[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 193 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53008-53011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21564]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0389; Product Identifier 2018-SW-035-AD; Amendment 
39-19748; AD 2019-19-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-10-07 
for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76C helicopters. 
AD 2018-10-07 required inspecting the engine collective position 
transducer (CPT). This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2018-10-07 
and expands the applicability. This AD is prompted by the determination 
that an additional part-numbered engine CPT is affected by the same 
unsafe condition.

[[Page 53009]]

The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 8, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 8, 
2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of June 
25, 2018 (83 FR 23355, May 21, 2018).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact your local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service 
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road, 
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email 
[email protected]. Operators may also log on to the 
Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0389.

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-2019-
0389; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is Document 
Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Rediess, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7159; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2018-10-07, Amendment 39-19282 (83 FR 
23355, May 21, 2018) (``AD 2018-10-07''). AD 2018-10-07 applied to 
Sikorsky Model S-76C helicopters with a Turbomeca, S.A., Arriel 2S1 or 
Arriel 2S2 engine with an engine CPT part number (P/N) 76900-01821-104 
installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 23, 2019 
(84 FR 23740). The NPRM was prompted by the determination that an 
additional part-numbered CPT is affected by the same unsafe condition 
identified in AD 2018-10-07. The NPRM proposed to retain all of the 
requirements of AD 2018-10-07, which required initial and recurring 
inspections of each CPT by measuring resistance, linearity resistance 
movement, and differential voltage, and depending on the outcome of the 
inspections, replacing the CPT. The NPRM also proposed to add engine 
CPT P/N 76900-01821-105 to the applicability. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this AD. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed; however, 
since issuance of the NPRM, Sikorsky issued Maintenance Manual, SA 
4047-76C-2, Temporary Revision 73-10, dated June 25, 2019 (TR 73-10), 
to update Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-08, dated September 20, 2017 (TR 73-08). The NPRM 
proposed to require completing certain corrective actions with TR 73-
08. This final rule includes the option to use TR 73-10 for those 
corrective actions instead.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 
76-73-8, Revision A, dated December 4, 2015 (ASB 76-73-8A), which 
specifies a one-time inspection of total resistance, linearity 
resistant movement, excitation voltage, and differential voltage of the 
CPTs using CPT Text Box P/N 76700-40009-042. The FAA also reviewed 
Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary Revision No. 73-
07, dated August 17, 2016 (TR 73-07), which specifies procedures for 
removing, installing, and adjusting the CPTs, and inspections of total 
resistance, linearity resistant movement, excitation voltage, and 
differential voltage of the CPTs. TR 73-07 also divides the procedures 
by CPT Test Box P/N by providing separate procedures for test boxes 
modified by Sikorsky Special Service Instructions (SSI) No. 76-96, 
dated August 19, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.
    Additionally, the FAA reviewed TR 73-08, which updates procedures 
in TR 73-07. TR 73-08 does not divide the procedures by CPT Test Box P/
N as it eliminates the procedures for CPT Text Box P/N 76700-40009-042. 
TR 73-08 omits obsolete figures and it provides inspection results as 
pass or fail.
    Finally, the FAA reviewed TR 73-10, which updates procedural steps 
and graphics in TR 73-08.
    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

    The FAA reviewed Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter ASB 76-73-8, Basic Issue, 
dated August 21, 2015 (ASB 76-73-8). ASB 76-73-8 contains the same 
procedures as ASB 76-73-8A; however, ASB 76-73-8A updates Sikorsky's 
contact information for submitting a purchase order.
    The FAA also reviewed Sikorsky SA 4047-76C-2-1, Temporary Revision 
No. 5-181, dated August 21, 2015 (TR 5-181); Task 5-20-00 of Sikorsky 
Airworthiness Limitations and Inspection Requirements, Publication No. 
SA 4047-76C-2-1, Revision 24, dated December 15, 2015 (Task 5-20-00); 
and Section 73-22-04 of Chapter 73 Engine Fuel and Control, of Sikorsky 
Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Revision 31, dated December 15, 2015 
(Section 73-22-04). TR 5-181 specifies adding CPT inspections 
referenced in Section 73-22-04 to the 300-hour inspection checklist 
contained in Task 5-20-00.
    The FAA also reviewed Sikorsky Safety Advisory No. SSA-S76-11-0002, 
dated May 17, 2011. This service information provides precautionary 
instructions to minimize hazardous situations that might result from an 
unreliable CPT.
    The FAA also reviewed Sikorsky SSI No. 76-96, dated August 19, 
2016, which specifies procedures to modify CPT Test Box P/N 76700-
40009-042 and re-identify it as P/N 76700-40009-043. This one-time 
modification reduces the instructions to inspect the CPT and improves 
the inspection accuracy.
    The FAA also reviewed Sikorsky SSI No. 76-87, dated July 24, 2015, 
and SSI No. 76-87A, Revision A, dated August 21, 2015. These SSIs 
specify a one-time

[[Page 53010]]

inspection of total resistance, linearity resistant movement, 
excitation voltage, and differential voltage of the CPTs using CPT Text 
Box P/N 76700-40009-042.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. The design approval 
holder is currently developing a terminating action that will address 
the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this action is 
developed, approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 115 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following 
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 
per work-hour.
    The inspections take about 3.75 work-hours for an estimated cost of 
$319 per helicopter and $36,685 for the U.S. fleet per inspection 
cycle. Replacing a CPT takes about 6 work-hours and parts cost $3,072 
for an estimated replacement cost of $3,582.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has 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 above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2018-10-07, Amendment 39-19282 (83 FR 23355, May 21, 2018), and adding 
the following new AD:

2019-19-12 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-19748; Docket 
No. FAA-2019-0389; Product Identifier 2018-SW-035-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 8, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-10-07, Amendment 39-19282 (83 FR 23355, 
May 21, 2018).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a Turbomeca, S.A., 
Arriel 2S1 or Arriel 2S2 engine with an engine collective position 
transducer (CPT) part number (P/N) 76900-01821-104 or 76900-01821-
105 installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC): 7300, Engine Fuel and 
Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of wear of the CPT that has 
resulted in several One Engine Inoperative (OEI) incidents. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to prevent failure of a CPT. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in a reduction in power to 
one engine resulting in an annunciated momentary OEI condition and 
subsequent emergency landing.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 130 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Measure resistance of each engine CPT and replace the CPT if 
the measured resistance is not within tolerance by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(8)(b), 
of Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, 
Revision A, dated December 4, 2015 (ASB 76-73-8A), if using Test Box 
P/N 76700-40009-042 or by following paragraph 3.B.(11) of Sikorsky 
Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary Revision No. 73-08, 
dated September 20, 2017 (TR 73-08) or paragraph 3.B.(11) of 
Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary Revision No. 
73-10, dated June 25, 2019 (TR 73-10), if using Test Box P/N 76700-
40009-043. You are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or 
submit a data sheet to Sikorsky.
    (ii) Measure the linearity resistance movement of each engine 
CPT and replace the CPT if there is a linear abnormality or change 
in resistance that is not within tolerance by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.D.(1) through 3.D.(14)(b), 
of ASB 76-73-8A, if using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042 or by 
following paragraph 3.B.(12) of TR 73-08 or paragraph 3.B.(12) of TR 
73-10, if using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-043. You are not required 
to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or submit a data sheet to Sikorsky.
    (iii) Measure the differential voltage of each engine CPT and 
replace the CPT if the measured voltage is not within tolerance by 
following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.E. through 
3.G.(1) of ASB 76-73-8A, if using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042 or by 
following paragraph 3.B.(13) of TR 73-08 or paragraph 3.B.(13) of TR 
73-10, if using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-043. You are not required 
to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or submit a data sheet to Sikorsky.
    (2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS:
    (i) If using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042:
    (A) Measure resistance of each engine CPT and replace the CPT if 
the resistance is not within tolerance by following paragraph 
4.B.(11) of Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-07, dated August 17, 2016 (TR 73-07), except you are 
not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed CPT 
to Sikorsky.
    (B) Measure the linearity resistance movement of each engine CPT 
and replace the CPT if the movement exceeds tolerance by following 
paragraphs 4.B.(12)(a) through 4.B.(13)(f) of TR 73-07, except you 
are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed 
CPT to Sikorsky.
    (C) Measure the differential voltage of each CPT by following 
paragraphs 4.B.(14) through 4.B.(15)(h) of TR 73-07, except you are 
not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet. If the maximum 
voltage is greater than 100 millivolts or the minimum voltage is 
less than -100 millivolts, replace the CPT.
    (ii) For helicopters using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-043:

[[Page 53011]]

    (A) Measure resistance of each engine CPT and replace the CPT if 
the resistance is not within tolerance by following paragraph 
5.B.(11) of TR 73-07, paragraph 3.B.(11) of TR 73-08, or paragraph 
3.B.(11) of TR 73-10, except you are not required to use Sikorsky's 
CPT data sheet or return a failed CPT to Sikorsky.
    (B) Measure the resistance linearity of each engine CPT and 
replace the CPT if the resistance is not within tolerance by 
following paragraph 5.B.(12) of TR 73-07, paragraph 3.B.(12) of TR 
73-08, or paragraph 3.B.(12) of TR 73-10, except you are not 
required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed CPT to 
Sikorsky.
    (C) Measure the differential voltage of each engine CPT and 
replace the CPT if the resistance is not within tolerance by 
following paragraphs 5.B.(13)(a) through 5.B.(13)(k) of TR 73-07, 
paragraph 3.B.(13) of TR 73-08, or paragraph 3.B.(13) of TR 73-10, 
except you are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or 
return a failed CPT to Sikorsky.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter 
Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, Basic Issue, dated August 21, 
2015; Sikorsky Special Service Instruction SSI No. 76-87, dated July 
24, 2015; or Sikorsky Special Service Instruction SSI No. 76-87, 
Revision A, dated August 21, 2015, are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nick Rediess, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: (781) 238-7159; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact your 
local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service 
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road, 
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email 
[email protected]. Operators may also log on to 
the Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You may 
view this referenced service information at the 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.

(k) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 8, 2019.
    (i) Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-10, dated June 25, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 25, 2018 (83 FR 23355, May 21, 2018).
    (i) Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, 
Revision A, dated December 4, 2015.
    (ii) Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-07, dated August 17, 2016.
    (iii) Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-08, dated September 20, 2017.
    (5) For Sikorsky service information identified in this AD, 
contact your local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's 
Service Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-
416-4299; email [email protected]. Operators may 
also log on to the Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service 
Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-
Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email [email protected].
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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, email [email protected], or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 20, 2019.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-21564 Filed 10-3-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P