally
Wakeeney, KS Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that current, is non-controversial and
AGENCY: Federal Aviation section, the FAA is charged with unlikely to result in adverse or negative
Administration (FAA), DOT. prescribing regulations to assign the use comments. It, therefore: (1) Is not a
of airspace necessary to ensure the ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under
ACTION: Final rule.
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a
SUMMARY: This action establishes Class airspace. This regulation is within the ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT
E airspace at Wakeeney, KS. Controlled scope of that authority as it establishes Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
airspace is necessary to accommodate Class E airspace at Trego Wakeeney FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3)
new Standard Instrument Approach Airport, Wakeeney, KS. does not warrant preparation of a
Procedures (SIAPs) at Trego Wakeeney History regulatory evaluation as the anticipated
Airport. The FAA is taking this action impact is so minimal. Since this is a
to enhance the safety and management On June 25, 2015, the FAA published routine matter that only affect air traffic
of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in the Federal Register a notice of procedures and air navigation, it is
operations at the airport. The airport proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to certified that this rule, when
name also is correctly noted in the propose Class E airspace extending promulgated, will not have a significant
airspace description. upward from 700 feet above the surface economic impact on a substantial
at Trego Wakeeney Airport, Wakeeney, number of small entities under the
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, December
KS, (80 FR 36495). The airport name is criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
10, 2015. The Director of the Federal corrected in the airspace description
Register approves this incorporation by from Sheridan Municipal Airport to Environmental Review
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reference action under title 1, Code of Trego Wakeeney Airport. Interested The FAA has determined that this
Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to parties were invited to participate in action qualifies for categorical exclusion
the annual revision of FAA Order this rulemaking effort by submitting under the National Environmental
7400.9 and publication of conforming written comments on the proposal to the Policy Act in accordance with FAA
amendments. FAA. No comments were received. Order 1050.1F, ‘‘Environmental
ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.9Z, Class E airspace designations are Impacts: Policies and Procedures’’
Airspace Designations and Reporting published in paragraph 6005 of FAA paragraph 311a. This airspace action is
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Document Created: 2015-12-14 15:25:50
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 15:25:50
| 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 November 24, 2015. | |
| Contact | Tracy Murphy, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7172; email [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 63422 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |
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