[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 141 (Wednesday, July 23, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42719-42721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-17334]
[[Page 42719]]
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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]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
(Sikorsky) Model Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. This proposed AD would
require 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 annunciation of a
complete oil pressure loss condition. This proposed AD would also
require inserting a Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) Supplement into the
applicable RFM. This proposed AD is prompted by investigation results
of in-service oil leakage incidents. The proposed 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: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 22,
2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 proposed AD, the economic
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
For the Sikorsky service information identified in this proposed
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 the referenced service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay.
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.
Discussion
We propose to adopt a new AD for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters.
This proposed AD would require, 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, updating the EGPWS
software to include an aural annunciation of a complete oil pressure
loss condition, and inserting an RFM Supplement into the applicable
RFM.
This proposed AD is 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 MGB failed pump sensor and vacuum switch wiring is a
system that will detect an oil pressure drop in the input module and
alert the pilot if the low oil pressure is the result of a failed oil
pump. The MGB oil auto bypass system eliminates the need for the pilot
to manually switch the bypass valve when the oil pressure drops below
35 psi. The AMS software upgrade is to automate the bypass valve and to
alert the pilot that the low oil pressure may be the result of a failed
oil pump. Knowing the low oil pressure is the result of a failed oil
pump and not due to oil leakage will allow the pilot to switch the
bypass valve out of bypass to cool the oil. When the oil is not cooled,
the hot oil may cause the input module seals to fail allowing an
excessive amount of oil to leak resulting in failure of the MGB. There
have been several incidents of a pump failure where the oil had the
potential to reach a high enough temperature to damage the seals. The
EGPWS software change provides a new aural warning of a complete oil
pressure loss.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of this same type
design.
[[Page 42720]]
Related Service Information
Sikorsky has issued the following service information:
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.
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.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements
The proposed AD would require, within 500 hours time-in-service
(TIS):
Inserting a copy of the Sikorsky S-92A RFM Supplement No.
45, Part I, dated July 30, 2012, into the RFM.
For certain serial-numbered helicopters, installing an MGB
failed pump sensor and MGB vacuum switch wiring.
For certain other serial-numbered helicopters, installing
an MGB auto bypass system, activating AMS 7.1 software, and installing
EGPWS software version 030.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
This AD proposes compliance within 500 hours TIS, and the service
information specifies certain dates and calendar times.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would 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 at $85 per hour. The
work hours and required parts costs are estimated as follows:
.5 work hour to insert the RFM Supplement into the RFM.
8 work hours plus $2,200 for required parts to install an
MGB failed pump sensor;
4 work hours plus $250 for required parts to install MGB
vacuum switch wiring;
71.7 work hours plus $4,100 for required parts to install
an MGB oil pressure auto bypass system;
1 work hour to activate AMS 7.1; and
1 work hour plus $500 for required parts to install EGPWS
software.
The total cost of compliance for all actions would 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 proposed 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
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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, I certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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 proposed 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: 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) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 22, 2014.
(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:
[[Page 42721]]
(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.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 17, 2014.
S. Frances Cox,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-17334 Filed 7-22-14; 8:45 am]
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