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[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 183 (Friday, September 22, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44353-44355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19945]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0896; Product Identifier 2017-SW-034-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2017-07-
02 for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model 269D and Model 
269D Configuration A helicopters. AD 2017-07-02 currently requires 
reducing the life limit of and inspecting certain drive shafts. This 
proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2017-07-02 and propose 
repeating the inspections. The actions of this proposed AD are intended 
to detect and prevent an unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 21, 
2017.

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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0896; 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 rule, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry 
Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; 
email [email protected]. You may review service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 
(781) 238-7761; email [email protected].

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

    On March 20, 2017, we issued a Final rule; request for comments to 
add AD 2017-07-02, Amendment 39-18840 (82 FR 15120, March 27, 2017) for 
Sikorsky Model 269D and Model 269D Configuration A helicopters with a 
KAflex engine side drive shaft part number (P/N) SKCP2738-7 and KAflex 
pulley side drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-5 installed. AD 2017-07-02 
requires reducing the life limit of the drive shafts and performing 
several inspections of the drive shafts within 25 hours time-in-service 
(TIS). AD 2017-07-02 also specifies replacing the drive shaft 
assemblies as an optional terminating action for the requirements of 
the AD. AD 2017-07-02 was prompted by four incidents involving failure 
of the engine side drive shaft. The actions required by AD 2017-07-02 
are intended to prevent failure of the drive shaft, loss of rotor 
drive, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
    This NPRM would retain the requirements of AD 2017-07-02 but would 
require that some of the inspections be repeated every 100 hours TIS or 
400 hours TIS. Repeating these inspections is necessary to detect and 
prevent the unsafe condition. Because these proposed requirements are 
for longer intervals, we are providing the public an opportunity to 
comment.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Appendix B to Sikorsky S-330 Model 269D Helicopter 
Basic Handbook of Maintenance Instructions No. CSP-D-2, dated February 
1, 1993, and revised October 15, 2014; and Appendix B to Sikorsky S-333 
Model 269D Config. ``A'' Helicopter Basic Handbook of Maintenance 
Instructions No. CSP-D-9, dated July 20, 2001, and revised October 15, 
2014. This service information specifies repetitive inspection 
procedures, overhaul and retirement schedules, and weight and balance 
procedures. The Airworthiness Limitations section, which is included in 
this service information, contains the life limits for drive shaft 
assembly P/Ns SKCP2738-5 and SKCP2738-7.
    We also reviewed Sikorsky 269D Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin 
DB-052, Basic Issue, dated January 16, 2014, which distributes the 
service life reduction information and implements a new 1,200-hour 
overhaul inspection for drive shaft assembly P/Ns SKCP2738-3, SKCP2738-
5, and SKCP2738-7.

[[Page 44354]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, before further flight:
     Removing from service any engine side drive shaft P/N 
SKCP2738-7 and pulley side drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-5 that has reached 
or exceeded its new life limit as follows:
    [cir] 6,000 hours TIS for Model 269D helicopters;
    [cir] 1,200 hours TIS for Model 269D Configuration A helicopters; 
and
    [cir] 1,200 hours TIS if the parts have ever been interchanged 
between the two model configurations.
    This proposed AD would also require:
     Within 25 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 25 hours TIS, inspecting the lower pulley to engine alignment, 
and if there is any interference with the rotation of the belt drive 
alignment tool, adjusting the engine elevation alignment before further 
flight.
     Within 25 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 100 hours TIS, inspecting the KAflex drive shaft alignment and 
inspecting the engine side and pulley side drive shafts for a crack, 
any corrosion or pitting, a nick, a dent, and a scratch.
     Within 25 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 400 hours TIS, inspecting each joint for movement; inspecting 
each joint for fretting corrosion and each frame and mount bolt torque 
stripe for movement; and inspecting each joint for fretting, for a 
crack around both the bolt head and washer side, and around the nut and 
washer side, and each inside and outside corner radii and radii edges 
on both sides of each frame for a crack.
    If the drive shaft fails any of the above inspections, this 
proposed AD would require replacing both the engine side and pulley 
side drive shafts before further flight.
    This proposed AD also specifies installing KAflex engine side 
coupling assembly P/N SKCP2738-9 and KAflex pulley side coupling 
assembly P/N SKCP2738-101 as an optional terminating action for the 
requirements of this AD.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The Sikorsky service information specifies a drive shaft assembly 
service life of 3,000 hours TIS with a 1,200 hour overhaul inspection 
for Model 269D Configuration A helicopters, while this proposed AD 
specifies a service life of 1,200 hours TIS.
    The Sikorsky service information specifies different inspection 
procedures if there is spline engagement interference or resistance 
while inspecting the drive shaft alignment. This proposed AD specifies 
replacing both the engine side and pulley side drive shafts if there is 
any spline engagement interference or resistance.
    The Sikorsky service information specifies inspecting the working 
fastener condition without any specific succeeding action regarding the 
inspection. This proposed AD specifies replacing both the engine side 
and pulley side drive shafts if there is any joint movement.
    The Sikorsky service information specifies returning the drive 
shaft assembly to Sikorsky if there is fretting dust or red metallic 
residue at a joint. This proposed AD specifies replacing both the 
engine side and pulley side drive shafts if there is any fretting 
corrosion.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 18 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per 
work-hour.
    Removing the engine side and pulley side drive shafts that have 
reached the new life limit would take about 4 work-hours for a cost of 
$340 per helicopter. Inspecting the lower pulley to engine alignment 
using the belt alignment tool would take about 0.5 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $774 for the U.S. fleet per 
inspection cycle. Adjusting the engine elevation alignment would take 
about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter. 
Inspecting the drive shaft alignment by checking spline engagement 
would take about 1 work-hour for a cost of $85 per helicopter and 
$1,530 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. Inspecting the drive 
shafts for damage would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of 
$85 per helicopter and $1,530 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle. 
Inspecting the joints would take about 1 work-hour for an estimated 
cost of $85 per helicopter and $1,530 for the U.S. fleet per inspection 
cycle. Replacing the engine side and pulley side drive shafts, if 
required, would take about 8 work-hours and parts would cost about 
$20,000, for an estimated cost of $20,680 per helicopter.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)

[[Page 44355]]

2017-07-02, Amendment 39-18840 (82 FR 15120, March 27, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky): Docket No. FAA-2017-0896; 
Product Identifier 2017-SW-034-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Model 269D and Model 269D 
Configuration A helicopters with a KAflex engine side drive shaft 
part number (P/N) SKCP2738-7 and KAflex pulley side drive shaft P/N 
SKCP2738-5 installed, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a drive 
shaft. This condition could result in loss of rotor drive and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2017-07-02, Amendment 39-18840 (82 FR 
15120, March 27, 2017).

(d) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 21, 2017.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Before further flight:
    (i) For Model 269D helicopters, remove from service any KAflex 
engine side drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-7 and any KAflex pulley side 
drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-5 that has 6,000 or more hours time-in-
service (TIS). Thereafter, remove from service any KAflex engine 
side drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-7 and any KAflex pulley side drive 
shaft P/N SKCP2738-5 before accumulating 6,000 hours TIS.
    (ii) For Model 269D Configuration A helicopters, remove from 
service any KAflex engine side drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-7 and any 
KAflex pulley side drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-5 that has 1,200 or more 
hours TIS. Thereafter, remove from service any KAflex engine side 
drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-7 and any KAflex pulley side drive shaft P/
N SKCP2738-5 before accumulating 1,200 hours TIS.
    (iii) If interchanged between Model 269D and Model 269D 
Configuration A helicopters, remove from service any KAflex engine 
side drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-7 and any KAflex pulley side drive 
shaft P/N SKCP2738-5 that has 1,200 or more hours TIS. Thereafter, 
if interchanged between Model 269D and Model 269D Configuration A 
helicopters, remove from service any KAflex engine side drive shaft 
P/N SKCP2738-7 and any KAflex pulley side drive shaft P/N SKCP2738-5 
before accumulating 1,200 hours TIS.
    (2) Within 25 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 25 hours TIS, using a belt drive alignment tool 269T3303-003, 
inspect the lower pulley to engine alignment by engaging the tool on 
the drive shaft and inserting in the lower pulley bore. Rotate the 
tool 360[deg] around the drive shaft and inspect for interference. 
If there is any interference with the rotation of the tool, before 
further flight, adjust the engine elevation alignment to eliminate 
the interference.
    (3) Within 25 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 100 hours TIS:
    (i) Remove the drive shaft to adapter bolt and inspect the drive 
shaft alignment. Engage and disengage the splines a minimum of 3 
times by sliding the engine power output shaft in and out of the 
engine. Inspect the alignment at each 90[deg] interval by rotating 
the lower pulley with the power shaft disengaged. Determine whether 
the adapter slides on and off the drive shaft splines without spline 
engagement interference or resistance along the entire length of 
movement. If there is any spline engagement interference or 
resistance, before further flight, replace both the engine side and 
pulley side drive shafts.
    (ii) Inspect each drive shaft for a crack, any corrosion or 
pitting, a nick, a dent, and a scratch. If there is a crack, any 
corrosion or pitting, a nick, a dent, or a scratch that exceeds 
allowable limits, before further flight, replace both the engine 
side and pulley side drive shafts.
    (4) Within 25 hours TIS, and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 400 hours TIS, remove the engine side drive shaft and pulley 
side drive shaft and perform the following:
    (i) Inspect each flex frame (frame) bolted joint (joint) for 
movement by hand. If there is any movement, before further flight, 
replace both the engine side and pulley side drive shafts.
    (ii) Visually inspect each joint for fretting corrosion (which 
might be indicated by metallic particles) and each frame and mount 
bolt torque stripe for movement. If there is any fretting corrosion 
or torque stripe movement, before further flight, replace both the 
engine side and pulley side drive shafts.
    (iii) Using a 10x or higher power magnifying glass, visually 
inspect each joint for fretting and for a crack around the bolt head 
and washer side, and around the nut and washer side. Also inspect 
both sides of each frame for a crack on the inside and outside 
corner radii and radii edge (four). If there is any fretting, a 
crack at any point over the full circumference (360[deg]) of the 
bolt head and washer side or the nut and washer side, or a crack in 
any of the corner radii edges, before further flight, replace both 
the engine side and pulley side drive shafts.
    (5) As an optional terminating action to the repetitive 
inspections in this AD, you may install KAflex engine side drive 
shaft P/N SKCP2738-9 and KAflex pulley side drive shaft P/N 
SKCP2738-101.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; 
telephone (781) 238-7761; email [email protected].
    (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.

(h) Additional Information

    Appendix B of Sikorsky S-330 Model 269D Helicopter Basic 
Handbook of Maintenance Instructions, No. CSP-D-2, dated February 1, 
1993, and revised October 15, 2014; Appendix B of Sikorsky S-330 
Model 269D Config. ``A'' Helicopter Basic Handbook of Maintenance 
Instructions, No. CSP-D-9, dated July 20, 2001, and revised October 
15, 2014; and Sikorsky 269D Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin DB-
052, Basic Issue, dated January 16, 2014, which are not incorporated 
by reference, contain additional information about the subject of 
this AD. 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 [email protected]. You may review 
the service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177.

(i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6310, Engine/
Transmission Coupling.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 11, 2017.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19945 Filed 9-21-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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