Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19571-19574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07687]



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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 14, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 19571]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0305; Project Identifier AD-2021-00334-R; 
Amendment 39-21512; AD 2021-08-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04-16 
which applied to certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model 
S-92A helicopters. AD 2021-04-16 required a one-time inspection of the 
landing gear for components with non-conforming threads and removal of 
any non-conforming threaded hinge pin and main landing gear (MLG) and 
nose landing gear (NLG) actuator pins. AD 2021-04-16 also prohibited 
installing certain part-numbered hinge and actuator pins on any 
helicopter. This AD requires the same actions but corrects erroneous 
part numbers. This AD was prompted by the discovery that certain part 
numbers listed in AD 2021-04-16 are incorrect. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 29, 2021
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April 
14, 2021 (86 FR 13631, March 10, 2021).
    The FAA must receive any comments on this AD by June 1, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact your 
local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service Engineering 
Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Mailstop K100, 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0305.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0305; 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 street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dorie Resnik, Aviation Safety 
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 AD 2021-04-16, Amendment 39-21438 (86 FR 13631, 
March 10, 2021) (AD 2021-04-16), for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters 
with serial numbers (S/Ns) 920006 through 920334 inclusive. AD 2021-04-
16 required 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. AD 2021-04-16 was 
prompted by the manufacturer discovering nonconforming threads, 
resulting in a life limit reduction on multiple landing gear components 
including threaded hinge pins and MLG and NLG actuator pins. The FAA 
issued AD 2021-04-16 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.

Actions Since AD 2021-04-16 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2021-04-16, it was discovered that the P/Ns 
for the actuator pins were incorrect in certain paragraphs. Portions of 
the Required Actions paragraph incorrectly identified the actuator pin 
P/Ns as 92240-12287-101 and 92240-12287-103; the correct P/Ns are 
92250-12287-101 and 92250-12287-103. The Installation Prohibition 
paragraph incorrectly identified the actuator pin P/Ns as 92240-12287-
101 and 92240-12287-103; the correct P/Ns are 92250-12287-101 and 
92250-12287-103. The FAA is issuing this AD to correct these P/N errors 
and address the unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Sikorsky 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.

[[Page 19572]]

AD Requirements

    This AD requires, within 300 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, visually inspecting the components of the 
right MLG assembly, left MLG assembly, and NLG kit for threaded hinge 
pins P/N 92250-12281-101 and actuator pins P/N 92250-12287-101 and 
92250-12287-103 with an S/N as specified in the ASB. If there is any 
threaded hinge pin P/N 92250-12281-101 or any MLG or NLG actuator pin 
P/N 92250-12287-101 or P/N 92250-12287-103 with an S/N as specified in 
the ASB, removing it from service is required before further flight. 
This AD also prohibits, as of the effective date of this AD, installing 
any threaded hinge pin P/N 92250-12281-101 or actuator pin P/N 92250-
12287-101 or 92250-12287-103 with an S/N as specified in the ASB, on 
any helicopter.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    This AD requires replacing only affected hinge pins and MLG and NLG 
actuator pins. The ASB requires replacing 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.
    Additionally, this AD requires the one-time inspection within 300 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD and requires that any 
affected hinge pins and MLG and NLG actuator pins be removed from 
service before further flight. The ASB specifies inspecting and 
replacing the affected hinge pins and MLG and NLG actuator pins occur 
no later than January 21, 2021.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    This AD corrects an obvious error in AD 2021-04-16 that affects 
compliance and the public was previously provided opportunity for 
comment on the costs of the AD and required actions.
    Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
unnecessary pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA 
finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making 
this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the 
FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0305 and Project Identifier 
AD-2021- 00334-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 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]. Any commentary that the FAA receives 
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the 
public docket for this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

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

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Cost on U.S.
              Action                     Labor cost          Parts cost      Cost per  product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visually inspect landing gear       1 work-hour x $85                 $0   $255 (three landing          $21,675
 (right MLG assembly, left MLG       per hour = $85 (per                    gear installed on
 assembly, and NLG kit).             landing gear).                         each helicopter).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that are required based on the results of the inspection. 
The FAA has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might 
need these replacements:

[[Page 19573]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-04-16, Amendment 39-21438 (86 
FR 13631, March 10, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2021-08-18 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky): Amendment 39-
21512; Docket No. FAA-2021-0305; Project Identifier AD-2021-00334-R

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 29, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-04-16, Amendment 39-21438 (86 FR 13631, 
March 10, 2021) (AD 2021-04-16).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to 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 and 3210, Main Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the discovery that certain part numbers 
listed in AD 2021-04-16 were incorrect. AD 2021-04-16 was issued 
after the manufacturer determined 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 was reduced. The FAA is issuing this AD to correct the 
errors in AD 2021-04-16 and 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 92250-12287-101 and P/N 
92250-12287-103 with 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 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 92250-12281-101 or actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287-101 or 
92250-12287-103 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) 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, 
Aviation Safety 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].

[[Page 19574]]

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register previously 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 14, 2021 (86 FR 13631, March 10, 2021).
    (i) Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin 92-32-
008, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) 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, Mailstop K100, 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.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 April 9, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-07687 Filed 4-12-21; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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