[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41889-41891]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16944]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0715; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-039-AD;
Amendment 39-17122; AD 2012-14-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This
AD requires inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) for a crack. This AD is
prompted by a crack in the cored passage of the MGB housing, which may
be indicated by oil on the housing. These actions are intended to
detect a crack in the MGB housing, which could result in loss of oil,
failure of the MGB, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 1, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of August 1, 2012.
We must receive comments on this AD by September 17, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this AD, the economic evaluation, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for the
Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support,
mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614; telephone (800)
562-4409; email address [email protected]; or at http://www.sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
telephone (718) 238-7761; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, we
invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that
we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public
contact with
[[Page 41890]]
FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the comment period. We
will consider all the comments we receive and may conduct additional
rulemaking based on those comments.
Discussion
This AD is prompted by an incident in which a crack in the MGB
housing, in the cored passage area adjacent to the scissor bracket
mount, allowed a measurable amount of oil to leak from the MGB. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of oil, failure of
the MGB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
FAA's Determination
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other helicopters of the same type
design.
Related Service Information
Sikorsky has developed inspection procedures and issued Sikorsky S-
92 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB 92-63-032 Basic Issue, dated
December 22, 2011 (ASB 92-63-032), to detect a crack in the MGB by
inspecting the area of the MGB housing, as indicated in Figure 1 of ASB
92-63-032, for the presence of oil. We reviewed ASB 92-63-032, which
describes procedures to inspect the MGB for indications of oil leakage.
If indications of oil leakage are found, ASB 92-63-032 specifies
cleaning the inspection area, performing a ground run and confirming
the source of the leakage by using a specified ultraviolet light and
repeating the visual inspection using a 10X magnifying glass. If any
oil leakage is found, the ASB 92-63-032 states that the MGB is not to
be used for further flight until direction is provided by Sikorsky. ASB
92-63-032 also requires a recurrent inspection for any oil leakage, and
references Sikorsky Maintenance Manual Temporary Revision No. 63-50,
(TR 63-50), and Temporary Revision No. 5-104 (TR 5-104), both dated
December 22, 2011. TR 63-50 adds the MGB inspection procedures to the
aircraft maintenance manual, and TR 5-104 adds the MGB inspection
requirement to the ``Before First Flight of the Day Checklist.'' TR 5-
104 also specifies inspecting the MGB before the first flight of the
day, not to exceed 10 flight hours between inspections.
Since issuing ASB 92-63-032, Sikorsky has issued S-92 ASB No. ASB
92-63-034 Basic Issue, dated March 8, 2012 (ASB 92-63-034), which
describes procedures to detect cracks in the MGB main module assembly
with a one-time eddy-current and fluorescent-penetrant inspection. ASB
92-63-034 also states that upon compliance with the eddy-current
inspection ``the daily visual inspection implemented by ASB 92-63-032
is waived.''
AD Requirements
This AD requires repetitively inspecting the main gearbox with a
10X magnifying glass for a crack. If there is a crack, or if any oil
leakage is detected, this AD requires replacing the MGB with an
airworthy MGB. This AD also provides for a one-time eddy-current
inspection of the main module assembly of the MGB as an optional
terminating action.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
The ASB requires inspecting for any oil leakage, while this AD
requires inspecting for a crack, which may be indicated by the presence
of oil leakage. The ASB requires sending photographic documentation of
any oil leakage to Sikorsky; this AD does not. The ASB also requires
contacting Sikorsky for further direction if any oil leakage is
confirmed; this AD requires replacing any affected MGB with an
airworthy MGB.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 16 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs, at
an average labor rate of $85 per hour, in order to comply with this AD.
Inspecting the MGB will require one work hour for a total cost to the
operator of $85 and a cost to the entire U.S. fleet of $1,360 per
inspection cycle. Performing the eddy-current inspection of the MGB
will require 2 work hours for a total cost to the operator of $170 and
a cost to the entire U.S. fleet of $2,720. If cracked, we estimate
replacing a MGB will require 112 work hours and required parts will
cost $260,000, for a total cost to the operator of $269,520.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adopting
these AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions
needed to correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that
the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment
prior to the adoption of this rule because the required corrective
actions must be accomplished within 10 hours time-in-service, and
repeated on a daily basis. These helicopters are primarily used in the
offshore industry, and this is a very short compliance time for this
industry.
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
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.
Regulatory Findings
We 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, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
4. 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 and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
Reference, Safety.
[[Page 41891]]
Adoption of 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2012-14-08 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-17122; Docket
No. FAA-2012-0715; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-039-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model S-92A helicopters, serial numbers
920006 through 920155, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in the main
gearbox (MGB) housing cored oil passage. This condition could result
in loss of oil, failure of the MGB, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
(c) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 1, 2012.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 15 days, whichever
occurs earlier, and thereafter before the first flight of each day,
not to exceed 10 hours TIS between inspections, accomplish the
following:
(1) Clean and inspect, using a 10x or higher power magnifying
glass, the MGB housing for a crack in the inspection area shown in
Figure 1 of Sikorsky S-92 Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB 92-63-032
Basic Issue, dated December 22, 2011.
Note to paragraph (e)(1) of this AD: A crack may be indicated by
the presence of oil in the inspection area of the MGB housing.
(2) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the MGB
with an airworthy MGB.
(3) Compliance with the one-time eddy-current inspection of the
main module assembly of the MGB in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C, of Sikorsky S-92 ASB No.
ASB 92-63-034 Basic Issue, dated March 8, 2012, by a technician
certified to non-destructive testing Level II or greater is an
optional terminating action for the inspection requirements of this
AD.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits will not be issued.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Schwetz,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (718) 238-7761; email
[email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320: Main Rotor
Gearbox.
(i) 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.
(i) Sikorsky S-92 Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB 92-63-032 Basic
Issue, dated December 22, 2011;
(ii) Sikorsky S-92 Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB 92-63-034
Basic Issue, dated March 8, 2012.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical
Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614;
telephone (800) 562-4409; email address [email protected]; or
at http://www.sikorsky.com.
(4) You may review copies of this service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(5) You may also review copies of 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 2, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16944 Filed 7-16-12; 8:45 am]
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