[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29817-29819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11196]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-6640; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-084-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
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
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This
proposed AD would require altering the fire bottle inertia switch
wiring and performing a cartridge functional test of the fire
extinguishing system. This proposed AD is prompted by the inadvertent
tripping of inertia-switches that has led to unintentional discharging
of the fire bottles, leaving the helicopter's auxiliary power unit and
engines without fire protection. The proposed actions are intended to
prevent unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharges and
subsequent unavailability of fire suppression in case of a fire.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 12, 2016.
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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6640; 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 rule, 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]. You may review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kris Greer, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781)
238-7799; 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
[[Page 29818]]
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 certain serial-numbered Sikorsky
Model S-92A helicopters. Sikorsky has informed us that the inadvertent
tripping of inertia switches has caused several engine and auxiliary
power unit fire bottle discharges during taxi, flight, and landing
operations. Because these discharges are undetected, the fire bottles
remain unavailable in the event of a fire.
This proposed AD would require altering the fire bottle inertia
switch wiring to disable the automatic feature of the fire
extinguishing system. This proposed AD would also require performing a
cartridge functional test. The proposed actions are intended to prevent
an unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent
unavailability of fire suppression in the event of a fire.
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 products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92-26-005A, Revision A,
dated June 27, 2014 (ASB 92-26-005A). ASB 92-26-005A specifies
performing a one-time alteration of the fire bottle inertia switch
wiring to disable the automatic actuation feature of the fire
extinguishing system. ASB 92-26-005A includes figures that depict the
wiring and electrical connector pin changes.
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.
Other Related Service Information
We also reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92-26-005, Basic
Issue, dated June 18, 2014 (ASB 92-26-005). ASB 92-26-005 contains the
same procedures as ASB 92-26-005A. However, ASB 92-26-005A contains an
additional figure.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require, within 90 days, altering the fire
bottle inertia switch wiring to disable the automatic discharge of fire
bottles and performing a post-alteration cartridge functional test.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
This proposed AD has a compliance date within 90 days, and the
service information has a calendar date, which has already passed. This
proposed AD does not require performing a cartridge functional test
prior to alteration. The service information does specify performing a
cartridge functional test prior to alteration.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 80 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Altering
the fire bottle switch and performing a cartridge functional test would
take about 2 work-hours. No parts would be needed for an estimated cost
of $170 per helicopter and $13,600 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 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-2016-6640; Directorate
Identifier 2015-SW-084-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Model S-92A helicopters, serial number 920006
through 920250, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as inadvertent tripping of
a fire bottle inertia-switch. This condition results in an
unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent
unavailability of fire suppression in the event of a fire.
[[Page 29819]]
(c) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 12, 2016.
(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 90 days:
(1) Alter each fire bottle inertia switch by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Sikorsky Alert
Service Bulletin 92-26-005A, Revision A, dated June 27, 2014.
(2) Perform a cartridge functional test.
(f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed
Compliance with Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-26-005,
Basic Issue, dated June 18, 2014, before the effective date of this
AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the actions
specified in paragraph (e) of this AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kris Greer,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office,
Engine & Propeller Directorate,1200 District Avenue, Burlington,
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7799; 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 92-26-005, Basic Issue, dated
June 18, 2014, which is not incorporated by reference, contains
additional information about the subject of this proposed rule. For
service information identified in this proposed rule, 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]. You may review a copy of
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2621 Fire Bottle,
Fixed.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 5, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11196 Filed 5-12-16; 8:45 am]
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