[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 25 (Friday, February 6, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6649-6652]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02283]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 25 / Friday, February 6, 2015 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 6649]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-1088; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-76-AD;
Amendment 39-18091; AD 2014-12-11 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are revising Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-12-11 for
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. AD
2014-12-11 required 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
referenced an incorrect date for Revision No. 12 of Sikorsky RFM SA
S92A-RFM-003, Part 1. This AD corrects the error while retaining the
requirements of AD 2014-12-11. These 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: This AD is effective March 13, 2015.
ADDRESSES: 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 at http://www.sikorsky.com. You may view this referenced service information at
the FAA, of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-2009-1088; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, any
incorporated-by-reference information, the economic evaluation, any
comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 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: 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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to revise AD 2014-12-11, Amendment 39-17872 (79 FR 45085,
August 4, 2014), which applied to Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. The
NPRM, published in the Federal Register on October 27, 2014 (79 FR
63855), proposed to retain the requirements of AD 2014-12-11 and
correct the date of the RFM revision that appeared in the text of the
rule.
Specifically, AD 2014-12-11 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, was 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 clarifies 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 is reprinted in its entirety for the
convenience of affected operators.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but we received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 63855, October
27, 2014).
FAA's Determination
We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.
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 have determined that 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,
[[Page 6650]]
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that a regulatory distinction is required, 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.
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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2014-12-11, Amendment 39-17872 (79 FR 45085, August 4, 2014), and
adding the following new AD:
2014-12-11 R1 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-18091;
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 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) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective March 13, 2015.
(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 6651]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06FE15.000
(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
[[Page 6652]]
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 at http://www.sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of the service 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 January 16, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate Manager, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-02283 Filed 2-5-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C