[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29817-29819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11196]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6640; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-084-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
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 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This 
proposed AD would require altering the fire bottle inertia switch 
wiring and performing a cartridge functional test of the fire 
extinguishing system. This proposed AD is prompted by the inadvertent 
tripping of inertia-switches that has led to unintentional discharging 
of the fire bottles, leaving the helicopter's auxiliary power unit and 
engines without fire protection. The proposed actions are intended to 
prevent unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharges and 
subsequent unavailability of fire suppression in case of a fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 12, 2016.

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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6640; 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 service information identified in this proposed rule, 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 the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kris Greer, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 
238-7799; 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

[[Page 29818]]

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 certain serial-numbered Sikorsky 
Model S-92A helicopters. Sikorsky has informed us that the inadvertent 
tripping of inertia switches has caused several engine and auxiliary 
power unit fire bottle discharges during taxi, flight, and landing 
operations. Because these discharges are undetected, the fire bottles 
remain unavailable in the event of a fire.
    This proposed AD would require altering the fire bottle inertia 
switch wiring to disable the automatic feature of the fire 
extinguishing system. This proposed AD would also require performing a 
cartridge functional test. The proposed actions are intended to prevent 
an unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent 
unavailability of fire suppression in the event of a fire.

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 products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92-26-005A, Revision A, 
dated June 27, 2014 (ASB 92-26-005A). ASB 92-26-005A specifies 
performing a one-time alteration of the fire bottle inertia switch 
wiring to disable the automatic actuation feature of the fire 
extinguishing system. ASB 92-26-005A includes figures that depict the 
wiring and electrical connector pin changes.
    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.

Other Related Service Information

    We also reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92-26-005, Basic 
Issue, dated June 18, 2014 (ASB 92-26-005). ASB 92-26-005 contains the 
same procedures as ASB 92-26-005A. However, ASB 92-26-005A contains an 
additional figure.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 90 days, altering the fire 
bottle inertia switch wiring to disable the automatic discharge of fire 
bottles and performing a post-alteration cartridge functional test.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This proposed AD has a compliance date within 90 days, and the 
service information has a calendar date, which has already passed. This 
proposed AD does not require performing a cartridge functional test 
prior to alteration. The service information does specify performing a 
cartridge functional test prior to alteration.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 80 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Altering 
the fire bottle switch and performing a cartridge functional test would 
take about 2 work-hours. No parts would be needed for an estimated cost 
of $170 per helicopter and $13,600 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 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-2016-6640; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-SW-084-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-92A helicopters, serial number 920006 
through 920250, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as inadvertent tripping of 
a fire bottle inertia-switch. This condition results in an 
unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent 
unavailability of fire suppression in the event of a fire.

[[Page 29819]]

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 12, 2016.

(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 90 days:
    (1) Alter each fire bottle inertia switch by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 92-26-005A, Revision A, dated June 27, 2014.
    (2) Perform a cartridge functional test.

(f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed

    Compliance with Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-26-005, 
Basic Issue, dated June 18, 2014, before the effective date of this 
AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the actions 
specified in paragraph (e) of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kris Greer, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate,1200 District Avenue, Burlington, 
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7799; 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 92-26-005, Basic Issue, dated 
June 18, 2014, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this proposed rule. For 
service information identified in this proposed rule, 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 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2621 Fire Bottle, 
Fixed.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 5, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11196 Filed 5-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P