[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 18, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8771-8773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03072]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1115; Product Identifier 2018-SW-065-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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A 
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by two incidents of 
erroneous low oil pressure caution cockpit indications and unintended 
actuation of the main gearbox (MGB) auto bypass valve. This proposed AD 
would require installing auxiliary circuit breaker modification (MOD) 
kits and inserting a Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Supplement into the 
RFM for your helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 3, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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; email [email protected]. 
Operators may also log on to the Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You may view this 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1115; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone 781-238-7761; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-1115; 
Product Identifier 2018-SW-065-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for Sikorsky Model S-92A 
helicopters. This proposed AD is prompted by two incidents of erroneous 
low oil pressure caution cockpit indications and unintended actuation 
of the MGB auto bypass valve caused by unintended popping of the M XMSN 
OIL WARN circuit breaker during flight. The root cause of this circuit 
breaker popping is unknown. When this circuit breaker trips, the 
following cautions will display ``MGB PUMP 1 FAIL, MGB PUMP 2 FAIL, MGB 
OIL HOT, MGB MAN COOL, MGB OIL PRES.'' With the MGB auto bypass valve 
actuated, the MGB BYPASS caution will not annunciate. For the given 
conditions, the appropriate action for the crew is ``land as soon as 
possible'' in accordance with the RFM Emergency Procedures. The 
erroneous indications conflicting with correct gauge readings may 
overwhelm the flight crew, resulting in a forced landing of the 
helicopter.
    To address this unsafe condition, Sikorsky developed MOD kits based 
on helicopter serial number (S/N) to introduce a separate circuit 
breaker for the MGB last jet pressure switch. These MOD kits specify 
reworking the overhead panel to install new clips and brackets, circuit 
breaker wiring harnesses, wiring MODs, the auxiliary circuit breaker 
panel, and the M XMSN PRESS SWITCH circuit breaker.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Sikorsky Special Service Instructions No. 92-121, 
dated October 26, 2017 (SSI 92-121). This service information describes 
procedures for installing an auxiliary circuit breaker panel MOD kit 
and M XMSN PRESS SWITCH circuit breaker MOD kit based on helicopter S/
N.
    The FAA also reviewed RFM Supplement No. 45, Revision No. 2, 
Sikorsky Model S-92A, Part 1, dated April 27, 2017 (S-92A RFMS 45, Part 
1, Revision 2). This service information specifies operating 
limitations, preflight checks, normal and emergency procedures, and 
malfunction information for helicopters with Avionics Management System 
version 7.1 or 8.0 with the MGB OIL OUT warning activated, pump failure 
indicating system, MGB auto bypass, and M XMSN PRESS SWITCH circuit 
breaker installed.

[[Page 8772]]

    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-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 
92-63-037, Revision A, dated March 1, 2018. This service information 
contains planning information pertaining to the auxiliary circuit 
breaker panel and M XMSN PRESS SWITCH circuit breaker MOD kits, 
accomplishing SSI 92-121, and inserting S-92A RFMS 45, Part 1, Revision 
2 into the helicopter cockpit.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all the relevant 
information and determining that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same 
type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 400 hours time-in-service:
     For helicopters S/N 920006 through 920296 inclusive, 
installing an auxiliary circuit breaker panel and M XMSN PRESS SWITCH 
circuit breaker by installing MOD Kit Clips and Brackets part number 
(P/N) 92070-20115-015, MOD Kit Left Hand (LH) Cockpit Auxiliary Power 
Unit P/N 92070-55096-012, MOD Kit LH Cabin Auxiliary Power Unit P/N 
92070-55096-013, MOD Kit LH Top Deck FLD P/N 92070-55096-016, MOD Kit 
MGB XMSN P/N 92070-55096-017, MOD Kit Auxiliary Circuit Break Panel P/N 
92070-55075-011, and MOD Kit Auxiliary Cabin Panel Faceplate P/N 92070-
55075-012.
     For helicopters S/N 920297 through 920304 inclusive and S/
N 920311 through 920314 inclusive, modifying the auxiliary circuit 
breaker panel and transmission harness and installing MOD Kit Auxiliary 
Cabin Panel Faceplate P/N 92070-55075-012.
     Inserting a copy of S-92A RFMS 45, Part 1, Revision 2 into 
the RFM for your helicopter.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 36 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimate the following costs to comply with this 
proposed AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Modifying helicopters S/N 920006 through 920296 inclusive would 
take about 48 work-hours and parts would cost about $1,618 for an 
estimated cost of $5,698 per helicopter and $182,336 for the U.S. fleet 
size of 32 helicopters.
    Modifying helicopters S/N 920297 through 920304 inclusive and S/N 
920311 through 920314 inclusive would take about 2 work-hours and parts 
would cost about $65 for an estimated cost of $235 per helicopter and 
$940 for the U.S. fleet size of 4 helicopters.
    Revising the RFM would take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $43 per helicopter and $1,548 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.
    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 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 above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    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.
    The FAA 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-2019-1115; Product 
Identifier 2018-SW-065-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by April 3, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A 
helicopters, serial number (S/N) 920006 through 920304 inclusive and 
S/N 920311 through 920314 inclusive, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6340, Rotor Drive 
Indicating System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by two incidents of erroneous low oil 
pressure caution cockpit indications and unintended actuation of the 
main gearbox (MGB) auto bypass valve. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent the M XMSM OIL WARN circuit breaker from presenting 
erroneous cautions when tripped. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in erroneous low oil pressure caution 
cockpit indication, unintended actuation of the MGB auto bypass 
valve, increased oil temperature, conflicting indications, and 
forced landing of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 400 hours time-in-service:
    (1) For helicopters S/N 920006 through 920296 inclusive:
    (i) Install Modification (MOD) Kit Clips and Brackets part 
number (P/N) 92070-20115-015 by following the Instructions, 
paragraph B. of Sikorsky Special Service Instructions No. 92-121, 
dated October 26, 2017 (SSI 92-121).

[[Page 8773]]

    (ii) Install the first portion of MOD Kit Auxiliary Circuit 
Breaker Panel P/N 92070-55075-011 by following the Instructions, 
paragraph C. of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (iii) Install MOD Kit Left Hand (LH) Cockpit Auxiliary Power 
Unit P/N 92070-55096-012 by following the Instructions, paragraph D. 
of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (iv) Install MOD Kit LH Cabin Auxiliary Power Unit P/N 92070-
55096-013 by following the Instructions, paragraph E. of Sikorsky 
SSI 92-121.
    (v) Install MOD Kit LH Top Deck FLD P/N 92070-55096-016 by 
following the Instructions, paragraph F. of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (vi) Install MOD Kit MGB XMSN P/N 92070-55096-017 by following 
the Instructions, paragraph G. of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (vii) Install the completion portion of MOD Kit Auxiliary 
Circuit Break Panel P/N 92070-55075-011 by following the 
Instructions, paragraph H. of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (viii) Install MOD Kit Auxiliary Cabin Panel Faceplate P/N 
92070-55075-012 by following the Instructions, paragraph J. of 
Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (2) For helicopters S/N 920297 through 920304 inclusive and S/N 
920311 through 920314 inclusive:
    (i) Modify the auxiliary circuit breaker panel and transmission 
harness by following the Instructions, paragraph I. of Sikorsky SSI 
92-121.
    (ii) Install MOD Kit Auxiliary Cabin Panel Faceplate P/N 92070-
55075-012 by following the Instructions, paragraph J. of Sikorsky 
SSI 92-121.
    (3) Insert a copy of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) 
Supplement No. 45, Revision No. 2, Sikorsky Model S-92A, Part 1, 
dated April 27, 2017, into the RFM for your helicopter.

 (h) Credit for Previous Actions

    Completion of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky S-92 
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 92-63-037, Revision A, dated March 
1, 2018, before the effective date of this AD is considered 
acceptable for compliance with the actions required by paragraph (g) 
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)(1) 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 Michael Schwetz, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803; telephone 781-238-7761; 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; 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.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-03072 Filed 2-14-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P