80_FR_69788 80 FR 69571 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation)

80 FR 69571 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 217 (November 10, 2015)

Page Range69571-69573
FR Document2015-28313

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A helicopters. This AD requires repetitively inspecting and lubricating the tail rotor (T/R) driveshaft splined fittings. This AD was prompted by a report that the T/R driveshaft can disconnect due to deterioration of the splined coupling. The actions are intended to detect and prevent excessive wear of the splined coupling, which could lead to failure of the T/R driveshaft and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 217 (Tuesday, November 10, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 217 (Tuesday, November 10, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69571-69573]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28313]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1008; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-064-AD; 
Amendment 39-18317; AD 2015-23-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 
269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A helicopters. This AD requires 
repetitively inspecting and lubricating the tail rotor (T/R) driveshaft 
splined fittings. This AD was prompted by a report that the T/R 
driveshaft can disconnect due to deterioration of the splined coupling. 
The actions are intended to detect and prevent excessive wear of the 
splined coupling, which could lead to failure of the T/R driveshaft and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective December 15, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of December 15, 
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 sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1008; 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, any incorporated-by-reference service information, 
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: Stephen Kowalski, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone (516) 228-7327; email stephen.kowalski@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On April 22, 2015, at 80 FR 22436, 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 269A, 
269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A helicopters. The NPRM 
proposed to require, within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), a one-time 
inspection and lubrication of the T/R driveshaft splined fittings and 
replacing a splined fitting and the T/R driveshaft if the fitting has 
excessive wear. If the helicopter has a T/R driveshaft grease fitting 
installed, the NPRM also proposed to require inspecting each grease 
fitting for certain conditions and replacing the grease fitting if 
necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require, at intervals not 
exceeding 100 hours TIS, inspecting the T/R driveshaft for 
straightness, twists, and scratches; inspecting each forward and aft T/
R driveshaft splines for wear; and correcting the torque of each main 
transmission aft pinion nut. The proposed requirements were prompted

[[Page 69572]]

by a report of excessive spline wear on the forward and aft T/R 
driveshaft spined fittings. The proposed requirements were intended to 
prevent failure of the T/R driveshaft and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA Southwest Regional Office has 
relocated. We have revised the contact information throughout this 
Final Rule 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 NPRM (80 FR 22436, 
April 22, 2015).

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 Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Sikorsky 269 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) B-299.1 for 
Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH-55A helicopters; 269C-1 ASB C1B-
036.1 for Model 269C-1 helicopters; and 269D ASB DB-041.1 for Model 
269D helicopters, each Revision 1 and dated February 24, 2012. Each ASB 
describes procedures for cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the 
forward and aft T/R driveshaft splined fittings and returning to 
Sikorsky any parts that exceed wear limits. Each ASB also requires 
implementing a 100-hour TIS recurring inspection of the T/R driveshaft, 
coupling and internal stop, coupling drive splines, and the pinion nut 
by following the procedures in each model helicopter's Handbook of 
Maintenance Instructions. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The Sikorsky ASBs require returning any splined fittings that 
exceed wear limits to Sikorsky, while this AD requires replacing those 
fittings and the T/R driveshaft.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 1,085 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, inspecting and lubricating the T/R driveshaft splined fittings 
requires 1.8 hours, for a cost per helicopter of $153 and a total cost 
of $166,005 for the fleet. Inspecting the grease fittings requires 0.25 
hour, for a cost of $21 per helicopter and a total cost of $22,785 for 
the fleet. Inspecting the driveshaft, fittings, internal stops, and 
drive spines requires 1.8 hours, for a cost per helicopter of $153 and 
a total cost of $166,005 for the fleet, per inspection cycle.
    If required, replacing the T/R driving spline and driveshaft 
requires 1.6 work-hours, and required parts will cost about $14,853, 
for a cost per helicopter of $14,989.
    If required, replacing a T/R driven spline and driveshaft requires 
1.5 work-hours, and required parts will cost about $14,836, for a cost 
per helicopter of $14,964.
    If required, replacing a grease fitting requires about 0.25 work-
hour, and required parts will cost about $5, for a cost per helicopter 
of $26.

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):

2015-23-01 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) Helicopters: 
Amendment 39-18317; Docket No. FAA-2015-1008; Directorate Identifier 
2013-SW-064-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) 
Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as insufficient lubrication 
of a tail rotor (T/R) driveshaft splined fitting. This condition 
could result in excessive wear of the T/R driveshaft splines, which 
could lead to failure of the T/R driveshaft and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 15, 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

    (1)Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Inspect each T/R driveshaft splined fitting for a crack, a 
break, excessive wear,

[[Page 69573]]

galling, spalling, chipping, corrosion, heat discoloration, and 
distortion by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 
3.B.(1) through 3.B.(2), of Sikorsky 269 Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) B-299.1 for Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH-55A 
helicopters; 269C-1 ASB C1B-036.1 for Model 269C-1 helicopters; or 
269D ASB DB-041.1 for Model 269D helicopters, each Revision 1 and 
dated February 24, 2012. If there is a crack, a break, excessive 
wear, galling, spalling, chipping, corrosion, heat discoloration, or 
distortion on any T/R driveshaft splined fitting, before further 
flight, replace the affected splined fitting and the T/R driveshaft.
    (ii) If installed, inspect each T/R driveshaft grease fitting 
for looseness, presence of a check ball inside each fitting, and for 
proper operation and seating of each check ball. If any grease 
fitting is loose, missing a check ball, fails to properly operate, 
or if a check ball fails to seat, before further flight, replace the 
grease fitting.
    (iii) Lubricate each driveshaft fitting by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(6), of Sikorsky 269 ASB 
B-299.1 for Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH-55A helicopters; 
269C-1 ASB C1B-036.1 for Model 269C-1 helicopters; or 269D ASB DB-
041.1 for Model 269D helicopters, each Revision 1 and dated February 
24, 2012.
    (2) Within 100 hours TIS after the inspections required by 
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not 
exceeding 100 hours TIS:
    (i) Remove the driveshaft from the gearbox and clean any grease 
from each end fitting.
    (ii) Inspect the driveshaft for straightness, a twist, and a 
scratch. If the driveshaft has any bends, twists, or scratches, 
before further flight, replace the driveshaft.
    (iii) Inspect the internal splines of each forward and aft 
fitting and each internal stop for wear. If there is any wear, 
before further flight, replace the fitting.
    (iv) Inspect the drive splines of each splined drive fitting for 
wear. If there is any wear, before further flight, replace the 
splined drive fitting.
    (v) Loosen the aft frame clamp and apply a torque of 750 to 
1,000 inch-pounds to each main transmission aft pinion nut.

(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: Stephen 
Kowalski, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7327; email 
stephen.kowalski@faa.gov.
    (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) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6500, Tail Rotor 
Drive.

(h) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 269 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) B-299.1, Revision 
1, dated February 24, 2012.
    (ii) Sikorsky 269C-1 ASB C1B-036.1, Revision 1, dated February 
24, 2012.
    (iii) Sikorsky 269D ASB DB-041.1, Revision 1, dated February 24, 
2012.
    (3) For Sikorsky 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 sikorskywcs@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.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 30, 2015.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Assistant Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28313 Filed 11-9-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 217 / Tuesday, November 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 69571 29, 2015. This replacement terminates the (4) You may view this service information Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, repetitive inspections required in paragraph at FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– (f)(2) of this AD. Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email (4) If no cracks are found during any information on the availability of this sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may inspection required in paragraph (f)(2) of this material at the FAA, call 816–329–4148. In AD, at or before reaching 6,000 hours TTIS addition, you can access this service review a copy of the referenced service or within the next 600 hours TIS after information on the Internet at http:// information at the FAA, Office of the December 15, 2015 (the effective date of this www.regulations.gov by searching for and Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, AD), whichever occurs later, replace the fin locating Docket No. FAA–2015–3620. 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, forward pickup plates, P/N 11–10281–1, with (5) You may view this service information Fort Worth, TX 76177. P/N 11–03375–1. Do the replacement that is incorporated by reference at the following the procedures in section 2.D. of National Archives and Records Examining the AD Docket the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS in Administration (NARA). For information on You may examine the AD docket on Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory Service the availability of this material at NARA, call the Internet at http:// Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, dated June 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- www.regulations.gov by searching for 29, 2015. This replacement terminates the locations.html. and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– repetitive inspections required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD . 1008; or in person at the Docket Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 2, 2015. Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 (g) Other FAA AD Provisions p.m., Monday through Friday, except Melvin Johnson, The following provisions also apply to this Federal holidays. The AD docket AD: Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, contains this AD, any incorporated-by- (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance Aircraft Certification Service. reference service information, the (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, [FR Doc. 2015–28338 Filed 11–9–15; 8:45 am] economic evaluation, any comments FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs BILLING CODE 4910–13–P received, and other information. The for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to street address for the Docket Operations ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Department of Transportation, Docket Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri Federal Aviation Administration Operations Office, M–30, West Building 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816) Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 329–4090; email: karl.schletzbaum@faa.gov. New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, Before using any approved AMOC on any 14 CFR Part 39 DC 20590. airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify [Docket No. FAA–2015–1008; Directorate FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in Identifier 2013–SW–064–AD; Amendment the FAA Flight Standards District Office 39–18317; AD 2015–23–01] Stephen Kowalski, Aviation Safety (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Engineer, New York Aircraft (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement RIN 2120–AA64 Certification Office, Engine & Propeller in this AD to obtain corrective actions from Directorate, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite a manufacturer or other source, use these Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate (516) 228–7327; email actions are considered FAA-approved if they Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft stephen.kowalski@faa.gov. are approved by the State of Design Authority Corporation) (or their delegated agent). You are required SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: to assure the product is airworthy before it AGENCY: Federal Aviation Discussion is returned to service. Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. On April 22, 2015, at 80 FR 22436, the (h) Related Information Federal Register published our notice of Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority SUMMARY: We are adopting a new proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which (CAA) AD DCA/750XL/18A, dated August 4, airworthiness directive (AD) for proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by 2015, for related information. You may Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) adding an AD that would apply to examine the MCAI on the Internet at Model 269A, 269A–1, 269B, 269C, http://www.regulations.gov/ Sikorsky Model 269A, 269A–1, 269B, 269C–1, 269D, and TH–55A helicopters. 269C, 269C–1, 269D, and TH–55A #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-3620-0002. This AD requires repetitively inspecting helicopters. The NPRM proposed to (i) Material Incorporated by Reference and lubricating the tail rotor (T/R) require, within 100 hours time-in- (1) The Director of the Federal Register driveshaft splined fittings. This AD was service (TIS), a one-time inspection and approved the incorporation by reference prompted by a report that the T/R lubrication of the T/R driveshaft splined (IBR) of the service information listed in this driveshaft can disconnect due to fittings and replacing a splined fitting paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR deterioration of the splined coupling. and the T/R driveshaft if the fitting has part 51. The actions are intended to detect and (2) You must use this service information excessive wear. If the helicopter has a T/ prevent excessive wear of the splined R driveshaft grease fitting installed, the as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. coupling, which could lead to failure of NPRM also proposed to require (i) Pacific Aerospace Limited Mandatory the T/R driveshaft and subsequent loss inspecting each grease fitting for certain Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/068, Issue 5, of control of the helicopter. conditions and replacing the grease dated June 29, 2015. DATES: This AD is effective December fitting if necessary. The NPRM also (ii) Reserved. 15, 2015. proposed to require, at intervals not (3) For Pacific Aerospace Limited service The Director of the Federal Register exceeding 100 hours TIS, inspecting the rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES information identified in this AD, contact approved the incorporation by reference T/R driveshaft for straightness, twists, Pacific Aerospace Limited, Airport Road, of certain documents listed in this AD Hamilton, Private Bag 3027, Hamilton 3240, and scratches; inspecting each forward New Zealand, phone: +64 7 843 6144; fax: as of December 15, 2015. and aft T/R driveshaft splines for wear; +64 7 843 6134; email: pacific@ ADDRESSES: For service information and correcting the torque of each main aerospace.co.nz; Internet: identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky transmission aft pinion nut. The www.aerospace.co.nz. Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service proposed requirements were prompted VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:26 Nov 09, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10NOR1.SGM 10NOR1

69572 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 217 / Tuesday, November 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations by a report of excessive spline wear on following costs in order to comply with (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the forward and aft T/R driveshaft this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures spined fittings. The proposed per work-hour, inspecting and (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); requirements were intended to prevent lubricating the T/R driveshaft splined (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation failure of the T/R driveshaft and fittings requires 1.8 hours, for a cost per in Alaska to the extent that it justifies subsequent loss of control of the helicopter of $153 and a total cost of making a regulatory distinction; and helicopter. $166,005 for the fleet. Inspecting the (4) Will not have a significant Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA grease fittings requires 0.25 hour, for a economic impact, positive or negative, Southwest Regional Office has cost of $21 per helicopter and a total on a substantial number of small entities relocated. We have revised the contact cost of $22,785 for the fleet. Inspecting under the criteria of the Regulatory information throughout this Final Rule the driveshaft, fittings, internal stops, Flexibility Act. to reflect the new address. and drive spines requires 1.8 hours, for We prepared an economic evaluation a cost per helicopter of $153 and a total of the estimated costs to comply with Comments this AD and placed it in the AD docket. cost of $166,005 for the fleet, per We gave the public the opportunity to inspection cycle. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 participate in developing this AD, but If required, replacing the T/R driving we did not receive any comments on the spline and driveshaft requires 1.6 work- Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation NPRM (80 FR 22436, April 22, 2015). hours, and required parts will cost about safety, Incorporation by reference, $14,853, for a cost per helicopter of Safety. FAA’s Determination $14,989. Adoption of the Amendment We have reviewed the relevant If required, replacing a T/R driven information and determined that an Accordingly, under the authority spline and driveshaft requires 1.5 work- unsafe condition exists and is likely to delegated to me by the Administrator, hours, and required parts will cost about exist or develop on other products of the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as $14,836, for a cost per helicopter of these same type designs and that air follows: $14,964. safety and the public interest require If required, replacing a grease fitting PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS adopting the AD requirements as requires about 0.25 work-hour, and DIRECTIVES proposed. required parts will cost about $5, for a Related Service Information Under 1 cost per helicopter of $26. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 CFR Part 51 Authority for This Rulemaking continues to read as follows: We reviewed Sikorsky 269 Alert Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Title 49 of the United States Code Service Bulletin (ASB) B–299.1 for specifies the FAA’s authority to issue § 39.13 [Amended] Model 269A, 269A–1, 269B, 269C, and rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, TH–55A helicopters; 269C–1 ASB C1B– section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 036.1 for Model 269C–1 helicopters; and the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness 269D ASB DB–041.1 for Model 269D Aviation Programs, describes in more directive (AD): helicopters, each Revision 1 and dated detail the scope of the Agency’s 2015–23–01 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation February 24, 2012. Each ASB describes authority. (Type Certificate Previously Held by procedures for cleaning, inspecting, and We are issuing this rulemaking under Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) lubricating the forward and aft T/R the authority described in Subtitle VII, Helicopters: Amendment 39–18317; Docket No. FAA–2015–1008; Directorate driveshaft splined fittings and returning Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Identifier 2013–SW–064–AD. to Sikorsky any parts that exceed wear ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that limits. Each ASB also requires section, Congress charges the FAA with (a) Applicability implementing a 100-hour TIS recurring promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft inspection of the T/R driveshaft, air commerce by prescribing regulations Corporation (Sikorsky) Model 269A, 269A–1, coupling and internal stop, coupling for practices, methods, and procedures 269B, 269C, 269C–1, 269D, and TH–55A drive splines, and the pinion nut by the Administrator finds necessary for helicopters, certificated in any category. following the procedures in each model safety in air commerce. This regulation (b) Unsafe Condition helicopter’s Handbook of Maintenance is within the scope of that authority This AD defines the unsafe condition as Instructions. This service information is because it addresses an unsafe condition insufficient lubrication of a tail rotor (T/R) reasonably available because the that is likely to exist or develop on driveshaft splined fitting. This condition interested parties have access to it products identified in this rulemaking could result in excessive wear of the T/R through their normal course of business action. driveshaft splines, which could lead to or by the means identified in the failure of the T/R driveshaft and subsequent Regulatory Findings loss of control of the helicopter. ADDRESSES section of this AD. This AD will not have federalism (c) Effective Date Differences Between This AD and the implications under Executive Order Service Information This AD becomes effective December 15, 13132. This AD will not have a 2015. The Sikorsky ASBs require returning substantial direct effect on the States, on any splined fittings that exceed wear the relationship between the national (d) Compliance limits to Sikorsky, while this AD government and the States, or on the You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES requires replacing those fittings and the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various specified compliance time unless it has T/R driveshaft. already been accomplished prior to that time. levels of government. Costs of Compliance For the reasons discussed above, I (e) Required Actions We estimate that this AD will affect certify that this AD: (1)Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS): 1,085 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (i) Inspect each T/R driveshaft splined estimate that operators may incur the action’’ under Executive Order 12866; fitting for a crack, a break, excessive wear, VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:26 Nov 09, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10NOR1.SGM 10NOR1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 217 / Tuesday, November 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 69573 galling, spalling, chipping, corrosion, heat (g) Subject on a composite side shell panel of a discoloration, and distortion by following the Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) rudder. This AD requires an inspection Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs Code: 6500, Tail Rotor Drive. to determine if any rudder composite 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(2), of Sikorsky 269 Alert side shell panel has been repaired, a Service Bulletin (ASB) B–299.1 for Model (h) Material Incorporated by Reference thermography inspection of each rudder 269A, 269A–1, 269B, 269C, and TH–55A (1) The Director of the Federal Register that has received this repair, and related helicopters; 269C–1 ASB C1B–036.1 for approved the incorporation by reference Model 269C–1 helicopters; or 269D ASB DB– (IBR) of the service information listed in this investigative and corrective actions if 041.1 for Model 269D helicopters, each paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR necessary. We are issuing this AD to Revision 1 and dated February 24, 2012. If part 51. detect and correct skin disbonding on there is a crack, a break, excessive wear, (2) You must use this service information the rudder, which could affect the galling, spalling, chipping, corrosion, heat as applicable to do the actions required by structural integrity of the rudder, discoloration, or distortion on any T/R this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. possibly resulting in reduced control of driveshaft splined fitting, before further (i) Sikorsky 269 Alert Service Bulletin the airplane. flight, replace the affected splined fitting and (ASB) B–299.1, Revision 1, dated February DATES: This AD becomes effective the T/R driveshaft. 24, 2012. (ii) Sikorsky 269C–1 ASB C1B–036.1, December 15, 2015. (ii) If installed, inspect each T/R driveshaft The Director of the Federal Register grease fitting for looseness, presence of a Revision 1, dated February 24, 2012. (iii) Sikorsky 269D ASB DB–041.1, approved the incorporation by reference check ball inside each fitting, and for proper Revision 1, dated February 24, 2012. of a certain publication listed in this AD operation and seating of each check ball. If (3) For Sikorsky service information as of December 15, 2015. any grease fitting is loose, missing a check identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD ball, fails to properly operate, or if a check Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service docket on the Internet at http:// ball fails to seat, before further flight, replace Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT www.regulations.gov/ the grease fitting. 06611; telephone 1–800–Winged–S or 203– (iii) Lubricate each driveshaft fitting by 416–4299; email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. #!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0574 or in following the Accomplishment Instructions, (4) You may view this service information person at the Docket Management paragraph 3.B.(6), of Sikorsky 269 ASB B– at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Facility, U.S. Department of 299.1 for Model 269A, 269A–1, 269B, 269C, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Transportation, Docket Operations, M– and TH–55A helicopters; 269C–1 ASB C1B– Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room 036.1 for Model 269C–1 helicopters; or 269D information on the availability of this W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., ASB DB–041.1 for Model 269D helicopters, material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. Washington, DC. each Revision 1 and dated February 24, 2012. (5) You may view this service information For service information identified in (2) Within 100 hours TIS after the that is incorporated by reference at the inspections required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness National Archives and Records Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice this AD, and thereafter at intervals not Administration (NARA). For information on exceeding 100 hours TIS: the availability of this material at NARA, call Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; (i) Remove the driveshaft from the gearbox (202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 and clean any grease from each end fitting. www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth- (ii) Inspect the driveshaft for straightness, locations.html. eas@airbus.com; Internet http:// a twist, and a scratch. If the driveshaft has Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 30, www.airbus.com. You may view this any bends, twists, or scratches, before further referenced service information at the 2015. flight, replace the driveshaft. FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, (iii) Inspect the internal splines of each James A. Grigg, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. forward and aft fitting and each internal stop Acting Assistant Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. For information on the availability of for wear. If there is any wear, before further this material at the FAA, call 425–227– flight, replace the fitting. [FR Doc. 2015–28313 Filed 11–9–15; 8:45 am] (iv) Inspect the drive splines of each 1221. It is also available on the Internet BILLING CODE 4910–13–P splined drive fitting for wear. If there is any at http://www.regulations.gov by wear, before further flight, replace the searching for and locating Docket No. splined drive fitting. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAA–2014–0574. (v) Loosen the aft frame clamp and apply FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: a torque of 750 to 1,000 inch-pounds to each Federal Aviation Administration Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, main transmission aft pinion nut. International Branch, ANM–116, (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance 14 CFR Part 39 Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, (AMOCs) 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA [Docket No. FAA–2014–0574; Directorate (1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Identifier 2013–NM–258–AD; Amendment 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405; Certification Office, FAA, may approve 39–18315; AD 2015–22–10] fax 425–227–1149. AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Stephen Kowalski, Aviation Safety Engineer, RIN 2120–AA64 New York Aircraft Certification Office, Discussion Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Airworthiness Directives; Airbus We issued a notice of proposed Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; Airplanes rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR telephone (516) 228–7327; email AGENCY: Federal Aviation part 39 by adding an AD that would stephen.kowalski@faa.gov. apply to all Airbus Model A318 series Administration (FAA), Department of (2) For operations conducted under a 14 airplanes, Model A319 series airplanes, CFR part 119 operating certificate or under Transportation (DOT). Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231, rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that ACTION: Final rule. you notify your principal inspector, or –232, and –233 airplanes, and Model lacking a principal inspector, the manager of SUMMARY: We are adopting a new A321 series airplanes. The NPRM the local flight standards district office or airworthiness directive (AD) for all published in the Federal Register on certificate holding district office before Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and August 22, 2014 (79 FR 49724). The operating any aircraft complying with this A321 series airplanes. This AD was NPRM was prompted by a report of skin AD through an AMOC. prompted by a report of skin disbonding disbonding on a composite side shell VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:26 Nov 09, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10NOR1.SGM 10NOR1


Document Created: 2018-03-01 11:25:27
Document Modified: 2018-03-01 11:25:27
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective December 15, 2015.
ContactStephen Kowalski, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7327; email [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 69571 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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