[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 159 (Wednesday, August 18, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44823-44825]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21177]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-SW-31-AD; Amendment 39-11258; AD 99-17-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Schweizer Aircraft Corporation Model
269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, and 269D Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD)
applicable to Schweizer Aircraft Corporation (SAC) Model 269A, 269A-1,
269B, 269C, 269C-1, and 269D helicopters. This action requires
inspecting the tail rotor swashplate shaft (shaft) nut for looseness
and, if loose, inspecting the shaft for proper size; subsequently
inspecting the shafts not previously inspected; and replacing any
undersized shaft prior to further flight. This amendment is prompted by
the discovery of an undersized replacement shaft during routine
maintenance. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent
failure of the shaft and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective September 2, 1999. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of September 2, 1999. Comments for
inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before October 18,
1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
[[Page 44824]]
Administration (FAA), Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-SW-31-AD, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663,
Fort Worth, Texas.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 147, Elmira, New York 14902.
This information may be examined at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas 76137; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George J. Duckett, Aerospace Engineer,
New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 10 Fifth Street, 3rd
Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581, telephone (516) 256-7525, fax
(516) 568-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment adopts a new AD applicable to
SAC Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, and 269D helicopters with
shaft, part number (P/N) 269A6049-3, installed. The undersized shafts
were shipped from the factory as spares between September 1 and
December 1, 1998. This action requires the following inspections and
replacement:
Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) and
thereafter at intervals not exceeding 10 hours TIS until the next 100-
hour or annual inspection, whichever occurs first, inspect the shaft
nut, P/N 269A6258, for looseness by using a firm hand pressure. If the
shaft nut is loose, inspect the shaft for the proper size.
At the next 100-hour or annual inspection, whichever
occurs first, inspect the shaft, P/N 269A6049-3, for the proper size.
Prior to further flight, replace any undersized shaft with
an airworthy shaft of the proper size.
This amendment is prompted by the discovery of an undersized
replacement shaft during routine maintenance. The actions specified in
this AD are intended to prevent failure of the shaft and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
The FAA has reviewed SAC Service Bulletins B-271, DB-007, and C1B-
009, all dated March 12, 1999, which describe procedures for inspecting
the shaft nut, P/N 269A6258, for looseness by using a firm hand
pressure and the shaft, P/N 269A6049-3, for proper size.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, and
269D helicopters of the same type design, this AD is being issued to
prevent failure of the shaft and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter. This AD requires inspecting the shaft nut, P/N 269A6258,
for looseness; inspecting the shaft, P/N 269A6049-3, for the proper
size; and replacing any undersized shaft with an airworthy shaft of the
proper size. The short compliance time involved is required because the
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the
controllability of the helicopter. Therefore, inspecting the shaft nut,
P/N 269A6528, for looseness is required within the next 10 hours TIS
and this AD must be issued immediately.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
The FAA estimates that 28 helicopters will be affected by this AD.
For each helicopter, it will take 0.25 work hour to accomplish the 10-
hour inspection, 3.6 work hours to accomplish the inspection and
replacement, if necessary, at the 100-hour or annual inspection
interval. The average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts
will cost approximately $1400 per helicopter. Based on these figures,
the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$45,668.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket No. 99-SW-31-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[[Page 44825]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
AD 99-17-10 Schweizer Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-11258.
Docket No. 99-SW-31-AD.
Applicability: Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, and 269D
helicopters, with a tail rotor swashplate shaft (shaft), part number
(P/N) 269A6049-3, installed, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the shaft and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS until the next
100-hour or annual inspection, whichever occurs first, cut the
lockwire; retract the boot on the pitch control assembly; and
inspect the shaft nut, P/N 269A6258, for looseness by using a firm
hand pressure. If the shaft nut is loose and can be turned by hand,
determine if the shaft, P/N 269A6049-3, is undersized in accordance
with Part II of Schweizer Aircraft Corp. Service Bulletins B-271,
DB-007, or C1B-009, all dated March 12, 1999 (SB), as applicable.
(b) At the next 100-hour or annual inspection, whichever occurs
first, inspect the shaft, P/N 269A6049-3, for the proper size, in
accordance with Part II of the applicable SB.
(c) Prior to further flight, replace any undersized shaft in
accordance with Part II of the applicable SB.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification
Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then
send it to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification Office.
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) The inspection shall be done in accordance with Schweizer
Aircraft Corp. Service Bulletins B-271, DB-007, or C1B-009, all
dated March 12, 1999, as applicable. This incorporation by reference
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 147, Elmira, New York
14902. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
Texas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on September 2, 1999.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 4, 1999.
Henry A. Armstrong,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-21177 Filed 8-17-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U