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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 77 (Wednesday, April 22, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22436-22438]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09098]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1008; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-064-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 
269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A helicopters. This proposed AD would 
require repetitively inspecting and lubricating the tail rotor (T/R) 
driveshaft splined fittings. This proposed AD is prompted by a report 
that the T/R driveshaft can disconnect due to deterioration of the 
splined coupling. The proposed actions are intended to detect and 
prevent excessive wear of the splined coupling, which could lead to 
failure of the T/R driveshaft and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 22, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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 proposed AD, the economic 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry 
Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; 
email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. It is 
also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Kowalski, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 1600 Stewart Ave., suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; 
telephone (516) 228-7327; email stephen.kowalski@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for Sikorsky Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 
269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A helicopters. This proposed AD would 
require a one-time inspection and lubrication of the T/R driveshaft 
splined fittings and replacing a splined fitting and the T/R driveshaft 
if the fitting has excessive wear. This proposed AD would also require 
repetitively inspecting the driveshaft for straightness, twists, and 
scratches, repetitively inspecting the internal coupling splines, 
internal stops, and coupling drive splines for wear, and repetitively 
correcting the torque of each main transmission aft pinion nut (pinion 
nut).
    This proposed AD is prompted by a report of excessive spline wear 
on the forward and aft T/R driveshaft splined fittings installed on 
Sikorsky Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A 
helicopters. This abnormal spline wear can lead to the T/R driveshaft 
disconnecting. An investigation has determined that insufficient 
lubrication of the splined fittings can result in deterioration of the 
splined teeth and subsequent failure of the T/R driveshaft coupling. 
The proposed actions are intended to detect excessive wear of the 
splined coupling and prevent failure of the T/R driveshaft and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    Sikorsky has developed a one-time inspection that requires 
cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the driveshaft splines. Sikorsky 
has also developed a repetitive 100-hour time-in-service (TIS) 
requirement for inspecting the T/R driveshaft for straightness, twists, 
and scratches; each coupling and internal stop for wear; each coupling 
drive spline for wear; and each pinion nut for correct torque.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type 
designs.

[[Page 22437]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Sikorsky 269 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) B-299.1 for 
Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH-55A helicopters; 269C-1 ASB C1B-
036.1 for Model 269C-1 helicopters; and 269D ASB DB-041.1 for Model 
269D helicopters, each Revision 1 and dated February 24, 2012. Each ASB 
describes procedures for cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the 
forward and aft T/R driveshaft splined fittings and returning to 
Sikorsky any parts that exceed wear limits. Each ASB also requires 
implementing a 100 hour TIS recurring inspection of the T/R driveshaft, 
coupling and internal stop, coupling drive splines, and the pinion nut 
by following the procedures in each model helicopter's Handbook of 
Maintenance Instructions. 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 of this NPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 100 hours TIS, inspecting 
for wear and lubricating the forward and aft T/R driveshaft splines by 
following certain procedures in the Sikorsky ASBs for each model 
helicopter. If there is excessive wear of the T/R driveshaft splines, 
the proposed AD would require replacing the driveshaft fitting before 
further flight. If the helicopter has a T/R driveshaft grease fitting 
installed, the proposed AD would also require inspecting each grease 
fitting for certain conditions and replacing the grease fitting if 
necessary. The proposed AD would also require, at intervals not 
exceeding 100 hours TIS, inspecting the T/R driveshaft for 
straightness, twists, and scratches; inspecting each forward and aft T/
R driveshaft splines for wear; and correcting the torque of each pinion 
nut.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The Sikorsky ASBs require returning any splined fittings that 
exceed wear limits to Sikorsky, while this proposed AD requires 
replacing those fittings and the T/R driveshaft.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,085 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. At an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour, inspecting and lubricating the T/R driveshaft splined 
fittings would require 1.8 hours, for a cost per helicopter of $153 and 
a total cost of $166,005 for the fleet. Inspecting the grease fittings 
would require 0.25 hour, for a cost of $21 per helicopter and a total 
cost of $22,785 for the fleet. Inspecting the driveshaft, fittings, 
internal stops, and drive spines would require 1.8 hours, for a cost 
per helicopter of $153 and a total cost of $166,005 for the fleet, per 
inspection cycle.
    If required, replacing the T/R driving spline and driveshaft would 
require 1.6 work-hours, and required parts would cost about $14,853, 
for a cost per helicopter of $14,989.
    If required, replacing a T/R driven spline and driveshaft would 
require 1.5 work-hours, and required parts would cost about $14,836, 
for a cost per helicopter of $14,964.
    If required, replacing a grease fitting would require about .25 
work-hour, and required parts would cost about $5, for a cost per 
helicopter of $26.

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

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. 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 power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this 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);
    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 proposed 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2015-
1008; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-064-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) 
Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, 269C-1, 269D, and TH-55A 
helicopters, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as insufficient lubrication 
of a tail rotor (T/R) driveshaft splined fitting. This condition 
could result in excessive wear of the T/R driveshaft splines, which 
could lead to failure of the T/R driveshaft and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 22, 2015.

(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) Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Inspect each T/R driveshaft splined fitting for a crack, a 
break, excessive wear, galling, spalling, chipping, corrosion, heat 
discoloration, and distortion by following the

[[Page 22438]]

Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(2), of 
Sikorsky 269 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) B-299.1 for Model 269A, 
269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH-55A helicopters; 269C-1 ASB C1B-036.1 for 
Model 269C-1 helicopters; or 269D ASB DB-041.1 for Model 269D 
helicopters, each Revision 1 and dated February 24, 2012. If there 
is a crack, a break, excessive wear, galling, spalling, chipping, 
corrosion, heat discoloration, or distortion on any T/R driveshaft 
splined fitting, before further flight, replace the affected splined 
fitting and the T/R driveshaft.
    (ii) If installed, inspect each T/R driveshaft grease fitting 
for looseness, presence of a check ball inside each fitting, and for 
proper operation and seating of each check ball. If any grease 
fitting is loose, missing a check ball, fails to properly operate, 
or if a check ball fails to seat, before further flight, replace the 
grease fitting.
    (iii) Lubricate each driveshaft fitting by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(6), of Sikorsky 269 ASB 
B-299.1 for Model 269A, 269A-1, 269B, 269C, and TH-55A helicopters; 
269C-1 ASB C1B-036.1 for Model 269C-1 helicopters; or 269D ASB DB-
041.1 for Model 269D helicopters, each Revision 1 and dated February 
24, 2012.
    (2) Within 100 hours TIS after the inspections required by 
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not 
exceeding 100 hours TIS:
    (i) Remove the driveshaft from the gearbox and clean any grease 
from each end fitting.
    (ii) Inspect the driveshaft for straightness, a twist, and a 
scratch. If the driveshaft has any bends, twists, or scratches, 
before further flight, replace the driveshaft.
    (iii) Inspect the internal splines of each forward and aft 
fitting and each internal stop for wear. If there is any wear, 
before further flight, replace the fitting.
    (iv) Inspect the drive splines of each splined drive fitting for 
wear. If there is any wear, before further flight, replace the 
splined drive fitting.
    (v) Loosen the aft frame clamp and apply a torque of 750 to 
1,000 inch-pounds to each main transmission aft pinion nut.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Stephen 
Kowalski, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Ave., suite 
410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7327; email 
stephen.kowalski@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) Additional Information

    For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, 
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email 
sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of information at 
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 
Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6500: Tail Rotor 
Drive.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 14, 2015.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-09098 Filed 4-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13P-
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