[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 79 (Monday, April 27, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18977-18978]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9301]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 79 / Monday, April 27, 2009 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 18977]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0351; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-08-AD; 
Amendment 39-15886; AD 2009-07-53]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-
92A Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-07-53, which was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters by individual letters. 
This amendment is prompted by the failure of 2 main gearbox filter bowl 
assembly studs (studs) that were found broken during a fatal accident 
investigation in Canada. Prior to the accident, the manufacturer was 
investigating a July 2008 incident that also involved broken studs. In 
both cases, the broken studs resulted in rapid loss of oil. The 
failures have been tied to fretting and galling of the original 
titanium studs; therefore, this AD requires removing all titanium studs 
and replacing them with steel studs. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to prevent failure of a stud, which could result in rapid 
loss of oil, failure of the main gearbox, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective April 27, 2009, to all persons except those persons to 
whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2009-07-53, 
issued on March 23, 2009, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 27, 2009.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 26, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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 Technical 
Support, Mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone 
(203) 383-4866, e-mail address [email protected], or at http://www.sikorsky.com.
    Examining the Docket: You may examine the docket that contains the 
AD, any comments, and other information on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
located in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building at the 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirk Gustafson, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803, 
telephone (781) 238-7190, fax (781) 238-7170.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 23, 2009, we issued Emergency AD 
2009-07-53 for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters, which requires, before 
further flight, removing all titanium studs that attach the main 
gearbox filter bowl assembly to the main gearbox and replacing them 
with steel studs. That action was prompted by the failure of 2 studs 
that were found broken during a fatal accident investigation in Canada. 
Prior to the accident, the manufacturer was investigating a July 2008 
incident that also involved broken studs. In both cases, the broken 
studs resulted in rapid loss of oil. The failures have been tied to 
fretting and galling of the original titanium studs. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in failure of a stud, which could result in 
rapid loss of oil, failure of the main gearbox, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.
    We have reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-63-014A, 
Revision A, dated March 20, 2009 (ASB), which describes procedures for 
removing the main gearbox filter bowl assembly titanium mounting studs 
and replacing them with steel mounting studs.
    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters of the same type design, we 
issued Emergency AD 2009-07-53 to prevent failure of a stud, which 
could result in rapid loss of oil, failure of the main gearbox, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The AD requires, before 
further flight, removing all titanium studs and replacing them with 
steel studs. The actions must be accomplished in accordance with 
specified portions of the ASB described previously. The short 
compliance time involved is required because the previously described 
critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the structural integrity 
of the helicopter. Therefore, removing all titanium studs and replacing 
them with steel studs is required before further flight, and this AD 
must be issued immediately.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters 
issued on March 23, 2009 to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. These conditions still exist, and the 
AD

[[Page 18978]]

is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to 14 CFR 
39.13 to make it effective to all persons.
    We estimate that this AD will affect 32 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Replacing the studs will take approximately 6 work hours per 
helicopter to accomplish at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. 
Per the ASB, required parts and tooling are available at no cost. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $15,360, assuming there are no parts and tooling costs.

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-2009-0351; Directorate 
Identifier 2009-SW-08-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://www.regulations.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).

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 AD docket 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:

2009-07-53 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-15886. Docket 
No. FAA-2009-0351; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-08-AD.

    Applicability: Model S-92A helicopters with a main gearbox 
housing assembly, part number (P/N) 92351-15110-042, -043, or -044, 
that is not marked with ``TS-062-01'' near the P/N, certificated in 
any category.
    Compliance: Required before further flight, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of a main gearbox filter bowl assembly 
mounting stud (stud), which could result in rapid loss of oil, 
failure of the main gearbox, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Remove the titanium studs by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-63-014, Rev. 
A, dated March 20, 2009 (ASB), paragraph 3.A.

    Note:  Figure 1 of the ASB contains guidance for removal and 
installation of the studs.

    (b) Visually inspect the tapped holes and the main gearbox 
housing lockring counterbore for damage. If you find damage in the 
tapped holes or in the main gearbox housing lockring counterbore, 
contact the Boston Aircraft Certification Office for an approved 
repair.
    (c) Install steel studs and mark the main gearbox housing as 
``TS-062-01'' near the P/N by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions in the ASB, paragraph 3.C.
    (d) 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 Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine 
and Propeller Directorate, FAA, Attn: Kirk Gustafson, Aviation 
Safety Engineer, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803, telephone (781) 238-7190, fax (781) 238-7170, for information 
about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
    (e) Special flight permits will not be issued.
    (f) Remove and replace the studs by following the specified 
portions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-63-014, Rev. A, 
dated March 20, 2009. 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 Technical Support, Mailstop 
s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone (203) 383-4866, e-
mail address [email protected], or at http://www.sikorsky.com. 
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 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.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 27, 2009, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by Emergency AD 2009-07-53, issued March 23, 2009, which 
contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 9, 2009.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-9301 Filed 4-24-09; 8:45 am]
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