[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 217 (Tuesday, November 10, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69571-69573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28313]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1008; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-064-AD; 
Amendment 39-18317; AD 2015-23-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 
269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A helicopters. This AD requires 
repetitively inspecting and lubricating the tail rotor (T/R) driveshaft 
splined fittings. This AD was prompted by a report that the T/R 
driveshaft can disconnect due to deterioration of the splined coupling. 
The actions are intended to detect and prevent excessive wear of the 
splined coupling, which could lead to failure of the T/R driveshaft and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective December 15, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of December 15, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: 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]. You may review a copy of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1008; 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, any incorporated-by-reference service information, 
the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, 
M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Kowalski, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone (516) 228-7327; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On April 22, 2015, at 80 FR 22436, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Sikorsky Model 269A, 
269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A helicopters. The NPRM 
proposed to require, within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), a one-time 
inspection and lubrication of the T/R driveshaft splined fittings and 
replacing a splined fitting and the T/R driveshaft if the fitting has 
excessive wear. If the helicopter has a T/R driveshaft grease fitting 
installed, the NPRM also proposed to require inspecting each grease 
fitting for certain conditions and replacing the grease fitting if 
necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require, at intervals not 
exceeding 100 hours TIS, inspecting the T/R driveshaft for 
straightness, twists, and scratches; inspecting each forward and aft T/
R driveshaft splines for wear; and correcting the torque of each main 
transmission aft pinion nut. The proposed requirements were prompted

[[Page 69572]]

by a report of excessive spline wear on the forward and aft T/R 
driveshaft spined fittings. The proposed requirements were intended to 
prevent failure of the T/R driveshaft and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the FAA Southwest Regional Office has 
relocated. We have revised the contact information throughout this 
Final Rule to reflect the new address.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (80 FR 22436, 
April 22, 2015).

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Sikorsky 269 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) B-299.1 for 
Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH-55A helicopters; 269C-1 ASB C1B-
036.1 for Model 269C-1 helicopters; and 269D ASB DB-041.1 for Model 
269D helicopters, each Revision 1 and dated February 24, 2012. Each ASB 
describes procedures for cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the 
forward and aft T/R driveshaft splined fittings and returning to 
Sikorsky any parts that exceed wear limits. Each ASB also requires 
implementing a 100-hour TIS recurring inspection of the T/R driveshaft, 
coupling and internal stop, coupling drive splines, and the pinion nut 
by following the procedures in each model helicopter's Handbook of 
Maintenance Instructions. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section of this AD.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The Sikorsky ASBs require returning any splined fittings that 
exceed wear limits to Sikorsky, while this AD requires replacing those 
fittings and the T/R driveshaft.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 1,085 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in 
order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-
hour, inspecting and lubricating the T/R driveshaft splined fittings 
requires 1.8 hours, for a cost per helicopter of $153 and a total cost 
of $166,005 for the fleet. Inspecting the grease fittings requires 0.25 
hour, for a cost of $21 per helicopter and a total cost of $22,785 for 
the fleet. Inspecting the driveshaft, fittings, internal stops, and 
drive spines requires 1.8 hours, for a cost per helicopter of $153 and 
a total cost of $166,005 for the fleet, per inspection cycle.
    If required, replacing the T/R driving spline and driveshaft 
requires 1.6 work-hours, and required parts will cost about $14,853, 
for a cost per helicopter of $14,989.
    If required, replacing a T/R driven spline and driveshaft requires 
1.5 work-hours, and required parts will cost about $14,836, for a cost 
per helicopter of $14,964.
    If required, replacing a grease fitting requires about 0.25 work-
hour, and required parts will cost about $5, for a cost per helicopter 
of $26.

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

    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 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.

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):

2015-23-01 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) Helicopters: 
Amendment 39-18317; Docket No. FAA-2015-1008; Directorate Identifier 
2013-SW-064-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) 
Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as insufficient lubrication 
of a tail rotor (T/R) driveshaft splined fitting. This condition 
could result in excessive wear of the T/R driveshaft splines, which 
could lead to failure of the T/R driveshaft and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 15, 2015.

(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

    (1)Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Inspect each T/R driveshaft splined fitting for a crack, a 
break, excessive wear,

[[Page 69573]]

galling, spalling, chipping, corrosion, heat discoloration, and 
distortion by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 
3.B.(1) through 3.B.(2), of Sikorsky 269 Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) B-299.1 for Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH-55A 
helicopters; 269C-1 ASB C1B-036.1 for Model 269C-1 helicopters; or 
269D ASB DB-041.1 for Model 269D helicopters, each Revision 1 and 
dated February 24, 2012. If there is a crack, a break, excessive 
wear, galling, spalling, chipping, corrosion, heat discoloration, or 
distortion on any T/R driveshaft splined fitting, before further 
flight, replace the affected splined fitting and the T/R driveshaft.
    (ii) If installed, inspect each T/R driveshaft grease fitting 
for looseness, presence of a check ball inside each fitting, and for 
proper operation and seating of each check ball. If any grease 
fitting is loose, missing a check ball, fails to properly operate, 
or if a check ball fails to seat, before further flight, replace the 
grease fitting.
    (iii) Lubricate each driveshaft fitting by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(6), of Sikorsky 269 ASB 
B-299.1 for Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH-55A helicopters; 
269C-1 ASB C1B-036.1 for Model 269C-1 helicopters; or 269D ASB DB-
041.1 for Model 269D helicopters, each Revision 1 and dated February 
24, 2012.
    (2) Within 100 hours TIS after the inspections required by 
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not 
exceeding 100 hours TIS:
    (i) Remove the driveshaft from the gearbox and clean any grease 
from each end fitting.
    (ii) Inspect the driveshaft for straightness, a twist, and a 
scratch. If the driveshaft has any bends, twists, or scratches, 
before further flight, replace the driveshaft.
    (iii) Inspect the internal splines of each forward and aft 
fitting and each internal stop for wear. If there is any wear, 
before further flight, replace the fitting.
    (iv) Inspect the drive splines of each splined drive fitting for 
wear. If there is any wear, before further flight, replace the 
splined drive fitting.
    (v) Loosen the aft frame clamp and apply a torque of 750 to 
1,000 inch-pounds to each main transmission aft pinion nut.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Stephen 
Kowalski, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7327; 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.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6500, Tail Rotor 
Drive.

(h) 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 269 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) B-299.1, Revision 
1, dated February 24, 2012.
    (ii) Sikorsky 269C-1 ASB C1B-036.1, Revision 1, dated February 
24, 2012.
    (iii) Sikorsky 269D ASB DB-041.1, Revision 1, dated February 24, 
2012.
    (3) For Sikorsky 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].
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 30, 2015.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Assistant Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28313 Filed 11-9-15; 8:45 am]
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