DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0212; Product Identifier 2018-SW-097-AD; Amendment
39-21180; AD 2020-15-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for
certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters. This AD
was prompted by reports of inaccurate main gear box (MGB) indications
in flight. This AD requires updating the remote data acquisition unit
(RDAU) software and re-identifying the RDAU and, for certain
helicopters, updating the software of the display unit (DU) and re-
identifying the DU. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 9, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 9,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact your local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road,
Trumbull, CT 06611; phone: 1-800-946-4337 (1-800-Winged-S); email:
wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. Operators may also log on to the
Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 817-222-5110.
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-2020-
0212; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
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: Min Zhang, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238-7161; email: min.zhang@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on April 6, 2020 (85 FR 19110). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of inaccurate MGB indications in flight. The NPRM proposed
to require updating the RDAU software and re-identifying the RDAU and,
for certain helicopters, updating the software of the DU and re-
identifying the DU.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address inaccurate MGB indications in
flight, resulting in multiple erroneous values/annunciations on channel
B, which could cause the flight crew to land immediately, and
consequent possible loss of the helicopter, injury, or fatality.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed the following Sikorsky service information.
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018;
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; and
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018. This service
information describes procedures for updating the RDAU software and re-
identifying the RDAU. This service information also describes
procedures for sending the inspection results to Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation. These documents are distinct since they apply to specific
helicopter models in different configurations (different part numbered
RDAU units).
Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018. This
service information describes procedures for updating the software of
DU part number 76450-01098-101, and re-identifying the DU as part
number 76450-01098-108. This service information also describes
procedures for sending the inspection results to Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
The service information recommends accomplishing the update of the
RDAU software and re-identification of the RDAU and, for certain
helicopters, update of the software of the DU and re-identification of
the DU, depending on service information, no later than a specific
calendar date (April 30, 2019 for Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3,
Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; June 30, 2019 for Alert Service
Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; or July 31, 2019 for
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018). In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this AD, the FAA considered factors
including the manufacturer's recommendation, the degree of urgency
associated with the subject unsafe condition, and the average
utilization of the affected fleet. After considering these factors, the
FAA finds that a 500 hours time-in-service compliance time (which is
approximately one year based on the average annual flight hours for
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters) represents an
appropriate interval of time for affected helicopters to continue to
operate without compromising safety.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 99 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
Action
|
Labor cost
|
Parts cost
|
Cost per
product
|
Cost on
U.S. operators
|
Update RDAU software (99 helicopters) |
3 work-hours x $85 per hour =
$255 |
(*)
|
$255
|
$25,245
|
Update display units (52 helicopters) |
7 work-hours x $85 per hour =
$595 |
(*)
|
595
|
30,940
|
Reporting (99 helicopters) |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour =
$85 |
$0
|
85
|
8,415
|
* The FAA has received no definitive
data that would enable the FAA to provide
parts cost estimates for the actions specified in this AD.
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the cost estimate.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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.
The FAA is 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
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,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
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