Document ID: FAA-2014-0216-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Helicopters
Posted Date: 2014-04-16T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 73 (Wednesday, April 16, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21385-21387]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07672]

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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 73 / Wednesday, April 16, 2014 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 21385]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0216; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-045-AD; 
Amendment 39-17818; AD 2014-07-04]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
(Sikorsky) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. This AD requires, initially and each 
time the clamps are removed, inspecting for chafing between the 
electrical wires and the hydraulic lines and, if there is chafing 
between the wires or lines, before further flight, replacing the 
unairworthy wires or lines with airworthy wires or lines. Also, this AD 
requires inspecting each clamp for correct installation, and if a clamp 
is incorrectly installed or missing, before further flight, correctly 
installing the clamps. This AD is prompted by chafing between high 
voltage electrical wiring and hydraulic lines that led to two fires in 
the top deck of the helicopter, which does not have fire detection nor 
extinguishing capability. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to detect any chafing between the electrical wires and the hydraulic 
lines that could result in a fire and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 1, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of May 1, 2014.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 16, 2014.

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 AD, any incorporated by reference 
service information, 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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caspar Wang, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; 
telephone (781) 238-7799; email caspar.wang@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, 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 resulted 
from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the AD, 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 them 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 rulemaking during the 
comment period. We will consider all the comments we receive and may 
conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

Discussion

    We are adopting a new AD for Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. This 
AD requires, initially and each time the clamps are removed, inspecting 
for chafing between the electrical wires and the hydraulic lines and, 
if there is chafing between the wires and lines, before further flight, 
replacing the unairworthy wires or lines with airworthy wires or lines. 
Also, this AD requires inspecting each clamp for correct installation, 
and if a clamp is incorrectly installed or missing, before further 
flight, correctly installing the clamps.
    This AD is prompted by chafing between high voltage electrical 
wires and hydraulic lines that led to two fires in the top deck of the 
helicopter, which does not have fire detection nor extinguishing 
capability. The chafing occurred because of improper clamp installation 
after maintenance was performed in the top deck. A redesign eliminated 
the need for clamping in newer Model S-92A helicopters. However, 
because of the high volume of maintenance performed in the area where 
the fire occurred immediately following maintenance involving

[[Page 21386]]

removing and installing the clamps, more detailed instructions are 
necessary for correct installation of the clamps in the older model 
helicopters. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect 
any chafing between the electrical wires and the hydraulic lines that 
could result in a fire and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

FAA's Determination

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

Related Service Information

    Sikorsky has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-20-001, dated 
October 27, 2005 (ASB) to specify a one-time installation of clamps to 
provide additional clearance between the electrical harnesses on the 
upper deck and the hydraulic lines.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires:
     Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting the 
electrical wires and the hydraulic lines in the affected area for 
evidence of chafing. If there is chafing between electrical wires and 
the hydraulic lines, this AD requires, before further flight, replacing 
unairworthy wires or lines with airworthy wires or lines.
     Within 5 hours TIS, inspecting each clamp for correct 
installation. If clamps are incorrectly installed or missing, before 
further flight, install clamps by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the ASB.
     After each maintenance that requires removing clamps, this 
AD requires repeating the previous inspections.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The service information specifies a one-time installation of the 
clamps between the electrical harnesses on the upper deck and the 
hydraulic lines within 30 days. This AD requires, within 5 hours TIS, 
inspecting each clamp for correct installation, and within 5 hours TIS 
and after each maintenance that requires removing clamps, inspecting 
the electrical wires and the hydraulic lines for chafing. This AD 
applies to S/N 920006 through 920084, and the service bulletin applies 
to S/N 920006 through 920022.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The design approval holder is 
currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe 
condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, 
approved, and available, we might consider additional rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 20 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. 
An initial inspection of the clamps will take .5 work hour. Inspecting 
and reclamping will take 2 work hours at a parts cost of $25 per 
helicopter. Inspecting and replacing the electrical wires will take 2 
work hours at a parts cost of $7,500 per helicopter. Inspecting and 
replacing the hydraulic lines will take 3 work hours at a parts cost of 
$500 per helicopter. Based on these estimates, the total cost per 
helicopter is $8,663, and the total cost of compliance for the U.S. 
fleet is $173,250, assuming the clamps, electrical wires, and hydraulic 
lines are replaced.
    According to Sikorsky's service information, the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage by Sikorsky. 
Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Providing an opportunity for public comments before adopting these 
AD requirements would delay implementing the safety actions needed to 
correct this known unsafe condition. Therefore, we find that the risk 
to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment before 
adopting this rule because the required corrective actions must be done 
within 5 hours TIS, a very short time period based on the average 
flight-hour utilization rate of these helicopters.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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 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, 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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

     Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

[[Page 21387]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2014-07-04 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-17818; Docket 
No. FAA-2014-0216; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-045-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-92A helicopters, serial numbers 92006 
through 920084, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an installation that 
does not provide adequate clearance to prevent chafing between the 
high voltage electrical wires and hydraulic lines. This condition 
could result in fire and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 1, 2014.

(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 5 hours time-in-service, inspect the electrical wires 
and the hydraulic lines in the upper deck of the helicopter for 
chafing between electrical wires and hydraulic lines. If there is 
chafing between electrical wires and hydraulic lines, before further 
flight, replace the unairworthy wires or lines with airworthy wires 
or lines.
    (2) Within 5 hours TIS, inspect each clamp for correct 
installation as shown in Figures 1 through 14 of Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-20-001, dated October 27, 
2005 (ASB). If clamps are incorrectly installed or missing, before 
further flight, install clamps by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(4) through 3.A.(17) of the ASB.
    (3) After each maintenance that requires removing clamps, comply 
with paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) 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: Caspar Wang, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7799; email 
caspar.wang@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.

 (h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2910 Main 
Hydraulic System.

(i) 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 Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin No. 92-
20-001, dated October 27, 2005.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation service information 
identified in this AD, contact Customer Service Engineering, 124 
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-
416-4299; email sikorskywcs@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/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 28, 2014.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-07672 Filed 4-15-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P