[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 207 (Monday, October 27, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63855-63859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-25402]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-1088; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-76-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to revise airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-12-11
for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters.
AD 2014-12-11 currently requires revising the Rotorcraft Flight Manual
(RFM) to include the appropriate operating limitations for performing
Class D external load-combination operations. As published, AD 2014-12-
11 references an incorrect date for Revision No. 12 of Sikorsky RFM SA
S92A-RFM-003, Part 1. This proposed AD would correct the error while
retaining the requirements of AD 2014-12-11. These proposed actions are
intended to require appropriate operating limitations to allow
operators to perform Class D external load-combination operations,
including human external cargo, in this model helicopter that now meets
the Category A performance standard.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 12,
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.
[[Page 63856]]
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 service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical
Support, mailstop S581A, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone
(203) 383-4866, email address [email protected], or at http://www.sikorsky.com. You may review 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: John Coffey, Flight Test Engineer,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7173; 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
AD 2014-12-11, amendment 39-17872 (79 FR 45085, August 4, 2014),
applies to Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters and requires revising the
RFM to include the appropriate operating limitations for performing
Class D external load-combination operations. When AD 2014-12-11 was
published, an incorrect reference to the date of the RFM revision
appeared in the text of the rule.
Specifically, the AD included the following under paragraph (f),
Credit for Actions Previously Completed: ``Incorporation of the changes
contained in Sikorsky RFM SA S92A-RFM-003, Part 1, Revision No. 12,
approved March 21, 2005, before the effective date of this AD is
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions
specified in paragraph (e) of this AD.'' As published, the reference to
March 21, 2005, is incorrect. The correct approval date for Revision 12
is December 9, 2010.
The FAA has determined that it is appropriate to revise AD 2014-12-
11 to correct the RFM approval date. This revision would clarify any
confusion regarding which RFM revision is acceptable to obtain credit
for previous actions.
No other part of the preamble or regulatory information has been
changed. The final rule would be reprinted in its entirety for the
convenience of affected operators.
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
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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2014-12-11, Amendment 39-17872 (79 FR 45085, August 4, 2014), and by
adding the following new AD:
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2009-1088; Directorate
Identifier 2008-SW-76-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as an inaccurate Rotorcraft
Flight Manual (RFM) provision, which was approved without
appropriate limitations for this model helicopter for carrying Class
D external rotorcraft-load combinations, including Human External
Cargo (HEC), when this model helicopter was not certificated to
Category A one-engine inoperative (OEI) performance standards,
including fly away
[[Page 63857]]
capabilities after an engine failure, which is required for carrying
HEC.
(c) Affected ADs
This AD revises AD 2014-12-11, Amendment 39-17872 (79 FR 45085,
August 4, 2014).
(d) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 12, 2014.
(e) 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.
(f) Required Actions
Within 90 days, revise the Operating Limitations section of
Sikorsky Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) SA S92A-RFM-003, Part 1,
Section I, by inserting a copy of this AD into the RFM or by making
pen and ink changes, as follows:
(1) In the ``Types of Operation'' section, beneath Hoist, add
the following: ``The hoist equipment certification installation
approval does not constitute approval to conduct hoist operations.
Operational approval for hoist operations must be granted by the
Federal Aviation Administration. No cabin seats may be installed in
front of station 317 when conducting Human External Cargo hoist
operations, which requires Category A performance capabilities.''
(2) In the ``Flight Limits'' section, add the following: ``
``HOIST'' When conducting Human External Cargo operations, which
require category `A' performance capabilities, the minimum hover
height is 20 feet AGL and the maximum hover height is 80 feet AGL.
``HOIST'' The collective axis must remain uncoupled when conducting
Human External Cargo, which requires category `A' performance
capabilities, for the period of time that the person is off the
ground or water and not in the aircraft. This can be accomplished by
either uncoupling the collective axis or by the pilot depressing the
collective trim switch during the pertinent portion of the
maneuver.''
(3) In the ``Weight Limits'' section:
(i) Remove the following: ``NOTE: The 150 pound hoist decrement
does not preclude Cat A operations at a gross weight of 26,500
pounds with a hoist installed. If conditions permit, the pilot may
go to the right of the 26,500 line on Figure 1-2 to determine a
maximum gross weight up to 26,650 and then subtract 150 pounds.''
(ii) Add the following: ``NOTE: If conditions permit, the pilot
may go to the right of the 26,500 pound line on Figure 1-2 to
determine the maximum gross weight and then subtract a 150 pound
hoist decrement. The maximum gross weight for category `A'
operations cannot exceed 26,500 pounds (12,020 kilograms).''
(iii) Add the following and insert Figure 1 to Paragraph
(f)(3)(iii) of this AD: `` ``HOIST'' Maximum gross weight for Human
External Cargo, which requires category `A' performance
capabilities, is limited to the gross weight determined in
accordance with the following Figure 1 to Paragraph (f)(3)(iii) of
this AD for your altitude and temperature with the air-conditioner,
anti-ice, and bleed air turned off.''
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(3)(iii) of this AD: Figure 1 to
Paragraph (f)(3)(iii) of this AD becomes Figure 1-2A when inserted
in the ``Weight Limits'' section of your RFM.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
[[Page 63858]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP27OC14.000
[[Page 63859]]
(g) Credit for Actions Previously Completed
Incorporation of the changes contained in Sikorsky RFM SA S92A-
RFM-003, Part 1, Revision No. 12, approved December 9, 2010, before
the effective date of this AD is considered acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f)
of this AD.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: John Coffey,
Flight Test Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7173; 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.
(i) Additional Information
For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support,
mailstop S581A, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone (203)
383-4866, email address [email protected], or http://www.sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of this information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
(j) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2510 Flight
Compartment Equipment.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 3, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-25402 Filed 10-24-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C