82 FR 33778 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 139 (July 21, 2017)

Page Range		33778-33780
FR Document		2017-15032

We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 93-17-13 for Schweizer Aircraft Corporation and Hughes Helicopters, Inc. (now Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation) (Sikorsky) Model TH55A, 269A, 269A-1, 269B, and 269C helicopters. AD 93-17-13 required installing tachometer markings and inspecting the lower coupling driveshaft (driveshaft). This new AD requires repetitive inspections of the driveshaft and expands the applicability to include Model 269C-1 helicopters. This AD is prompted by reports of accidents because of driveshaft failures. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 139 (Friday, July 21, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 139 (Friday, July 21, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33778-33780]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15032]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6968; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-020-AD; 
Amendment 39-18950; AD 2017-14-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 93-17-13 for 
Schweizer Aircraft Corporation and Hughes Helicopters, Inc. (now 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation) (Sikorsky) Model TH55A, 269A, 269A-1, 
269B, and 269C helicopters. AD 93-17-13 required installing tachometer 
markings and inspecting the lower coupling driveshaft (driveshaft). 
This new AD requires repetitive inspections of the driveshaft and 
expands the applicability to include Model 269C-1 helicopters. This AD 
is prompted by reports of accidents because of driveshaft failures. The 
actions of this AD are intended to prevent the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 25, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of August 25, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
October 20, 1993 (58 FR 51770, October 5, 1993).

ADDRESSES: For Schweizer or Sikorsky service information identified in 
this final rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer 
Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-
800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email [email protected]. You may review a copy of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is 
also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-6968.

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-2016-
6968; 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: Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 
238-7161; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to remove AD 93-17-13, Amendment 39-8684 (58 FR 51770, October 
5, 1993) and add a new AD. AD 93-17-13 applied to Schweizer Aircraft 
Corporation and Hughes Helicopters, Inc. (now Sikorsky) Model TH55A, 
269A, 269A-1, 269B, and 269C helicopters. AD 93-17-13 required within 
30 days or 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), whichever occurs first and 
thereafter every 300 hours TIS, visually inspecting for cracks, 
machining steps, manufacturing tool marks, surface defects, and lack of 
cleanup during the production grinding operation. AD 93-17-13 also 
required installing engine and rotor tachometer markings and replacing 
any unairworthy driveshaft before further flight.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 5, 2017 (82 
FR 1267) and was prompted by a safety analysis by Sikorsky that 
determined the initial and recurrent inspection intervals and 
inspection method required by AD 93-17-13 were not adequate to detect 
all corrosion, pits, nicks, scratches, dents, and cracks. Accidents due 
to driveshaft failures continued to occur after AD 93-17-13 was issued. 
Therefore, the NPRM proposed to require, within 25 hours TIS and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, visually 
inspecting the driveshaft. If there are no cracks, corrosion, or other 
damage, the NPRM proposed performing a magnetic particle inspection. If 
there is a crack or

[[Page 33779]]

other damage, the NPRM proposed to require replacing the driveshaft 
before further flight. The NPRM also proposed adding tachometer 
markings if not previously performed. Expanding the applicability to 
include Model 269C-1 helicopters was also proposed because these 
helicopters were not manufactured when AD 93-17-13 was issued but have 
the applicable driveshafts installed. Finally, the NPRM proposed to 
include specific part-numbered driveshafts to the applicability because 
Sikorsky is developing a new driveshaft that we do not expect to be 
subject to this AD.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM.

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.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval 
holder is developing a replacement driveshaft that will address the 
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once the replacement driveshaft 
is developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Sikorsky 269C Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin B-307, 
Basic Issue, dated December 18, 2014, and Sikorsky 269C-1 Helicopter 
Alert Service Bulletin C1B-043, Basic Issue, dated December 18, 2014 
(ASBs). The ASBs call for a one-time visual and magnetic particle 
inspection of the driveshaft and driveshaft assembly for damage. The 
ASBs advise that the driveshaft be sent to Sikorsky and replaced if 
damaged. The inspection is to be accomplished within 25 hours TIS or 
within 180 days from the ASBs' issue date, whichever comes first. 
Sikorsky has since revised its maintenance manual to incorporate these 
inspections every 150 hours TIS.
    We also reviewed Schweizer Aircraft Service Bulletin B-257.1, dated 
May 21, 1993 (ASB B-257.1). ASB B-257.1 calls for a one-time inspection 
to look for drive-shaft defects; installing declutched limit markings 
on the engine/rotor tachometer to reinforce operating limits; and 
prohibiting engine declutched operations above 1600 RPM.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The Sikorsky service information calls for the initial inspection 
to be completed within 180 days or 25 hours TIS. This AD requires that 
the initial inspection to be completed within 25 hours TIS only. The 
service information requires contacting Sikorsky if a certain part-
numbered driveshaft is installed, emailing information to Sikorsky, and 
returning damaged parts to Sikorsky; this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 619 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 per work hour. Based on these 
estimates, we expect the following costs:
     We estimate that the visual and magnetic particle 
inspections of the driveshaft requires 11 work hours for a cost of $935 
per helicopter and $578,765 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
     Replacing the driveshaft, if needed, costs about $4,574 
for parts. No additional labor costs are necessary.
     Installing engine and rotor tachometer markings requires 
0.5 work-hour for a labor cost of about $43. The cost of parts is 
minimal.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval 
holder is developing a replacement driveshaft that will address the 
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once the replacement driveshaft 
is developed, approved and available, we might consider additional 
rulemaking.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
93-17-13, Amendment 39-8684 (58 FR 51770, October 5, 1993) and adding 
the following new AD:

2017-14-06 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate 
Previously Held By Schweizer Aircraft Corporation): Amendment 39-
18950; Docket No. FAA-2016-6968; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-020-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model TH55A, 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C and 
269C-1 helicopters,

[[Page 33780]]

with a lower coupling driveshaft (driveshaft) part number (P/N) 269-
5412, 269A5504, 269A5504-003, 269A5504-005, 269A5559, or 269A5559-
003 installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a driveshaft. 
This condition could result in loss of power to the rotor system and 
subsequent loss of helicopter control.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 93-17-13, Amendment 39-8684 (58 FR 51770, 
October 5, 1993).

(d) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 25, 2017.

(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 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), install engine and 
rotor tachometer markings in accordance with Part II of Schweizer 
Aircraft Service Bulletin B-257.1, dated May 21, 1993.
    (2) Within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 150 hours TIS:
    (i) Visually inspect the driveshaft for corrosion, a pit, a 
nick, a scratch, a dent, and a crack in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(6) of 
Sikorsky 269C Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin B-307, Basic Issue, 
dated December 18, 2014 (269C ASB), or Sikorsky 269C-1 Helicopter 
Alert Service Bulletin C1B-043, Basic Issue, dated December 18, 2014 
(269C-1 ASB), whichever is applicable for your model helicopter, 
except we do not require that you use a Sikorsky recommended vendor 
list. If there is any corrosion, a pit, a nick, a scratch, a dent, 
or a crack, replace the driveshaft before further flight.
    (ii) If there is no corrosion and no pits, nicks, scratches, 
dents, and cracks, magnetic particle inspect the driveshaft for a 
crack in accordance with paragraph 3.C.(1) of the 269C ASB or 269C-1 
ASB, whichever is applicable for your model helicopter. This 
magnetic particle inspection must be performed by a Level II or 
higher technician with the National Aerospace Standard 410 or 
equivalent certification who has performed a magnetic particle 
inspection within the last 12 months. If there is a crack, replace 
the driveshaft before further flight.

(g) Credit for Actions Previously Completed

    Compliance with paragraph (a)(1) of AD 93-17-13, Amendment 39-
8684 (58 FR 51770, October 5, 1993) before the effective date of 
this AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the actions 
specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.

(h) 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.

(i) Additional Information

    For Schweizer or 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 [email protected]. You may review a copy of information at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(j) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6300, Main Rotor 
Drive System.

(k) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 25, 2017.
    (i) Sikorsky 269C Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin B-307, Basic 
Issue, dated December 18, 2014.
    (ii) Sikorsky 269C-1 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin C1B-043, 
Basic Issue, dated December 18, 2014.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 20, 1993 (58 FR 51770, October 5, 1993).
    (i) Schweizer Aircraft Corporation Service Bulletin B-257.1, 
dated May 21, 1993.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For Schweizer or 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 [email protected].
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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 July 3, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-15032 Filed 7-20-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

33778 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

at the previously mentioned address in DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION www.regulations.gov by searching for
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
section. Federal Aviation Administration 6968; or in person at the Docket
After consideration of all relevant Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5
14 CFR Part 39 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
material presented, including the
[Docket No. FAA–2016–6968; Directorate Federal holidays. The AD docket
Board’s recommendation, and other
Identifier 2015–SW–020–AD; Amendment contains this AD, any incorporated-by-
information, it is found that this rule, as
39–18950; AD 2017–14–06] reference service information, the
hereinafter set forth, will tend to economic evaluation, any comments
effectuate the declared policy of the Act. RIN 2120–AA64
received, and other information. The
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, it is also Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky street address for the Docket Operations
found and determined upon good cause Aircraft Corporation Helicopters (Type Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
that it is impracticable and contrary to Certificate Previously Held by Department of Transportation, Docket
the public interest to give preliminary Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) Operations Office, M–30, West Building
notice prior to putting this rule into Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
effect and that good cause exists for not AGENCY: Federal Aviation New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
postponing the effective date of this rule Administration (FAA), DOT. DC 20590.
until 30 days after publication in the ACTION: Final rule. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Federal Register because: (1) The action SUMMARY: We are superseding Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer,
decreases the assessment rate for airworthiness directive (AD) 93–17–13 Boston Aircraft Certification Office,
merchantable walnuts; (2) handlers are for Schweizer Aircraft Corporation and Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200
aware of this action, which was Hughes Helicopters, Inc. (now Sikorsky District Avenue, Burlington,
unanimously recommended by the Aircraft Corporation) (Sikorsky) Model Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781)
Board at a public meeting and is similar TH55A, 269A, 269A–1, 269B, and 269C 238–7161; email blaine.williams@
to other assessment rate actions issued helicopters. AD 93–17–13 required faa.gov.
in past years; and (3) this interim rule installing tachometer markings and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
provides a 60-day comment period, and inspecting the lower coupling driveshaft
Discussion
all comments timely received will be (driveshaft). This new AD requires
considered prior to finalization of this repetitive inspections of the driveshaft We issued a notice of proposed
rule. and expands the applicability to include rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
Model 269C–1 helicopters. This AD is part 39 to remove AD 93–17–13,
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 984 prompted by reports of accidents Amendment 39–8684 (58 FR 51770,
because of driveshaft failures. The October 5, 1993) and add a new AD. AD
Marketing agreements, Nuts, actions of this AD are intended to 93–17–13 applied to Schweizer Aircraft
Reporting and recordkeeping prevent the unsafe condition on these Corporation and Hughes Helicopters,
requirements, Walnuts. products. Inc. (now Sikorsky) Model TH55A,
For the reasons set forth in the DATES: This AD is effective August 25,
269A, 269A–1, 269B, and 269C
preamble, 7 CFR part 984 is amended as 2017. helicopters. AD 93–17–13 required
follows: The Director of the Federal Register within 30 days or 100 hours time-in-
approved the incorporation by reference service (TIS), whichever occurs first and
PART 984—WALNUTS GROWN IN of certain documents listed in this AD thereafter every 300 hours TIS, visually
CALIFORNIA as of August 25, 2017. inspecting for cracks, machining steps,
The Director of the Federal Register manufacturing tool marks, surface
■ 1. The authority citation for part 984 approved the incorporation by reference defects, and lack of cleanup during the
of a certain other publication listed in production grinding operation. AD 93–
continues to read as follows:
this AD as of October 20, 1993 (58 FR 17–13 also required installing engine
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. 51770, October 5, 1993). and rotor tachometer markings and
ADDRESSES: For Schweizer or Sikorsky replacing any unairworthy driveshaft
■ 2. Section 984.347 is revised to read before further flight.
as follows: service information identified in this
final rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft The NPRM published in the Federal
§ 984.347 Assessment rate. Corporation, Customer Service Register on January 5, 2017 (82 FR
Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, 1267) and was prompted by a safety
On and after September 1, 2017, an Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– analysis by Sikorsky that determined
assessment rate of $0.0400 per Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email wcs_ the initial and recurrent inspection
kernelweight pound is established for cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You intervals and inspection method
California merchantable walnuts. may review a copy of the referenced required by AD 93–17–13 were not
Dated: July 17, 2017. service information at the FAA, Office adequate to detect all corrosion, pits,
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest nicks, scratches, dents, and cracks.
Bruce Summers,
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room Accidents due to driveshaft failures
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing continued to occur after AD 93–17–13
6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
Service. was issued. Therefore, the NPRM
available on the Internet at http://
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES

[FR Doc. 2017–15304 Filed 7–20–17; 8:45 am] proposed to require, within 25 hours
www.regulations.gov by searching for
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– TIS and thereafter at intervals not to
6968. exceed 150 hours TIS, visually
inspecting the driveshaft. If there are no
Examining the AD Docket cracks, corrosion, or other damage, the
You may examine the AD docket on NPRM proposed performing a magnetic
the Internet at http:// particle inspection. If there is a crack or

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:05 Jul 20, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\21JYR1.SGM 21JYR1

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 33779

other damage, the NPRM proposed to operating limits; and prohibiting engine safety in air commerce. This regulation
require replacing the driveshaft before declutched operations above 1600 RPM. is within the scope of that authority
further flight. The NPRM also proposed This service information is reasonably because it addresses an unsafe condition
adding tachometer markings if not available because the interested parties that is likely to exist or develop on
previously performed. Expanding the have access to it through their normal products identified in this rulemaking
applicability to include Model 269C–1 course of business or by the means action.
helicopters was also proposed because identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Regulatory Findings
these helicopters were not
Differences Between This AD and the This AD will not have federalism
manufactured when AD 93–17–13 was
Service Information implications under Executive Order
issued but have the applicable
driveshafts installed. Finally, the NPRM The Sikorsky service information calls 13132. This AD will not have a
proposed to include specific part- for the initial inspection to be substantial direct effect on the States, on
numbered driveshafts to the completed within 180 days or 25 hours the relationship between the national
applicability because Sikorsky is TIS. This AD requires that the initial government and the States, or on the
developing a new driveshaft that we do inspection to be completed within 25 distribution of power and
not expect to be subject to this AD. hours TIS only. The service information responsibilities among the various
requires contacting Sikorsky if a certain levels of government.
Comments part-numbered driveshaft is installed, For the reasons discussed above, I
We gave the public the opportunity to emailing information to Sikorsky, and certify that this AD:
participate in developing this AD, but returning damaged parts to Sikorsky; (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
we received no comments on the NPRM. this AD does not. action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
FAA’s Determination Costs of Compliance DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
We have reviewed the relevant We estimate that this AD affects 619 (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
information and determined that an helicopters of U.S. Registry and that (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
unsafe condition exists and is likely to labor costs average $85 per work hour. in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
exist or develop on other products of Based on these estimates, we expect the making a regulatory distinction; and
these same type designs and that air following costs: (4) Will not have a significant
safety and the public interest require • We estimate that the visual and economic impact, positive or negative,
adopting the AD requirements as magnetic particle inspections of the on a substantial number of small entities
proposed. driveshaft requires 11 work hours for a under the criteria of the Regulatory
cost of $935 per helicopter and $578,765 Flexibility Act.
Interim Action We prepared an economic evaluation
for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
We consider this AD to be an interim • Replacing the driveshaft, if needed, of the estimated costs to comply with
action. The design approval holder is costs about $4,574 for parts. No this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
developing a replacement driveshaft additional labor costs are necessary. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
that will address the unsafe condition • Installing engine and rotor
identified in this AD. Once the tachometer markings requires 0.5 work- Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
replacement driveshaft is developed, hour for a labor cost of about $43. The safety, Incorporation by reference,
approved, and available, we might cost of parts is minimal. Safety.
consider additional rulemaking. Adoption of the Amendment
Interim Action
Related Service Information Under 1 We consider this AD to be an interim Accordingly, under the authority
CFR Part 51 action. The design approval holder is delegated to me by the Administrator,
We reviewed Sikorsky 269C developing a replacement driveshaft the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin B–307, that will address the unsafe condition follows:
Basic Issue, dated December 18, 2014, identified in this AD. Once the
and Sikorsky 269C–1 Helicopter Alert PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
replacement driveshaft is developed,
Service Bulletin C1B–043, Basic Issue, DIRECTIVES
approved and available, we might
dated December 18, 2014 (ASBs). The consider additional rulemaking. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
ASBs call for a one-time visual and continues to read as follows:
magnetic particle inspection of the Authority for This Rulemaking
driveshaft and driveshaft assembly for Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
damage. The ASBs advise that the specifies the FAA’s authority to issue § 39.13 [Amended]
driveshaft be sent to Sikorsky and rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
replaced if damaged. The inspection is section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
to be accomplished within 25 hours TIS the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
or within 180 days from the ASBs’ issue Aviation Programs, describes in more 93–17–13, Amendment 39–8684 (58 FR
date, whichever comes first. Sikorsky detail the scope of the Agency’s 51770, October 5, 1993) and adding the
has since revised its maintenance authority. following new AD:
manual to incorporate these inspections We are issuing this rulemaking under 2017–14–06 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
every 150 hours TIS. the authority described in Subtitle VII, (Type Certificate Previously Held By
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES

We also reviewed Schweizer Aircraft Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Schweizer Aircraft Corporation):
Service Bulletin B–257.1, dated May 21, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Amendment 39–18950; Docket No.
1993 (ASB B–257.1). ASB B–257.1 calls section, Congress charges the FAA with FAA–2016–6968; Directorate Identifier
2015–SW–020–AD.
for a one-time inspection to look for promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
drive-shaft defects; installing air commerce by prescribing regulations (a) Applicability
declutched limit markings on the for practices, methods, and procedures This AD applies to Model TH55A, 269A,
engine/rotor tachometer to reinforce the Administrator finds necessary for 269A–1, 269B, 269C and 269C–1 helicopters,

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33780 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 139 / Friday, July 21, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

with a lower coupling driveshaft (driveshaft) AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
part number (P/N) 269–5412, 269A5504, Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, Boston locations.html.
269A5504–003, 269A5504–005, 269A5559, Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 3,
or 269A5559–003 installed, certificated in Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 2017.
any category. Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts
01803; telephone (781) 238–7161; email Scott A. Horn,
(b) Unsafe Condition Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
blaine.williams@faa.gov.
This AD defines the unsafe condition as (2) For operations conducted under a 14 Aircraft Certification Service.
failure of a driveshaft. This condition could CFR part 119 operating certificate or under [FR Doc. 2017–15032 Filed 7–20–17; 8:45 am]
result in loss of power to the rotor system 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
and subsequent loss of helicopter control. you notify your principal inspector, or
(c) Affected ADs lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office or DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
This AD supersedes AD 93–17–13, certificate holding district office before
Amendment 39–8684 (58 FR 51770, October
operating any aircraft complying with this Federal Aviation Administration
5, 1993).
AD through an AMOC.
(d) Effective Date
(i) Additional Information 14 CFR Part 39
This AD becomes effective August 25,
For Schweizer or Sikorsky service [Docket No. FAA–2016–5443; Directorate
2017.
information identified in this AD, contact Identifier 2016–SW–021–AD; Amendment
(e) Compliance Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer 39–18884; AD 2017–10–10]
You are responsible for performing each Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road,
action required by this AD within the Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– RIN 2120–AA64
specified compliance time unless it has Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email wcs_cust_
already been accomplished prior to that time. service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You may Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky
review a copy of information at the FAA, Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
(f) Required Actions Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
(1) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N– AGENCY: Federal Aviation
install engine and rotor tachometer markings 321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. Administration (FAA), DOT.
in accordance with Part II of Schweizer (j) Subject ACTION: Final rule.
Aircraft Service Bulletin B–257.1, dated May
21, 1993. Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
(2) Within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at Code: 6300, Main Rotor Drive System. airworthiness directive (AD) for
intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS: (k) Material Incorporated by Reference Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky)
(i) Visually inspect the driveshaft for Model S–92A helicopters. This AD
corrosion, a pit, a nick, a scratch, a dent, and (1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of requires installing an engine flame
a crack in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph the service information listed in this detector bracket assembly and harness
3.B.(1) through 3.B.(6) of Sikorsky 269C paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR assembly. This AD was prompted by
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin B–307, part 51. reports of false fire warnings. The
Basic Issue, dated December 18, 2014 (269C (2) You must use this service information actions of this AD are intended to
ASB), or Sikorsky 269C–1 Helicopter Alert as applicable to do the actions required by prevent an unsafe condition on these
Service Bulletin C1B–043, Basic Issue, dated this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. products.
December 18, 2014 (269C–1 ASB), whichever (3) The following service information was
is applicable for your model helicopter, approved for IBR on August 25, 2017. DATES: This AD is effective August 25,
except we do not require that you use a (i) Sikorsky 269C Helicopter Alert Service 2017.
Sikorsky recommended vendor list. If there is Bulletin B–307, Basic Issue, dated December The Director of the Federal Register
any corrosion, a pit, a nick, a scratch, a dent, 18, 2014. approved the incorporation by reference
or a crack, replace the driveshaft before (ii) Sikorsky 269C–1 Helicopter Alert of certain documents listed in this AD
further flight. Service Bulletin C1B–043, Basic Issue, dated as of August 25, 2017.
(ii) If there is no corrosion and no pits, December 18, 2014.
(4) The following service information was ADDRESSES: For service information
nicks, scratches, dents, and cracks, magnetic
particle inspect the driveshaft for a crack in approved for IBR on October 20, 1993 (58 FR identified in this final rule, contact
accordance with paragraph 3.C.(1) of the 51770, October 5, 1993). Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer
269C ASB or 269C–1 ASB, whichever is (i) Schweizer Aircraft Corporation Service Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road,
applicable for your model helicopter. This Bulletin B–257.1, dated May 21, 1993. Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800–
magnetic particle inspection must be (ii) Reserved. Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email wcs_
performed by a Level II or higher technician (5) For Schweizer or Sikorsky service cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You
with the National Aerospace Standard 410 or information identified in this AD, contact
may review a copy of the referenced
equivalent certification who has performed a Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer
Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, service information at the FAA, Office
magnetic particle inspection within the last
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
12 months. If there is a crack, replace the
driveshaft before further flight. Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email wcs_cust_ Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also
(g) Credit for Actions Previously Completed (6) You may view this service information available on the Internet at http://
Compliance with paragraph (a)(1) of AD at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, www.regulations.gov by searching for
93–17–13, Amendment 39–8684 (58 FR Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
51770, October 5, 1993) before the effective Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For 5443.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES

date of this AD is considered acceptable for information on the availability of this
compliance with the actions specified in material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. Examining the AD Docket
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. (7) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the You may examine the AD docket on
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance National Archives and Records the Internet at http://
(AMOCs) Administration (NARA). For information on www.regulations.gov by searching for
(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft the availability of this material at NARA, call and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
Certification Office, FAA, may approve (202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// 5443; or in person at the Docket

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Document Created: 2017-07-21 06:00:32
Document Modified: 2017-07-21 06:00:32

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 August 25, 2017.
Contact		Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7161; email [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 33778
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

82 FR 33778 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 139 (July 21, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration