80 FR 65128 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 206 (October 26, 2015)

We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and S-76D helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main rotor (M/R) and tail rotor (T/R) pushrod assemblies and the jamnuts, and applying slippage marks across the pushrod tubes and jamnuts. This AD is prompted by an accident of a Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopter. During preliminary investigation, a failed pushrod assembly was identified. These actions are intended to prevent loss of M/R or T/R flight control and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 206 (Monday, October 26, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65128-65130]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26949]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3940; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-065-AD; 
Amendment 39-18300; AD 2015-19-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and S-76D 
helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and 
operators of these helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main 
rotor (M/R) and tail rotor (T/R) pushrod assemblies and the jamnuts, 
and applying slippage marks across the pushrod tubes and jamnuts. This 
AD is prompted by an accident of a Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model 
S-76C helicopter. During preliminary investigation, a failed pushrod 
assembly was identified. These actions are intended to prevent loss of 
M/R or T/R flight control and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 10, 2015 to all persons 
except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by 
Emergency AD 2015-19-51, issued on September 14, 2015, which contains 
the requirements of this AD.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 28, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3940; 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.
    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 the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; 
telephone (781) 238-7161; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we 
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written 
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the 
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written 
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should

[[Page 65129]]

submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that 
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public 
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the 
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may 
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

    On September 14, 2015, we issued Emergency AD 2015-19-51 for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and S-76D 
helicopters with M/R servo input control pushrod (pushrod) assembly 
part number (P/N) 76400-00034-059 or T/R pushrod assembly P/N 76400-
00014-071 installed. Emergency AD 2015-19-51 requires inspecting the M/
R forward, aft, and lateral pushrod assemblies, the T/R pushrod 
assembly, and the jamnuts, and applying slippage marks across the 
pushrod tubes and jamnuts. Emergency AD 2015-19-51 was sent previously 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters and was 
prompted by an accident of a Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C 
helicopter in which a failed pushrod assembly was identified during 
preliminary investigation. Separation of the pushrod tube and the 
control rod end with bearing was found.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    Sikorsky issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-67-57, Basic Issue, 
dated September 10, 2015 (ASB), which specifies a one-time inspection 
of the M/R forward, aft, and lateral pushrod assemblies, the T/R 
pushrod assembly, and the jamnuts for proper installation, condition, 
and security. If a pushrod or jamnut does not meet criteria specified 
in the inspection, the ASB specifies replacing the assembly. The ASB 
also specifies applying two slippage marks across each M/R and T/R 
pushrod tube and jamnut. Further, the ASB references the applicable 
maintenance manual for a new recurring inspection of the slippage 
marks.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within five hours time-in-service (TIS), 
inspecting each M/R and T/R pushrod assembly by inspecting the position 
of the control rod end in the pushrod tube. If the lockwire passes 
through the inspection hole, this AD requires replacing the pushrod 
assembly. If the lockwire does not pass through the inspection hole, 
this AD requires inspecting the jamnut to determine seating position 
against the pushrod and whether the jamnut can be turned with finger 
pressure. If the jamnut is not seated against the pushrod or is loose, 
this AD requires replacing the pushrod assembly. This AD also requires, 
both for those pushrod assemblies that are replaced and for those that 
pass the inspections, applying two slippage marks across each M/R and 
T/R pushrod tube and jamnut.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action as the accident 
investigation is ongoing. If additional action is later identified, we 
might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 198 helicopters of U.S. Registry. 
We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this AD at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. It 
takes about 1 work-hour to inspect the pushrod assemblies and jamnut 
for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $16,830 for the U.S. fleet. It 
takes a minimal amount of time to apply the slippage marks for a 
negligible cost. Replacing a pushrod assembly takes about 1.5 work-
hours for a labor cost of $128. Parts for an M/R pushrod assembly cost 
$2,411 for a total replacement cost of $2,539. Parts for a T/R pushrod 
assembly cost $1,905 for a total replacement cost of $2,033.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting 
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions 
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we found and 
continue to find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving 
notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the 
previously described unsafe condition can adversely affect the 
controllability of the helicopter and the initial required action must 
be accomplished within five hours TIS.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment before issuing this AD 
were impracticable and contrary to public interest and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by Emergency AD 2015-19-
51, issued on September 14, 2015, to all known U.S. owners and 
operators of these helicopters. These conditions still exist and the AD 
is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 
39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it 
effective to all persons.

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 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, 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,

[[Page 65130]]

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):

    2015-19-51 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-18300; 
Docket No. FAA-2015-3940; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-065-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and S-76D 
helicopters with main rotor (M/R) servo input control pushrod 
(pushrod) assembly part number (P/N) 76400-00034-059 or tail rotor 
(T/R) pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00014-071 installed, certificated 
in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a loose jamnut. This 
condition could result in failure of a pushrod assembly, loss of M/R 
or T/R flight control, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective November 10, 2015 to all persons 
except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by 
Emergency AD 2015-19-51, issued on September 14, 2015, which 
contains the requirements of this AD.

(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

    Within five hours time-in-service:
    (1) Inspect each pushrod end to determine whether a 0.020 inch 
diameter lockwire can pass through the inspection hole.
    (i) If the lockwire passes through the inspection hole, replace 
the pushrod assembly.
    (ii) If the lockwire does not pass through the inspection hole, 
inspect the jamnut to determine whether it is seated against the 
pushrod and whether it can be turned with finger pressure. If the 
jamnut is not seated against the pushrod or can be turned with 
finger pressure, replace the pushrod assembly.
    (2) Apply two slippage marks across each pushrod tube and jamnut 
as follows:
    (i) Clean the area where a slippage mark is to be applied.
    (ii) Apply two slippage marks across the pushrod tube and 
jamnut, parallel and on opposite sides of each other. Each slippage 
mark must extend at least 0.5 inch onto the pushrod tube and must 
not cover the inspection hole. Figures 2 and 4 of Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin No. 76-67-57, Basic Issue, dated September 10, 
2015, illustrate slippage marks across a pushrod tube and jamnut.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Blaine Williams, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7161; 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 Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-67-57, Basic Issue, dated 
September 10, 2015, 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 the service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2700, Flight 
Control System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 9, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-26949 Filed 10-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P