Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 56 (Friday, March 22, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17591-17593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05874]



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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 56 / Friday, March 22, 2013 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 17591]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0085; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-004-AD; 
Amendment 39-17389; AD 2013-05-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-61A, D, E, L, N, NM, 
R, and V helicopters to require replacing each forward and aft fuel 
system 40 micron fuel filter element with a 10 micron nominal (40 
micron absolute) fuel filter element. This AD was prompted by a 
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) review of in-service events 
where engine performance degradation occurred, and the review 
determined that some of these events were caused by contaminants larger 
than 10 microns present in the engine fuel control units (FCUs). The 
actions are intended to prevent particulate contamination in the FCU, 
which could lead to malfunction of an internal valve, power loss at a 
critical phase of flight, and loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective April 26, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical 
Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main St., Stratford, CT; telephone (203) 
383-4866; email [email protected], or at http://www.sikorsky.com. 
You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any incorporated-by-reference 
service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-
140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirk Gustafson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 
FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone 
(781) 238-7190; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On February 3, 2012, at 77 FR 5418, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM or the proposed rule), which 
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to 
Sikorsky Model S-61A, D, E, L, N, NM, R, and V helicopters with a fuel 
system 40 micron fuel filter element, part number (P/N) 52-0505-2 or 
52-01064-1. That NPRM proposed to require replacing each forward and 
aft fuel system 40 micron fuel filter element with a 10 micron fuel 
filter element. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent 
malfunction of an internal valve, power loss at a critical phase of 
flight, and loss of control of the helicopter.

Comments

    After our NPRM (77 FR 5418, February 3, 2012) was published, we 
received comments from two commenters.

Requests

    Sikorsky stated that the description of the applicable replacement 
fuel filter is inaccurate and requested that the proposed rule (77 FR 
5418, February 3, 2012) be changed to include both nominal and absolute 
ratings (``10 micron nominal (40 micron absolute) fuel filter 
element'') when referencing fuel filter, P/N 52-01064-1. We agree. We 
have included this information in the summary and required action 
sections of the AD.
    Sikorsky also stated that the proposed rule (77 FR 5418, February 
3, 2012) incorrectly indicates that the effect of the alleged fuel 
contamination would be a power loss, because GE and the NTSB 
characterize the potential effect as slowing or degrading throttle 
changes (either increasing or decreasing). Sikorsky further stated that 
an unsafe condition does not exist because a contaminated FCU will not 
cause a reduction in power, and that the NPRM inaccurately indicated 
that a loss of power will lead to a loss of control of the aircraft 
because as long as the main rotor speed is maintained between 91% and 
111% Nr, the pilot may experience a loss of altitude but will have full 
control authority and the ability to land without injury or damage. 
Sikorsky requested that we modify the description of the effect of a 
contaminated FCU and the overall effect on the helicopter's operation 
in the proposed rule, and change our determination that an unsafe 
condition exists or is likely to exist to instead reflect an 
opportunity to improve safety to prevent possible added pilot workload.
    We disagree. Fuel contamination in the FCU can result in abnormal 
operation of specific internal components, which, depending on the 
exact circumstances of the contamination condition and the operating 
condition of the engine, could result in a reduced or erratic engine 
acceleration rate. A slow acceleration rate to a higher power level at 
a critical phase of flight where the expected aircraft performance is 
dependent on a normal engine acceleration rate to a higher power level 
is an unsafe condition. Fuel contamination in the FCU can also result 
in the pressure regulating valve becoming stuck during acceleration or 
deceleration, causing the engine to continue to accelerate or 
decelerate to an unintended power condition. If the engine were to 
accelerate to the overspeed trip or decelerate to an unintended low 
power

[[Page 17592]]

condition, this would result in a significant power loss. Consequently, 
a power shortfall during a critical phase of flight due to a slow or 
erratic acceleration of the engine can result in the inability to 
sustain continued safe flight. Therefore, we determined that this AD is 
necessary because an unsafe condition does exist.
    To the extent Sikorsky supports its request with data from an NTSB 
accident report, we note that the actions proposed by the NPRM (77 FR 
5418, February 3, 2012) were not directly associated with a specific 
accident investigation. We reviewed the specific accident investigation 
mentioned by the commenter and several service incidents, and found 
several situations in which anomalous engine performance was attributed 
to internal FCU contamination. Based on these incidents, we determined 
it necessary to impose this action to further reduce the potential for 
anomalous engine performance during critical flight phases.
    The second commenter, the NTSB, commented that it supports the NPRM 
(77 FR 5418, February 3, 2012).

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information, considered the comments 
received, and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely 
to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and 
that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD 
requirements as proposed with the change in the description of the 
replacement fuel filter described previously. This change is consistent 
with the intent of the NPRM's proposals and will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 61B30-16, 
dated February 2, 2010 (ASB No. 61B30-16), which supersedes ASB No. 
61B28-1, dated January 15, 2010 (ASB No. 61B28-1). ASB No. 61B28-1 
specified replacing the forward and aft fuel system 40 micron fuel 
filter elements with 10 micron fuel filter elements at the next 
scheduled inspection or within 150 flight hours from the issuance of 
the ASB. ASB 61B30-16 retains the same instructions as ASB 61B28-1, but 
deletes the compliance time ``at the next scheduled preventative 
maintenance inspection.'' Also, ASB No. 61B30-16 was issued because ASB 
No. 61B28-1 was incorrectly numbered.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 78 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in 
order to comply with this AD. It will take approximately 4 work-hours 
to replace the fuel system fuel filters and re-identify the fuel tank 
fuel filter and fuel control assembly bracket. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour and required parts will cost about $370 per 
helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on 
U.S. operators to be $710 per helicopter and the total cost of this AD 
on U.S. operators to be $55,380.

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

    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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2013-05-17 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-17389; Docket 
No. FAA-2012-0085; Directorate Identifier 2011-SW-004-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-61A, D, 
E, L, N, NM, R, and V helicopters with a fuel system 40 micron fuel 
filter element, part number (P/N) 52-0505-2 or 52-01064-1, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as contaminants present in 
the engine fuel control units (FCUs). This AD was prompted by a 
National Transportation Safety Board review of in-service events 
where engine performance degradation occurred. This condition could 
result in particulate contamination in the FCU, which could lead to 
malfunction of an internal valve, power loss at a critical phase of 
flight, and loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 26, 2013.

(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) Within 150 hours time-in-service, do the following:
    (i) Replace each forward and aft fuel system 40 micron fuel 
filter element with a 10 micron nominal (40 micron absolute) fuel 
filter element, P/N AM52-01064-1.
    (ii) Re-identify the fuel filter, P/N 52-2145-009, and fuel 
control assembly bracket as follows:
    (A) On the fuel filter identification plate, cross out the last 
two digits (``09'') of the

[[Page 17593]]

existing fuel filter P/N 52-2145-009, and replace those last two 
digits with ``14'' to re-identify the fuel filter as P/N 52-2145-
014.
    (B) Change the existing fuel control assembly part number on the 
fuel control assembly bracket to re-identify it as follows:
    (1) Change fuel control assembly P/N S6130-63209-001 to P/N 
S6130-63209-041.
    (2) Change fuel control assembly P/N S6130-63209-002 to P/N 
S6130-63209-042.
    (3) Change fuel control assembly P/N S6130-63209-003 to P/N 
S6130-63209-043.
    (4) Change fuel control assembly P/N S6130-63209-004 to P/N 
S6130-63209-044.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kirk Gustafson, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and 
Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7190; email 
[email protected].
    (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 Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin No. 61B30-
16, dated February 2, 1010, which is not incorporated by reference, 
contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For 
this service information, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 
Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 
Main St., Stratford, CT; telephone (203) 383-4866; email 
[email protected], or at http://www.sikorsky.com. You may 
review a copy of this service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2821, Aircraft 
Fuel Filter/Strainer.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 6, 2013.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-05874 Filed 3-21-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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