82_FR_56392 82 FR 56165 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters

82 FR 56165 - Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 227 (November 28, 2017)

Page Range56165-56167
FR Document2017-25558

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and S-76D helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main rotor (M/R) servo pushrod (pushrod) assembly and applying slippage marks. This AD was prompted by an accident of a Sikorsky Model S-76C helicopter caused by a failed pushrod assembly. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 227 (Tuesday, November 28, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 28, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56165-56167]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25558]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0491; Product Identifier 2016-SW-020-AD; Amendment 
39-19031; AD 2017-19-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and 
S-76D helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main rotor (M/R) 
servo pushrod (pushrod) assembly and applying slippage marks. This AD 
was prompted by an accident of a Sikorsky Model S-76C helicopter caused 
by a failed pushrod assembly. The actions of this AD are intended to 
prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 2, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 
124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-

[[Page 56166]]

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.

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-2017-
0491; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7161; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On June 5, 2017, at 82 FR 25748, 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 Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, 
and S-76D helicopters, serial numbers up to and including 761075, with 
an M/R pushrod assembly part number (P/N) 76400-00034-059, 76400-00014-
074, 76400-00014-076, or 76400-00014-077 installed. The NPRM proposed 
to require inspecting each pushrod assembly and applying two slippage 
marks across each control rod and jamnut. Depending on the outcome of 
the inspection, the NPRM proposed to require replacing the pushrod 
assembly or inspecting the jamnut. Depending on the outcome of 
inspecting the jamnut, the NPRM proposed to require replacing the 
pushrod assembly or applying 140 inch-pounds of torque to the jamnut. 
The proposed requirements were intended to detect a loose jamnut and 
prevent failure of the pushrod assembly, loss of M/R flight control, 
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service 
has changed its organizational structure. The new structure replaces 
product directorates with functional divisions. We have revised some of 
the office titles and nomenclature throughout this Final rule to 
reflect the new organizational changes. Additional information about 
the new structure can be found in the Notice published on July 25, 2017 
(82 FR 34564).

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any 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.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Sikorksy S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 76-67-
58, Basic Issue, dated November 19, 2015 (ASB), which specifies a one-
time inspection of the M/R forward, aft, and lateral pushrod assemblies 
and jamnuts for proper installation, condition, and security. If a 
pushrod or jamnut does not meet criteria specified in the inspections, 
the ASB specifies replacing the assembly. The ASB also specifies 
applying torque to each jamnut and applying two slippage marks across 
each control rod and jamnut.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The Sikorsky ASB specifies returning any removed M/R pushrod 
assembly to Sikorsky. This AD does not require returning any parts to 
Sikorsky.

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. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. 
Inspecting the M/R pushrod assemblies takes about 2.2 work-hours for an 
estimated cost of $187 per helicopter and $37,026 for the U.S. fleet. 
Replacing an M/R pushrod assembly takes about 2 work-hours for a labor 
cost of $170. Parts to replace M/R pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00034-059 
cost about $2,411 for a total estimated replacement cost of $2,581. 
Parts to replace M/R pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00014-074 cost about 
$2,224 for a total estimated replacement cost of $2,394. Parts to 
replace M/R pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00014-076 cost about $2,488 for 
a total estimated replacement cost of $2,658. Parts to replace M/R 
pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00014-077 cost about $2,414 for a total 
estimated replacement cost of $2,584. It takes a minimal amount of time 
to apply the slippage marks for a negligible cost.

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.

[[Page 56167]]

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):

2017-19-01 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-19031; Docket 
No. FAA-2017-0491; Product Identifier 2016-SW-020-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and S-76D 
helicopters, serial numbers up to and including 761075, with a main 
rotor (M/R) servo pushrod (pushrod) assembly part number (P/N) 
76400-00034-059, 76400-00014-074, 76400-00014-076, or 76400-00014-
077 installed, certificated in any category.

    Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: M/R pushrod P/N 76400-00034-
059 is included in the Applicability section of AD 2015-19-51, 
Amendment 39-18300 (80 FR 65128, October 26, 2015). This AD does not 
affect AD 2015-19-51.

(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 
flight control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 2, 2018.

(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 300 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Inspect the control rod of each pushrod assembly (control 
rod) to determine whether 0.020 inch diameter lockwire can pass 
through the inspection hole.
    (i) If the lockwire passes through the inspection hole, before 
further flight, 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 
control rod and whether it can be turned with finger pressure.
    (A) If the jamnut is not seated against the control rod or can 
be turned with finger pressure, before further flight, replace the 
pushrod assembly.
    (B) If the jamnut is seated against the control rod and cannot 
be turned with finger pressure, using a pushrod tool, apply 140 
inch-pounds of torque to the jamnut.
    (2) Apply two slippage marks across each control rod and jamnut 
as follows:
    (i) Clean the area where a slippage mark is to be applied.
    (ii) Apply two slippage marks across the control rod and jamnut, 
parallel and on opposite sides of each other. Each slippage mark 
must extend at least 0.5 inch onto the control rod and must not 
cover the inspection hole. Figure 1 (Sheet 2) of Sikorsky S-76 
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 76-67-58, Basic Issue, dated 
November 19, 2015, illustrates a slippage mark across a control rod 
and jamnut.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Send your proposal to: Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 
District Avenue, 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

    Sikorksy S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 76-67-58, Basic 
Issue, dated November 19, 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 this 
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: 6700, Rotorcraft 
Flight Control.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 17, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-25558 Filed 11-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 28, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                                  56165

                                                products identified in this rulemaking                  (c) Effective Date                                             (ii) Airbus Helicopters BK117 D–2
                                                action.                                                    This AD becomes effective December 13,                   (Helionix Step 2) Flight Manual Temporary
                                                                                                        2017.                                                       Revision No. 1, dated March 28, 2017.
                                                Regulatory Findings                                                                                                    (3) For service information identified in
                                                                                                        (d) Compliance                                              this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N.
                                                  We determined that this AD will not
                                                                                                          You are responsible for performing each                   Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
                                                have federalism implications under                                                                                  telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323;
                                                                                                        action required by this AD within the
                                                Executive Order 13132. This AD will                     specified compliance time unless it has                     fax (972) 641–3775; or at http://
                                                not have a substantial direct effect on                 already been accomplished prior to that time.               www.helicopters.airbus.com/Website/en/ref/
                                                the States, on the relationship between                                                                             Technical-Support_73.html.
                                                the national Government and the States,                 (e) Required Actions                                          (4) You may review a copy of the service
                                                or on the distribution of power and                        Within 10 hours time-in-service, revise the              information at the FAA, Office of the
                                                responsibilities among the various                      Operating limitations section of the                        Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
                                                levels of government.                                   Rotorcraft Flight Manual by adding the                      Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
                                                                                                        information in Figure 1 to paragraph (e) of                 TX 76177.
                                                  For the reasons discussed, I certify
                                                                                                        this AD under Autopilot Limitations.                          (5) You may view this service information
                                                that this AD:                                           Inserting Airbus Helicopters BK117 D–2                      that is incorporated by reference at the
                                                  1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                  Flight Manual Temporary Revision No. 1,                     National Archives and Records
                                                action’’ under Executive Order 12866;                   dated March 28, 2017, or Airbus Helicopters                 Administration (NARA). For information on
                                                  2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under                BK117 D–2 (Helionix Step 2) Flight Manual                   the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                                DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                  Temporary Revision No. 1, dated March 28,                   202 741 6030, or go to: http://
                                                (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);                       2017, into the RFM is acceptable for                        www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                                  3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in             compliance with this AD.                                    locations.html.
                                                Alaska to the extent that it justifies                                                                                 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November
                                                making a regulatory distinction; and                           FIGURE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (e)                            9, 2017.
                                                  4. Will not have a significant                                                                                    Scott A. Horn,
                                                economic impact, positive or negative,                       Operating limitations of the autopilot
                                                                                                                                                                    Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
                                                on a substantial number of small entities                Minimum airspeed with CRHT mode                            Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
                                                under the criteria of the Regulatory                       engaged ........................................ 40 kt   Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                Flexibility Act.                                                                                                    [FR Doc. 2017–25189 Filed 11–27–17; 8:45 am]
                                                  We prepared an economic evaluation                    (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                                                                                                                                    BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                        (AMOCs)
                                                of the estimated costs to comply with
                                                this AD and placed it in the AD docket.                    (1) The Manager, Safety Management
                                                                                                        Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                      may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your
                                                                                                        proposal to: George Schwab, Aviation Safety                 Federal Aviation Administration
                                                  Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                                                                        Engineer, Safety Management Section,
                                                safety, Incorporation by reference,                     Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
                                                Safety.                                                 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                       14 CFR Part 39
                                                Adoption of the Amendment                               telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW-                      [Docket No. FAA–2017–0491; Product
                                                                                                        FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                                  Identifier 2016–SW–020–AD; Amendment
                                                  Accordingly, under the authority                         (2) For operations conducted under a 14                  39–19031; AD 2017–19–01]
                                                delegated to me by the Administrator,                   CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
                                                the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                        14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that                  RIN 2120–AA64
                                                follows:                                                you notify your principal inspector, or
                                                                                                        lacking a principal inspector, the manager of               Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky
                                                PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   the local flight standards district office or               Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
                                                DIRECTIVES                                              certificate holding district office, before
                                                                                                        operating any aircraft complying with this                  AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                                                                        AD through an AMOC.                                         Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                continues to read as follows:                                                                                       ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                        (g) Additional Information
                                                    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.             The subject of this AD is addressed in                   SUMMARY:  We are adopting a new
                                                                                                        European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD                   airworthiness directive (AD) for
                                                § 39.13   [Amended]                                     2017–0146, dated August 10, 2017. You may                   Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky)
                                                ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://                 Model S–76A, S–76B, S–76C, and S–
                                                                                                        www.regulations.gov by searching for and
                                                the following new airworthiness                                                                                     76D helicopters. This AD requires
                                                                                                        locating it in Docket No. FAA–2017–0933.
                                                directive (AD):                                                                                                     inspecting the main rotor (M/R) servo
                                                                                                        (h) Subject                                                 pushrod (pushrod) assembly and
                                                2017–24–02 Airbus Helicopters
                                                    Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39–                       Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)                   applying slippage marks. This AD was
                                                    19106; Docket No. FAA–2017–0933;                    Code: 2210, Autopilot System.                               prompted by an accident of a Sikorsky
                                                    Product Identifier 2017–SW–051–AD.                  (i) Material Incorporated by Reference                      Model S–76C helicopter caused by a
                                                (a) Applicability                                                                                                   failed pushrod assembly. The actions of
                                                                                                           (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                                                                                        approved the incorporation by reference of
                                                                                                                                                                    this AD are intended to prevent an
                                                  This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
                                                                                                        the service information listed in this                      unsafe condition on these products.
                                                Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters)
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES




                                                Model MBB–BK 117 D–2 helicopters,                       paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR                   DATES: This AD is effective January 2,
                                                certificated in any category.                           part 51.                                                    2018.
                                                                                                           (2) You must use this service information
                                                (b) Unsafe Condition                                    as applicable to do the actions required by                 ADDRESSES:   For service information
                                                  This AD defines the unsafe condition as a             this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.                 identified in this final rule, contact
                                                helicopter making an uncommanded climb or                  (i) Airbus Helicopters BK117 D–2 Flight                  Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer
                                                descent. This condition could result in loss            Manual Temporary Revision No. 1, dated                      Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road,
                                                of helicopter control.                                  March 28, 2017.                                             Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800-


                                           VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:23 Nov 27, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00015   Fmt 4700     Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\28NOR1.SGM      28NOR1


                                                56166            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 28, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                Winged-S or 203–416–4299; email: wcs_                   The new structure replaces product                    assembly P/N 76400–00014–076 cost
                                                cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You                   directorates with functional divisions.               about $2,488 for a total estimated
                                                may review a copy of the referenced                     We have revised some of the office titles             replacement cost of $2,658. Parts to
                                                service information at the FAA, Office                  and nomenclature throughout this Final                replace M/R pushrod assembly P/N
                                                of the Regional Counsel, Southwest                      rule to reflect the new organizational                76400–00014–077 cost about $2,414 for
                                                Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room                       changes. Additional information about                 a total estimated replacement cost of
                                                6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.                           the new structure can be found in the                 $2,584. It takes a minimal amount of
                                                                                                        Notice published on July 25, 2017 (82                 time to apply the slippage marks for a
                                                Examining the AD Docket
                                                                                                        FR 34564).                                            negligible cost.
                                                  You may examine the AD docket on
                                                the Internet at http://                                 Comments                                              Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                www.regulations.gov by searching for                      We gave the public the opportunity to                  Title 49 of the United States Code
                                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                       participate in developing this AD, but                specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
                                                0491; or in person at the Docket                        we did not receive any comments on the                rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5                  NPRM.                                                 section 106, describes the authority of
                                                p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     FAA’s Determination                                   the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
                                                Federal holidays. The AD docket                                                                               Aviation Programs, describes in more
                                                contains this AD, the economic                            We have reviewed the relevant                       detail the scope of the Agency’s
                                                evaluation, any comments received, and                  information and determined that an                    authority.
                                                other information. The street address for               unsafe condition exists and is likely to                 We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                the Docket Operations Office (phone:                    exist or develop on other products of                 the authority described in Subtitle VII,
                                                800–647–5527) is U.S. Department of                     these same type designs and that air                  Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                Transportation, Docket Operations                       safety and the public interest require                ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
                                                Office, M–30, West Building Ground                      adopting the AD requirements as                       section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                    proposed.                                             promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
                                                Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.                       Related Service Information                           air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                                                              for practices, methods, and procedures
                                                                                                           We reviewed Sikorksy S–76                          the Administrator finds necessary for
                                                Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer,                    Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 76–
                                                Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and                                                                             safety in air commerce. This regulation
                                                                                                        67–58, Basic Issue, dated November 19,                is within the scope of that authority
                                                Airworthiness Division, 1200 District                   2015 (ASB), which specifies a one-time
                                                Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts                                                                             because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                                                                        inspection of the M/R forward, aft, and               that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                01803; telephone (781) 238–7161; email                  lateral pushrod assemblies and jamnuts
                                                blaine.williams@faa.gov.                                                                                      products identified in this rulemaking
                                                                                                        for proper installation, condition, and               action.
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              security. If a pushrod or jamnut does not
                                                Discussion                                              meet criteria specified in the                        Regulatory Findings
                                                                                                        inspections, the ASB specifies replacing                This AD will not have federalism
                                                  On June 5, 2017, at 82 FR 25748, the                  the assembly. The ASB also specifies
                                                Federal Register published our notice of                                                                      implications under Executive Order
                                                                                                        applying torque to each jamnut and                    13132. This AD will not have a
                                                proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which                       applying two slippage marks across
                                                proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by                                                                           substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                                                                        each control rod and jamnut.                          the relationship between the national
                                                adding an AD that would apply to
                                                Model S–76A, S–76B, S–76C, and S–                       Differences Between This AD and the                   government and the States, or on the
                                                76D helicopters, serial numbers up to                   Service Information                                   distribution of power and
                                                and including 761075, with an M/R                                                                             responsibilities among the various
                                                                                                          The Sikorsky ASB specifies returning
                                                pushrod assembly part number (P/N)                                                                            levels of government.
                                                                                                        any removed M/R pushrod assembly to
                                                76400–00034–059, 76400–00014–074,                       Sikorsky. This AD does not require                      For the reasons discussed above, I
                                                76400–00014–076, or 76400–00014–077                     returning any parts to Sikorsky.                      certify that this AD:
                                                installed. The NPRM proposed to                                                                                 (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                require inspecting each pushrod                         Costs of Compliance                                   action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
                                                assembly and applying two slippage                         We estimate that this AD affects 198                 (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                                marks across each control rod and                       helicopters of U.S. Registry.                         DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                                jamnut. Depending on the outcome of                        We estimate that operators may incur               (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
                                                the inspection, the NPRM proposed to                    the following costs in order to comply                  (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
                                                require replacing the pushrod assembly                  with this AD. Labor costs are estimated               in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
                                                or inspecting the jamnut. Depending on                  at $85 per work-hour. Inspecting the M/               making a regulatory distinction; and
                                                the outcome of inspecting the jamnut,                   R pushrod assemblies takes about 2.2                    (4) Will not have a significant
                                                the NPRM proposed to require replacing                  work-hours for an estimated cost of                   economic impact, positive or negative,
                                                the pushrod assembly or applying 140                    $187 per helicopter and $37,026 for the               on a substantial number of small entities
                                                inch-pounds of torque to the jamnut.                    U.S. fleet. Replacing an M/R pushrod                  under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                The proposed requirements were                          assembly takes about 2 work-hours for                 Flexibility Act.
                                                intended to detect a loose jamnut and                   a labor cost of $170. Parts to replace M/               We prepared an economic evaluation
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES




                                                prevent failure of the pushrod assembly,                R pushrod assembly P/N 76400–00034–                   of the estimated costs to comply with
                                                loss of M/R flight control, and                         059 cost about $2,411 for a total                     this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
                                                subsequent loss of control of the                       estimated replacement cost of $2,581.
                                                                                                                                                              List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                helicopter.                                             Parts to replace M/R pushrod assembly
                                                  Since the NPRM was issued, the                        P/N 76400–00014–074 cost about $2,224                   Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service has                for a total estimated replacement cost of             safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                                changed its organizational structure.                   $2,394. Parts to replace M/R pushrod                  Safety.


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 28, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                       56167

                                                Adoption of the Amendment                               pressure, using a pushrod tool, apply 140             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                        inch-pounds of torque to the jamnut.
                                                  Accordingly, under the authority
                                                                                                          (2) Apply two slippage marks across each            Federal Aviation Administration
                                                delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                                                                        control rod and jamnut as follows:
                                                the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
                                                                                                          (i) Clean the area where a slippage mark is         14 CFR Part 39
                                                follows:
                                                                                                        to be applied.
                                                                                                                                                              [Docket No. FAA–2017–0690; Product
                                                PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                     (ii) Apply two slippage marks across the
                                                                                                                                                              Identifier 2017–NM–061–AD; Amendment
                                                DIRECTIVES                                              control rod and jamnut, parallel and on               39–19107; AD 2017–24–03]
                                                                                                        opposite sides of each other. Each slippage
                                                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 mark must extend at least 0.5 inch onto the           RIN 2120–AA64
                                                continues to read as follows:                           control rod and must not cover the
                                                                                                        inspection hole. Figure 1 (Sheet 2) of                Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
                                                    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.                                                                Airplanes
                                                                                                        Sikorsky S–76 Helicopter Alert Service
                                                § 39.13   [Amended]                                     Bulletin 76–67–58, Basic Issue, dated                 AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                                                                        November 19, 2015, illustrates a slippage             Administration (FAA), Department of
                                                ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
                                                                                                        mark across a control rod and jamnut.                 Transportation (DOT).
                                                the following new airworthiness
                                                directive (AD):                                         (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 ACTION: Final rule.
                                                2017–19–01 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation:               (AMOCs)
                                                    Amendment 39–19031; Docket No.
                                                                                                                                                              SUMMARY:   We are removing
                                                                                                           (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch,
                                                    FAA–2017–0491; Product Identifier                                                                         Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–01–
                                                                                                        FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send
                                                    2016–SW–020–AD.                                                                                           06, which applied to certain Airbus
                                                                                                        your proposal to: Blaine Williams, Aerospace
                                                                                                        Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance
                                                                                                                                                              Model A319–115, A319–132, A320–214,
                                                (a) Applicability
                                                                                                        and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District
                                                                                                                                                              A320–232, A321–211, A321–213, and
                                                  This AD applies to Model S–76A, S–76B,                                                                      A321–231 airplanes. AD 2017–01–06
                                                S–76C, and S–76D helicopters, serial                    Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803;
                                                                                                        telephone (781) 238–7161; email                       required inspection and replacement of
                                                numbers up to and including 761075, with a
                                                main rotor (M/R) servo pushrod (pushrod)                blaine.williams@faa.gov.                              certain tie rod assemblies installed on
                                                assembly part number (P/N) 76400–00034–                    (2) For operations conducted under a 14            the hinged fairing assembly of the main
                                                059, 76400–00014–074, 76400–00014–076, or               CFR part 119 operating certificate or under           landing gear (MLG). We issued AD
                                                76400–00014–077 installed, certificated in              14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that            2017–01–06 to detect and correct the
                                                any category.                                           you notify your principal inspector, or               absence of cadmium plating on the rod
                                                  Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: M/R               lacking a principal inspector, the manager of         end threads of the tie rod assemblies.
                                                pushrod P/N 76400–00034–059 is included                 the local flight standards district office or         Since we issued AD 2017–01–06, we
                                                in the Applicability section of AD 2015–19–             certificate holding district office before            have determined that although
                                                51, Amendment 39–18300 (80 FR 65128,                                                                          cadmium plating might be absent, the
                                                                                                        operating any aircraft complying with this
                                                October 26, 2015). This AD does not affect                                                                    rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies
                                                AD 2015–19–51.                                          AD through an AMOC.
                                                                                                                                                              can withstand the expected
                                                                                                        (g) Additional Information                            environmental conditions, therefore the
                                                (b) Unsafe Condition
                                                   This AD defines the unsafe condition as a               Sikorksy S–76 Helicopter Alert Service             unsafe condition, as initially
                                                loose jamnut. This condition could result in            Bulletin 76–67–58, Basic Issue, dated                 determined, does not exist.
                                                failure of a pushrod assembly, loss of M/R              November 19, 2015, which is not                       DATES: This AD is effective January 2,
                                                flight control, and subsequent loss of control          incorporated by reference, contains                   2018.
                                                of the helicopter.                                      additional information about the subject of
                                                                                                        this AD. For service information identified in        ADDRESSES:   For service information
                                                (c) Effective Date                                                                                            identified in this final rule, contact
                                                                                                        this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft
                                                   This AD becomes effective January 2, 2018.           Corporation, Customer Service Engineering,            Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1
                                                (d) Compliance                                          124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611;                  Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
                                                                                                        telephone 1–800-Winged-S or 203–416–4299;             Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5
                                                  You are responsible for performing each
                                                action required by this AD within the                   email: wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@                   61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
                                                specified compliance time unless it has                 lmco.com. You may review a copy of this               account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
                                                already been accomplished prior to that time.           service information at the FAA, Office of the         Internet http://www.airbus.com. You
                                                                                                        Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101             may view this referenced service
                                                (e) Required Actions
                                                                                                        Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,               information at the FAA, Transport
                                                   Within 300 hours time-in-service:                    TX 76177.                                             Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                                   (1) Inspect the control rod of each pushrod                                                                SW., Renton, WA. For information on
                                                assembly (control rod) to determine whether             (h) Subject
                                                0.020 inch diameter lockwire can pass
                                                                                                                                                              the availability of this material at the
                                                                                                          Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)             FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
                                                through the inspection hole.
                                                   (i) If the lockwire passes through the               Code: 6700, Rotorcraft Flight Control.                available on the Internet at http://
                                                inspection hole, before further flight, replace           Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November            www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                the pushrod assembly.                                   17, 2017.                                             and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                   (ii) If the lockwire does not pass through                                                                 0690.
                                                the inspection hole, inspect the jamnut to              Scott A. Horn,
                                                determine whether it is seated against the              Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,            Examining the AD Docket
jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES




                                                control rod and whether it can be turned                Compliance & Airworthiness Division,                    You may examine the AD docket on
                                                with finger pressure.                                   Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                                                                                              the Internet at http://
                                                   (A) If the jamnut is not seated against the          [FR Doc. 2017–25558 Filed 11–27–17; 8:45 am]
                                                control rod or can be turned with finger                                                                      www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                pressure, before further flight, replace the
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                pushrod assembly.                                                                                             0690; or in person at the Docket
                                                   (B) If the jamnut is seated against the                                                                    Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                                control rod and cannot be turned with finger                                                                  and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,


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Document Created: 2017-11-28 01:51:09
Document Modified: 2017-11-28 01:51:09
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 January 2, 2018.
ContactBlaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7161; email [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 56165 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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