[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 101 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33820-33823]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11136]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0018; Project Identifier AD-2022-00883-R; 
Amendment 39-22430; AD 2023-09-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-02-01 
for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A helicopters with certain 
part-numbered main rotor stationary swashplate assemblies (swashplate 
assemblies) that had accumulated 1,600 or more total hours time-in-
service (TIS) installed. AD 2022-02-01 required visually inspecting the 
swashplate assembly at specified intervals and depending on the 
results, removing the swashplate assembly from service. Since the FAA 
issued AD 2022-02-01, the FAA determined it was necessary to expand the 
applicability and require more detailed inspections to address the 
unsafe condition. This AD retains the actions of AD 2022-02-01, expands 
the applicability, adds a detailed recurring visual inspection, and 
requires either eddy current inspections (ECI) or

[[Page 33821]]

fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI). The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 29, 
2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
February 18, 2022 (87 FR 2316, January 14, 2022).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0018; 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 Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact a Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service 
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Mailstop K100, 124 
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-946-4337 (1-800-
Winged-S); email: [email protected]; website: 
sikorsky360.com.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jared Hyman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, East Certification Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, 
College Park, GA 30337; phone: (781) 238-7305; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-02-01, Amendment 39-21898 (87 FR 2316, 
January 14, 2022), (AD 2022-02-01). AD 2022-02-01 applied to Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A helicopters with a swashplate assembly 
part number (P/N) 92104-15011-042 or P/N 92104-15011-043 that had 
accumulated 1,600 or more total hours TIS, installed. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2023 (88 FR 2558). The 
NPRM was prompted by a notification of an in-service crack in a 
swashplate assembly inner ring. The crack, discovered during a routine 
inspection, extended between the uniball bore and near the right-hand 
trunnion to servo attach bolt hole. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to 
continue to require, for swashplate assemblies that have accumulated 
1,600 or more total hours TIS, a certain recurring visual inspection 
and replacing the swashplate assembly if cracks are found. In the NPRM, 
the FAA proposed to require accomplishing an FPI or ECI depending on 
accrued flight time or suspicion of cracks. In the NPRM, the FAA also 
proposed to expand the visual inspections required by AD 2022-02-01 and 
revise the applicability statement of AD 2022-02-01.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received a comment from one commenter, Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM 
and the FAA's response to the comment.

Request To Clarify Previous Actions for Compliance

    Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation requested the FAA change paragraph 
(f) of the AD to state, ``Comply with this AD within the compliance 
times specified, unless already accomplished by Alert Service Bulletin. 
Repetitive inspections incorporated into Sikorsky S-92 [Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual] (AMM), Chapter 5, demonstrate compliance with the 
repetitive inspections of this Airworthiness Directive.'' Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation stated that it has issued two alert service 
bulletins (ASBs) that introduce both a one-time inspection and 
recurrent inspections for the existing part-numbered stationary 
swashplate assemblies. In addition, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
stated that the recurrent inspections have been incorporated into the 
Sikorsky S-92 AMM, Chapter 5 inspection requirements; and that the 
introduction of this rule makes these inspections mandatory and the 
original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agrees. However, Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation stated that from the operator perspective, there 
may be some confusion as to compliance with the AD. Since the ASBs and 
Chapter 5 are in place, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation stated that it 
may be helpful to add language in the text of the AD explaining that 
the AD is not introducing a new action if the operator is already 
following the OEM instructions, which may prevent operators from 
unnecessarily repeating inspections with which the operator already 
complied. Lastly, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation stated that operators 
who incorporate repetitive inspections into their maintenance programs, 
in this case the OEM Chapter 5, are demonstrating compliance with the 
repetitive inspections of this AD.
    The FAA disagrees. After reviewing the S-92 AMM tasks, the FAA has 
determined that the technical content from Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter 
Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-009, Basic Issue, dated February 6, 
2019 (ASB 92-62-009), and Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service 
Bulletin ASB 92-62-010, Basic Issue, dated January 26, 2022 (92-62-010) 
are not completely incorporated into the AMM tasks. The visual 
inspection instructions from ASB 92-62-009 are not included in these 
tasks, and the accomplishment instructions from ASB 92-62-010 have some 
elements that are missing from some of the AMM tasks. Accordingly, the 
FAA has determined that the accomplishment instructions of ASB 92-62-
009 and ASB 92-62-010 must be done to correct the unsafe condition. In 
addition, paragraph (f) of the AD specifies to ``comply with this AD . 
. . unless already done.'' Therefore, if some of the actions required 
by this AD are already done, only the remaining required actions of 
this AD must be accomplished in order to comply with this AD.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this 
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will 
increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed ASB 92-62-010, which specifies a visual inspection 
of the swashplate assembly to determine if there are any cracks and 
initiates a 50-hour recurring visual inspection. If cracks are found, 
ASB 92-62-010 specifies replacing the swashplate assembly. Dependent on 
accrued flight

[[Page 33822]]

time or suspicion of cracks, an FPI or ECI is performed. ASB 92-62-010 
also specifies returning the swashplate assembly, uniball bearing, 
trunnions, and all attachment hardware to Sikorsky for investigation if 
cracks are found.
    This AD also requires ASB 92-62-009, which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of February 
18, 2022 (87 FR 2316, January 14, 2022).
    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 applicability statement in this AD does not identify airframe 
serial numbers, whereas the effectivity of ASB 92-62-010 does. This AD 
affects all swashplate assemblies P/N 92104-15011-042 and P/N 92104-
15011-043 regardless of delivery date, whereas the effectivity of ASB 
92-62-010 is for those part-numbered swashplate assemblies delivered as 
of January 26, 2022 (the issuance date of ASB 92-62-010). ASB 92-62-009 
specifies a one-time visual inspection of the swashplate assembly; this 
AD requires a recurring visual inspection of the swashplate assembly to 
determine if any crack, nick, dent, or scratch develops over time. This 
AD does not require returning parts to or contacting Sikorsky, while 
ASB 92-62-009 and ASB 92-62-010 specify performing those actions.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 89 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. 
Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
    Visually inspecting a swashplate assembly takes about 1.0 work-
hour, for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $7,565 for the 
U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
    Performing an ECI or FPI takes about 8.0 work-hours, for an 
estimated cost of $680 per helicopter and $60,520 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle.
    Replacing the swashplate assembly, if required, takes about 16 
work-hours and parts cost about $389,720, for an estimated cost of 
$391,080 per helicopter.

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.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2022-02-01, Amendment 39-21898 (87 
FR 2316, January 14, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023-09-07 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-22430; Docket 
No. FAA-2023-0018; Project Identifier AD-2022-00883-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 29, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-02-01, Amendment 39-21898 (87 FR 2316, 
January 14, 2022) (AD 2022-02-01).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor 
stationary swashplate assembly (swashplate assembly) part number (P/
N) 92104-15011-042 or P/N 92104-15011-043 installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6230, Main Rotor 
Mast/Swashplate.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the discovery of a crack on the 
swashplate assembly inner ring. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect 
cracks that could result in fretting wear on the shoulder that 
supports the clamp-up of the uniball outer race. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
swashplate assembly and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition

    For the purposes of this AD, a ``suspected crack'' is a nick, 
scratch, or crack in the paint or primer that includes observable 
metallic base material.

(h) Required Actions

    (1) For helicopters with swashplate assemblies identified in 
paragraph (c) of this AD that have accumulated 1,600 or more total 
hours time-in-service on the swashplate assembly, within 50 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) from February 18, 2022 (the effective date of 
AD 2022-02-01), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours 
TIS, visually inspect the swashplate assembly for a crack, nick, 
dent, and scratch, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
Section 3, paragraph B. (except paragraphs B.(2)(a) through (c)) of 
Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-009, Basic 
Issue, dated February 6, 2019. If there is a crack, nick, dent, or 
scratch that exceeds the allowable limits, before further flight, 
remove the swashplate assembly from service.
    (2) For helicopters with swashplate assemblies identified in 
paragraph (c) of this AD, within 50 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours 
TIS, visually inspect the swashplate assembly for surface 
discontinuities and suspected cracks by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Section 3., paragraphs B.(1) through (3), of Sikorsky 
S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-010, Basic Issue, 
dated January 26, 2022 (ASB 92-62-010). If there is any surface 
discontinuity or suspected crack, before further flight, remove the 
trunnion and accomplish an eddy current

[[Page 33823]]

inspection (ECI) or fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) for a 
crack by accomplishing the actions in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of 
this AD, as applicable.
    (i) Accomplish an ECI by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs C.(1) through (6), but not 
paragraph C.(6)(c)(1)., of ASB 92-62-010.
    (ii) Accomplish an FPI by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs D.(1) through (5), except 
paragraph D.(4), of ASB 92-62-010.
    (3) For helicopters with a swashplate assembly identified in 
paragraph (c) of this AD certified for operation at a maximum gross 
weight of 26,500 lbs. that have accumulated 8,600 or more total 
hours TIS on the swashplate assembly, or certified for operation at 
a maximum gross weight of 27,700 lbs. that have accumulated 3,300 or 
more total hours TIS on the swashplate assembly, within 50 hours TIS 
after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed 50 hours TIS, with the trunnion installed, accomplish an 
ECI or FPI of the uniball lower bore lip, uniball upper bore, and 
each trunnion mount bolt hole for a crack by accomplishing the 
actions in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) Accomplish an ECI by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs C.(2) through (6), but not 
paragraph C.(6)(c)1., of ASB 92-62-010.
    (ii) Accomplish an FPI by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs D.(2), (3), and (5) of ASB 92-
62-010.
    (4) If there is a crack as a result of any of the inspections 
required by paragraph (h)(2) or (3) of this AD, before further 
flight, remove the swashplate assembly from service.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, East Certification Branch, Compliance & 
Airworthiness Division, 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Jared Hyman, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, East Certification Branch, 
FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: (781) 238-
7305; email: [email protected].

(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 
June 29, 2023.
    (i) Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-
010, Basic Issue, dated January 26, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
February 18, 2022 (87 FR 2316, January 14, 2022).
    (i) Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-
009, Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact a 
Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service Engineering 
Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Mailstop K100, 124 Quarry 
Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-946-4337 (1-800-Winged-S); 
email: [email protected]; website: 
sikorsky360.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 8, 2023.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-11136 Filed 5-24-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P