Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S76A, B, and C Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 139 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42952-42954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-17946]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-SW-39-AD; Amendment 39-13237; AD 2003-14-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model 
S76A, B, and C Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
the specified Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) model 
helicopters that requires removing non-conforming main landing gear 
brake discs (discs) and replacing them with different part-numbered 
airworthy discs. It also requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual 
(RFM) to adjust takeoff and landing distances until the discs are 
replaced. This amendment is prompted by the manufacture of some discs 
using inferior materials. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent reduced braking performance and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective August 25, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 25, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial 
Tech Support, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06614, phone 
(203) 386-3001, fax (203) 386-5983. This information may be examined at 
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Fahr, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803, telephone (781) 238-7155, fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 
include an AD for Sikorsky Model S76A, B, and C helicopters was 
published in the Federal Register on February 7, 2003 (68 FR 6382). 
That action proposed to require, within 60 days, determining if discs, 
part number (P/N) 5014067, are installed. If so, replacing them with 
discs, P/N 5007672, and re-identifying brake assembly, P/N 5007555 and 
P/N 5007555-1, as brake assembly P/N 5007555-3, and brake assembly, P/N 
5007555-2, as brake assembly, P/N 5007555-4, was proposed to be 
required within 90 days. The action also proposed to require revising 
the RFM to adjust the Category A rejected takeoff distance, the 
Category A landing distance, and the Category B landing distance by 
multiplying the distance by 1.67 to obtain the corrected distance until 
the discs are replaced.
    Sikorsky has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 76-32-27, 
dated April 30, 2002, which contains Aircraft Braking Systems 
Corporation ASB S76-32-A24, dated April 10, 2002; and Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation ASB No. 76-32-28, dated May 17, 2002, which contains 
Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation ASB S76-32-A25, dated May 15, 
2002. The ASBs describe procedures for replacing any non-conforming 
discs, reidentifying brake assemblies, and revising takeoff and landing 
distances in the RFM until the discs are replaced.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comment received.
    The one commenter, the manufacturer, states that the AD should 
state that a manufacturer's warranty exists. The commenter states that 
the service information issued by Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation 
states that the replacement discs, P/N 5007672, are

[[Page 42953]]

available at no cost to the owners or operators. The FAA agrees, and 
that information is added to the economic impact paragraph of the AD.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change described 
previously. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. The 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. However, 
for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we have retained the 
language of the NPRM regarding that material.
    The FAA estimates that 180 helicopters of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 0.5 work hour per 
helicopter to determine if non-conforming discs are installed, and 1.25 
work hours per helicopter to remove, replace and re-identify any non-
conforming discs. The average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will cost approximately $1,902 per disc, and there are two discs 
per helicopter. The Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation ASB's state 
that ``operators should contact their usual supply source for 
replacement of 5014067 Rotating Discs with free of charge 5007672 
Rotating Discs on an exchange basis.'' Based on these figures, the 
total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$703,620 ($18,900 assuming brake discs are provided free of charge) to 
replace the discs throughout the fleet.
    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2003-14-18 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-13237. Docket 
No. 2002-SW-39-AD.

    Applicability: Model S76A, B, and C helicopters, with main 
landing gear brake assembly (brake assembly), part number (P/N) 
5007555, 5007555-1, or 5007555-2 installed, certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent reduced braking performance and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 60 days, determine if a main landing gear brake disc 
(disc), part number (P/N) 5014067, is installed in the braking 
assembly in accordance with:
    (1) Section III--Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 1.A. 
through 1.D., of Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation Alert Service 
Bulletin S76-32-A24, dated April 10, 2002 (ASB A24) for braking 
assembly, P/N 5007555 and P/N 5007555-1, and
    (2) Section III--Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 1.A. and 
1.B., of Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation Alert Service Bulletin 
S76-32-A25, dated May 15, 2002 (ASB A25), for braking assembly, P/N 
5007555-2.
    (b) If disc, P/N 5014067, is installed, within 90 days, remove 
that disc and replace it with disc, P/N 5007672, and re-identify:
    (1) Brake assembly, P/N 5007555 and P/N 5007555-1, as brake 
assembly, P/N 5007555-3, in accordance with the conversion of brake 
assembly instructions on page 6 of ASB A24, and
    (2) Brake assembly, P/N 5007555-2, as brake assembly, P/N 
5007555-4, in accordance with the conversion of brake assembly 
instructions on page 6 of ASB A25.

    Note 2: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation ASB No. 76-32-27, dated 
April 30, 2002, contains Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation ASB 
S76-32-A24, dated April 10, 2002, and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
ASB No. 76-32-28, dated May 17, 2002, contains Aircraft Braking 
Systems Corporation ASB S76-32-A25, dated May 15, 2002.

    (c) Until all installed discs, P/N 5014067, on the helicopter 
are replaced with disc, P/N 5007672, and all brake assemblies are 
re-identified in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD, before 
further flight, increase the Category A--Rejected Takeoff Distance, 
the Category A--Landing Distance, and the Category B--Landing 
Distance as stated in the current Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by 
multiplying these rejected takeoff and landing distances by a factor 
of 1.67.

    Note 3: There are temporary revisions to the RFM available from 
the helicopter manufacturer that documents increased rejected 
takeoff and landing distances.

    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification 
Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the 
Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Boston Aircraft Certification Office.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) Identifying, removing and replacing the discs shall be done 
in accordance with Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation Alert 
Service Bulletin No. S76-32-A24, dated April 10, 2002, and Aircraft 
Braking Systems Corporation Alert Service Bulletin S76-32-A25, dated 
May 15, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Tech Support, 6900 Main 
Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06614, phone (203) 386-3001, fax 
(203) 386-5983. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel,

[[Page 42954]]

Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; 
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 25, 2003.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 8, 2003.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-17946 Filed 7-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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