Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 9, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32461-32464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13844]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0493; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-019-AD; 
Amendment 39-18173; AD 2015-11-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
(Sikorsky) Model Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. This AD requires installing a main 
gearbox (MGB) failed pump sensor and vacuum switch wiring, installing 
an MGB oil auto bypass system, activating Aircraft Management System 
(AMS) 7.1 software to show a new visual warning, and installing updated 
enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) software that includes 
an aural

[[Page 32462]]

annunciation of a complete oil pressure loss condition. This AD also 
requires inserting a Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Supplement into the 
applicable RFM. This AD was prompted by investigation results of in-
service oil leakage incidents. The actions are intended to alert and 
prevent MGB oil loss, which could lead to failure of the MGB and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective July 14, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of July 14, 2015.

ADDRESSES: 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 [email protected]; or at http://www.sikorsky.com. For the 
Honeywell service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Honeywell International, Inc., at 15001 NE. 36 Street, Redmond, WA 
98052-5316, telephone (800) 601-3099; email www.myaerospace.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: Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7761; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On July 23, 2014, at 79 FR 42719, 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 certain serial-numbered 
Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require 
inserting an RFM Supplement into the applicable RFM, and depending on 
the helicopter's serial number, installing an MGB failed pump sensor 
and vacuum switch wiring, installing an MGB oil auto bypass system, 
activating AMS 7.1 software to show a new MGB ``OIL OUT'' visual 
warning, and updating the EGPWS software to include an aural 
annunciation of a complete oil pressure loss condition.
    The proposed AD was prompted by one accident and one in-service oil 
leakage incident where it was discovered during subsequent 
investigations that the pilot failed to activate the bypass valve 
within 5 seconds of the oil pressure dropping below 35 psi, as required 
by the RFM. Both accident and incident investigations found that the 
pilot activated the bypass valve well beyond the 5 seconds. The manual 
operation of the bypass valve within 5 seconds of the oil pressure 
dropping below 35 psi has proven not to be a realistic expectation. The 
proposed requirements were intended to alert and prevent MGB oil loss, 
which could lead to failure of the MGB and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

Comments

    Sikorsky commented that it supported issuing the AD but felt 
portions of the ``Discussion'' section in the preamble of the NPRM (79 
FR 42719, July 23, 2014) needed clarification.
    We agree with some of the commenter's language regarding the 
function of the MGB oil auto bypass system. However, the commenter has 
not requested that we change the proposed rule.

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Sikorsky S-92A Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) 
Supplement No. 45, Part I, dated July 30, 2012. The RFM supplement 
provides preflight checks and emergency procedures for the oil pump 
failure indicating system and the MGB auto bypass. This 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 of this AD.

Other Related Service Information

    Sikorsky has issued the following service information:
    <bullet> Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 92-63-024C, Revision C, 
dated October 7, 2011, for certain serial-numbered helicopters 
specifies installing a main module input gear box switch assembly and 
modifying the MGB vacuum switch wiring. Before making the modification, 
the ASB states an AMS 4.1 or greater version must first be installed 
and the following Customer Service Notices (CSN) completed: CSN 92-
068C, Revision C, dated March 27, 2012, and CSN 92-069A, Revision A, 
dated November 10, 2011.
    <bullet> ASB 92-63-027, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2013, for 
certain serial-numbered helicopters specifies installing an MGB oil 
pressure automatic bypass system, activating an MGB ``OIL OUT'' visual 
warning in the AMS 7.1 software, and performing systems operational 
checkout procedures. Before or when installing the MGB oil pressure 
auto bypass system, the ASB states the following must be complied with: 
CSN 92-089, Basic Issue, dated January 10, 2013; ASB 92-34-002, Basic 
Issue, dated January 21, 2013; and ASB 92-63-024C, Revision C, dated 
October 7, 2011.
    <bullet> ASB 92-34-002, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2013, for 
certain serial-numbered helicopters with certain part-numbered EGPWS 
installed, specifies installing EGPWS updated software version 030, 
which adds an MGB ``OIL OUT'' aural warning, in accordance with 
Honeywell International, Inc., Service Bulletin 965-1595-34-23, 
Revision 0, dated March 13, 2012. Before or during installation of the 
updated software, the ASB states the following must be complied with: 
ASB 92-63-027, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2013, and CSN 92-089, 
Basic Issue, dated January 10, 2013.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    This AD requires compliance within 500 hours time-in-service, and 
the service information specifies certain dates and calendar times.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 44 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated

[[Page 32463]]

at $85 per hour. The work hours and required parts costs are estimated 
as follows:
    <bullet> .5 work hour to insert the RFM Supplement into the RFM.
    <bullet> 8 work hours plus $2,200 for required parts to install an 
MGB failed pump sensor;
    <bullet> 4 work hours plus $250 for required parts to install MGB 
vacuum switch wiring;
    <bullet> 71.7 work hours plus $4,100 for required parts to install 
an MGB oil pressure auto bypass system;
    <bullet> 1 work hour to activate AMS 7.1; and
    <bullet> 1 work hour plus $500 for required parts to install EGPWS 
software.
    The total cost of compliance for all actions will be about $14,377 
per helicopter and $632,588 for the U.S. fleet.

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):

2015-11-10 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-18173; Docket 
No. FAA-2014-0493; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-019-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-92A helicopters, serial number (S/N) 
920006 through 920179, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as main gearbox (MGB) oil 
loss, which could lead to failure of the MGB and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 14, 2015.

(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 500 hours time-in-service:
    (1) Insert a copy of the Sikorsky S-92A Rotorcraft Flight Manual 
(RFM) Supplement No. 45, Part I, dated July 30, 2012, into the RFM.
    (2) For helicopters with S/N 920006 through 920132:
    (i) Install an MGB failed pump sensor, Modification Kit Part 
Number (P/N) 92070-35007-011.
    (ii) Install MGB vacuum switch wiring, Modification Kit P/N 
92070-55039-013.
    (3) For helicopters with S/N 920006 through 920179:
    (i) Install an MGB auto bypass system, Modification Kit P/N 
92070-55061-011.
    (ii) Activate Aircraft Management System 7.1 software to show a 
new MGB ``OIL OUT'' visual warning.
    (iii) Install enhanced ground proximity warning system software 
version 030.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits are prohibited.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Schwetz, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7761; 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

    Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 92-63-024C, Revision 
C, dated October 7, 2011; Sikorsky ASBs 92-63-027 and 92-34-002, 
both Basic Issue and both dated January 21, 2013; Sikorsky Customer 
Service Notice (CSN) 92-068C, Revision C, dated March 27, 2012; CSN 
92-069A, Revision A, dated November 10, 2011; CSN 92-089, Basic 
Issue, dated January 10, 2013; and Honeywell International, Inc., 
Service Bulletin 965-1595-34-23, Revision 0, dated March 13, 2012, 
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 
[email protected]; or at http://www.sikorsky.com and 
Honeywell International, Inc., at 15001 NE. 36 Street, Redmond, WA 
98052-5316, telephone (800) 601-3099; or at www.myaerospace.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.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320 Main Rotor 
Gearbox.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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.
    (i) Sikorsky S-92A Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement No. 45, 
Part I, dated July 30, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Sikorsky service information identified in this AD, 
contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service

[[Page 32464]]

Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-
Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email [email protected]; or at 
http://www.sikorsky.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) 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, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 29, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2015-13844 Filed 6-8-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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