[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 141 (Wednesday, July 23, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42719-42721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-17334]



[[Page 42719]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0493; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-019-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
(Sikorsky) Model Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. This proposed AD would 
require installing a main gearbox (MGB) failed pump sensor and vacuum 
switch wiring, installing an MGB oil auto bypass system, activating 
Aircraft Management System (AMS) 7.1 software to show a new visual 
warning, and installing updated enhanced ground proximity warning 
system (EGPWS) software that includes an aural annunciation of a 
complete oil pressure loss condition. This proposed AD would also 
require inserting a Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Supplement into the 
applicable RFM. This proposed AD is prompted by investigation results 
of in-service oil leakage incidents. The proposed actions are intended 
to alert and prevent MGB oil loss, which could lead to failure of the 
MGB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 22, 
2014.

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 proposed 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 the Sikorsky service information identified in this proposed 
AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service 
Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-
Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email [email protected]; or at http://www.sikorsky.com. For the Honeywell service information identified in 
this proposed AD, contact Honeywell International, Inc., at 15001 NE. 
36 Street, Redmond, WA 98052-5316, telephone (800) 601-3099; email 
www.myaerospace.com. You may review 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, 
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7761; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    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 might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 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 FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. 
This proposed AD would require, depending on the helicopter's serial 
number, installing an MGB failed pump sensor and vacuum switch wiring, 
installing an MGB oil auto bypass system, activating AMS 7.1 software 
to show a new MGB ``OIL OUT'' visual warning, updating the EGPWS 
software to include an aural annunciation of a complete oil pressure 
loss condition, and inserting an RFM Supplement into the applicable 
RFM.
    This proposed AD is prompted by one accident and one in-service oil 
leakage incident where it was discovered during subsequent 
investigations that the pilot failed to activate the bypass valve 
within 5 seconds of the oil pressure dropping below 35 psi, as required 
by the RFM. Both accident and incident investigations found that the 
pilot activated the bypass valve well beyond the 5 seconds.
    The manual operation of the bypass valve within 5 seconds of the 
oil pressure dropping below 35 psi has proven not to be a realistic 
expectation. The MGB failed pump sensor and vacuum switch wiring is a 
system that will detect an oil pressure drop in the input module and 
alert the pilot if the low oil pressure is the result of a failed oil 
pump. The MGB oil auto bypass system eliminates the need for the pilot 
to manually switch the bypass valve when the oil pressure drops below 
35 psi. The AMS software upgrade is to automate the bypass valve and to 
alert the pilot that the low oil pressure may be the result of a failed 
oil pump. Knowing the low oil pressure is the result of a failed oil 
pump and not due to oil leakage will allow the pilot to switch the 
bypass valve out of bypass to cool the oil. When the oil is not cooled, 
the hot oil may cause the input module seals to fail allowing an 
excessive amount of oil to leak resulting in failure of the MGB. There 
have been several incidents of a pump failure where the oil had the 
potential to reach a high enough temperature to damage the seals. The 
EGPWS software change provides a new aural warning of a complete oil 
pressure loss.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of this same type 
design.

[[Page 42720]]

Related Service Information

    Sikorsky has issued the following service information:
     Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 92-63-024C, Revision C, 
dated October 7, 2011, for certain serial-numbered helicopters 
specifies installing a main module input gear box switch assembly and 
modifying the MGB vacuum switch wiring. Before making the modification, 
the ASB states an AMS 4.1 or greater version must first be installed 
and the following Customer Service Notices (CSN) completed: CSN 92-
068C, Revision C, dated March 27, 2012, and CSN 92-069A, Revision A, 
dated November 10, 2011.
     ASB 92-63-027, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2013, for 
certain serial-numbered helicopters specifies installing an MGB oil 
pressure automatic bypass system, activating an MGB ``OIL OUT'' visual 
warning in the AMS 7.1 software, and performing systems operational 
checkout procedures. Before or when installing the MGB oil pressure 
auto bypass system, the ASB states the following must be complied with: 
CSN 92-089, Basic Issue, dated January 10, 2013; ASB 92-34-002, Basic 
Issue, dated January 21, 2013; and ASB 92-63-024C, Revision C, dated 
October 7, 2011.
     ASB 92-34-002, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2013, for 
certain serial-numbered helicopters with certain part-numbered EGPWS 
installed, specifies installing EGPWS updated software version 030, 
which adds an MGB ``OIL OUT'' aural warning, in accordance with 
Honeywell International, Inc., Service Bulletin 965-1595-34-23, 
Revision 0, dated March 13, 2012. Before or during installation of the 
updated software, the ASB states the following must be complied with: 
ASB 92-63-027, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2013, and CSN 92-089, 
Basic Issue, dated January 10, 2013.

Proposed AD Requirements

    The proposed AD would require, within 500 hours time-in-service 
(TIS):
     Inserting a copy of the Sikorsky S-92A RFM Supplement No. 
45, Part I, dated July 30, 2012, into the RFM.
     For certain serial-numbered helicopters, installing an MGB 
failed pump sensor and MGB vacuum switch wiring.
     For certain other serial-numbered helicopters, installing 
an MGB auto bypass system, activating AMS 7.1 software, and installing 
EGPWS software version 030.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This AD proposes compliance within 500 hours TIS, and the service 
information specifies certain dates and calendar times.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 44 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per hour. The 
work hours and required parts costs are estimated as follows:
     .5 work hour to insert the RFM Supplement into the RFM.
     8 work hours plus $2,200 for required parts to install an 
MGB failed pump sensor;
     4 work hours plus $250 for required parts to install MGB 
vacuum switch wiring;
     71.7 work hours plus $4,100 for required parts to install 
an MGB oil pressure auto bypass system;
     1 work hour to activate AMS 7.1; and
     1 work hour plus $500 for required parts to install EGPWS 
software.
    The total cost of compliance for all actions would be about $14,377 
per helicopter and $632,588 for the U.S. fleet.

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 proposed 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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 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);
    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 proposed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2014-0493; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-SW-019-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-92A helicopters, serial number (S/N) 
920006 through 920179, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as main gearbox (MGB) oil 
loss, which could lead to failure of the MGB and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 22, 2014.

(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 500 hours time-in-service:

[[Page 42721]]

    (1) Insert a copy of the Sikorsky S-92A Rotorcraft Flight Manual 
(RFM) Supplement No. 45, Part I, dated July 30, 2012, into the RFM.
    (2) For helicopters with S/N 920006 through 920132:
    (i) Install an MGB failed pump sensor, Modification Kit Part 
Number (P/N) 92070-35007-011.
    (ii) Install MGB vacuum switch wiring, Modification Kit P/N 
92070-55039-013.
    (3) For helicopters with S/N 920006 through 920179:
    (i) Install an MGB auto bypass system, Modification Kit P/N 
92070-55061-011.
    (ii) Activate Aircraft Management System 7.1 software to show a 
new MGB ``OIL OUT'' visual warning.
    (iii) Install enhanced ground proximity warning system software 
version 030.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (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, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 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) Additional Information

    Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 92-63-024C, Revision 
C, dated October 7, 2011; Sikorsky ASBs 92-63-027 and 92-34-002, 
both Basic Issue and both dated January 21, 2013; Sikorsky Customer 
Service Notice (CSN) 92-068C, Revision C, dated March 27, 2012; CSN 
92-069A, Revision A, dated November 10, 2011; CSN 92-089, Basic 
Issue, dated January 10, 2013; and Honeywell International, Inc., 
Service Bulletin 965-1595-34-23, Revision 0, dated March 13, 2012, 
which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional 
information about the subject of this AD. For service information 
identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 
Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; 
telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email 
[email protected]; or at http://www.sikorsky.com and 
Honeywell International, Inc., at 15001 NE. 36 Street, Redmond, WA 
98052-5316, telephone (800) 601-3099; or at www.myaerospace.com. You 
may review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 
663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320 Main Rotor 
Gearbox.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 17, 2014.
S. Frances Cox,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-17334 Filed 7-22-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P