[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 33 (Monday, February 22, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10504-10505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01623]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0099; Product Identifier 2010-SW-085-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-
76A, S-76B, and S-76C Helicopters Modified by Supplemental Type 
Certificate SR09211RC

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would 
have applied to all Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) S-76 model 
helicopters with a certain life raft

[[Page 10505]]

deployment system (LRDS) installed per Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) SR09211RC. The NPRM was prompted by an incident that occurred 
where the handle bent prior to the life raft deploying, and this 
prohibited the crew from successfully deploying and using the life 
raft. It was determined that the handle in this incident was not 
manufactured to the approved Type Design. The NPRM would have required 
removing and replacing the pilot or co-pilot life raft deployment 
handle (handle) located on the left side of the ``broom closet'' of the 
helicopter. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA determined that, based 
on a review of the design approval holder's records, all of the handles 
have been replaced. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

DATES: The FAA is withdrawing the proposed rule published March 1, 2011 
(76 FR 11174), as of February 22, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

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-2011-
0099; 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 AD action, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is 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: Jonas Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone 817-222-5145; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA has issued an NPRM that proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by 
adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on March 1, 2011 (76 FR 11174). The 
NPRM was prompted by an incident that occurred where the handle bent 
prior to the life raft deploying, and this prohibited the crew from 
successfully deploying and using the life raft. It was determined that 
the handle in this incident was not manufactured to the approved Type 
Design.
    The NPRM proposed to require removing and replacing the pilot or 
co-pilot handle located on the left side of the ``broom closet'' of the 
helicopter. The proposed actions were intended to address bending of 
the handle, which could result in failure of the life raft to deploy. 
This failure could lead to loss of access to the life raft after an 
emergency ditching on water.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA determined that, based on a 
review of the design approval holder's records, all of the handles have 
been replaced, which addresses the identified unsafe condition. 
Therefore, the FAA determined that AD action is not appropriate.
    Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes only such action and does not 
preclude the FAA from further rulemaking on this issue, nor does it 
commit the FAA to any course of action in the future.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The 
FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the 
cost to the public.

FAA's Conclusions

    Upon further consideration, the FAA determined that the NPRM is 
unnecessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

Regulatory Findings

    Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed 
nor a final rule. This action therefore is not covered under Executive 
Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979).

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Withdrawal

0
Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, Docket No. FAA-2011-
0099, which was published in the Federal Register on March 1, 2011 (76 
FR 11174), is withdrawn.

    Issued on January 20, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-01623 Filed 2-19-21; 8:45 am]
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