Document ID: FAA-2017-0874-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
Posted Date: 2017-09-14T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 177 (Thursday, September 14, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43195-43197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19450]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 177 / Thursday, September 14, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 43195]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0874; Product Identifier 2015-SW-082-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76C helicopters. This 
proposed AD would require inspecting the engine collective position 
transducer (CPT). This proposed AD is prompted by reports of wear of 
the CPT that has resulted in several One Engine Inoperative (OEI) 
incidents. The proposed actions are intended to detect and prevent an 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 
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-
0874; 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 wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You may review the 
referenced 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: Nick Rediess, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7159; 
email nicholas.rediess@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 S-76C helicopters 
with a Turbomeca, S.A., Arriel 2S1 or Arriel 2S2 engine and with a CPT 
part number (P/N) 76900-01821-104 installed. This proposed AD is 
prompted by 20 reports of One Engine Inoperative (OEI) incidents 
resulting from wear of a CPT. One of these incidents resulted in a 
rejected takeoff to an unprepared site. A CPT provides signals to the 
Digital Engine Control Units (DECU) to anticipate power demand. A worn 
CPT can send an erroneous signal to the DECU. This condition can cause 
a power split between the two engines and a subsequent OEI condition, 
which can result in an emergency landing.
    Accordingly, this proposed AD would require initial and recurring 
inspections of the CPTs, and depending on the outcome of the 
inspections, replacing the CPT. The proposed actions are intended to 
detect wear of a CPT prior to it causing an OEI condition and possible 
emergency landing.

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 products of the same type designs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
76-73-8, Revision A, dated December 4, 2015 (ASB 76-73-8A), which 
specifies a one-time inspection of total resistance, linearity 
resistant movement, excitation voltage, and differential voltage of the 
CPTs using CPT Text Box P/N 76700-40009-042.
    We also reviewed Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, 
Temporary Revision No. 73-07, dated August 17, 2016 (TR 73-07), which 
specifies procedures for removing, installing, and adjusting the CPTs, 
and inspections of total resistance, linearity resistant movement, 
excitation voltage, and differential voltage of the CPTs. TR 73-07 also 
divides the procedures by

[[Page 43196]]

CPT Test Box P/N by providing separate procedures for test boxes 
modified by Sikorsky Special Service Instructions (SSI) No. 76-96, 
dated August 19, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference in this 
proposed AD.
    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.

 Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter ASB 76-73-8, Basic Issue, 
dated August 21, 2015 (ASB 76-73-8). ASB 76-73-8 contains the same 
procedures as ASB 76-73-8A; however, ASB 76-73-8A updates Sikorsky's 
contact information for submitting a purchase order.
    We also reviewed Sikorsky SA 4047-76C-2-1, Temporary Revision No. 
5-181, dated August 21, 2015 (TR 5-181); Task 5-20-00 of Sikorsky 
Airworthiness Limitations and Inspection Requirements, Publication No. 
SA 4047-76C-2-1, Revision 24, dated December 15, 2015 (Task 5-20-00); 
and Section 73-22-04 of Chapter 73 Engine Fuel and Control, of Sikorsky 
Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Revision 31, dated December 15, 2015 
(Section 73-22-04). TR 5-181 specifies adding CPT inspections 
referenced in Section 73-22-04 to the 300-hour inspection checklist 
contained in Task 5-20-00.
    We reviewed Sikorksy Safety Advisory No. SSA-S76-11-0002, dated May 
17, 2011. This service information provides precautionary instructions 
to minimize hazardous situations that might result from an unreliable 
CPT.
    We reviewed Sikorsky SSI No. 76-96, dated August 19, 2016, which 
specifies procedures to modify CPT Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042 and re-
identify it as P/N 76700-40009-043. This one-time modification reduces 
the instructions to inspect the CPT and improves the inspection 
accuracy.
    We also reviewed Sikorsky SSI No. 76-87, dated July 24, 2015, and 
SSI No. 76-87A, Revision A, dated August 21, 2015. These SSIs specify a 
one-time inspection of total resistance, linearity resistant movement, 
excitation voltage, and differential voltage of the CPTs using CPT Text 
Box P/N 76700-40009-042.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require initial and recurring inspections of 
each CPT by measuring resistance, linearity resistance movement, and 
differential voltage, and depending on the outcome of the inspections, 
replacing the CPT.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Sikorsky ASB 76-73-8A and TR 73-07 specify using and returning 
Sikorsky's CPT data sheet to Sikorsky. This proposed AD would not 
require using Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or returning a data sheet to 
Sikorsky. TR 73-07 specifies adjusting the CPT transducers. This 
proposed AD would not require adjusting the CPT transducers. TR 73-07 
specifies returning a failed CPT to Sikorsky. This proposed AD would 
not require returning a failed CPT to Sikorsky.

Interim Action

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

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 90 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. The inspections would take about 3.75 work-hours for an 
estimated cost of $319 per helicopter and $28,710 for the U.S. fleet 
per inspection cycle. Replacing a CPT would take about 6 work-hours and 
parts would cost $3,072 for an estimated replacement cost of $3,582.

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: Docket No. FAA-2017-0874; Product 
Identifier 2015-SW-082-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a Turbomeca, S.A., 
Arriel 2S1 or Arriel 2S2 engine with an engine collective position 
transducer (CPT) part number 76900-01821-104 installed.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a CPT. This 
condition could result in a reduction in power to one engine 
resulting in an annunciated One Engine Inoperative (OEI) condition 
and subsequent emergency landing.

[[Page 43197]]

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 13, 2017.

(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 130 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Measure resistance of each engine CPT and replace the CPT if 
the measured resistance is not within tolerance by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(8)(b), 
of Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, 
Revision A, dated December 4, 2015 (ASB 76-73-8A), except you are 
not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or submit a data sheet 
to Sikorsky.
    (ii) Measure the linearity resistance movement of each engine 
CPT and replace the CPT if there is a linear abnormality or change 
in resistance that is not within tolerance by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.D.(1) through D.(14)(b), 
of ASB 76-73-8A, except you are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT 
data sheet or submit a data sheet to Sikorsky. Examples of linear 
abnormalities are depicted in Figure 3 of ASB 76-73-8A.
    (iii) Measure the differential voltage of each engine CPT and 
replace the CPT if the measured voltage is not within tolerance by 
following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.E. through 
3.G.(1) of ASB 76-73-8A, except you are not required to use 
Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or submit a data sheet to Sikorsky.
    (2) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 300 hours TIS:
    (i) For helicopters using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-042:
    (A) Measure resistance of each engine CPT and replace the CPT if 
the resistance is not within tolerance by following paragraphs 
4.B.(11) of Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Temporary 
Revision No. 73-07, dated August 17, 2016 (TR 73-07), except you are 
not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed CPT 
to Sikorsky.
    (B) Measure the linearity resistance movement of each engine CPT 
and replace the CPT if the movement exceeds tolerance by following 
paragraphs 4.B.(12)(a) through 4.B.(13)(f) of TR 73-07, except you 
are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed 
CPT to Sikorsky.
    (C) Measure the differential voltage of each CPT by following 
paragraphs 4.B.(14) through 4.B.(15)(h) of TR 73-07, except you are 
not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet. If the maximum 
voltage is greater than 100 millivolts or the minimum voltage is 
less than -100 millivolts, replace the CPT.
    (ii) For helicopters using Test Box P/N 76700-40009-043:
    (A) Measure resistance of each engine CPT and replace the CPT if 
the resistance is not within tolerance by following paragraph 
5.B.(11) of TR 73-07, except you are not required to use Sikorsky's 
CPT data sheet or return a failed CPT to Sikorsky.
    (B) Measure the resistance linearity of each engine CPT and 
replace the CPT if the resistance is not within tolerance by 
following paragraph 5.B.(12) of TR 73-07, except you are not 
required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or return a failed CPT to 
Sikorsky.
    (C) Measure the differential voltage of each engine CPT and 
replace the CPT if the resistance is not within tolerance by 
following paragraphs 5.B.(13)(a) through B.(13)(k) of TR 73-07, 
except you are not required to use Sikorsky's CPT data sheet or 
return a failed CPT to Sikorsky.

(f) Credit for Previous Actions

    Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the procedures specified in Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter 
Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, Basic Issue, dated August 21, 
2015; Sikorsky Special Service Instruction SSI No. 76-87, dated July 
24, 2015; or Sikorsky Special Service Instruction SSI No. 76-87, 
Revision A, dated August 21, 2015, are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph 
(e)(1) of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Send your proposal to: Nick Rediess, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7159; email nicholas.rediess@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) Additional Information

    Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-73-8, 
Basic Issue, dated August 21, 2015; Sikorsky SA 4047-76C-2-1, 
Temporary Revision No. 5-181, dated August 21, 2015; Task 5-20-00 of 
Sikorsky Airworthiness Limitations and Inspection Requirements, 
Publication No. SA 4047-76C-2-1, Revision 24, dated December 15, 
2015; Section 73-22-04 of Chapter 73 Engine Fuel and Control, of 
Sikorsky Maintenance Manual, SA 4047-76C-2, Revision 31, dated 
December 15, 2015; Sikorksy Safety Advisory No. SSA-S76-11-0002, 
dated May 17, 2011; Sikorsky Special Service Instruction (SSI) No. 
76-96, dated August 19, 2016; Sikorsky SSI No. 76-87, dated July 24, 
2015; and Sikorsky SSI No. 76-87, Revision A, dated August 21, 2015, 
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 
wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You may review a copy of 
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: 7600, Engine 
Controls.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 6, 2017.
Scott A. Horn,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-19450 Filed 9-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P