[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 249 (Wednesday, December 28, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 95425-95427]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30282]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9537; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-075-AD; 
Amendment 39-18759; AD 2016-24-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters, which 
was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these 
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting certain bearings. This AD is 
prompted by a report of a failed bearing. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 12, 2017 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 
2016-24-51, issued on November 16, 2016, which contains the 
requirements of this AD.
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 27, 2017.

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-
9537; 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 final 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: Blaine Williams, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 
238-7161; 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 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

    On November 16, 2016, we issued Emergency AD 2016-24-51 to correct 
an unsafe condition on Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters with a TR pitch 
change shaft (TRPCS) assembly part number (P/N) 92358-06303-041 or P/N 
92358-06303-042. Emergency AD 2016-24-51 was sent previously to all 
known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. Emergency AD 
2016-24-51 requires removing TRPCS assemblies

[[Page 95426]]

with less than 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) since new or overhaul from 
service. Emergency AD 2016-24-51 also requires, for TRPCS assemblies 
with between 5 and 80 hours TIS since new or overhaul, borescope 
inspecting the TRPCS bearings and inspecting the angular contact 
bearing to determine whether there is free rotation, purged grease with 
metal particles, nicks or dents, or a cut, tear, or distortion on the 
bearing seal. If the bearings do not pass these inspections, Emergency 
AD 2016-24-51 requires replacing the TRPCS assembly.
    Emergency AD 2016-24-51 was prompted by a report of an operator 
losing TR control while in a hover. A preliminary investigation 
determined that binding in the TRPCS assembly double row angular 
contact bearing (bearing) resulted in reduced TR control. The 
investigation also found signs of excessive heat, which is an indicator 
of a binding bearing. Because binding will result in bearing failure 
rapidly, we limited Emergency AD 2016-24-51 to TRPCS assemblies with 
less than 80 hours time-in-service (TIS). The actions in Emergency AD 
2016-24-51 are intended to detect a binding bearing and prevent loss of 
TR control and possible 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 products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92-64-009, Basic Issue, 
dated November 2, 2016 (ASB 92-64-009). ASB 92-64-009 describes 
procedures for inspecting the TRPCS and bearing assemblies for damaged 
bearings and seals, purged grease with any metallic particles from the 
bearings, radial play in the bearings, and correct installation of the 
white Teflon seals, snap rings, and cotter pin.

AD Requirements

    For helicopters with a TRPCS assembly P/N 92358-06303-041 or P/N 
92358-06303-042 with less than 80 hours TIS installed, this AD 
requires:
     Removing from service TRPCS assemblies with less than 5 
hours TIS since new or overhaul;
     For TRPCS assemblies with 5 or more hours TIS since new or 
overhaul, borescope inspecting the TRPCS bearing for damaged, 
incorrectly installed, or missing seals and inspecting the angular 
contact bearing for free rotation, purged grease with metallic 
particles, and damaged seals. If the TRPCS assembly has less than 10 
hours TIS, performing a ground operation until the TRPCS assembly 
accumulates 10 hours TIS before performing the inspection on the 
angular contact bearing; and
     Replacing the TRPCS assembly if there is a missing, 
damaged, or incorrectly installed seal, snap ring, or cotter pin or if 
the bearing does not rotate freely, or if there is any purged grease 
with metallic particles.
    This AD does not apply to helicopters with a TRPCS assembly 
manufactured or overhauled on or after November 3, 2016.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    ASB 92-64-009 requires operators to contact Sikorsky if there are 
any discrepancies, and this AD does not. ASB 92-64-009 allows 20 hours 
TIS to perform the visual bearing inspection if the borescope 
inspection has already been performed, while this AD allows 20 hours 
TIS for TRPCS assemblies with 15 or more hours TIS.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 80 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 hour, 
borescope and visually inspecting the TRPCS assembly will require 16 
work-hours, for a cost per helicopter of $1,360 and a cost of $108,800 
for the U.S. fleet. If required, replacing a TRPCS assembly will 
require 16 work-hours and required parts will cost $4,000, for a cost 
per helicopter of $5,360.
    According to Sikorsky's service information, some of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by 
Sikorsky. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

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 found and 
continue to find that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving 
notice and comment prior to the adoption of this rule because the 
previously described unsafe condition can result in loss of TR control 
and certain actions must be accomplished before further flight or 
within 20 hours TIS, a very short interval for these helicopters.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comments before issuing this AD 
were impracticable and contrary to public interest and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by Emergency AD 2016-24-
51, issued on November 16, 2016, to all known U.S. owners and operators 
of these helicopters. These conditions still exists and the AD is 
hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 
39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it 
effective to all persons.

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

[[Page 95427]]

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):

2016-24-51 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-18759; Docket 
No. FAA-2016-9537; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-075-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) 
Model S-92A helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail 
rotor pitch change shaft (TRPCS) assembly part number (P/N) 92358-
06303-041 or P/N 92358-06303-042 with less than 80 hours time-in-
service (TIS) installed, except those TRPCS assemblies manufactured 
or overhauled on or after November 3, 2016.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This Emergency AD defines the unsafe condition as a binding 
TRPCS bearing. This condition could result in loss of tail rotor 
(TR) control and possible loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 12, 2017 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency 
AD 2016-24-51, issued on November 16, 2016, which contains the 
requirements of this AD.

(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 TRPCS assemblies with less than 5 hours TIS since new or 
overhaul, before further flight, remove the TRPCS assembly from 
service.
    (2) For TRPCS assemblies with between 5 and 15 hours TIS since 
new or overhaul, before further flight, and for TRPCS assemblies 
with more than 15 hours TIS, within 20 hours TIS or before reaching 
80 hours TIS, whichever occurs first:
    (i) Borescope inspect the TRPCS assembly as follows, unless done 
within the previous 15 hours TIS.
    (A) On the TR side of the TRPCS bearing, remove the plug from 
the end of the TRPCS, insert the borescope into the TRPCS, and 
determine whether the white Teflon seal and snap ring are installed. 
If the white Teflon seal or snap ring is missing, or if there is a 
rip, tear, or heat damage on the seal or if there is no gap in the 
snap ring, before further flight replace the TRPCS assembly.
    (B) On the TR servo side of the TRPCS bearing, insert the 
borescope through the oil filler cap hole and determine whether the 
white Teflon seal, snap ring, and cotter pin are installed. If the 
white Teflon seal, snap ring, or cotter pin is missing, if there is 
a rip, tear, or heat damage on the seal, or if there is no gap in 
the snap ring, before further flight replace the TRPCS assembly.
    (ii) If the TRPCS assembly has less than 10 hours TIS, perform 
ground operation with the rotor turning at 105% (Nr) 
until the TRPCS assembly has accumulated 10 hours TIS, cycling the 
TR control pedals at least 10 times per hour.
    (iii) Remove the TRPCS and inspect the SB2310 angular contact 
bearing for free rotation, purged grease with metal particles, a 
nick or a dent, and any cut, tear, or distortion on the bearing 
seal. If the bearing does not rotate freely; the bearing sounds 
rough or chatters; there is any purged grease with metal particles; 
a nick or dent; or if there is a cut, tear, or distortion in the 
bearing seal, before further flight, replace the TRPCS assembly.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Blaine Williams, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, 
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7161; 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 Alert Service Bulletin 92-64-009, Basic Issue, dated 
November 2, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this final rule. For 
service information identified in this final 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 this service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6720 Tail Rotor 
Control System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 9, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30282 Filed 12-27-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P