[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 106 (Monday, June 5, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25748-25750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11128]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0491; Directorate Identifier 2016-SW-020-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-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and 
S-76D helicopters. This proposed AD would require inspecting the main 
rotor (M/R) servo pushrod (pushrod) assembly and applying slippage 
marks. This proposed AD is prompted by an accident of a Sikorsky Model 
S-76C helicopter caused by a failed pushrod assembly. The proposed 
actions are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 4, 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.

[[Page 25749]]

     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-2017-
0491; 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: 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

    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-76A, S-76B, S-
76C, and S-76D helicopters with a serial number up to and including 
761075 and with an M/R pushrod assembly part number (P/N) 76400-00034-
059, 76400-00014-074, 76400-00014-076, or 76400-00014-077 installed. 
This proposed AD would not affect the requirements of AD 2015-19-51, 
which was issued as an emergency AD on September 14, 2015, and 
published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2015 (80 FR 65128). AD 
2015-19-51 applies to Sikorsky Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and S-76D 
helicopters with M/R pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00034-059 or tail rotor 
pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00014-071. AD 2015-19-51 requires inspecting 
the pushrod assemblies and jamnuts, and applying slippage marks across 
the pushrod tubes and jamnuts. This new proposed AD would apply to M/R 
pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00034-059 as well as M/R pushrod assemblies 
that are installed farther away from the servo actuators. Further 
flight testing has revealed additional data regarding the vibration 
environment of these M/R pushrod assemblies making it necessary to 
inspect the pushrod assemblies and jamnuts and apply torque to the 
jamnuts.
    This proposed AD would require inspecting the M/R forward, aft, and 
lateral pushrod assembly control rods and jamnuts, applying torque to 
the jamnuts, and applying slippage marks across the control rods and 
jamnuts. This proposed AD is prompted by an accident of a Sikorsky 
Model S-76C helicopter caused by a loose jamnut and subsequent failure 
of the pushrod assembly. Separation of the control rod and the rod end 
was found. The proposed actions are intended to detect a loose jamnut 
and prevent failure of the pushrod assembly, loss of M/R flight 
control, 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 these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Sikorksy S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 76-67-
58, Basic Issue, dated November 19, 2015 (ASB), which specifies a one-
time inspection of the M/R forward, aft, and lateral pushrod assemblies 
and jamnuts for proper installation, condition, and security. If a 
pushrod or jamnut does not meet criteria specified in the inspections, 
the ASB specifies replacing the assembly. The ASB also specifies 
applying torque to each jamnut and applying two slippage marks across 
each control rod and jamnut.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 300 hours time-in-service, 
inspecting each pushrod assembly by inspecting the position of the rod 
end in the control rod. If the lockwire passes through the inspection 
hole, this proposed AD would require replacing the pushrod assembly. If 
the lockwire does not pass through the inspection hole, this proposed 
AD would require inspecting the jamnut to determine seating position 
against the control rod and whether the jamnut can be turned with 
finger pressure. If the jamnut is not seated against the control rod or 
is loose, this proposed AD would require replacing the pushrod 
assembly. If the jamnut is seated against the control rod and cannot be 
turned with finger pressure, this proposed AD would require applying 
140 inch-pounds of torque to the jamnut while using a pushrod tool. 
This proposed AD would also require, both for those pushrod assemblies 
that are replaced and for those that pass the inspections, applying two 
slippage marks across each control rod and jamnut.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The Sikorsky ASB specifies returning any removed M/R pushrod 
assembly to Sikorsky. This proposed AD does not require returning any 
parts to Sikorsky.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 198 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 work-hour. 
Inspecting the M/R pushrod assemblies would take about 2.2 work-hours 
for an estimated cost of $187 per helicopter and $37,026 for the U.S. 
fleet. Replacing an M/R pushrod assembly would take about 2 work-hours 
for a labor cost of $170. Parts to replace M/R pushrod assembly P/N 
76400-00034-059 would cost about

[[Page 25750]]

$2,411 for a total estimated replacement cost of $2,581.
    Parts to replace M/R pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00014-074 would 
cost about $2,224 for a total estimated replacement cost of $2,394. 
Parts to replace M/R pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00014-076 would cost 
about $2,488 for a total estimated replacement cost of $2,658. Parts to 
replace M/R pushrod assembly P/N 76400-00014-077 would cost about 
$2,414 for a total estimated replacement cost of $2,584. It takes a 
minimal amount of time to apply the slippage marks for a negligible 
cost.

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-2017-0491; Directorate 
Identifier 2016-SW-020-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-76A, S-76B, S-76C, and S-76D 
helicopters, serial numbers up to and including 761075, with a main 
rotor (M/R) servo pushrod (pushrod) assembly part number (P/N) 
76400-00034-059, 76400-00014-074, 76400-00014-076, or 76400-00014-
077 installed, certificated in any category.
    Note 1 to paragraph (a) of this AD: M/R pushrod P/N 76400-00034-
059 is included in the Applicability section of AD 2015-19-51, 
Amendment 39-18300 (80 FR 65128, October 26, 2015). This AD does not 
affect AD 2015-19-51.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a loose jamnut. This 
condition could result in failure of a pushrod assembly, loss of M/R 
flight control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 4, 2017.

(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 300 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Inspect the control rod of each pushrod assembly (control 
rod) to determine whether 0.020 inch diameter lockwire can pass 
through the inspection hole.
    (i) If the lockwire passes through the inspection hole, before 
further flight, replace the pushrod assembly.
    (ii) If the lockwire does not pass through the inspection hole, 
inspect the jamnut to determine whether it is seated against the 
control rod and whether it can be turned with finger pressure.
    (A) If the jamnut is not seated against the control rod or can 
be turned with finger pressure, before further flight, replace the 
pushrod assembly.
    (B) If the jamnut is seated against the control rod and cannot 
be turned with finger pressure, using a pushrod tool, apply 140 
inch-pounds of torque to the jamnut.
    (2) Apply two slippage marks across each control rod and jamnut 
as follows:
    (i) Clean the area where a slippage mark is to be applied.
    (ii) Apply two slippage marks across the control rod and jamnut, 
parallel and on opposite sides of each other. Each slippage mark 
must extend at least 0.5 inch onto the control rod and must not 
cover the inspection hole. Figure 1 (Sheet 2) of Sikorsky S-76 
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 76-67-58, Basic Issue, dated 
November 19, 2015, illustrates a slippage mark across a control rod 
and jamnut.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (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

    Sikorksy S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 76-67-58, Basic 
Issue, dated November 19, 2015, which is not incorporated by 
reference, contains 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, TX 76177.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6700, Rotorcraft 
Flight Control.


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 17, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-11128 Filed 6-2-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P