Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 149 (Monday, August 4, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45085-45088]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-17923]



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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 149 / Monday, August 4, 2014 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 45085]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-1088; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-76-AD; 
Amendment 39-17872; AD 2014-12-11]
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 the 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopter. This 
AD requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to include the 
appropriate operating limitations for performing Class D external load-
combination operations. This AD was prompted by an inaccurate RFM 
provision, which was approved without appropriate limitations for this 
model helicopter for carrying Class D external rotorcraft-load 
combinations, including human external cargo (HEC). The actions are 
intended to require appropriate operating limitations to allow 
operators to perform Class D external load-combination operations, 
including HEC, in this model helicopter that now meets the Category A 
performance standard.

DATES: This AD is effective September 8, 2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical 
Support, mailstop S581A, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone 
(203) 383-4866, email address [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, 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: John Coffey, Flight Test Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7173; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On December 10, 2009, at 74 FR 65496, the Federal Register 
published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Sikorsky Model 
S-92A helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require revising the RFM SA 
S92A-RFM-003, Part 1, Section 1, Operating Limitations, Types of 
Operation, by removing the statement ``RESCUE HOIST: Category `A' only 
External load operations with Class `D' external loads.'' The NPRM 
proposed replacing that statement with ``HOIST: Class D external loads 
PROHIBITED.'' Also, the NPRM proposed replacing the words ``RESCUE 
HOIST'' in the RFM with ``HOIST''. The NPRM was prompted by a mistake 
in the RFM, which allowed ``Class D'' rotorcraft load combinations for 
HEC operations for this model helicopter. The Model S-92A RFM did not 
include the required one-engine inoperative hover performance and 
procedures.
    On September 13, 2012, at 77 FR 56581, the Federal Register 
published our supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM), which 
proposed to revise the actions of the NPRM. The SNPRM proposed to allow 
Class D external load operations if the appropriate operating 
limitations are included in the RFM, instead of prohibiting rotorcraft 
load combinations for HEC operations. The proposed requirements were 
intended to require appropriate operating limitations to allow 
operators to perform Class D external load-combination operations, 
including HEC, in this model helicopter that now meets the Category A 
performance standard.

Comments

    After our SNPRM (77 FR 56581, September 13, 2012) was published, we 
received comments from one commenter.

Request

    Sikorsky generally concurs with the corrective action but requests 
that Paragraph (d)(3)(i) of the SNPRM (77 FR 56581, September 13, 
2012), which requires removing a note from the RFM, be deleted from the 
AD. Sikorsky commented that removing the note is not appropriate with 
respect to applying the 150 pound penalty for the hoist. Sikorsky 
states that the 150 pound penalty applies to the drag of the hoist 
being installed on the aircraft and, if one would first determine the 
maximum gross weight by the chart and then apply the penalty, they 
would always be limited to 150 pounds below the maximum gross weight of 
the helicopter. Sikorsky states the note is required so pilots do not 
erroneously apply a 150 pound penalty to their weight when they are 
maximum gross weight limited instead of performance limited. As the 
note only applies when the aircraft is performance limited, Sikorsky 
requests that it not be removed.
    We agree that the correct instructions need to be inserted in the 
Required Actions section, but disagree with Sikorsky's request. Not 
removing the note would result in keeping the incorrect instructions 
from the original Limitations section. But we are including a 
requirement to add the following note to the Weight Limits section of 
the RFM to address Sikorsky's comments and to provide accurate 
instructions: ``NOTE: If conditions permit, the pilot may go to the 
right of the 26,500 pound line on Figure 1-2 to determine the maximum 
gross weight and then subtract a 150 pound hoist decrement. The maximum 
gross weight

[[Page 45086]]

for category `A' operations cannot exceed 26,500 pounds (12,020) 
kilograms.''

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information, considered the comment 
received, and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely 
to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs and 
that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD 
requirements as proposed with the changes described previously. We also 
changed the formatting of this AD to meet current publication 
requirements. These changes are consistent with the intent of the 
proposals in the SNPRM (77 FR 56581, September 13, 2012), and will not 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 65 helicopters in the U.S. 
registry. The costs for inserting a correction to the RFM are expected 
to be minimal.

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):

2014-12-11 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-17872; Docket 
No. FAA-2009-1088; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-76-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an inaccurate Rotorcraft 
Flight Manual (RFM) provision, which was approved without 
appropriate limitations for this model helicopter for carrying Class 
D external rotorcraft-load combinations, including Human External 
Cargo (HEC), when this model helicopter was not certificated to 
Category A one-engine inoperative (OEI) performance standards, 
including fly away capabilities after an engine failure, which is 
required for carrying HEC.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 8, 2014.

(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

    Within 90 days, revise the Operating Limitations section of 
Sikorsky Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) SA S92A-RFM-003, Part 1, 
Section I, by inserting a copy of this AD into the RFM or by making 
pen and ink changes, as follows:
    (1) In the ``Types of Operation'' section, beneath Hoist, add 
the following: The hoist equipment certification installation 
approval does not constitute approval to conduct hoist operations. 
Operational approval for hoist operations must be granted by the 
Federal Aviation Administration. No cabin seats may be installed in 
front of station 317 when conducting Human External Cargo hoist 
operations, which requires Category A performance capabilities.
    (2) In the ``Flight Limits'' section, add the following: 
``HOIST'' When conducting Human External Cargo operations, which 
require category `A' performance capabilities, the minimum hover 
height is 20 feet AGL and the maximum hover height is 80 feet AGL. 
``HOIST'' The collective axis must remain uncoupled when conducting 
Human External Cargo, which requires category `A' performance 
capabilities, for the period of time that the person is off the 
ground or water and not in the aircraft. This can be accomplished by 
either uncoupling the collective axis or by the pilot depressing the 
collective trim switch during the pertinent portion of the maneuver.
    (3) In the ``Weight Limits'' section:
    (i) Remove the following: NOTE: The 150 pound hoist decrement 
does not preclude Cat A operations at a gross weight of 26,500 
pounds with a hoist installed. If conditions permit, the pilot may 
go to the right of the 26,500 line on Figure 1-2 to determine a 
maximum gross weight up to 26,650 and then subtract 150 pounds.
    (ii) Add the following: NOTE: If conditions permit, the pilot 
may go to the right of the 26,500 pound line on Figure 1-2 to 
determine the maximum gross weight and then subtract a 150 pound 
hoist decrement. The maximum gross weight for category `A' 
operations cannot exceed 26,500 pounds (12,020 kilograms).
    (iii) Add the following and insert Figure 1 to Paragraph 
(e)(3)(iii) of this AD: ``HOIST'' Maximum gross weight for Human 
External Cargo, which requires category `A' performance 
capabilities, is limited to the gross weight determined in 
accordance with the following Figure 1 to Paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of 
this AD for your altitude and temperature with the air-conditioner, 
anti-ice, and bleed air turned off.

    Note 1 to paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this AD: Figure 1 to 
Paragraph (e)(3)(iii) of this AD becomes Figure 1-2A when inserted 
in the ``Weight Limits'' section of your RFM.

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(f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed

    Incorporation of the changes contained in Sikorsky RFM SA S92A-
RFM-003, Part 1, Revision No. 12, approved March 21, 2005, before 
the effective date of this AD is considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (e) 
of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: John Coffey, 
Flight Test Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7173, fax (781) 238-7170; 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.

(h) Additional Information

    For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, 
mailstop S581A, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone (203) 
383-4866, email address [email protected], or http://www.sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of this information at the 
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2510 Flight 
Compartment Equipment.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 22, 2014.
S. Frances Cox,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-17923 Filed 8-1-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C

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