Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13631-13633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04940]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0791; Project Identifier AD-2020-00676-R; 
Amendment 39-21438; AD 2021-04-16]
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 the manufacturer discovering 
nonconforming threads, resulting in a life limit reduction on multiple 
landing gear components including threaded hinge pins and main landing 
gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG) actuator pins. This AD requires 
a one-time inspection of the landing gear for components with non-
conforming threads and removal of any nonconforming threaded hinge pin 
and MLG and NLG actuator pin. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 14, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 14, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Commercial Systems and Services, 
124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611, United States; phone: 203-416-
4000; email: [email protected]. Operators may also log on 
to the Sikorsky 360 website at website: https://www.sikorsky360.com/portal/public/index.html#!/welcome. 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0791.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0791; 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: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Sikorsky Model 
S-92A helicopters, with serial numbers (S/Ns) 920006 through 920334, 
inclusive. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 8, 
2020 (85 FR 55388). The NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer 
discovering non-conforming threads, resulting in a life limit reduction 
on multiple landing gear components including threaded hinge pins and 
MLG and NLG actuator pins. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a 
one-time inspection of the landing gear and the removal from service of 
certain serial-numbered threaded hinge pins part number (P/N) 92250-
12281-101 and certain serial-numbered MLG and NLG actuator pins P/N 
92250-12287-101 and 92250-12287-103. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

Discussion of Final AD

Comments

    The FAA received comments from three commenters. The following 
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to 
each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    An individual commenter supported the NPRM.

[[Page 13632]]

Comment Not Relevant to the NPRM

    An individual commenter submitted information that was not relevant 
to the NPRM.

Request for the FAA To Change the Cost of Compliance of the AD

    Request: Sikorsky requested the FAA revise the On-Condition Costs 
table. Sikorsky stated the parts cost for P/N 92250-12281-101 should be 
revised to $4,535.
    FAA Response: The FAA agrees. The FAA obtained the cost information 
provided in the NPRM from Sikorsky's website at www.sikorsky360.com. 
However, as Sikorsky has indicated that the price of the part has 
increased, the cost information in this final rule is updated 
accordingly.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously. 
These changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals in the 
NPRM. The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service 
Bulletin 92-32-008, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2020 (the ASB). The 
ASB describes procedures for a one-time inspection and replacement of 
non-conforming components on the MLG and NLG. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    This AD requires replacement of only affected hinge pins and MLG 
and NLG actuator pins. The ASB requires replacement of additional 
parts, such as the MLG and NLG crossbolt and the MLG and NLG upper nut. 
The FAA has determined that the MLG and NLG crossbolt and the MLG and 
NLG upper nut fail in a safe and contained manner and therefore are not 
subject to this AD.
    In addition, this AD requires the one-time inspection within 300 
hours time in service after the effective date of this AD and any 
affected hinge pins and MLG and NLG actuator pins be removed from 
service before further flight. The ASB requires that the inspection and 
replacement of the affected hinge pins and MLG and NLG actuator pins 
occur no later than January 21, 2021.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 85 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                   Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost         Parts cost       Cost per product       operators
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Visually inspect landing gear       1 work-hour x $85 per              $0  $255 (three landing           $21,675
 (right MLG assembly, left MLG       hour = $85 (per                        gear installed on
 assembly, and NLG kit).             landing gear).                         each helicopter).
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
helicopters that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace threaded hinge pin, P/N 92250-12281-    1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85          $4,535          $4,620
 101.
Replace MLG/NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287-  1 work-hour x $85 = $85.........             557             642
 101.
Replace MLG/NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287-  1 work-hour x $85 = $85.........             609             694
 103.
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    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in its cost 
estimate.

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

[[Page 13633]]

    (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.

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:

2021-04-16 Amendment 39-21438; Docket No. FAA-2020-0791; Project 
Identifier AD-2020-00676-R.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 14, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) 
Model S-92A helicopters, certificated in any category, with serial 
numbers (S/Ns) 920006 through 920334 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3220, Nose/Tail 
Landing Gear; 3210, Main Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer determining that 
because of non-conforming threads, due to a quality escape, the life 
limit of the threaded hinge pin and main landing gear (MLG) and nose 
landing gear (NLG) actuator pins is reduced. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to prevent failure of components on the MLG and NLG. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in damage to the 
helicopter and reduced ability to control the helicopter during 
landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 300 hours time in service after the effective date of 
this AD, visually inspect the components of the right MLG assembly, 
left MLG assembly, and NLG kit for threaded hinge pins, part number 
(P/N) 92250-12281-101, and actuator pins, P/N 92240-12287-101 and 
92240-12287-103, with serial numbers (S/Ns) identified in Table 1 or 
2 (threaded hinge pins) or in Table 1 (actuator pins), in Section 3, 
the Accomplishment Instructions, in the Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 92-32-008, Basic Issue, 
dated January 21, 2020 (the ASB).

    Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (g): See Figures 1 
and 2 in Section 3, the Accomplishment Instructions, in the ASB for 
guidance on performing the visual inspection.

    (1) If there is any threaded hinge pin, P/N 92250-12281-101, 
with an S/N listed in Table 1 or 2 in the ASB, before further 
flight, remove the threaded hinge pin from service.
    (2) If there is any MLG or NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287-101 
or P/N 92250-12287-103, with an S/N listed in Table 1 in the ASB, 
before further flight, remove the actuator pin from service.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any threaded 
hinge pin, P/N 92250-12281-101, or actuator pin, P/N 92240-12287-101 
or 92240-12287-103, with an S/N listed in Table 1 or 2 in Section 3, 
the Accomplishment Instructions, in the ASB, on any helicopter.

(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)(1) 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 Dorie Resnik, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]. You 
may view the related 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.

(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 Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin 92-32-
008, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Sikorsky service information identified in this AD, 
contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Commercial Systems and 
Services, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; phone: 203-416-4000; 
email: [email protected]. Operators may also log on to 
the Sikorsky 360 website at: https://customerportal.sikorsky.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 February 9, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-04940 Filed 3-9-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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