Rule2023-11136
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
May 25, 2023
Effective
June 29, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-02-01 for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A helicopters with certain part-numbered main rotor stationary swashplate assemblies (swashplate assemblies) that had accumulated 1,600 or more total hours time-in- service (TIS) installed. AD 2022-02-01 required visually inspecting the swashplate assembly at specified intervals and depending on the results, removing the swashplate assembly from service. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-02-01, the FAA determined it was necessary to expand the applicability and require more detailed inspections to address the unsafe condition. This AD retains the actions of AD 2022-02-01, expands the applicability, adds a detailed recurring visual inspection, and requires either eddy current inspections (ECI) or fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 101 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 101 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33820-33823]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11136]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0018; Project Identifier AD-2022-00883-R;
Amendment 39-22430; AD 2023-09-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-02-01
for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A helicopters with certain
part-numbered main rotor stationary swashplate assemblies (swashplate
assemblies) that had accumulated 1,600 or more total hours time-in-
service (TIS) installed. AD 2022-02-01 required visually inspecting the
swashplate assembly at specified intervals and depending on the
results, removing the swashplate assembly from service. Since the FAA
issued AD 2022-02-01, the FAA determined it was necessary to expand the
applicability and require more detailed inspections to address the
unsafe condition. This AD retains the actions of AD 2022-02-01, expands
the applicability, adds a detailed recurring visual inspection, and
requires either eddy current inspections (ECI) or
[[Page 33821]]
fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI). The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 29,
2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
February 18, 2022 (87 FR 2316, January 14, 2022).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0018; 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 final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
contact a Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Mailstop K100, 124
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-946-4337 (1-800-
Winged-S); email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#542337270b372127200b273126223d37310b313a337a332679273d3f143839373b7a373b39"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c9beaaba96aabcbabd96baacbbbfa0aaac96aca7aee7aebbe4baa0a289a5a4aaa6e7aaa6a4">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://sikorsky360.com">sikorsky360.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA, Office
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0018.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jared Hyman, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, East Certification Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, GA 30337; phone: (781) 238-7305; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#84bda9c5d2d7a9c5cdd6a9c6c5c7cba9c7cbd7c4e2e5e5aae3ebf2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="784155392e2b5539312a553a393b37553b372b381e1919561f170e">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-02-01, Amendment 39-21898 (87 FR 2316,
January 14, 2022), (AD 2022-02-01). AD 2022-02-01 applied to Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A helicopters with a swashplate assembly
part number (P/N) 92104-15011-042 or P/N 92104-15011-043 that had
accumulated 1,600 or more total hours TIS, installed. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2023 (88 FR 2558). The
NPRM was prompted by a notification 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. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
continue to require, for swashplate assemblies that have accumulated
1,600 or more total hours TIS, a certain recurring visual inspection
and replacing the swashplate assembly if cracks are found. In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to require accomplishing an FPI or ECI depending on
accrued flight time or suspicion of cracks. In the NPRM, the FAA also
proposed to expand the visual inspections required by AD 2022-02-01 and
revise the applicability statement of AD 2022-02-01.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from one commenter, Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM
and the FAA's response to the comment.
Request To Clarify Previous Actions for Compliance
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation requested the FAA change paragraph
(f) of the AD to state, ``Comply with this AD within the compliance
times specified, unless already accomplished by Alert Service Bulletin.
Repetitive inspections incorporated into Sikorsky S-92 [Aircraft
Maintenance Manual] (AMM), Chapter 5, demonstrate compliance with the
repetitive inspections of this Airworthiness Directive.'' Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation stated that it has issued two alert service
bulletins (ASBs) that introduce both a one-time inspection and
recurrent inspections for the existing part-numbered stationary
swashplate assemblies. In addition, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
stated that the recurrent inspections have been incorporated into the
Sikorsky S-92 AMM, Chapter 5 inspection requirements; and that the
introduction of this rule makes these inspections mandatory and the
original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agrees. However, Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation stated that from the operator perspective, there
may be some confusion as to compliance with the AD. Since the ASBs and
Chapter 5 are in place, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation stated that it
may be helpful to add language in the text of the AD explaining that
the AD is not introducing a new action if the operator is already
following the OEM instructions, which may prevent operators from
unnecessarily repeating inspections with which the operator already
complied. Lastly, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation stated that operators
who incorporate repetitive inspections into their maintenance programs,
in this case the OEM Chapter 5, are demonstrating compliance with the
repetitive inspections of this AD.
The FAA disagrees. After reviewing the S-92 AMM tasks, the FAA has
determined that the technical content from Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter
Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-009, Basic Issue, dated February 6,
2019 (ASB 92-62-009), and Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service
Bulletin ASB 92-62-010, Basic Issue, dated January 26, 2022 (92-62-010)
are not completely incorporated into the AMM tasks. The visual
inspection instructions from ASB 92-62-009 are not included in these
tasks, and the accomplishment instructions from ASB 92-62-010 have some
elements that are missing from some of the AMM tasks. Accordingly, the
FAA has determined that the accomplishment instructions of ASB 92-62-
009 and ASB 92-62-010 must be done to correct the unsafe condition. In
addition, paragraph (f) of the AD specifies to ``comply with this AD .
. . unless already done.'' Therefore, if some of the actions required
by this AD are already done, only the remaining required actions of
this AD must be accomplished in order to comply with this AD.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed ASB 92-62-010, which specifies a visual inspection
of the swashplate assembly to determine if there are any cracks and
initiates a 50-hour recurring visual inspection. If cracks are found,
ASB 92-62-010 specifies replacing the swashplate assembly. Dependent on
accrued flight
[[Page 33822]]
time or suspicion of cracks, an FPI or ECI is performed. ASB 92-62-010
also specifies returning the swashplate assembly, uniball bearing,
trunnions, and all attachment hardware to Sikorsky for investigation if
cracks are found.
This AD also requires ASB 92-62-009, which the Director of the
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of February
18, 2022 (87 FR 2316, January 14, 2022).
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 applicability statement in this AD does not identify airframe
serial numbers, whereas the effectivity of ASB 92-62-010 does. This AD
affects all swashplate assemblies P/N 92104-15011-042 and P/N 92104-
15011-043 regardless of delivery date, whereas the effectivity of ASB
92-62-010 is for those part-numbered swashplate assemblies delivered as
of January 26, 2022 (the issuance date of ASB 92-62-010). ASB 92-62-009
specifies a one-time visual inspection of the swashplate assembly; this
AD requires a recurring visual inspection of the swashplate assembly to
determine if any crack, nick, dent, or scratch develops over time. This
AD does not require returning parts to or contacting Sikorsky, while
ASB 92-62-009 and ASB 92-62-010 specify performing those actions.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 89 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Visually inspecting a swashplate assembly takes about 1.0 work-
hour, for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $7,565 for the
U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
Performing an ECI or FPI takes about 8.0 work-hours, for an
estimated cost of $680 per helicopter and $60,520 for the U.S. fleet,
per inspection cycle.
Replacing the swashplate assembly, if required, takes about 16
work-hours and parts 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 has determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022-02-01, Amendment 39-21898 (87
FR 2316, January 14, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2023-09-07 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-22430; Docket
No. FAA-2023-0018; Project Identifier AD-2022-00883-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 29, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-02-01, Amendment 39-21898 (87 FR 2316,
January 14, 2022) (AD 2022-02-01).
(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 installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 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. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
cracks that could result in fretting wear on the shoulder that
supports the clamp-up of the uniball outer race. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in 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) Definition
For the purposes of this AD, a ``suspected crack'' is a nick,
scratch, or crack in the paint or primer that includes observable
metallic base material.
(h) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters with swashplate assemblies identified in
paragraph (c) of this AD that have accumulated 1,600 or more total
hours time-in-service on the swashplate assembly, within 50 hours
time-in-service (TIS) from February 18, 2022 (the effective date of
AD 2022-02-01), 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 S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-009, Basic
Issue, dated February 6, 2019. If there is a crack, nick, dent, or
scratch that exceeds the allowable limits, before further flight,
remove the swashplate assembly from service.
(2) For helicopters with swashplate assemblies identified in
paragraph (c) of this AD, within 50 hours TIS after the effective
date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours
TIS, visually inspect the swashplate assembly for surface
discontinuities and suspected cracks by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Section 3., paragraphs B.(1) through (3), of Sikorsky
S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-010, Basic Issue,
dated January 26, 2022 (ASB 92-62-010). If there is any surface
discontinuity or suspected crack, before further flight, remove the
trunnion and accomplish an eddy current
[[Page 33823]]
inspection (ECI) or fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) for a
crack by accomplishing the actions in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of
this AD, as applicable.
(i) Accomplish an ECI by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs C.(1) through (6), but not
paragraph C.(6)(c)(1)., of ASB 92-62-010.
(ii) Accomplish an FPI by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs D.(1) through (5), except
paragraph D.(4), of ASB 92-62-010.
(3) For helicopters with a swashplate assembly identified in
paragraph (c) of this AD certified for operation at a maximum gross
weight of 26,500 lbs. that have accumulated 8,600 or more total
hours TIS on the swashplate assembly, or certified for operation at
a maximum gross weight of 27,700 lbs. that have accumulated 3,300 or
more total hours TIS on the swashplate assembly, within 50 hours TIS
after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not
to exceed 50 hours TIS, with the trunnion installed, accomplish an
ECI or FPI of the uniball lower bore lip, uniball upper bore, and
each trunnion mount bolt hole for a crack by accomplishing the
actions in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) Accomplish an ECI by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs C.(2) through (6), but not
paragraph C.(6)(c)1., of ASB 92-62-010.
(ii) Accomplish an FPI by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs D.(2), (3), and (5) of ASB 92-
62-010.
(4) If there is a crack as a result of any of the inspections
required by paragraph (h)(2) or (3) of this AD, before further
flight, remove the swashplate assembly from service.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, East Certification Branch, 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
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Jared Hyman,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, East Certification Branch,
FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (781) 238-
7305; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#70495d3126235d3139225d3231333f5d333f23301611115e171f06"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ccf5e18d9a9fe18d859ee18e8d8f83e18f839f8caaadade2aba3ba">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
June 29, 2023.
(i) Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-
010, Basic Issue, dated January 26, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
February 18, 2022 (87 FR 2316, January 14, 2022).
(i) Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-
009, Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For service information identified in this AD, contact a
Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service Engineering
Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Mailstop K100, 124 Quarry
Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-946-4337 (1-800-Winged-S);
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b4c584864584e484f64485e494d52585e645e555c155c49164852507b5756585415585456"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e190d1d310d1b1d1a311d0b1c18070d0b310b000940091c431d07052e02030d01400d0103">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://sikorsky360.com">sikorsky360.com</a>.
(6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cea8bce0a7a0bdbeabadbaa7a1a08ea0afbcafe0a9a1b8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7a1c08541314090a1f190e1315143a141b081b541d150c">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on May 8, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-11136 Filed 5-24-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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