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2020-15-17 SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-21180; Docket No. FAA-2020-0212; Product Identifier 2018-SW-097-AD.
(a) EFFECTIVE DATE

    This AD is effective September 9, 2020.

(b) AFFECTED ADS

    None.

(c) APPLICABILITY

    This AD  applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicop-
    ters, certificated in any category, equipped with remote data acquisi-
    tion unit (RDAU) part number 76450-01098-106, 76450-01098-107 or 76450
    -01098-109.

(d) SUBJECT

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 3100,  Indicating/record-
    ing system.

(e) UNSAFE CONDITION

    This AD was prompted  by reports of inaccurate main gear box (MGB) in-
    dications in flight.  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.

(f) COMPLIANCE

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,  unless al-
    ready done.

(g) RDAU AND DISPLAY UNIT (DU) UPDATES

    Within 500 hours time-in-service  after the effective date of this AD,
    do the actions specified  in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD,
    as applicable to your helicopter.

(1) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-109, update
    the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU  in accordance with Section
    3.,  Paragraphs A. through J.  of  the  Accomplishment Instructions of
    Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3,  Revision B,  dated  June 26,
    2018,  except you are not required  to return the RDAU to Parker Fluid
    Systems Division (FSD).

(2) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-107, update
    the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance  with Section
    3.,  Paragraphs A. through J.  of  the  Accomplishment Instructions of
    Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4,  Revision  A,  dated  May 30,
    2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU to Parker FSD.

(3) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-106, update
    the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU  in accordance with Section
    3.,  Paragraphs A. through K.  of  the  Accomplishment Instructions of
    Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5,  dated July 31, 2018,  except
    you are not required to return the RDAU to Parker FSD.

(4) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-106, update
    the software of DU part number 76450-01098-101  and re-identify the DU
    as part number 76450-01098-108,  in accordance with Section 3.,  Para-
    graphs A. through J.  of  the  Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky
    Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018, except you
    are not required to return the DU to Parker FSD.

(h) PARTS INSTALLATION LIMITATIONS

    As of the effective date of this AD,  no person  may install,  on  any
    helicopter, a DU part number 76450-01098-101, unless it has been modi-
    fied in accordance  with the requirements of paragraph (g)(4)  of this
    AD.

(i) REPORTING

    At the applicable time specified  in paragraph (i)(1)  or  (2) of this
    AD,  submit a report of compliance with the actions specified in para-
    graphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD,  as applicable  to your helicop-
    ter. The report must include the document number and title of the ser-
    vice information used,  the owner  and/or  operator of the helicopter,
    the submitter's name, date,  and the helicopter serial number.  Submit
    the report to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in accordance with Section
    3., Paragraph A. (Record of Compliance) of the Accomplishment Instruc-
    tions of Sikorsky  Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3,  Revision B,  dated
    June 26, 2018; Section 3., Paragraph L. of the Accomplishment Instruc-
    tions of Sikorsky  Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4,  Revision A,  dated
    May 30, 2018; Section 3.,  Paragraph M. of the Accomplishment Instruc-
    tions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018;
    or  Section 3.,  Paragraph L.  of  the  Accomplishment Instructions of
    Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006,  Revision A,  dated August 23, 2018,
    as applicable to your helicopter.

(1) If the action was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Sub-
    mit the report within 30 days after the inspection.

(2) If the action was done  before the effective date  of this AD:  Submit
    the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

(j) CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS ACTIONS

(1) This paragraph provides credit  for the actions required by paragraphs
    (g)(1) and (i) of this AD,  if those actions were performed before the
    effective date of this AD  using Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31
    -3, dated March 2, 2018;  or  Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3,
    Revision A, dated March 29, 2018.

(2) This paragraph provides credit  for the actions required by paragraphs
    (g)(2) and (i) of this AD,  if those actions were performed before the
    effective date of this AD using Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-
    4, dated May 17, 2018.

(3) This paragraph provides credit  for the actions required by paragraphs
    (g)(4) and (i) of this AD,  if those actions were performed before the
    effective date  of  this  AD  using  Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006,
    dated July 26, 2018.

(k) PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT BURDEN STATEMENT

    A federal agency may not conduct  or sponsor,  and a person is not re-
    quired to respond to, nor shall  a person be subject to a  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 OMB
    Control Number  for this  information collection  is 2120-0056. Public
    reporting  for  this  collection of  information  is  estimated to  be
    approximately 1 hour  per response, including  the time for  reviewing
    instructions,   searching   existing  data   sources,   gathering  and
    maintaining  the  data  needed,  and  completing  and  reviewing   the
    collection  of  information.  All  responses  to  this  collection  of
    information  are  mandatory.  Send  comments  regarding  this   burden
    estimate  or  any  other aspect  of  this  collection of  information,
    including  suggestions  for   reducing  this  burden   to  Information
    Collection Clearance Officer,  Federal Aviation Administration,  10101
    Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

(l) ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF COMPLIANCE (AMOCS)

(1) The Manager,  Boston  ACO  Branch,  FAA,  has the authority to approve
    AMOCs for this AD, if requested  using the procedures found in 14  CFR
    39.19. In  accordance with  14 CFR  39.19, send  your request  to your
    principal  inspector  or  local Flight  Standards District  Office, as
    appropriate. If  sending information  directly to  the manager  of the
    certification  office,  send  it  to  the  attention  of  the   person
    identified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD.

(2) Before using any approved AMOC,  notify your appropriate principal in-
    spector,  or  lacking a principal inspector,  the manager of the local
    flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.

(m) RELATED INFORMATION

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Min Zhang, Aviation Safety
    Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Ave., Burlington, MA 01803;
    phone: (781) 238-7161; email: min.zhang@faa.gov.

(2) Service information  identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
    reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (n)(3)
    and (4) of this AD.

(n) MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(1) The Director of the Federal Register  approved  the  incorporation  by
    reference (IBR) of  the service information  listed in this  paragraph
    under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) You must use  this service information as applicable to do the actions
    required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3,  Revision B,  dated  June 26,
    2018.

(ii) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4,  Revision A,  dated  May 30,
     2018.

(iii) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018.

(iv) Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018.

(3) For  service information identified  in this AD,  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.

(4) 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.

(5) You  may  view  this  service  information  that  is  incorporated  by
    reference at the National Archives and Records Administration  (NARA).
    For information on the availability  of this material  at NARA,  email
    fedreg.legal@nara.gov,  or  go  to:  https://www.archives.gov/federal-
    register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Issued on July 16, 2020.  Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthi-
ness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

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.
PREAMBLE 

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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):