[Federal Register: April 27, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 79)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 18977-18978]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27ap09-1]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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[[Page 18977]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0351; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-08-AD;
Amendment 39-15886; AD 2009-07-53]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-
92A Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-07-53, which was sent
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters by individual letters.
This amendment is prompted by the failure of 2 main gearbox filter bowl
assembly studs (studs) that were found broken during a fatal accident
investigation in Canada. Prior to the accident, the manufacturer was
investigating a July 2008 incident that also involved broken studs. In
both cases, the broken studs resulted in rapid loss of oil. The
failures have been tied to fretting and galling of the original
titanium studs; therefore, this AD requires removing all titanium studs
and replacing them with steel studs. The actions specified by this AD
are intended to prevent failure of a stud, which could result in rapid
loss of oil, failure of the main gearbox, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective April 27, 2009, to all persons except those persons to
whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2009-07-53,
issued on March 23, 2009, which contained the requirements of this
amendment.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of April 27, 2009.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before June 26, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information identified in this AD from
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical
Support, Mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone
(203) 383-4866, e-mail address tsslibrary@sikorsky.com, or at http://
www.sikorsky.com.
Examining the Docket: You may examine the docket that contains the
AD, any comments, and other information on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
located in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building at the
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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: On March 23, 2009, we issued Emergency AD
2009-07-53 for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters, which requires, before
further flight, removing all titanium studs that attach the main
gearbox filter bowl assembly to the main gearbox and replacing them
with steel studs. That action was prompted by the failure of 2 studs
that were found broken during a fatal accident investigation in Canada.
Prior to the accident, the manufacturer was investigating a July 2008
incident that also involved broken studs. In both cases, the broken
studs resulted in rapid loss of oil. The failures have been tied to
fretting and galling of the original titanium studs. This condition, if
not corrected, could result in failure of a stud, which could result in
rapid loss of oil, failure of the main gearbox, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
We have reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-63-014A,
Revision A, dated March 20, 2009 (ASB), which describes procedures for
removing the main gearbox filter bowl assembly titanium mounting studs
and replacing them with steel mounting studs.
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters of the same type design, we
issued Emergency AD 2009-07-53 to prevent failure of a stud, which
could result in rapid loss of oil, failure of the main gearbox, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The AD requires, before
further flight, removing all titanium studs and replacing them with
steel studs. The actions must be accomplished in accordance with
specified portions of the ASB described previously. The short
compliance time involved is required because the previously described
critical unsafe condition can adversely affect the structural integrity
of the helicopter. Therefore, removing all titanium studs and replacing
them with steel studs is required before further flight, and this AD
must be issued immediately.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters
issued on March 23, 2009 to all known U.S. owners and operators of
Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. These conditions still exist, and the
AD
[[Page 18978]]
is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to 14 CFR
39.13 to make it effective to all persons.
We estimate that this AD will affect 32 helicopters of U.S.
registry. Replacing the studs will take approximately 6 work hours per
helicopter to accomplish at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour.
Per the ASB, required parts and tooling are available at no cost. Based
on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S.
operators to be $15,360, assuming there are no parts and tooling costs.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0351; Directorate
Identifier 2009-SW-08-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. 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 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).
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that 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 the 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 an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD. See the AD docket to examine the economic evaluation.
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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to
read as follows:
2009-07-53 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-15886. Docket
No. FAA-2009-0351; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-08-AD.
Applicability: Model S-92A helicopters with a main gearbox
housing assembly, part number (P/N) 92351-15110-042, -043, or -044,
that is not marked with ``TS-062-01'' near the P/N, certificated in
any category.
Compliance: Required before further flight, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of a main gearbox filter bowl assembly
mounting stud (stud), which could result in rapid loss of oil,
failure of the main gearbox, and subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Remove the titanium studs by following the Accomplishment
Instructions in Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-63-014, Rev.
A, dated March 20, 2009 (ASB), paragraph 3.A.
Note: Figure 1 of the ASB contains guidance for removal and
installation of the studs.
(b) Visually inspect the tapped holes and the main gearbox
housing lockring counterbore for damage. If you find damage in the
tapped holes or in the main gearbox housing lockring counterbore,
contact the Boston Aircraft Certification Office for an approved
repair.
(c) Install steel studs and mark the main gearbox housing as
``TS-062-01'' near the P/N by following the Accomplishment
Instructions in the ASB, paragraph 3.C.
(d) 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 Manager, 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.
(e) Special flight permits will not be issued.
(f) Remove and replace the studs by following the specified
portions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-63-014, Rev. A,
dated March 20, 2009. The Director of the Federal Register approved
this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, Mailstop
s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone (203) 383-4866, e-
mail address tsslibrary@sikorsky.com, or at http://www.sikorsky.com.
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas or
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-
741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_
of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on April 27, 2009, to all
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by Emergency AD 2009-07-53, issued March 23, 2009, which
contained the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 9, 2009.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-9301 Filed 4-24-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P