Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 68061 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–0216; Directorate 

Identifier 2010–SW–025–AD; Amendment 

39–17245; AD 2012–22–09] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky 

Aircraft Corporation Helicopters 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for the 

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) 

Model S–92A helicopters. This AD 

requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) 

pylon for a loose or missing fastener, a 

crack, damage, or corrosion and adding 

an internal doubler to the aft shear deck 

tunnel assembly. This AD was 

prompted by the discovery of cracks in 

T/R pylons. The actions are intended to 

detect a loose or missing fastener, a 

crack, damage, or corrosion on the T/R 

pylon and, if present, to repair the T/R 

pylon and install a doubler on the aft 

shear deck tunnel assembly or to replace 

the T/R pylon and install a doubler on 

the aft shear deck tunnel assembly. The 

actions are intended to prevent failure 

of the T/R pylon or other T/R 

components, which could lead to the 

loss of control of the helicopter. 

DATES: This AD is effective December 

20, 2012. 

The Director of the Federal Register 

approved the incorporation by reference 

of certain documents listed in this AD 

as of December 20, 2012. 

ADDRESSES: For service information 

identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky 

Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, 

Commercial Technical Support, 

mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, 

Stratford, CT 06614; telephone (800) 

562–4409; email 

tsslibrary@sikorsky.com; or at http:// 

www.sikorsky.com. You may review a 

copy of the referenced service 

information at the FAA, Office of the 

Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 

2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort 

Worth Texas 76137. 

Examining the AD Docket: You may 

examine the AD docket 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 AD docket contains this AD, any 

incorporated-by-reference service 

information, the economic evaluation, 

any comments received, and other 

information. The street address for the 

Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– 

647–5527) is U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Docket Operations 

Office, M–30, West Building Ground 

Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety 

Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification 

Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 

12 New England Executive Park, 

Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 

238–7763; email nicholas.faust@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion 

On May 14, 2012, at 77 FR 28328, the 

Federal Register published our notice of 

proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which 

proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to 

include an AD that would apply to 

Sikorsky Model S–92A helicopters with 

a T/R pylon, part number (P/N) 92000– 

06102–041. That NPRM proposed to 

require inspecting the T/R pylon for a 

loose or missing fastener, a crack, 

damage, or corrosion, and repairing or 

replacing the T/R pylon if any of these 

conditions exist. That NPRM also 

proposed adding an internal doubler to 

the aft shear deck tunnel assembly. That 

NPRM was prompted by the discovery 

of cracks in the forward lower spar 

region of the T/R pylons. The T/R pylon 

supports the T/R and the horizontal 

stabilizer, and a crack of the T/R pylon 

could alter vibration characteristics of 

the T/R pylon, which could adversely 

affect fatigue lives of T/R components. 

This condition, if not corrected, could 

result in failure of the T/R pylon or 

other T/R components and subsequent 

loss of control of the helicopter. 

Comments 

We gave the public the opportunity to 

participate in developing this AD, but 

we received no comments on the NPRM 

(77 FR 28328, May 14, 2012). 

FAA’s Determination 

We have reviewed the relevant 

information and determined that an 

unsafe condition exists and is likely to 

exist or develop on other products of 

these same type designs and that air 

safety and the public interest require 

adopting the AD requirements as 

proposed. 

Related Service Information 

We have reviewed Sikorsky Alert 

Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 92–53–001, 

dated June 23, 2008 (ASB No. 92–53– 

001), and ASB No. 92–53–004B, 

Revision B, dated June 21, 2011 (ASB 

No. 92–53–004B). ASB No. 92–53–001 

specifies for a T/R pylon with more than 

500 flight-hours a one-time inspection 

of the T/R pylon ‘‘components and 

structure for obvious damage, cracks, 

corrosion, and security.’’ ASB No. 92– 

53–004B specifies a one-time 

replacement of the T/R pylon, P/N 

92000–06102–041, with T/R pylon, P/N 

92070–20058–042, and installation of a 

doubler on the aft shear deck tunnel 

assembly. The ASB specifies a 

replacement schedule based on the T/R 

pylon’s hours for specified serial 

numbered helicopters. 

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this AD will affect 

20 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that 

labor rates average $85 a work-hour. We 

also estimate that it will take about 1 

work-hour per helicopter to inspect and 

120 work-hours per helicopter to 

replace the T/R pylon and install the 

doubler. Required parts will cost about 

$339,080. Based on these figures, we 

estimate the annual cost will total 

$356,505 per helicopter and $7,130,100 

for the U.S. fleet, assuming 85 

inspections per year on each helicopter 

and assuming replacement of the T/R 

pylon and installation of a doubler on 

each helicopter. 

According to the Sikorsky service 

information, some of the costs of this 

proposed AD may be covered under 

warranty, reducing the cost on affected 

individuals. We do not control warranty 

coverage. Accordingly, we have 

included all costs in our estimate. 

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. 

Regulatory Findings 

This AD will not have federalism 

implications under Executive Order 

13132. This AD will not have a 


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68062 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 

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) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under 

DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures 

(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 

(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation 

in Alaska to the extent that it justifies 

making a regulatory distinction; and 

(4) 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 and placed it in the AD docket. 

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. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new airworthiness 

directive (AD): 

2012–22–09 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 

Helicopters: Amendment 39–17245; 

Docket No. FAA–2012–0216; Directorate 

Identifier 2010–SW–025–AD. 

(a) Applicability 

This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft 

Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S–92A 

helicopters, with a tail rotor (T/R) pylon, part 

number (P/N) 92000–06102–041, certificated 

in any category. 

(b) Unsafe Condition 

This AD defines the unsafe condition as a 

loose or missing fastener, a crack, damage, or 

corrosion on the T/R pylon that could result 

in failure of the T/R pylon or other T/R 

components, and subsequent loss of control 

of the helicopter. 

(c) Effective Date 

This AD becomes effective December 20, 

2012. 

(d) Compliance 

You are responsible for performing each 

action required by this AD within the 

specified compliance time unless it has 

already been accomplished prior to that time. 

(e) Required Actions 

(1) For helicopters with 500 or more hours 

time-in-service (TIS), within 25 hours TIS 

and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 

hours TIS, inspect each T/R pylon for a 

crack, damage, corrosion, or a loose or 

missing fastener in accordance with the 

Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 

3.A.(4)(a) through paragraph 3.A.(4)(f), and 

referring to Figure 1 of Sikorsky Alert Service 

Bulletin (ASB) No. 92–53–001, dated June 23, 

2008, except that you are not required to 

contact Sikorsky Customer Service 

Engineering per paragraph 3.A.(4)(c)1 of ASB 

92–53–001, dated June 23, 2008. 

(2) If there is a crack, damage, corrosion, 

or a loose or missing fastener, before further 

flight, either: 

(i) If within allowable tolerances, repair 

each crack and each area of damage or 

corrosion and replace any loose or missing 

fastener; or 

(ii) Replace the T/R pylon, (P/N) 92000– 

06102–041, with T/R pylon, P/N 92070– 

20058–042, as follows: 

(A) Conduct the Total Indicated Run-out 

procedure on the No. 4 and No. 5 T/R drive 

shafts and remove the T/R pylon; and 

(B) Install the doubler, P/N 92070–20087– 

101, as follows: 

(1) For helicopters, serial numbers (S/Ns) 

920006 through 920082, on the aft shear deck 

tunnel assembly, P/N 92204–05103–041 or 

–045, in accordance with the 

Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 

3.B.(1) through 3.B.(30) and while referring to 

Figures 1, 2, and 4 of Sikorsky ASB No. 92– 

53–004B, Revision B, dated June 21, 2011 

(92–53–004B). 

(2) For helicopters, S/Ns 920083 through 

920124, on the aft shear deck tunnel 

assembly, P/N 92204–05103–043, in 

accordance with the Accomplishment 

Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(1) through 

3.C.(21) and referring to Figures 3 and 4 of 

ASB 92–53–004B. 

(3) If there is no crack in the T/R pylon, 

replace T/R pylon, P/N 92000–06102–041, 

with T/R pylon, P/N 92070–20058–042, and 

install doubler, P/N 92070–20087–101, on 

the aft shear deck tunnel assembly as 

specified in paragraphs (2)(ii)(A) through 

(2)(ii)(B) of this AD, according to the 

following: 

(i) For a T/R pylon with 3,750 or more 

hours TIS, replace and install doubler within 

12 months. 

(ii) For a T/R pylon with 1,500 through 

3,749 hours TIS, replace and install doubler 

within 24 months. 

(iii) For a T/R pylon with 1,499 or less 

hours TIS, replace and install doubler within 

36 months. 

(4) Replacing T/R pylon, P/N 92000– 

06102–041, with T/R pylon, P/N 92070– 

20058–042, and installing internal tail cone 

doubler, P/N 92070–20087–101, on the aft 

shear deck tunnel assembly, constitutes 

terminating action for the requirements of 

this AD. 

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs) 

(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft 

Certification Office, FAA, may approve 

AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 

Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety Engineer, 

Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & 

Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 

Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; 

telephone (781) 238–7763; email 

nicholas.faust@faa.gov. 

(2) For operations conducted under a 14 

CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 

14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that 

you notify your principal inspector, or 

lacking a principal inspector, the manager of 

the local flight standards district office or 

certificate holding district office before 

operating any aircraft complying with this 

AD through an AMOC. 

(g) Subject 

Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) 

Code: 5340, Fuselage Main, Attach Fittings. 

(h) 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 No. 92– 

53–001, dated June 23, 2008. 

(ii) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 92– 

53–004B, Revision B, dated June 21, 2011 

(3) For Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 

service information identified in this AD, 

contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: 

Manager, Commercial Technical Support, 

mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, 

CT 06614; telephone (800) 562–4409; email 

tsslibrary@sikorsky.com; or at http:// 

www.sikorsky.com. 

(4) You may view this service information 

at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 

Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 

Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. 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, call 

(202) 741–6030, or go to: http:// 

www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. 

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 25, 

2012. 

Lance T. Gant, 

Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–26907 Filed 11–14–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 


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