[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 136 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46002-46004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16749]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8501; Directorate Identifier 2014-SW-042-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 inspecting the main transmission forward 
(fwd) and aft frame assembly and adjacent skins for a crack and loose 
fasteners and establishing life limits for certain frame assemblies. 
This proposed AD is prompted by fatigue analysis indicating stress 
concentrations as well as the discovery of a crack in the station (STA) 
362 frame and skin on a Model S-92A helicopter. The proposed actions 
are intended to detect a crack in a frame assembly and prevent failure 
of a frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 13, 
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-
8501; 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 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 the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, Texas 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristopher 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 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.

[[Page 46003]]

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters 
with certain part-numbered frame assemblies installed. This proposed AD 
is prompted by a fatigue analysis that indicates stress concentrations 
may develop at the steel doublers on the main transmission airframe 
support structure top deck, adjacent to the transmission feet. 
Additionally, a helicopter was discovered with a crack in the STA 362 
frame and skin. This proposed AD would require inspecting the main 
transmission fwd and aft frame assemblies and adjacent skins for a 
crack and loose fasteners and replacing or repairing any cracked part 
or loose fastener. This proposed AD would also require establishing 
life limits for certain frame assemblies. The proposed actions are 
intended to detect a crack in the frame assemblies and to prevent 
failure of the main transmission frame assemblies and subsequent loss 
of control of the helicopter.

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 the same type 
design.

Related Service Information

    Sikorsky issued S-92 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 92-53-008, Basic 
Issue, dated June 13, 2012 (ASB 92-53-008); S-92 ASB 92-53-009, Basic 
Issue, dated December 6, 2012 (ASB 92-53-009); and S-92 ASB 92-53-012, 
Basic Issue, dated February 10, 2014 (ASB 92-53-012). ASB 92-53-008 
provides procedures for a one-time inspection of the main transmission 
frames and beams for a crack, missing or loose fastener or collar, 
damage, deformation, and corrosion. ASB 92-53-009 specifies an 
inspection before the first flight of the day and a recurring 150-hour 
inspection of the interior and exterior surfaces of the upper flanges 
and beams. ASB 92-53-012 specifies altering the fwd and aft 
transmission support frames by replacing the fasteners in accordance 
with Sikorsky Special Service Instructions No. 92-074-E, Revision E, 
dated April 9, 2014. After this alteration, the parts are re-identified 
with a new part number. Sikorsky refers to this alteration as a service 
life extension program modification.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would establish a life limit for certain part-
numbered frame assemblies by removing from service any part that has 
reached or exceeded its new life limit. Frame assemblies that are 
altered under Sikorsky's service life extension program and re-
identified with a new part number must be removed from service upon 
accumulating the life limit of the old part-number or within certain 
hours TIS since the alteration, whichever occurs first.
    This proposed AD would also require, for helicopters with certain 
part-numbered frame assemblies, within 24 clock-hours and thereafter 
before the first flight of each day or at intervals not to exceed 24 
clock-hours, whichever occurs later, inspecting the top deck skin, 
straps, and fasteners for a crack and loose fasteners in two locations. 
If there is a loose fastener or a crack, this proposed AD would require 
repairing or replacing the cracked or loose part and performing 
additional inspections of the STA 328 frame, STA 362 frame, and the 
butt line (BL) 16.5 beams.
    Finally, this proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the 
STA 328 frame, STA 362 frame, and the BL 16.5 beams once the frame 
assembly exceeds certain hours TIS.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The service information requires providing certain information to 
Sikorsky and this proposed AD would not. The service information 
specifies performing a fluorescent penetrant inspection if there is a 
suspected crack and contacting Sikorsky if there is a crack, while this 
proposed AD would only require repairing or replacing any cracked part. 
Contacting Sikorsky would not be required.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 80 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs to comply 
with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. We 
estimate a minimal cost to establish and revise the life limit of the 
frame assembly. We estimate it would take 1 work-hour to visually 
inspect the skin and 1 work-hour to inspect STA 328 and 362 frames. No 
parts would be needed for a total cost of $6,800 for the fleet for each 
inspection per inspection cycle. If a fastener is replaced, we estimate 
the cost to be minimal. If a frame is replaced, it would take 3,360 
work-hours and a required parts cost of $296,000 for a total cost of 
$581,600 per helicopter.

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-2016-8501; Directorate 
Identifier 2014-SW-042-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-92A helicopters, certificated in any 
category, with a forward (fwd) station (STA) 328 or aft STA 362 
frame assembly with a part number (P/N) as shown in Table 1 to 
paragraph (e)(1), Table 2 to paragraph (e)(1), Table 3 to paragraph 
(e)(2), or Table 4 to paragraph (e)(3) of this AD.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a main 
transmission airframe

[[Page 46004]]

support structure. This condition could result in failure of a main 
transmission frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 13, 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

    (1) For helicopters with a frame assembly with a P/N shown in 
Table 1 to paragraph (e)(1) or Table 2 to paragraph (e)(1) of this 
AD, before further flight, remove from service any part that has 
reached or exceeded its new life limit. Fwd STA 328 frame assemblies 
that are altered and changed to P/N 92070-20124-064, 92070-20124-
067, 92070-20127-045, 92070-20124-065, 92070-20124-047, or 92070-
20127-046 must be removed from service upon accumulating 12,000 
hours TIS from the alteration or 28,500 hours TIS total (regardless 
of P/N), whichever occurs first.

                       Table 1 to Paragraph (e)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Life limit
                                                             hours TIS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fwd STA 328 frame assembly P/N:
  92070-20124-064.......................................          12,000
  92070-20124-067.......................................          12,000
  92070-20127-045.......................................          12,000
  92070-20124-065.......................................          12,000
  92070-20124-047.......................................          12,000
  92070-20127-046.......................................          12,000
  92070-20124-063.......................................          12,000
  92070-20124-066.......................................          12,000
  92070-20127-041.......................................          12,000
Aft STA 362 frame assembly P/N:
  92070-20124-041.......................................          10,400
  92070-20124-044.......................................          10,400
  92070-20127-042.......................................          10,400
  92070-20124-042.......................................          10,400
  92070-20124-045.......................................          10,400
  92070-20127-049.......................................          10,400
  92070-20124-043.......................................          10,400
  92070-20124-046.......................................          10,400
  92070-20127-050.......................................          10,400
  92070-20141-050.......................................          17,000
  92070-20141-051.......................................          17,000
  92070-20141-052.......................................          17,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       Table 2 to Paragraph (e)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Life limit
                                                             hours TIS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fwd STA 328 frame assembly P/N:
  92070-20097-058.......................................          28,500
  92080-20047-047.......................................          28,500
  92070-20097-060.......................................          28,500
  92080-20047-048.......................................          28,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) For helicopters with a frame assembly with a P/N shown in 
Table 1 to paragraph (e)(1), Table 2 to paragraph (e)(1), or Table 3 
to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD: Within 24 clock-hours, and 
thereafter before the first flight of each day or at intervals not 
to exceed 24 clock-hours, whichever occurs later, using a 10X or 
higher power magnifying glass, inspect the skin, straps, and 
fasteners of the top deck for a crack and loose fasteners in two 
locations from the STA 328 frame to the STA 305 frame between the 
right butt line (BL) 16.5 beam and the left BL 16.5 beam, and from 
the STA 362 frame to the STA 379 frame between the right BL 16.5 
beam and the left BL 16.5 beam. If there is a loose fastener or a 
crack:
    (i) Repair or replace any cracked part and any loose fastener 
before further flight.
    (ii) Inspect the STA 328 frame and STA 362 frame between the 
left and right BL16.5 beams and inspect the area on the left and 
right BL 16.5 beams six inches on either side of the mounting pads 
for a crack and loose fasteners. If there is a loose fastener or a 
crack, repair or replace any cracked part and any loose fastener 
before further flight.
    (iii) Inspect the STA 328 and STA 362 outboard frames, left and 
right sides, from the BL 16.5 beam to water line 252.25 for a crack 
and loose fasteners. If there is a loose fastener or a crack, repair 
or replace any cracked part and any loose fastener before further 
flight.

                       Table 3 to Paragraph (e)(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Aft STA 362 frame
           Fwd STA 328 frame  assembly P/N               assembly P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
92209-02106-042.....................................     92070-20097-062
92209-02106-043.....................................     92080-20047-051
92070-20097-041.....................................     92209-02109-043
92080-20047-041.....................................     92209-02109-044
                                                         92070-20097-042
                                                         92080-20047-042
                                                         92070-20097-064
                                                         92080-20047-052
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) For each frame assembly listed in Table 1 to paragraph 
(e)(1) or Table 4 to paragraph (e)(3) of this AD with 1,801 or more 
hours TIS, and for each frame assembly listed in Table 2 to 
paragraph (e)(1) or Table 3 to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD with 
1,301 or more hours TIS, within 150 hours TIS and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, perform the inspections in 
paragraphs (e)(2)(ii) and (e)(2)(iii) of this AD.

                       Table 4 to Paragraph (e)(3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Aft STA 362 frame
           Fwd STA 328 frame  assembly P/N               assembly P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
92209-02107-042.....................................     92070-02108-042
92209-02107-103.....................................     92080-02108-103
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristopher Greer, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, 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.

(g) Additional Information

    Sikorsky S-92 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 92-53-008, Basic 
Issue, dated June 13, 2012; ASB 92-53-009, Basic Issue, dated 
December 6, 2012; ASB 92-53-012, Basic Issue, dated February 10, 
2014, and Sikorsky Special Service Instructions No. 92-074-E, 
Revision E, dated April 9, 2014, 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].
    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, Texas 76177.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5311 Fuselage 
Main, Frame.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 7, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-16749 Filed 7-14-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P