Document ID: FAA-2020-0212-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
Posted Date: 2020-04-06T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 66 (Monday, April 6, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19110-19112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07047]

 ========================================================================
 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 66 / Monday, April 6, 2020 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 19110]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0212; Product Identifier 2018-SW-097-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of inaccurate main gear box (MGB) 
indications in flight. This proposed AD would require updating the 
remote data acquisition unit (RDAU) software and re-identifying the 
RDAU and, for certain helicopters, updating the software of the display 
unit (DU) and re-identifying the DU. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 21, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact your local 
Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service Engineering Group 
at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; 
phone: 1-800-Winged-S; email: wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. 
Operators may also log on to the Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0212; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Min Zhang, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
(781) 238-7161; email: min.zhang@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0212; 
Product Identifier 2018-SW-097-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of inaccurate MGB indications in 
flight. There have been seven inaccurate oil pressure indications in-
flight, including one event in which the flight crew called ``Mayday,'' 
and considered ditching the helicopter. There have been no 
comprehensive root cause findings, but there have been multiple 
erroneous indications and annunciations, as well as hardware 
subcomponent failures. There is a possibility of an elevated operating 
temperature effect on subcomponent reliability, which causes 
instability in the power supply output. In at least one incident, the 
malfunction was due to a rare soft failure of a capacitor in the +15Vdc 
power supply circuit on the engine processor board installed in channel 
B of the RDAU. This condition resulted in multiple erroneous values and 
annunciations on channel B, and if not addressed, could cause the 
flight crew to land immediately, and consequent possible loss of the 
helicopter, injury, or fatality. To address this issue, this proposed 
AD would require updating the RDAU software and re-identifying the RDAU 
and, for certain helicopters, updating the software of the DU and re-
identifying the DU.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following Sikorsky service information.
    Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; 
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; and 
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018. This service 
information describes procedures for updating the RDAU software and re-
identifying the RDAU. This service information also describes 
procedures for sending the inspection results to Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation. These documents are distinct since they apply to specific 
helicopter models in different configurations (different part numbered 
RDAU units).
    Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018. This 
service information describes procedures for updating the software of 
DU part number 76450-01098-101, and re-identifying the DU as part 
number 76450-01098-108. This service information also describes 
procedures

[[Page 19111]]

for sending the inspection results to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.
    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.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all the relevant 
information and determining the unsafe condition described previously 
is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type 
design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The service information recommends accomplishing the update of the 
RDAU software and re-identification of the RDAU and, for certain 
helicopters, update of the software of the DU and re-identification of 
the DU, depending on service information, no later than a specific 
calendar date (April 30, 2019 for Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, 
Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; June 30, 2019 for Alert Service 
Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; or July 31, 2019 for 
Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018). In developing an 
appropriate compliance time for this AD, the FAA considered factors 
including the manufacturer's recommendation, the degree of urgency 
associated with the subject unsafe condition, and the average 
utilization of the affected fleet. After considering these factors, the 
FAA finds that a 500 hour time-in-service compliance time (which is 
approximately one year based on the average annual flight hours for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters) represents an 
appropriate interval of time for affected helicopters to continue to 
operate without compromising safety.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 99 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update RDAU software (99 helicopters).  3 work-hours x $85 per                 *            $255         $25,245
                                         hour = $255.
Update display units (52 helicopters).  7 work-hours x $85 per                 *             595          30,940
                                         hour = $595.
Reporting (99 helicopters)............  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0              85           8,415
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the FAA to provide parts cost estimates for the
  actions specified in this proposed AD.

    According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty 
coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included 
all known costs in the cost estimate.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD 
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has 
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and 
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting 
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the 
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should 
be directed to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-
1524.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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 above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

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.

[[Page 19112]]

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-2020-0212; Product 
Identifier 2018-SW-097-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments by May 21, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C 
helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with remote data 
acquisition unit (RDAU) part number 76450-01098-106, 76450-01098-
107, or 76450-01098-109.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 3100, Indicating/
recording system.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of inaccurate main gear box 
(MGB) indications in flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
inaccurate MGB indications in flight, resulting in multiple 
erroneous values/annunciations on channel B, which could cause the 
flight crew to land immediately, and consequent possible loss of the 
helicopter, injury, or fatality.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) RDAU and Display Unit (DU) Updates

    Within 500 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) 
of this AD, as applicable to your helicopter.
    (1) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-
109, update the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance 
with Section 3., Paragraphs A. through J. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, 
dated June 26, 2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU 
to Parker Fluid Systems Division (FSD).
    (2) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-
107, update the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance 
with Section 3., Paragraphs A. through J. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, 
dated May 30, 2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU 
to Parker FSD.
    (3) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-
106, update the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance 
with Section 3., Paragraphs A. through K. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 
31, 2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU to Parker 
FSD.
    (4) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098-
106, update the software of DU part number 76450-01098-101 and re-
identify the DU as part number 76450-01098-108, in accordance with 
Section 3., Paragraphs A. through J. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated 
August 23, 2018, except you are not required to return the DU to 
Parker FSD.

(h) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any helicopter, a DU part number 76450-01098-101, unless it has been 
modified in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (g)(4) of 
this AD.

(i) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of 
this AD, submit a report of compliance with the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD, as applicable to your 
helicopter. The report must include the document number and title of 
the service information used, the owner and/or operator of the 
helicopter, the submitter's name, date, and the helicopter serial 
number. Submit the report to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in 
accordance with Section 3., Paragraph A. (Record of Compliance) of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 
76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; Section 3., Paragraph L. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service 
Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; Section 3., 
Paragraph M. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018; or Section 3., 
Paragraph L. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Service 
Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018, as applicable to 
your helicopter.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 76-31-3, dated March 2, 2018; or Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision A, dated March 29, 2018.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(2) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 76-31-4, dated May 17, 2018.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(4) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Sikorsky 
Service Bulletin 76-006, dated July 26, 2018.

(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this 
collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding 
this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of 
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (m)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Min Zhang, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7161; email: 
min.zhang@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact your 
local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service 
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road, 
Trumbull, CT 06611; phone: 1-800-Winged-S; email: 
wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. Operators may also log on to 
the Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You may 
view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.

    Issued on March 31, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-07047 Filed 4-3-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P