Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
| Published date | 26 December 2018 |
| Citation | 83 FR 66167 |
| Record Number | 2018-27713 |
| Section | Proposed rules |
| Court | Federal Aviation Administration |
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 246 (Wednesday, December 26, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66167-66172]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27713]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-8501; Product Identifier 2014-SW-042-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening
of comment period.
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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposal for Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This action revises the
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by increasing the estimated costs
of compliance and removing the daily inspection requirements. We are
proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Since these actions would impose an
additional economic burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are
reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment
on this change.
DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 15, 2016 (81 FR 46002), is reopened.
We must receive comments on this SNPRM by February 11, 2019.
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 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
[[Page 66168]]
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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this SNPRM, contact Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road,
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email:
wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
8501; 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 SNPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristopher Greer, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781)
238-7799; email Kristopher.Greer@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite 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-2016-8501;
Product Identifier 2014-SW-042-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this SNPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this SNPRM because
of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this SNPRM.
Discussion
We issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters with certain part-
numbered frame assemblies installed. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on July 15, 2016 (81 FR 46002). The NPRM was prompted by
fatigue analysis indicating the possible development of stress
concentrations at the steel doublers on the main transmission airframe
support structure top deck, as well as the discovery of a helicopter
with a crack in the STA 362 frame and skin. The NPRM proposed to
require inspecting the main transmission forward and aft frame
assemblies and adjacent skins for a crack and loose fasteners and
replacing or repairing any cracked part or loose fastener. The NPRM
also proposed to require establishing life limits for certain frame
assemblies. The proposed requirements were intended to detect a crack
in a frame assembly and prevent failure of a frame and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since we issued the NPRM, we have revised the number of work-hours
to replace the aircraft frames based upon the comments we received.
This resulted in an overall increase in the cost of complying with the
proposed AD. Since the economic burden is higher than that in the NPRM,
we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to
comment on this new estimate.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. After
our NPRM was published, we received the following comments from
Sikorsky.
Request To Require Modification of the Frame Assembly
Sikorsky requested that the AD require altering the transmission
support frames in accordance with Sikorsky S-92 Alert Service Bulletin
92-53-012, Basic Issue, dated February 10, 2014 (ASB 92-53-012), and
Sikorsky Special Service Instructions No. 92-074-E, Revision E, dated
April 9, 2014 (SSI 92-074-E). In support of its request, Sikorsky
stated this modification largely improves the fatigue capability of the
transmission support frames. Sikorsky also requested updating language
in the preamble to reflect requiring the modification.
We disagree. We determined that the alterations to the transmission
support frames are not required to correct the unsafe condition.
Request To Remove the Daily Inspection
Sikorsky requested that we remove the daily repetitive inspection
requirement from the proposed AD. In support of this request, Sikorsky
stated that the proposed AD's requirement to perform this same
inspection every 150 hours time-in-service (TIS) would maintain the
safety of the aircraft. Sikorsky further stated structural analysis
reports substantiate the 150-hour inspection interval.
We agree that the daily inspection requirement is not necessary to
maintain the fleet's airworthiness. After reviewing data from
Sikorsky's organization designation authorization supporting its life
limit and continuing airworthiness projects, we determined that
repeating the inspections every 150 hours would be adequate to detect
and prevent an unsafe condition.
Request That the AD Reference the Maintenance Manual
Sikorsky requested that the proposed AD reference the main
transmission support structure inspection task in the Sikorsky
maintenance manual for the 150-hour repetitive inspection. In support
of this request, Sikorsky stated this task provides a complete,
detailed procedure for the inspection requirements.
We agree. We have revised the proposed AD to reference the task
card as guidance for the 150-hour inspection.
Request To Delay Issuance of the Proposed AD
Sikorsky requested that we delay issuing this proposed AD until
after Sikorsky completes a project to increase the life limits of the
forward STA 382 and aft STA 362 frame assemblies.
We disagree. Because this unsafe condition could exist or develop
on Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters, the proposed actions are necessary
to ensure safety of the U.S. fleet. Issuance of an AD is the
appropriate method to correct the unsafe condition. Should completion
of Sikorsky's certification project result in a corrective action that
removes the unsafe condition, we might consider further rulemaking
action.
Request To Correct Part Numbers
Sikorsky requested that we correct two part numbers in Table 4 of
the Required Actions. Specifically, Sikorsky
[[Page 66169]]
stated part number ``92070-02108-042'' should be ``92209-02108-042''
and part number ``92080-02108-103'' should be ``92209-02108-103.''
We agree. We have revised the table accordingly.
Request To Add Serial Numbers to the Applicability
Sikorsky requested that the proposed life limits only apply to
helicopters with serial numbers 920006 through 920243. In support of
this request, Sikorsky advised that starting with serial number 920244,
helicopters were manufactured with an upgraded titanium frame
configuration that is not affected by the proposed AD.
We disagree. While production helicopters starting with serial
number 920244 may not currently have the parts that are subject to the
unsafe condition installed, operators are not required to maintain that
configuration. Omitting the serial numbers allows the proposed AD to
apply to any Model S-92A helicopter if a frame subject to the unsafe
condition is later installed.
Request To Clarify Language Regarding Life Limit of Altered Parts
Sikorsky requested that we clarify the wording of the 28,500-hour
life limit for parts that are altered and changed to a new part number.
Specifically, Sikorsky requested that we change ``28,500 hours TIS
total (regardless of P/N)'' to ``28,500 hours TIS total from the
original frame part number initial service date.''
We disagree. The language in the proposed AD clearly states that
this life limit applies regardless of whether the frame assembly part
number changes.
Request To Revise the Compliance Cost
Sikorsky requested that we revise the estimated costs of complying
with the proposed AD. Specifically, Sikorsky advised that the number of
hours to replace a frame has increased from 3,360 to 5,000, while the
number of affected helicopters on the U.S. registry has decreased from
80 to 50.
We agree. We have revised the Costs of Compliance section
accordingly.
Request To Revise Summary
Sikorsky requested that we change the last sentence in SUMMARY,
which identifies the unsafe condition, to be consistent with the
language in the Unsafe Condition paragraph.
We agree that Sikorsky's proposal provides more consistency.
However, due to Administrative Committee of the Federal Register
publishing requirements, the specific unsafe condition is no longer
stated in SUMMARY. Thus, no change to this SNPRM is necessary.
Request To Update Contact Information
Sikorsky requested that we update the email address for its
Customer Service Engineering in both the preamble and the proposed AD.
We agree and have made the requested changes.
Request To Clarify the Related Service Information Section
Sikorsky requested that we revise the language in the Related
Service Information section describing the actions in ASB 92-53-012 and
SSI 92-074-E. Specifically, Sikorsky requests that we change
``replacing the fasteners'' to ``removing steel doublers, cold-working
holes, oversizing holes, trimming skin panels and reassembly with
interference fit fasteners.'' In support, Sikorsky stated the
recommended language would provide clarification.
We agree. We have made the requested changes accordingly.
Request To Clarify the Differences Section
Sikorsky requested that we clarify the Differences Between This
Proposed AD and the Service Information section. Specifically, Sikorsky
recommended adding ``by this AD'' to the sentence: ``Contacting
Sikorsky would not be required.''
We agree. We have revised the proposed AD accordingly.
Related Service Information
Sikorsky issued S-92 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 92-53-008, Basic
Issue, dated June 13, 2012 (ASB 92-53-008); S-92 ASB 92-53-009, Basic
Issue, dated December 6, 2012 (ASB 92-53-009); and ASB 92-53-012. ASB
92-53-008 provides procedures for a one-time inspection of the main
transmission frames and beams for a crack, missing or loose fastener or
collar, damage, deformation, and corrosion. ASB 92-53-009 specifies an
inspection before the first flight of the day and a recurring 150-hour
inspection of the interior and exterior surfaces of the upper flanges
and beams. ASB 92-53-012 specifies altering the forward and aft
transmission support frames by removing steel doublers, cold-working
the holes, oversizing the holes, trimming skin panels and reassembling
the parts with interference fit fasteners in accordance with SSI 92-
074-E. After this alteration, the parts are re-identified with a new
part number. Sikorsky refers to this alteration as a service life
extension program modification.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type
designs. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM.
As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the
comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to
comment on this SNPRM.
Proposed Requirements of This SNPRM
This SNPRM would establish a life limit for certain part-numbered
frame assemblies by removing from service any part that has reached or
exceeded its new life limit. Frame assemblies that are altered under
Sikorsky's service life extension program and re-identified with a new
part number must be removed from service upon accumulating the life
limit of the old part-number or within certain hours TIS since the
alteration, whichever occurs first.
This SNPRM also would require, within 150 hours TIS and thereafter
at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, inspecting STA 328 frame and
STA 362 frame for a crack or loose fasteners. If there is a crack or
loose fastener, this SNPRM would require repairing or replacing any
cracked part and any loose fastener before further flight.
Differences Between This SNPRM and the Service Information
The service information requires providing certain information to
Sikorsky, and this proposed AD would not. The service information
specifies performing a fluorescent penetrant inspection if there is a
suspected crack and contacting Sikorsky if there is a crack, while this
proposed AD would only require repairing or replacing any cracked part.
Contacting Sikorsky would not be required by this proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 50 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per
work-hour. We estimate a minimal cost to establish and revise the life
limit of the frame assembly. We estimate it would take 1 work-hour to
inspect STA 328 and 362 frames. No parts would be needed for a total
cost of $4,250 for the fleet for each inspection per inspection cycle.
If a fastener is replaced, we estimate the cost to be minimal. If a
frame is replaced, it would take 5,000 work-
[[Page 66170]]
hours and required parts would cost $296,000 for a total cost of
$721,000 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.
We are 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
We 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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 Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2016-8501;
Product Identifier 2014-SW-042-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model S-92A helicopters, certificated in any
category, with a forward station (STA) 328 or aft STA 362 frame
assembly with a part number (P/N) as shown in Table 1 to paragraph
(e)(1), Table 2 to paragraph (e)(1), Table 3 to paragraph (e)(2), or
Table 4 to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a main
transmission airframe support structure. This condition could result
in failure of a main transmission frame and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by February 11, 2019.
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each action required by this
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been
accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters with a frame assembly with a P/N shown in
Table 1 to paragraph (e)(1) or Table 2 to paragraph (e)(1) of this
AD, before further flight, remove from service any part that has
reached or exceeded its new life limit. Forward STA 328 frame
assemblies that are altered and changed to P/N 92070-20124-064,
92070-20124-067, 92070-20127-045, 92070-20124-065, 92070-20124-047,
or 92070-20127-046 must be removed from service upon accumulating
12,000 hours TIS from the alteration or 28,500 hours TIS total
(regardless of P/N) from the total original frame part number
initial service date, whichever occurs first.
[[Page 66171]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26DE18.011
(2) For each frame assembly listed in Table 1 to paragraph
(e)(1) or Table 4 to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD with 1,801 or more
hours TIS, and for each frame assembly listed in Table 2 to
paragraph (e)(1) or Table 3 to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD with
1,301 or more hours TIS, within 150 hours TIS and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS, do the following inspections.
For guidance on performing these inspections, refer to Sikorsky S-
92A-AMM-000 Maintenance Manual Chapter 53-20-00, Task 53-20-00-210-
003, dated January 31, 2018:
(i) Inspect the STA 328 frame and STA 362 frame between the left
and right butt line (BL) 16.5 beams and inspect the area on the left
and right BL 16.5 beams six inches on either side of the mounting
pads for a crack and loose fasteners. If there is a loose fastener
or a crack, repair or replace any cracked part and any loose
fastener before further flight.
(ii) Inspect the STA 328 and STA 362 outboard frames, left and
right sides, from the BL 16.5 beam to water line 252.25 for a crack
and loose fasteners. If there is a loose fastener or a crack, repair
or replace any cracked part and any loose fastener before further
flight.
[[Page 66172]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26DE18.012
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP26DE18.013
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for
this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristopher Greer, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone
(781) 238-7799; email Kristopher.Greer@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office or
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft
complying with this AD through an AMOC.
(g) Additional Information
Sikorsky S-92 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 92-53-008, Basic
Issue, dated June 13, 2012; ASB 92-53-009, Basic Issue, dated
December 6, 2012; ASB 92-53-012, Basic Issue, dated February 10,
2014, and Sikorsky Special Service Instructions No. 92-074-E,
Revision E, dated April 9, 2014, and Sikorsky S-92A-AMM-000
Maintenance Manual, Chapter 53-20-00, Task 53-20-210-003, dated
January 31, 2018, which are not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of this AD. For service
information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road,
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email
wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You may view this information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 5311 Fuselage Main,
Frame.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 13, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-27713 Filed 12-21-18; 8:45 am]
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