DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0099; Product Identifier 2010-SW-085-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-
76A, S-76B, and S-76C Helicopters Modified by Supplemental Type
Certificate SR09211RC

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would
have applied to all Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) S-76 model
helicopters with a certain life raft deployment system (LRDS) installed
per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR09211RC. The NPRM was prompted
by an incident that occurred where the handle bent prior to the life raft
deploying, and this prohibited the crew from successfully deploying and
using the life raft. It was determined that the handle in this incident
was not manufactured to the approved Type Design. The NPRM would have re-
quired removing and replacing the pilot or co-pilot life raft deployment
handle (handle) located on the left side of the "broom closet" of the
helicopter. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA determined that, based
on a review of the design approval holder's records, all of the handles
have been replaced. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

DATES: The FAA is withdrawing the proposed rule published March 1, 2011
(76 FR 11174), as of February 22, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.
gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2011-0099;
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 AD action, any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is 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: Jonas Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Fort Worth ACO Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817-222-5145; email Jonas.Perez@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The FAA has issued an NPRM that proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on March 1, 2011 (76 FR 11174). The
NPRM was prompted by an incident that occurred where the handle bent
prior to the life raft deploying, and this prohibited the crew from
successfully deploying and using the life raft. It was determined that
the handle in this incident was not manufactured to the approved Type
Design.

The NPRM proposed to require removing and replacing the pilot or
co-pilot handle located on the left side of the "broom closet" of the
helicopter. The proposed actions were intended to address bending of
the handle, which could result in failure of the life raft to deploy.
This failure could lead to loss of access to the life raft after an
emergency ditching on water.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA determined that, based on a
review of the design approval holder's records, all of the handles have
been replaced, which addresses the identified unsafe condition.
Therefore, the FAA determined that AD action is not appropriate.

Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes only such action and does not
preclude the FAA from further rulemaking on this issue, nor does it
commit the FAA to any course of action in the future.

Comments

The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The
FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the
cost to the public.

FAA's Conclusions

Upon further consideration, the FAA determined that the NPRM is
unnecessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

Regulatory Findings

Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed
nor a final rule. This action therefore is not covered under Executive
Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979).

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.