Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 159 (Monday, August 17, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49952-49954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17894]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1115; Project Identifier 2018-SW-065-AD; Amendment 
39-21203; AD 2020-16-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A 
helicopters. This AD was prompted by two incidents of erroneous low oil 
pressure caution cockpit indications and unintended actuation of the 
main gearbox (MGB) auto bypass valve. This AD requires installing 
auxiliary circuit breaker modification (MOD) kits and inserting a 
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Supplement into the existing RFM for 
your helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 21, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact your local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service 
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road, 
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-946-4337 (1-800-Winged-S); email 
[email protected]. Operators may also log on to the 
Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You may view this 
service information at the 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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1115.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1115; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations 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: Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803; telephone 781-238-7761; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Sikorsky Model S-92A 
helicopters, serial number (S/N) 920006 through 920304 inclusive and S/
N 920311 through 920314 inclusive. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on February 18, 2020 (85 FR 8771). The NPRM was prompted by 
two incidents of erroneous low oil pressure caution cockpit indications 
and unintended actuation of the MGB auto bypass valve caused by 
unintended popping of the M XMSN OIL WARN circuit breaker during 
flight. The root cause of this circuit breaker popping is unknown. When 
this circuit breaker trips, the following cautions will display ``MGB 
PUMP 1 FAIL, MGB PUMP 2 FAIL, MGB OIL HOT, MGB MAN COOL, MGB OIL 
PRES.'' With the MGB auto bypass valve actuated, the MGB BYPASS caution 
will not annunciate. For the given conditions, the appropriate action 
for the crew is ``land as soon as possible'' in accordance with the RFM 
Emergency Procedures. The erroneous indications conflicting with 
correct gauge readings may overwhelm the flight crew, resulting in a 
forced landing of the helicopter.
    To address this unsafe condition, Sikorsky developed MOD kits based 
on helicopter S/N to introduce a separate circuit breaker for the MGB 
last jet pressure switch. These MOD kits specify reworking the overhead 
panel to install new clips and brackets, circuit breaker wiring 
harnesses, wiring MODs, the auxiliary circuit breaker panel, and the M 
XMSN PRESS SWITCH circuit breaker. Accordingly, the NPRM proposed to 
require installing MOD kits and inserting an RFM Supplement into the 
existing RFM for your helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The FAA received comments from one 
commenter. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to the comments.

Request

    The commenter expressed concern about the compliance time of 400 
hours time-in-service (TIS), described it as a substantial amount of 
time, and suggested operators fix the problem immediately. The 
commenter did not provide a technical rationale for the FAA to review.
    The FAA disagrees that a shorter compliance time is required to 
correct the unsafe condition. In determining that a compliance time of 
400 hours TIS mitigates the risk to an acceptable level, the FAA 
considered factors including Sikorsky service information, the scope of 
the required actions in this AD, and

[[Page 49953]]

the scheduled maintenance for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Sikorsky Special Service Instructions No. 92-121, 
dated October 26, 2017 (SSI 92-121). This service information describes 
procedures for installing an auxiliary circuit breaker panel MOD kit 
and M XMSN PRESS SWITCH circuit breaker MOD kit based on helicopter S/
N.
    The FAA also reviewed RFM Supplement No. 45, Revision No. 2, 
Sikorsky Model S-92A, Part 1, dated April 27, 2017 (S-92A RFMS 45, Part 
1, Revision 2). This service information specifies operating 
limitations, preflight checks, normal and emergency procedures, and 
malfunction information for helicopters with Avionics Management System 
version 7.1 or 8.0 with the MGB OIL OUT warning activated, pump failure 
indicating system, MGB auto bypass, and M XMSN PRESS SWITCH circuit 
breaker installed.
    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

    The FAA reviewed Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 
92-63-037, Revision A, dated March 1, 2018. This service information 
contains planning information pertaining to the auxiliary circuit 
breaker panel and M XMSN PRESS SWITCH circuit breaker MOD kits, 
accomplishing SSI 92-121, and inserting S-92A RFMS 45, Part 1, Revision 
2 into the helicopter cockpit.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 36 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these numbers, the FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this AD.
    Modifying helicopters S/N 920006 through 920296 inclusive will take 
about 48 work-hours and parts will cost about $1,618 for an estimated 
cost of $5,698 per helicopter and $182,336 for the U.S. fleet size of 
32 helicopters.
    Modifying helicopters S/N 920297 through 920304 inclusive and S/N 
920311 through 920314 inclusive will take about 2 work-hours and parts 
will cost about $65 for an estimated cost of $235 per helicopter and 
$940 for the U.S. fleet size of 4 helicopters.
    Revising the RFM will take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $43 per helicopter and $1,548 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.
    The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

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):

2020-16-19 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-21203; Docket 
No. FAA-2019-1115; Project Identifier 2018-SW-065-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 21, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A 
helicopters, serial number (S/N) 920006 through 920304 inclusive and 
S/N 920311 through 920314 inclusive, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 6340, Rotor Drive 
Indicating System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by two incidents of erroneous low oil 
pressure caution cockpit indications and unintended actuation of the 
main gearbox (MGB) auto bypass valve. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent the M XMSM OIL WARN circuit breaker from presenting 
erroneous cautions when tripped. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in erroneous low oil pressure caution 
cockpit indication, unintended actuation of the MGB auto bypass 
valve, increased oil temperature, conflicting indications, and 
forced landing of the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Within 400 hours time-in-service:
    (1) For helicopters S/N 920006 through 920296 inclusive:
    (i) Install Modification (MOD) Kit Clips and Brackets part 
number (P/N) 92070-20115-015 by following the Instructions, 
paragraph B. of Sikorsky Special Service Instructions No. 92-121, 
dated October 26, 2017 (SSI 92-121).
    (ii) Install the first portion of MOD Kit Auxiliary Circuit 
Breaker Panel P/N 92070-55075-011 by following the Instructions, 
paragraph C. of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (iii) Install MOD Kit Left Hand (LH) Cockpit Auxiliary Power 
Unit P/N 92070-55096-012 by following the Instructions, paragraph D. 
of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (iv) Install MOD Kit LH Cabin Auxiliary Power Unit P/N 92070-
55096-013 by following the Instructions, paragraph E. of Sikorsky 
SSI 92-121.

[[Page 49954]]

    (v) Install MOD Kit LH Top Deck FLD P/N 92070-55096-016 by 
following the Instructions, paragraph F. of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (vi) Install MOD Kit MGB XMSN P/N 92070-55096-017 by following 
the Instructions, paragraph G. of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (vii) Install the completion portion of MOD Kit Auxiliary 
Circuit Break Panel P/N 92070-55075-011 by following the 
Instructions, paragraph H. of Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (viii) Install MOD Kit Auxiliary Cabin Panel Faceplate P/N 
92070-55075-012 by following the Instructions, paragraph J. of 
Sikorsky SSI 92-121.
    (2) For helicopters S/N 920297 through 920304 inclusive and S/N 
920311 through 920314 inclusive:
    (i) Modify the auxiliary circuit breaker panel and transmission 
harness by following the Instructions, paragraph I. of Sikorsky SSI 
92-121.
    (ii) Install MOD Kit Auxiliary Cabin Panel Faceplate P/N 92070-
55075-012 by following the Instructions, paragraph J. of Sikorsky 
SSI 92-121.
    (3) Insert a copy of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) 
Supplement No. 45, Revision No. 2, Sikorsky Model S-92A, Part 1, 
dated April 27, 2017, into the existing RFM for your helicopter.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    Completion of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky S-92 
Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 92-63-037, Revision A, dated March 
1, 2018, before the effective date of this AD is considered 
acceptable for compliance with the actions required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Michael Schwetz, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone 781-238-7761; email 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 Special Service Instructions No. 92-121, dated 
October 26, 2017.
    (ii) Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement No. 45, Revision No. 2, 
Sikorsky Model S-92A, Part 1, dated April 27, 2017.
    (3) For Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation service information 
identified in this AD, contact your local Sikorsky Field 
Representative or Sikorsky's Service Engineering Group at Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 
1-800-946-4337 (1-800-Winged-S); email [email protected]. Operators may also log on to the Sikorsky 360 website 
at https://www.sikorsky360.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on July 30, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-17894 Filed 8-14-20; 8:45 am]
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