[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 151 (Wednesday, August 5, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47297-47300]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16405]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0212; Product Identifier 2018-SW-097-AD; Amendment 
39-21180; AD 2020-15-17]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters. This AD 
was prompted by reports of inaccurate main gear box (MGB) indications 
in flight. This AD requires updating the remote data acquisition unit 
(RDAU) software and re-identifying the RDAU and, for certain 
helicopters, updating the software of the display unit (DU) and re-
identifying the DU. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 9, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 9, 
2020.

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; phone: 1-800-946-4337 (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-2020-
0212; 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, any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of

[[Page 47298]]

Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Min Zhang, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
(781) 238-7161; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on April 6, 2020 (85 FR 19110). The NPRM was prompted 
by reports of inaccurate MGB indications in flight. The NPRM proposed 
to require updating the RDAU software and re-identifying the RDAU and, 
for certain helicopters, updating the software of the DU and re-
identifying the DU.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address inaccurate MGB indications in 
flight, resulting in multiple erroneous values/annunciations on channel 
B, which could cause the flight crew to land immediately, and 
consequent possible loss of the helicopter, injury, or fatality.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. 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 final rule as proposed, 
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these 
minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following Sikorsky service information.
    Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; 
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; and 
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018. This service 
information describes procedures for updating the RDAU software and re-
identifying the RDAU. This service information also describes 
procedures for sending the inspection results to Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation. These documents are distinct since they apply to specific 
helicopter models in different configurations (different part numbered 
RDAU units).
    Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018. This 
service information describes procedures for updating the software of 
DU part number 76450-01098-101, and re-identifying the DU as part 
number 76450-01098-108. This service information also describes 
procedures for sending the inspection results to Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation.
    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.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The service information recommends accomplishing the update of the 
RDAU software and re-identification of the RDAU and, for certain 
helicopters, update of the software of the DU and re-identification of 
the DU, depending on service information, no later than a specific 
calendar date (April 30, 2019 for Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, 
Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; June 30, 2019 for Alert Service 
Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; or July 31, 2019 for 
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018). In developing an 
appropriate compliance time for this AD, the FAA considered factors 
including the manufacturer's recommendation, the degree of urgency 
associated with the subject unsafe condition, and the average 
utilization of the affected fleet. After considering these factors, the 
FAA finds that a 500 hours time-in-service compliance time (which is 
approximately one year based on the average annual flight hours for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters) represents an 
appropriate interval of time for affected helicopters to continue to 
operate without compromising safety.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 99 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update RDAU software (99 helicopters).  3 work-hours x $85 per               (*)            $255         $25,245
                                         hour = $255.
Update display units (52 helicopters).  7 work-hours x $85 per               (*)             595          30,940
                                         hour = $595.
Reporting (99 helicopters)............  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0              85           8,415
                                         hour = $85.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the FAA to provide parts cost estimates for the
  actions specified in this AD.

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for 
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs 
in the cost estimate.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue

[[Page 47299]]

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

    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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2020-15-17 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-21180; Docket 
No. FAA-2020-0212; Product Identifier 2018-SW-097-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 9, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C 
helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with remote data 
acquisition unit (RDAU) part number 76450-01098-106, 76450-01098-
107, or 76450-01098-109.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 3100, Indicating/
recording system.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of inaccurate main gear box 
(MGB) indications in flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
inaccurate MGB indications in flight, resulting in multiple 
erroneous values/annunciations on channel B, which could cause the 
flight crew to land immediately, and consequent possible loss of the 
helicopter, injury, or fatality.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) RDAU and Display Unit (DU) Updates

    Within 500 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) 
of this AD, as applicable to your helicopter.
    (1) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-
109, update the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance 
with Section 3., Paragraphs A. through J. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, 
dated June 26, 2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU 
to Parker Fluid Systems Division (FSD).
    (2) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-
107, update the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance 
with Section 3., Paragraphs A. through J. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, 
dated May 30, 2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU 
to Parker FSD.
    (3) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-
106, update the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance 
with Section 3., Paragraphs A. through K. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 
31, 2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU to Parker 
FSD.
    (4) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-
106, update the software of DU part number 76450-01098-101 and re-
identify the DU as part number 76450-01098-108, in accordance with 
Section 3., Paragraphs A. through J. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated 
August 23, 2018, except you are not required to return the DU to 
Parker FSD.

(h) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any helicopter, a DU part number 76450-01098-101, unless it has been 
modified in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (g)(4) of 
this AD.

(i) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of 
this AD, submit a report of compliance with the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD, as applicable to your 
helicopter. The report must include the document number and title of 
the service information used, the owner and/or operator of the 
helicopter, the submitter's name, date, and the helicopter serial 
number. Submit the report to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in 
accordance with Section 3., Paragraph A. (Record of Compliance) of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 
76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; Section 3., Paragraph L. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service 
Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; Section 3., 
Paragraph M. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018; or Section 3., 
Paragraph L. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Service 
Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018, as applicable to 
your helicopter.
    (1) If the action was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the action was done before the effective date of this AD: 
Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this 
AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 76-31-3, dated March 2, 2018; or Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision A, dated March 29, 2018.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(2) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 76-31-4, dated May 17, 2018.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(4) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Sikorsky 
Service Bulletin 76-006, dated July 26, 2018.

(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public

[[Page 47300]]

reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden 
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, 
including suggestions for reducing this burden to Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

(l) 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 (m)(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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Min Zhang, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7161; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (n)(3) and (4) of this AD.

(n) 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.
    (i) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, dated 
June 26, 2018.
    (ii) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated 
May 30, 2018.
    (iii) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 
2018.
    (iv) Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 
23, 2018.
    (3) 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; phone: 1-800-946-4337 (1-800-Winged-S); email: 
[email protected]. Operators may also log on to 
the Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 16, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-16405 Filed 8-4-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P