Proposed Rule2021-17948
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
August 23, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a cracked main rotor stationary swashplate assembly (swashplate assembly). This proposed AD would require visually inspecting the swashplate assembly at specified intervals and depending on the results, removing the swashplate assembly from service. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 160 (Monday, August 23, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 160 (Monday, August 23, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47041-47043]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17948]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0689; Project Identifier AD-2020-01589-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a cracked main rotor
stationary swashplate assembly (swashplate assembly). This proposed AD
would require visually inspecting the swashplate assembly at specified
intervals and depending on the results, removing the swashplate
assembly from service. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 7,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact your local
Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service Engineering Group
at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611;
telephone 1-800-946-4337 (1-800-Winged-S); email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c4b3a7b79ba7b1b7b09bb7a1b6b2ada7a19ba1aaa3eaa3b6e9b7adaf84a8a9a7abeaa7aba9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="57203424083422242308243225213e3432083239307930257a243e3c173b3a34387934383a">[email protected]</span></a>. Operators may also log on to the
Sikorsky 360 website at <a href="https://www.sikorsky360.com">https://www.sikorsky360.com</a>. You may view this
service information at the 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0689; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jared Hyman, Aerospace Engineer,
[[Page 47042]]
Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781-238-
7799; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f3b992819697ddbeddbb8a9e929db3959292dd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="df95beadbabbf192f197a6b2beb19fb9bebef1b8b0a9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0689; Project Identifier
AD-2020-01589-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Jared
Hyman, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,
Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781-238-7799; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#145e756671703a593a5c6d79757a547275753a737b62"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8dc7ecffe8e9a3c0a3c5f4e0ece3cdebececa3eae2fb">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA was notified of an in-service crack in a swashplate
assembly inner ring. The crack, discovered during a routine inspection,
extended between the uniball bore and near the right-hand trunnion to
servo attach bolt hole. This condition, if not detected and corrected,
could result in fretting wear on the shoulder that supports the clamp-
up of the uniball outer race, failure of the swashplate assembly, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service
Bulletin ASB 92-62-009, Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019 (ASB). The
ASB specifies a one-time visual inspection of the swashplate assembly
to determine if there are any cracks. If cracks are found, the ASB
specifies replacing the swashplate assembly. If there is any other
damage such as nicks, dents, or scratches, the ASB specifies providing
that damage information to Sikorsky. The ASB also specifies returning
the swashplate assembly, uniball bearing, trunnions, and all attachment
hardware to Sikorsky for investigation if cracks are found. 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 ADDRESSES.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require, within 50 hours time-in-service
(TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, visually
inspecting the upper and lower surfaces of the swashplate assembly for
a crack, nick, dent, and scratch. If there is a crack, nick, dent, or
scratch that exceeds allowable limits, this proposed AD would require
removing the swashplate assembly from service before further flight.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The ASB specifies a one-time visual inspection of the swashplate
assembly; this proposed AD would require repetitive visual inspections
of the swashplate assembly to determine if any crack, nick, dent, or
scratch develops over time. This proposed AD would not require
returning parts to or contacting Sikorsky, while the ASB specifies
performing those actions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD would affect 89 helicopters of U.S.
Registry and that operators may incur the following costs in order to
comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per
work-hour.
Visually inspecting a swashplate assembly would take about 0.5
work-hour, for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,827 for
the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
Replacing the swashplate assembly, if required, would take about 16
work-hours and parts would cost about $389,720, for an estimated cost
of $391,080 per helicopter.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is 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
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
[[Page 47043]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2021-0689; Project
Identifier AD-2020-01589-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 7, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor
stationary swashplate assembly (swashplate assembly) part number (P/
N) 92104-15011-042 or P/N 92104-15011-043 that has accumulated 1,600
or more total hours time-in-service, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the discovery of a crack on the
swashplate assembly inner ring. This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could result in fretting wear on the shoulder that
supports the clamp-up of the uniball outer race, failure of the
swashplate assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours
TIS, visually inspect the swashplate assembly for a crack, nick,
dent, and scratch, by following the Accomplishment Instructions,
Section 3, paragraph B. (except paragraphs B.(2)(a) through (c)) of
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-009,
Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019.
(2) If there is a crack, nick, dent, or scratch that exceeds the
allowable limits, before further flight, remove the swashplate
assembly from service.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance
with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or
local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the certification office,
send it to the attention of the person identified in Related
Information.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jared Hyman,
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts
01803; telephone 781-238-7799; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b5ffd4c7d0d19bf89bfdccd8d4dbf5d3d4d49bd2dac3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="357f544750511b781b7d4c58545b755354541b525a43">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact your
local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road,
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-946-4337 (1-800-Winged-S); email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5d2a3e2e023e282e29022e382f2b343e380238333a733a2f702e34361d31303e32733e3230"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="235440507c405650577c504651554a40467c464d440d44510e504a48634f4e404c0d404c4e">[email protected]</span></a>. Operators may also log on to
the Sikorsky 360 website at <a href="https://www.sikorsky360.com">https://www.sikorsky360.com</a>. You may
view this referenced service information at the FAA, 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.
Issued on August 16, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17948 Filed 8-20-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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