[Federal Register: January 10, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 6)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 1139-1141]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10ja07-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25824; Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-23-AD;
Amendment 39-14876; AD 2007-01-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-
61L, N, R, and NM Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
the specified Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) model
helicopters that requires, within a specified time, creating a
component history card or equivalent record. The AD also requires
recording the hours time-in-service (TIS) and the external lift cycles
(lift cycles) for each main gearbox input left and right freewheel unit
(IFWU) assembly. Also, the AD requires calculating a moving average of
lift cycles per hour TIS at specified intervals on each IFWU assembly.
The moving average is used to determine if an IFWU assembly is used in
repetitive external lift (REL) or non-REL helicopter operations. If an
IFWU assembly is used in REL operations, this AD requires a visual and
dimensional inspection of the IFWU assembly at specified intervals.
This AD also requires recording certain information and replacing each
part that is beyond the wear limits or that exhibits visual surface
distress with an airworthy part. In addition, this AD requires
permanently marking the REL IFWU camshafts and gear housings with the
letters ``REL'' on the surface of these parts. This amendment is
prompted by an accident in which the left and right IFWU assembly on a
helicopter slipped or disengaged resulting in both engines over
speeding, engine shutdowns, and loss of engine power to the
transmissions. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
slipping in the IFWU assembly, loss of engine power to the
transmissions, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: Effective February 14, 2007.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 14, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD
from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Tech
Support, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut 06614, phone (203)
386-3001, fax (203) 386-5983.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the docket that contains this AD, any comments, and
other information on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or at the
Docket Management System (DMS), U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirk Gustafson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803,
telephone (781) 238-7190, fax (781) 238-7170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend 14 CFR part 39 to
include an AD for the specified model helicopters was published in the
Federal Register on September 15, 2006 (71 FR 54443). That action
proposed to require, within a specified time, creating a component
history card or equivalent record and counting and recording the hours
TIS and the lift cycles for each IFWU assembly. A lift cycle is defined
as an external load lift and subsequent release of that load. Also, the
AD proposed calculating a moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS at
specified intervals on the IFWU assembly. The moving average would
determine if an IFWU assembly is designated as an REL or non-REL IFWU
assembly. Once an IFWU assembly is designated as an REL IFWU assembly,
the moving average would no longer need to be calculated for that IFWU
assembly. For an IFWU assembly designated as an REL IFWU assembly, the
AD proposed a repetitive visual and dimensional inspection of the IFWU
assembly at 500 hours TIS or 7500 lift cycles whichever occurs first.
The AD proposed recording inspection information, providing a copy of
the information to the FAA, and replacing each part that is beyond the
wear or surface distress limits with an airworthy part. In addition,
the AD proposed permanently marking the IFWU camshaft and gear housing
with the letters ``REL'' on the surface of these parts.
Sikorsky has issued Alert Service Bulletin No. 61B35-67B, Revision
B, dated August 11, 2003 (ASB). The ASB specifies implementing a moving
average procedure for determining REL
[[Page 1140]]
status. Tracking lift cycles and the moving average procedure is
contained in Sikorsky All Operators Letter CCS-61-AOL-04-0005. Further,
the ASB describes procedures for establishing an inspection interval
for REL and non-REL operations, which are defined in section 1.B. of
the ASB. The ASB defines operations as REL when the average number of
lift cycles exceeds 6 per flight hour during any 250 flight-hour period
based on a moving average calculated at intervals not to exceed 50
hours of operations. The ASB defines operations as non-REL when the
number of moving average lift cycles per hour is 6 or less.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received. Sikorsky states there are three typographical
errors in the NPRM. Under the heading ``Discussion,'' paragraph 3,
Alert Service Bulletin No. 61835-67B should be 61B35-67B, and All
Operators Letter CCS-61AOL-04-0005 should be CCS-61-AOL-04-0005. Also,
in the Compliance Section, within the last sentence in paragraph (d)
``with oil'' should read ``and oil.'' The FAA agrees that the three
typographical errors should be corrected in this AD.
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the rule with the changes described
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
We estimate that this AD will affect 21 helicopters of U.S.
registry and will take about:
4 work hours to measure and record the inspected
dimensions;
1 work hour to mark the REL parts;
3 work hours per year per helicopter to do the cycle
counting, recording the lift cycle count, and inspecting each IFWU
assembly;
Cost about $80 per work hour; and
Cost about $600 to replace the IFWU rollers and $980 per
helicopter to replace the IFWU Oilite bushings at each overhaul.
Based on these figures, the estimated total cost impact of the AD
on U.S. operators will be $46,620, assuming you replace the IFWU
rollers and Oilite bushings on every helicopter and every IFWU assembly
is determined to be an REL IFWU assembly based on the first lift cycle
calculation.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 above, I certify that the 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); 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.
We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply
with this AD. See the DMS to examine the economic evaluation.
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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to
read as follows:
2007-01-05 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-14876. Docket
No. FAA-2006-25824; Directorate Identifier 2004-SW-23-AD.
Applicability
Model S-61L, N, R, and NM helicopters, certificated in any
category.
Compliance
Required as indicated.
To prevent slipping of the main gearbox input freewheel unit
(IFWU) assembly, loss of engine power, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), (1) Create an
external lift component history card or equivalent record for each
IFWU assembly, part number (P/N) 61074-35000-041 through 61074-
35000-063, unless accomplished previously, and
(2) Count and, at the end of each days operations, record the
number of external lift cycles (lift cycles) performed and the hours
TIS. A ``lift cycle'' is defined as the lifting of an external load
and subsequent release of the load.
(b) Determine whether the IFWU assembly is an REL or non-REL
IFWU assembly by using a 250-hour TIS moving average as follows:
(1) Upon reaching 250 hours TIS after the effective date of this
AD, calculate the first moving average of lift cycles by following
the instructions in Section I of Appendix I of this AD.
(i) If the calculation under paragraph (b)(1) of this AD results
in more than 6 lift cycles per hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is an REL
IFWU assembly.
(ii) If the calculation under paragraph (b)(1) of this AD
results in 6 or less lift cycles per hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is
a Non-REL IFWU assembly.
(2) If you determine the IFWU assembly is a Non-REL IFWU
assembly based on the first calculation of the 250-hour TIS moving
average for lift cycles, thereafter at intervals of 50 hour TIS,
recalculate the average lift cycles per hour TIS by following the
instructions in Section II of Appendix 1 of this AD.
(i) If the calculation under paragraph (b)(2) of this AD results
in more than 6 lift cycles per hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is an REL
IFWU assembly.
(ii) If the calculation under paragraph (b)(2) of this AD
results in 6 or less lift cycles per hour TIS, the IFWU assembly is
a Non-REL IFWU assembly.
(3) Once an IFWU assembly is determined to be an REL IFWU
assembly, it remains an REL IFWU assembly for the rest of its
service life and is subject to the AD inspection requirements for
REL IFWU assemblies.
(4) Once an IFWU assembly is determined to be an REL IFWU
assembly, you no longer need to perform the 250-hour TIS moving
average calculation, but you must continue to count and record the
lift cycles.
[[Page 1141]]
Note 1: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation issued an All Operators
Letter (AOL) CCS-61-AOL-04-0005, dated May 18, 2004, with an example
and additional information about tracking cycles and the moving
average procedure. You can obtain this AOL from the manufacturer at
the address stated in the ADDRESSES portion of this AD.
(c) For each REL IFWU assembly, at intervals not to exceed 500
hours TIS or 7500 lift cycles, whichever occurs first, since the
last IFWU assembly inspection:
(1) Inspect for wear, surface distress, and endplay by following
paragraphs B.(1) through B.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin No. 61B35-67B,
Revision B, dated August 11, 2003 (ASB). Record all the information
specified in Figures 1 through 3 attached to the ASB. You may record
this information on any suitable maintenance record, or you may use
the Sikorsky evaluation forms provided in the ASB. This AD does not
require you to contact Sikorsky.
(2) Replace any IFWU assembly part whose average wear, wear
marks, surface distress, or endplay exceeds the limits stated in
paragraph B.(1) through B.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions of
the ASB with an airworthy IFWU assembly part.
Note 2: Sikorsky S-61 Overhaul Manual, Number SA 4045-83,
Revision 20, dated August 15, 2003, as revised by Temporary
Revisions 65-193, -194, -195, and -196, contains the overhaul
procedures for the IFWU assembly.
(d) For each REL IFWU assembly, permanently mark IFWU camshafts,
P/N S6135-20611, S6135-20614 and S6137-23075, and IFWU gear
housings, P/N S6135-20695 and S6137-23057, with the letters ``REL''.
Mark the camshafts by applying etching ink on the surface of the
part that is 0.5 inch square with the depth of the letters not to
exceed 0.001 inch. After etching, neutralize the etched surface and
oil to prevent corrosion.
(e) For the next 24 months and within 10 days after completing
the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, provide a copy of
the recorded information to the Manager of the Boston Aircraft
Certification Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803.
Note 3: In the ASB, Sikorsky requests copies of the completed
inspection forms, Figures 1 through 3 to their ASB. This AD does not
require you to provide these forms to Sikorsky.
(f) Information collection requirements contained in this AD
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
(g) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Contact the Manger, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine and
Propeller Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Kirk Gustafson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803,
telephone (781) 238-7190, fax (781) 238-7170, for information about
previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(h) The inspections shall be done by following the specified
portions of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin No.
61B35-67B, Revision B, dated August 11, 2003. The Director of the
Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be
obtained from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager,
Commercial Tech Support, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut
06614, phone (203) 386-3001, fax (203) 386-5983. Copies may be
inspected 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
(i) This amendment becomes effective on February 14, 2007.
Appendix I
Section I: The first moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS.
The first moving average calculation is performed on the IFWU
assembly when the external lift component history card record
reflects that the IFWU assembly has reached its first 250 hours TIS.
To perform the calculation, divide the total number of lift cycles
performed during the first 250 hours TIS by 250. The result will be
the first moving average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS.
Section II: Subsequent moving average of lift cycles per hour
TIS.
Subsequent moving average calculations are performed on the IFWU
assembly at intervals of 50 hour TIS after the first moving average
calculation. Subtract the total number of lift cycles performed
during the first 50-hour TIS interval used in the previous moving
average calculation from the total number of lift cycles performed
on the IFWU assembly during the previous 300 hours TIS. Divide this
result by 250. The result will be the next or subsequent moving
average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS.
Section III: Sample calculation for subsequent 50 hour TIS
intervals.
Assume the total number of lift cycles for the first 50 hour TIS
interval used in the previous moving average calculation = 450 lift
cycles and the total number of lift cycles for the previous 300
hours TIS = 2700 lift cycles. The subsequent moving average of lift
cycles per hour TIS = (2700-450) divided by 250 = 9 lift cycles per
hour TIS.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 26, 2006.
David A. Downey,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-40 Filed 1-9-07; 8:45 am]
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