[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 174 (Tuesday, September 8, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55388-55391]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19709]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0791; Project Identifier AD-2020-00676-R]
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 the manufacturer 
discovering non-conforming threads, resulting in a life limit reduction 
on multiple landing gear components including threaded hinge pins and 
main landing gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG) actuator pins. This 
proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the landing gear for 
components with non-conforming threads and removal of any

[[Page 55389]]

nonconforming threaded hinge pin and MLG and NLG actuator pin. 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 October 23, 
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 Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation, Commercial Systems and Services, 124 Quarry Road, 
Trumbull, CT, 06611, United States; phone: (203) 416-4000; email: 
[email protected]. Operators may also log on to the 
Sikorsky 360 website at website: https://customerportal.sikorsky.com. 
You may view the related 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-
0791; 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, 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: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7693; fax: 
(781) 238-7199; 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-2020-0791; 
Project Identifier AD-2020-00676-R'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this NPRM because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, 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 proposal.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is 
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and 
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you 
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page 
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat 
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will 
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing 
CBI should be sent to Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO, 
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that 
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be 
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for Sikorsky Model S-92A 
helicopters, with serial numbers (S/Ns) 920006 through 920334, 
inclusive. The FAA learned of a quality escape involving the 
manufacture of landing gear components, including the threaded hinge 
pin and the MLG and NLG actuator pins, that were not made to 
specification and have non-conforming threads that reduce the fatigue 
life of the component. Failure of the threaded hinge pin or the 
actuator pins on the MLG or NLG may result in collapse of the landing 
gear and reduced ability of the flight crew to land the helicopter. 
This proposed AD would require the removal from service of certain 
serial-numbered threaded hinge pins part number (P/N) 92250-12281-101 
and certain serial-numbered MLG and NLG actuator pins P/N 92250-12287-
101 and 92250-12287-103 identified in this proposed AD. This condition, 
if not addressed, could result in failure of components on the MLG and 
NLG, collapse of the landing gear and damage to the helicopter, and 
reduced ability to control the helicopter during landing.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM because the agency 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 Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service 
Bulletin 92-32-008, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2020 (``the ASB''). 
The ASB describes procedures for a one-time inspection and replacement 
of non-conforming components on the MLG and NLG. 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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the landing 
gear and removal from service of threaded hinge pins and MLG and NLG 
actuator pins with non-conforming threads.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This proposed AD would require replacement of only affected hinge 
pins and MLG and NLG actuator pins. The ASB requires replacement of 
additional parts, such as the MLG and NLG crossbolt and the MLG and NLG 
upper nut. The FAA has determined that the MLG and NLG crossbolt and 
the MLG and NLG upper nut fail in a safe and contained manner and 
therefore are not subject to this AD.
    In addition, this proposed AD would require this one-time 
inspection to occur within 300 hours time in service after the 
effective date of this AD and any affected hinge pins and MLG and NLG 
actuator pins be removed from service before further flight. The ASB 
requires that the inspection and replacement of the affected hinge pins

[[Page 55390]]

and MLG and NLG actuator pins occur no later than January 21, 2021.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, as proposed, would affect 85 
helicopters of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                   Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost         Parts cost       Cost per product       operators
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Visually inspect landing gear       1 work-hour x $85 per              $0  $255 (three landing           $21,675
 (right MLG assembly, left MLG       hour = $85 (per                        gear installed on
 assembly, and NLG kit).             landing gear).                         each helicopter).
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
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Replace threaded hinge pin, P/N 92250-12281-    1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85          $2,816          $2,901
 101.
Replace MLG/NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287-  1 work-hour x $85 = $85.........             557             642
 101.
Replace MLG/NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287-  1 work-hour x $85 = $85.........             609             694
 103.
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    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
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 costs in 
its cost estimate.

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 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.

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-2020-0791; Project 
Identifier AD-2020-00676-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by October 23, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) 
Model S-92A helicopters, certificated in any category, with serial 
numbers (S/Ns) 920006 through 920334 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3220, Nose/Tail 
Landing Gear; 3210, Main Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer determining that 
because of non-conforming threads, due to a quality escape, the life 
limit of the threaded hinge pin and main landing gear (MLG) and nose 
landing gear (NLG) actuator pins is reduced. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to prevent failure of components on the MLG and NLG. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in damage to the 
helicopter and reduced ability to control the helicopter during 
landing.

[[Page 55391]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 300 hours time in service after the effective date of 
this AD, visually inspect the components of the right MLG assembly, 
left MLG assembly, and NLG kit for threaded hinge pins, part number 
(P/N) 92250-12281-101, and actuator pins, P/N 92240-12287-101 and 
92240-12287-103, with serial numbers (S/Ns) identified in Table 1 or 
2 (threaded hinge pins) or in Table 1 (actuator pins), in Section 3, 
the Accomplishment Instructions, in the Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 92-32-008, Basic Issue, 
dated January 21, 2020 (``the ASB'').

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  See Figures 1 and 2 in 
Section 3, the Accomplishment Instructions, in the ASB for guidance 
on performing the visual inspection.

    (1) If there is any threaded hinge pin, P/N 92250-12281-101, 
with an S/N listed in Table 1 or 2 in the ASB, before further 
flight, remove the threaded hinge pin from service.
    (2) If there is any MLG or NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287-101 
or P/N 92250-12287-103, with an S/N listed in Table 1 in the ASB, 
before further flight, remove the actuator pin from service.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any threaded 
hinge pin, P/N 92250-12281-101, or actuator pin, P/N 92240-12287-101 
or 92240-12287-103, with an S/N listed in Table 1 or 2 in Section 3, 
the Accomplishment Instructions, in the ASB, on any helicopter.

(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) Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, 
Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7693; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Commercial Systems and Services, 124 
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; phone: (203) 416-4000; email: 
[email protected]. Operators may also log on to the 
Sikorsky 360 website at website: https://customerportal.sikorsky.com. You may view the related 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 on August 31, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-19709 Filed 9-4-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P