Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 98 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23355-23358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10581]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0874; Product Identifier 2015-SW-082-AD; Amendment 
39-19282; AD 2018-10-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76C helicopters. This 
AD requires inspecting the engine collective position transducer (CPT). 
This AD was prompted by reports of wear of the CPT that has resulted in 
several One Engine Inoperative (OEI) incidents. The actions of this AD 
are intended to detect and prevent an unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 25, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of June 25, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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]. You may review a 
copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0874.

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-2017-
0874; 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 AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the 
economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 
20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nick Rediess, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7159; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On September 14, 2017, at 82 FR 43195, 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-76C helicopters with a Turbomeca, S.A., Arriel 2S1 or Arriel 2S2 
engine with an engine CPT part number (P/N) 76900-01821-104 installed. 
The NPRM was prompted by 20 reports of OEI incidents resulting from 
wear of a CPT. One of these incidents resulted in a rejected takeoff to 
an unprepared site.
    The NPRM proposed to require initial and recurring inspections of 
each CPT by measuring resistance, linearity resistance movement, and 
differential voltage, and depending on the outcome of the inspections, 
replacing the CPT. The proposed requirements were intended to detect 
wear of a CPT prior to it causing an OEI condition and possible 
emergency landing.

Comments

    After our NPRM was published, we received comments from Sikorsky.

Request To Include an Additional Part to the AD

    Sikorsky requested the AD also apply to engine CPT P/N 76900-01821-
105. In support of this request, Sikorsky stated that engine CPT P/N 
76900-01821-105 is a new replacement for engine CPT P/N 76900-01821-
104, which does not differ substantially from engine CPT P/N 76900-
01821-104 and therefore should be subject to the periodic inspections.
    We partially agree. While engine CPT P/N 76900-01821-105 may be 
subject to the same unsafe condition because of design similarity, 
adding this part would increase the scope of the AD. Therefore, we plan 
to publish another NPRM for P/N 76900-01821-105 to give the public an 
opportunity to comment on those requirements.

Request To Remove a Test Box From the AD

    Sikorsky requested we remove Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042 and only 
allow the use of Test Box P/N 76700-40009-043 to comply with the AD. In 
support of this request, Sikorsky stated it considers Test Box P/N 
76700-40009-042 obsolete because Test Box P/N 76700-40009-043 is easier 
to use and provides less subjective results.
    We disagree. The proposed AD provided procedures for both test 
boxes for the repetitive inspections. While Test Box P/N 76700-40009-
043 may be more efficient, the use of Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042 also 
addresses the unsafe condition. We do not find justification for 
requiring operators who have Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042 to upgrade or 
replace their test box. However, we have revised the initial inspection 
requirements of the AD to allow the use of Test Box P/N 76700-40009-043 
as an option. We have also revised the repetitive inspection procedures 
to allow the use of updated testing procedures for Test Box P/N 76700-
40009-043, which had not been

[[Page 23356]]

issued at the time we published the proposed AD, as an option.
    Lastly, Sikorsky requested we revise the unsafe condition to more 
accurately describe that it would be a momentary OEI condition. In 
support, Sikorsky stated that the unsafe condition statement in the 
proposed AD could be misinterpreted as an in-flight shutdown or engine 
failure. For this particular CPT failure, Sikorsky stated normal engine 
operation is restored within approximately two seconds without the need 
for any specific action by the pilot.
    We agree and have made the requested change accordingly.

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 products of the same type design and that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements 
as proposed with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. These changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals 
in the NPRM and will not increase the economic burden on any operator 
nor increase the scope of the AD.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be an interim action. The design approval 
holder is currently developing a modification that will address the 
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is 
developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
76-73-8, Revision A, dated December 4, 2015 (ASB 76-73-8A), which 
specifies a one-time inspection of total resistance, linearity 
resistant movement, excitation voltage, and differential voltage of the 
CPTs using CPT Text Box P/N 76700-40009-042.
    We reviewed Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-07, dated August 17, 2016 (TR 73-07), which specifies 
procedures for removing, installing, and adjusting the CPTs, and 
inspections of total resistance, linearity resistant movement, 
excitation voltage, and differential voltage of the CPTs. TR 73-07 also 
divides the procedures by CPT Test Box P/N by providing separate 
procedures for test boxes modified by Sikorsky Special Service 
Instructions (SSI) No. 76-96, dated August 19, 2016, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.
    We also reviewed Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, 
Temporary Revision No. 73-08, dated September 20, 2017 (TR 73-08), 
which updates the procedures in TR 73-07. TR 73-08 does not divide the 
procedures by CPT Test Box P/N as it eliminates the procedures for CPT 
Text Box P/N 76700-40009-042. TR 73-08 omits obsolete figures and it 
provides inspection results as pass or fail.
    This service 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.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter ASB 76-73-8, Basic Issue, 
dated August 21, 2015 (ASB 76-73-8). ASB 76-73-8 contains the same 
procedures as ASB 76-73-8A; however, ASB 76-73-8A updates Sikorsky's 
contact information for submitting a purchase order.
    We also reviewed Sikorsky SA 4047-76C-2-1, Temporary Revision No. 
5-181, dated August 21, 2015 (TR 5-181); Task 5-20-00 of Sikorsky 
Airworthiness Limitations and Inspection Requirements, Publication No. 
SA 4047-76C-2-1, Revision 24, dated December 15, 2015 (Task 5-20-00); 
and Section 73-22-04 of Chapter 73 Engine Fuel and Control, of Sikorsky 
Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Revision 31, dated December 15, 2015 
(Section 73-22-04). TR 5-181 specifies adding CPT inspections 
referenced in Section 73-22-04 to the 300-hour inspection checklist 
contained in Task 5-20-00.
    We reviewed Sikorksy Safety Advisory No. SSA-S76-11-0002, dated May 
17, 2011. This service information provides precautionary instructions 
to minimize hazardous situations that might result from an unreliable 
CPT.
    We also reviewed Sikorsky SSI No. 76-96, dated August 19, 2016, 
which specifies procedures to modify CPT Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042 
and re-identify it as P/N 76700-40009-043. This one-time modification 
reduces the instructions to inspect the CPT and improves the inspection 
accuracy.
    We reviewed Sikorsky SSI No. 76-87, dated July 24, 2015, and SSI 
No. 76-87A, Revision A, dated August 21, 2015. These SSIs specify a 
one-time inspection of total resistance, linearity resistant movement, 
excitation voltage, and differential voltage of the CPTs using CPT Text 
Box P/N 76700-40009-042.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    Sikorsky ASB 76-73-8A, TR 73-07, and TR 73-08 specify using and 
returning Sikorsky's CPT data sheet and any failed CPT to Sikorsky. 
This AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 90 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 at $85 per work-hour.
    The inspections will take about 3.75 work-hours for an estimated 
cost of $319 per helicopter and $28,710 for the U.S. fleet per 
inspection cycle. Replacing a CPT will take about 6 work-hours and 
parts will cost $3,072 for an estimated replacement cost of $3,582.

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

[[Page 23357]]

    (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):

2018-10-07 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-19282; Docket 
No. FAA-2017-0874; Product Identifier 2015-SW-082-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a Turbomeca, S.A., 
Arriel 2S1 or Arriel 2S2 engine with an engine collective position 
transducer (CPT) part number 76900-01821-104 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a CPT. This 
condition could result in a reduction in power to one engine 
resulting in an annunciated momentary One Engine Inoperative (OEI) 
condition and subsequent emergency landing.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective June 25, 2018.

(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 130 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Measure resistance of each engine CPT and replace the CPT if 
the measured resistance is not within tolerance by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(8)(b), 
of Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, 
Revision A, dated December 4, 2015 (ASB 76-73-8A), if using Test Box 
P/N 76700-40009-042 or by following paragraph 3.B.(11) of Sikorsky 
Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary Revision No. 73-08, 
dated September 20, 2017 (TR 73-08), if using Test Box P/N 76700-
40009-043. You are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or 
submit a data sheet to Sikorsky.
    (ii) Measure the linearity resistance movement of each engine 
CPT and replace the CPT if there is a linear abnormality or change 
in resistance that is not within tolerance by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.D.(1) through 3.D.(14)(b), 
of ASB 76-73-8A, if using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042 or by 
following paragraph 3.B.(12) of TR 73-08, if using Test Box P/N 
76700-40009-043. You are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data 
sheet or submit a data sheet to Sikorsky.
    (iii) Measure the differential voltage of each engine CPT and 
replace the CPT if the measured voltage is not within tolerance by 
following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.E. through 
3.G.(1) of ASB 76-73-8A, if using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042 or by 
following paragraph 3.B.(13) of TR 73-08, if using Test Box P/N 
76700-40009-043. You are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data 
sheet or submit a data sheet to Sikorsky.
    (2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS:
    (i) If using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042:
    (A) Measure resistance of each engine CPT and replace the CPT if 
the resistance is not within tolerance by following paragraph 
4.B.(11) of Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-07, dated August 17, 2016 (TR 73-07), except you are 
not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed CPT 
to Sikorsky.
    (B) Measure the linearity resistance movement of each engine CPT 
and replace the CPT if the movement exceeds tolerance by following 
paragraphs 4.B.(12)(a) through 4.B.(13)(f) of TR 73-07, except you 
are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed 
CPT to Sikorsky.
    (C) Measure the differential voltage of each CPT by following 
paragraphs 4.B.(14) through 4.B.(15)(h) of TR 73-07, except you are 
not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet. If the maximum 
voltage is greater than 100 millivolts or the minimum voltage is 
less than -100 millivolts, replace the CPT.
    (ii) For helicopters using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-043:
    (A) Measure resistance of each engine CPT and replace the CPT if 
the resistance is not within tolerance by following paragraph 
5.B.(11) of TR 73-07 or paragraph 3.B.(11) of TR 73-08, except you 
are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed 
CPT to Sikorsky.
    (B) Measure the resistance linearity of each engine CPT and 
replace the CPT if the resistance is not within tolerance by 
following paragraph 5.B.(12) of TR 73-07 or paragraph 3.B.(12) of TR 
73-08, except you are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet 
or return a failed CPT to Sikorsky.
    (C) Measure the differential voltage of each engine CPT and 
replace the CPT if the resistance is not within tolerance by 
following paragraphs 5.B.(13)(a) through 5.B.(13)(k) of TR 73-07 or 
paragraph 3.B.(13) of TR 73-08, except you are not required to use 
Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed CPT to Sikorsky.

(f) Credit for Previous Actions

    Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter 
Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, Basic Issue, dated August 21, 
2015; Sikorsky Special Service Instruction SSI No. 76-87, dated July 
24, 2015; or Sikorsky Special Service Instruction SSI No. 76-87, 
Revision A, dated August 21, 2015, are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph 
(e)(1) of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Send your proposal to: Nick Rediess, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7159; 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 S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, 
Basic Issue, dated August 21, 2015; Sikorsky SA 4047-76C-2-1, 
Temporary Revision No. 5-181, dated August 21, 2015; Task 5-20-00 of 
Sikorsky Airworthiness Limitations and Inspection Requirements, 
Publication No. SA 4047-76C-2-1, Revision 24, dated December 15, 
2015; Section 73-22-04 of Chapter 73 Engine Fuel and Control, of 
Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Revision 31, dated 
December 15, 2015; Sikorksy Safety Advisory No. SSA-S76-11-0002, 
dated May 17, 2011; Sikorsky Special Service Instruction (SSI) No. 
76-96, dated August 19, 2016; Sikorsky SSI No. 76-87, dated July 24, 
2015; and Sikorsky SSI No. 76-87, Revision A, dated August 21, 2015, 
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]. You may review a copy of this 
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7600, Engine 
Controls.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of

[[Page 23358]]

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-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, 
Revision A, dated December 4, 2015.
    (ii) Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-07, dated August 17, 2016.
    (iii) Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-08, dated September 20, 2017.
    (3) For Sikorsky 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].
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. 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 9, 2018.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-10581 Filed 5-18-18; 8:45 am]
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