[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34312-34313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11516]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21373; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-13-AD; 
Amendment 39-14119; AD 2005-12-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-
92A 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) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This 
action requires replacing the main gearbox (MGB) lubrication/scavenge 
pump vespel spline adapters (vespel spline adapters) before further 
flight, and thereafter, replacing them at certain intervals. This 
amendment is prompted by a reported incident of an in-flight loss of 
oil pressure. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
loss of lubrication to the MGB, which could cause failure of one or 
both engine input drives, or planetary gear to sun gear tooth mesh 
failure, resulting in loss of power to the rotor system and subsequent 
loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective June 29, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 29, 2005.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 15, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically;
     Government-wide Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically;
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590;
     Fax: (202) 493-2251; or
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get the service information identified in this AD from 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Tech Support, 
6900 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06614, phone (203) 386-3001, 
fax (203) 386-5983.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments, and 
other information on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person 
at the Docket Management System (DMS) Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket 
Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the 
Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address 
stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Gaulzetti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803, telephone (781) 238-7156, fax 
(781) 238-7170.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment adopts a new AD for Sikorsky 
Model S-92A helicopters that have MGB lubrication/scavenge pump, part 
number (P/N) 92351-15800-101, with vespel spline adapter, P/N 1584000-
1, installed. This action requires, before further flight, removing the 
two vespel spline adapters and replacing them with airworthy vespel 
spline adapters, and thereafter, replacing them at intervals not to 
exceed 50 hours time-in-service (TIS). This amendment is prompted by a 
report of a loss of oil pressure during a flight to an offshore oil 
rig. Subsequent investigation, which is continuing, reveals that the 
vespel spline adapter installed on the helicopter failed due to 
excessive wear. The actions specified in this AD are intended to 
prevent loss of lubrication to the MGB, which could cause failure of 
one or both engine input drives, or planetary gear to sun gear tooth 
mesh failure, resulting in loss of power to the rotor system and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    We have reviewed Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. 92-63-001, dated April 1, 2005, which describes 
procedures for removing and replacing the vespel spine adapter. This AD 
differs from the manufacturer's ASB in that we are incorporating only 
the necessary portion of the Accomplishment Instructions of the ASB and 
do not require returning the replaced parts to the manufacturer, nor do 
we require providing a report to the manufacturer.
    This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other 
helicopters of the same type design. Therefore, this AD is being issued 
to prevent loss of lubrication to the MGB, which could cause failure of 
one or both engine input drives, or planetary gear to sun gear tooth 
mesh failure, resulting in loss of power to the rotor system and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. This AD requires removing 
the left-hand and right-hand main lubrication/scavenge pumps to access 
the vespel spline adapters and removing and replacing the vespel spline 
adapters before further flight and thereafter, at intervals not to 
exceed 50 hours TIS. Accomplish the actions in accordance with the ASB 
described previously.
    The short compliance time involved is required because the 
previously described critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the 
controllability of the helicopter. Therefore, the initial replacement 
is required before further flight, and the repetitive replacements are 
required at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, both of which are 
very short time periods, 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.
    We estimate that this AD will affect 4 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Replacing both vespel spline adapters will take approximately 
3 work hours to accomplish at an average labor rate of $65 per work 
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $350 for each of the two 
adapters, however, the manufacturer has stated that they will provide 
the replacement parts at no charge until the end of the warranty period 
for the vespel spline adapter. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
total cost impact of the AD on U.S.

[[Page 34313]]

operators to be $2,180, assuming that one vespel spline adapter that is 
not covered by manufacturer's warranty is replaced on each helicopter.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-21373; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-13-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket 
Web site, you can find and read the comments to any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment. You may 
review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register 
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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 the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD. See the DMS to examine the economic evaluation.

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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2005-12-03 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-14119. Docket 
No. FAA-2005-21373; Directorate Identifier 2005-SW-13-AD.

    Applicability: Model S-92A helicopters with main gearbox (MGB) 
lubrication/scavenge pump, part number (P/N) 92351-15800-101, with 
vespel spline adapter, P/N 1584000-1, installed, certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required before further flight, unless accomplished 
previously, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 50 hours 
time-in-service.
    To prevent loss of lubrication to the MGB, which could cause 
failure of one or both engine input drives, or planetary gear to sun 
gear tooth mesh failure, resulting in loss of power to the rotor 
system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Remove and replace each MGB lubrication/scavenge pump vespel 
spline adapter in accordance with paragraph 3.A., steps (1) through 
(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions in Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-63-001, dated April 1, 
2005.
    (b) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Contact the Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and 
Propeller Directorate, FAA, for information about previously 
approved alternative methods of compliance.
    (c) The removals and replacements shall be done in accordance 
with paragraph 3.A., steps (1) through (6) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Sikorsky Aircraft Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-63-
001, dated April 1, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Tech Support, 6900 
Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06614, phone (203) 386-3001, fax 
(203) 386-5983. Copies may be inspected at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on June 29, 2005.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 1, 2005.
Carl F. Mittag,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-11516 Filed 6-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P