[Federal Register: October 30, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 209)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 63272-63275]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30oc06-25]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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[[Page 63272]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26107; Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-30-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-
61 A, D, E, and V; Croman Corporation Model SH-3H, Carson Helicopters,
Inc. Model S-61L; and Siller Helicopters Model CH-3E and SH-3A
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes adopting a new airworthiness directive
(AD) for the specified Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky), Croman
Corporation (Croman), Carson Helicopters, Inc. (Carson), and Siller
Helicopters (Siller) model helicopters. The AD would require, within a
specified time, creating a component history card or equivalent record.
The AD would also require recording the hours time-in-service (TIS) and
the external lift cycles (lift cycles) for each main gearbox input left
and right freewheel unit (IFWU) assembly. Also, the AD would require
calculating a moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS at specified
intervals on each IFWU assembly. The moving average would be used to
determine if an IFWU assembly is used in repetitive external lift (REL)
or non-REL helicopter operations. If an IFWU assembly is used in REL
operations, this AD would require a repetitive inspection, which
requires a visual and dimensional inspection of the IFWU assembly at
specified intervals. This AD would also require recording certain
information and replacing each part that is beyond the wear limits or
that exhibits visual surface distress with an airworthy part. In
addition, this AD would require permanently marking the REL IFWU
camshafts and gear housings with the letters ``REL'' on the surface of
these parts. This proposal is prompted by an accident in which the left
and right IFWU assembly on a helicopter slipped or disengaged resulting
in both engines overspeeding, engine shutdowns, and loss of engine
power to the transmissions. The actions specified by the proposed AD
are intended to prevent slipping in the IFWU assembly, loss of engine
power to the transmissions, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 29, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically;
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically;
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590;
Fax: 202-493-2251; or
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Tech
Support, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06614, phone (203)
386-3001, fax (203) 386-5983.
You may examine the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirk Gustafson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803,
telephone (781) 238-7190, fax (781) 238-7170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to the address listed
under the caption ADDRESSES. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
26107, Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-30-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Using the search
function of our docket Web site, you can find and read the comments to
any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent or
signed the comment. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477-78), or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the proposed AD, any
comments, and other information in person at the Docket Management
System (DMS) Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-
647-5227) is located at the plaza level of the Department of
Transportation NASSIF Building in Room PL-401 at 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Washington, DC. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
This document proposes adopting a new AD for the specified model
helicopters. The AD would require, within a specified time, creating a
component history card or equivalent record and counting and recording
the hours TIS and the lift cycles for each IFWU assembly. A lift cycle
is defined as an external load lift and subsequent release of that
load. Also, the AD would require calculating a moving average of lift
cycles per hour TIS at specified intervals on the IFWU assembly. The
moving average would determine if an IFWU assembly is designated as an
REL or Non-REL IFWU assembly. REL
[[Page 63273]]
operations are those operations in which more than 6 lift cycles per
hour TIS are performed based on the moving average. Non-REL operations
are those operations in which 6 or less lift cycles per hour TIS are
performed based on the moving average. Once an IFWU assembly is
designated as an REL IFWU assembly, the moving average would no longer
need to be calculated for that IFWU assembly. If an IFWU assembly is
designated as an REL IFWU assembly, this AD would require a repetitive
visual and dimensional inspection of the IFWU assembly at 500 hours TIS
or 7500 lift cycles whichever occurs first. This AD would also require
recording inspection information, providing a copy of the information
to the FAA, and replacing each part that is beyond the wear or surface
distress limits with an airworthy part. In addition, this AD would
require permanently marking the IFWU camshaft and gear housing with the
letters ``REL'' on the surface of these parts.
The proposal is prompted by an accident in which the left and right
IFWU assembly on a helicopter slipped or disengaged resulting in both
engines overspeeding, engine shutdowns, and loss of engine power to the
transmissions. The main cause of the slippage has been traced to
excessive and accelerated wear conditions in the IFWU assembly
associated with repeated external lifting operations. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent slipping in the
IFWU assembly, loss of engine power to the transmissions, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
We have reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 61835-67B,
Revision B, dated August 11, 2003 (ASB). The ASB specifies implementing
a moving average procedure for determining REL status. Tracking lift
cycles and the moving average procedure is contained in Sikorsky All
Operators Letter CCS-61AOL-04-0005. Further, the ASB describes
procedures for establishing an inspection interval for REL and Non-REL
operations, which are defined in section 1.B. of the ASB. The ASB
defines operations as REL when the average number of lift cycles
exceeds 6 per flight hour during any 250 flight-hour period based on a
moving average calculated at intervals not to exceed 50 hours of
operations. The ASB defines operations as Non-REL when the number of
moving average lift cycles per hour is 6 or less.
Although the ASB deals with transport category helicopter Models,
S-61 L, N, NM, and R, manufactured under Type Certificate (TC) No.
1H15, as well as the restricted category Models S-61 A, D, E, and V,
manufactured under TC No. H2EA, we have issued a separate proposal for
the transport category helicopter models under Docket No. FAA-2006-
25824, Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-23-AD.
Also, even though there is not an ASB for the Carson Model S-61L,
Croman Model SH-3H, and Siller Model CH-3E helicopters, this AD applies
to those models as well.
This unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other
helicopters of the same type designs. Therefore, the proposed AD would
require the following:
Within 10 hours TIS,
Create an external lift component history card or
equivalent record for each IFWU assembly, part number (P/N) 61074-
35000-041 through 61074-35000-063, unless done previously, and
Count and, at the end of each days operations, record the
number of lift cycles performed and hours TIS.
Determine whether the IFWU assembly is an REL or Non-REL
IFWU assembly by using a 250-hour TIS moving average as follows:
Upon reaching 250 hours TIS, calculate the first moving
average of lift cycles.
If the calculation results in more than 6 lift cycles per
hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is an REL IFWU assembly.
If the calculation results in 6 or less lift cycles per
hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is a Non-REL IFWU assembly.
If you determine the IFWU assembly is a Non-REL IFWU
assembly based on the first calculation of the 250-hour TIS moving
average for lift cycles, thereafter at intervals of 50 hours TIS,
recalculate the average lift cycles per hour TIS.
If the calculation results in more than 6 lift cycles per
hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is an REL IFWU assembly.
If the calculation results in 6 or less lift cycles per
hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is a Non-REL IFWU assembly.
Once an IFWU assembly is determined to be an REL IFWU
assembly, it remains an REL IFWU assembly for the rest of its service
life and is subject to the AD inspection requirements for REL IFWU
assemblies.
Once an IFWU assembly is determined to be an REL IFWU
assembly, you no longer need to perform the 250-hour TIS moving average
calculation, but you must continue to count and record the lift cycles.
For each REL IFWU assembly, at intervals not to exceed 500
hours TIS or 7500 lift cycles, whichever occurs first, since the last
IFWU assembly inspection, inspect for wear, surface distress, and
endplay, record the information; and
Replace any IFWU assembly part whose average wear, wear
marks, surface distress, or endplay exceeds the limits with an
airworthy IFWU assembly part.
For each REL IFWU assembly, permanently mark IFWU
camshafts, P/N S6135-20611, S6135-20614 and S6137-23075, and IFWU gear
housings, P/N S6135-20695 and S6137-23057, with the letters ``REL''.
Mark the camshafts by applying etching ink on the surface of the part
that is 0.5 inch square with the depth of the letters not to exceed
0.001 inch. After etching, neutralize the etched surface with oil to
prevent corrosion.
For the next 24 months and within 10 days provide the
recorded information required by this AD to the Manager of the Boston
Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA,
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803.
The actions would be required by following specified portions of
the ASB described previously.
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 21 helicopters of
U.S. registry, and would take about:
4 work hours to measure and record the inspected
dimensions,
1 work hour to identify the REL parts, and
3 work hours per year per helicopter to do the cycle
counting, recording the lift cycle count, and inspecting each IFWU
assembly, and
Cost about $80 per work hour.
Replacing the IFWU rollers and Oilite bushings would
require no additional man-hour cost.
Required parts would cost about $600 to replace the IFWU
rollers and $980 per helicopter to replace the IFWU Oilite bushings at
each overhaul.
Based on these figures, the total estimated cost impact of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators would be $46,620, assuming you replace
the IFWU rollers and Oilite bushings on every helicopter and every IFWU
assembly is determined to be an REL IFWU assembly based on the first
lift cycle calculation.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. Additionally, 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
[[Page 63274]]
power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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); 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.
We prepared a draft economic analysis of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the DMS to examine the draft economic
analysis.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged 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 AD.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation; Croman Corporation; Carson
Helicopters, Inc.; and Siller Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2006-
26107; Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-30-AD.
Applicability
Model S-61 A, D, E, V, SH-3H, S-61L; CH-3E, and SH-3A
helicopters, certificated in any category.
Compliance
Required as indicated.
To prevent slipping of the main gearbox input freewheel unit
(IFWU) assembly, loss of engine power, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS),
(1) Create an external lift component history card or equivalent
record for each IFWU assembly, part number (P/N) 61074-35000-041
through 61074-35000-063, unless accomplished previously, and
(2) Count and, at the end of each days operations, record the
number of external lift cycles (lift cycles) performed and the hours
TIS. A ``lift cycle'' is defined as the lifting of an external load
and subsequent release of the load.
(b) Determine whether the IFWU assembly is an REL or non-REL
IFWU assembly by using a 250-hour TIS moving average as follows:
(1) Upon reaching 250 hours TIS after the effective date of this
AD, calculate the first moving average of lift cycles by following
the instructions in Section I of Appendix I of this AD.
(i) If the calculation under paragraph (b)(1) of this AD results
in more than 6 lift cycles per hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is an REL
IFWU assembly.
(ii) If the calculation under paragraph (b)(1) of this AD
results in 6 or less lift cycles per hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is
a Non-REL IFWU assembly.
(2) If you determine the IFWU assembly is a Non-REL IFWU
assembly based on the first calculation of the 250-hour TIS moving
average for lift cycles, thereafter at intervals of 50 hour TIS,
recalculate the average lift cycles per hour TIS by following the
instructions in Section II of Appendix 1 of this AD.
(i) If the calculation under paragraph (b)(2) of this AD results
in more than 6 lift cycles per hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is an REL
IFWU assembly.
(ii) If the calculation under paragraph (b)(2) of this AD
results in 6 or less lift cycles per hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is
a Non-REL IFWU assembly.
(3) Once an IFWU assembly is determined to be an REL IFWU
assembly, it remains an REL IFWU assembly for the rest of its
service life and is subject to the AD inspection requirements for
REL IFWU assemblies.
(4) Once an IFWU assembly is determined to be an REL IFWU
assembly, you no longer need to perform the 250-hour TIS moving
average calculation, but you must continue to count and record the
lift cycles.
Note 1: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation issued an All Operators
Letter (AOL) CCS-61-AOL-04-0005, dated May 18, 2004, with an example
and additional information about tracking cycles and the moving
average procedure. You can obtain this AOL from the manufacturer at
the address stated in the ADDRESSES portion of this AD.
(c) For each REL IFWU assembly, at intervals not to exceed 500
hours TIS or 7500 lift cycles, whichever occurs first, since the
last IFWU assembly inspection:
(1) Inspect for wear, surface distress, and endplay by following
paragraphs B.(1) through B.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin No. 61B35-67B,
Revision B, dated August 11, 2003 (ASB). Record all the information
specified in Figures 1 through 3 attached to the ASB. You may record
this information on any suitable maintenance record, or you may use
the Sikorsky evaluation forms provided in the ASB. This AD does not
require you to contact Sikorsky.
(2) Replace any IFWU assembly part whose average wear, wear
marks, surface distress, or endplay exceeds the limits stated in
paragraph B.(1) through B.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions of
the ASB with an airworthy IFWU assembly part.
Note 2: Sikorsky S-61 Overhaul Manual, Number SA 4045-83,
Revision 20, dated August 15, 2003, as revised by Temporary
Revisions 65-193, -194, -195, and -196, contains the overhaul
procedures for the IFWU assembly.
(d) For each REL IFWU assembly, permanently mark IFWU camshafts,
P/N S6135-20611, S6135-20614 and S6137-23075, and IFWU gear
housings, P/N S6135-20695 and S6137-23057, with the letters ``REL''.
Mark the camshafts by applying etching ink on the surface of the
part that is 0.5 inch square with the depth of the letters not to
exceed 0.001 inch. After etching, neutralize the etched surface with
oil to prevent corrosion.
(e) For the next 24 months and within 10 days after completing
the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, provide a copy of
the recorded information to the Manager of the Boston Aircraft
Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803.
Note 3: In the ASB, Sikorsky requests copies of the completed
inspection forms, Figures 1 through 3 to their ASB. This AD does not
require you to provide these forms to Sikorsky.
(f) Information collection requirements contained in this AD
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
(g) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Contact the Manger, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and
Propeller Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Kirk Gustafson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803,
telephone (781) 238-7190, fax (781) 238-7170, for information about
previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
[[Page 63275]]
Appendix I
SECTION I: The first moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS.
The first moving average calculation is performed on the IFWU
assembly when the external lift component history card record
reflects that the IFWU assembly has reached its first 250 hours TIS.
To perform the calculation, divide the total number of lift cycles
performed during the first 250 hours TIS by 250. The result will be
the first moving average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS.
SECTION II: Subsequent moving average of lift cycles per hour
TIS.
Subsequent moving average calculations are performed on the IFWU
assembly at intervals of 50 hour TIS after the first moving average
calculation. Subtract the total number of lift cycles performed
during the first 50-hour TIS interval used in the previous moving
average calculation from the total number of lift cycles performed
on the IFWU assembly during the previous 300 hours TIS. Divide this
result by 250. The result will be the next or subsequent moving
average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS.
SECTION III: Sample calculation for subsequent 50 hour TIS
intervals.
Assume the total number of lift cycles for the first 50 hour TIS
interval used in the previous moving average calculation = 450 lift
cycles and the total number of lift cycles for the previous 300
hours TIS = 2700 lift cycles. The subsequent moving average of lift
cycles per hour TIS = (2700-450) divided by 250 = 9 lift cycles per
hour TIS.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 13, 2006.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-18147 Filed 10-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P