Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters, 28328-28330 [2012-11475]
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28328
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 93 / Monday, May 14, 2012 / Proposed Rules
commercial ventures were more
distinctly and discretely developed.
NRC Response
The Commission established the 20year timeframe to balance the need to
collect sufficient operating history data
to support an LRA with the needs of a
utility to plan for the replacement of
retired nuclear plants in the case of an
unsuccessful LRA.
The rule, allowing a license period of
40 years, is in accordance with the AEA,
which provides for a license period of
up to 40 years (see Section 103(c) of the
AEA). The rule is not intended to limit
the number of adjudicatory challenges.
Rather, the NRC regulations are
designed to provide appropriate
opportunities for hearings to affected
parties. Reducing the number of
potential adjudicatory challenges is not
sufficient justification to revise the
regulation.
The comments related to Comment
Category 8 do not provide a sufficient
justification for the Commission to
revise the rule.
V. Determination of Petition
The NRC has reviewed the petition
and the public comments and
appreciates the concerns raised. For the
reasons described in Sections II and III
of this document, the NRC is denying
the petition under 10 CFR 2.803. The
petitioners did not present any new
information that would contradict
positions taken by the Commission
when it established the license renewal
rule, nor did the petitioners provide
new, significant information to
demonstrate that sufficient reason exists
to modify the current regulations.
The Commission previously
established the earliest date for
submission of LRAs after soliciting and
considering extensive comments during
the 1991 rulemaking for 10 CFR
54.17(c). In its 1991 Statements of
Consideration, the Commission
determined that a 20-year timeframe
was reasonable for licensees to collect
sufficient operating history and also
sufficient for a utility to plan for
replacement of retired nuclear plants in
the case of an unsuccessful LRA. The
petition did not provide new
information to challenge this basis.
Finally, the renewed license period of
40 years is consistent with the AEA, and
10 CFR 54.17(c) does not cause
environmental reviews submitted to
support LRAs to be in conflict with
NEPA. The license renewal
environmental review and SEIS
consider reasonably foreseeable
environmental impacts and alternatives
in accordance with the provisions of 10
CFR part 51. The rule change requested
by the petitioners would not affect the
process the NRC uses to implement
NEPA. The petitioners do not provide
new information or analysis to
demonstrate that the regulations in 10
CFR part 51 are insufficient for the NRC
to comply with the requirements of
NEPA.
For these reasons, the NRC denies the
petitioners’ requests for the NRC to
modify its requirements related to the
LRA period, to suspend license renewal
reviews, and to apply a 10-year
application timeframe to ongoing and
future LRAs.
VI. Availability of Documents
The following table provides
information on how to access the
documents referenced in this document.
For more information on accessing
ADAMS, see the ADDRESSES section of
this document.
ADAMS accession No./Federal
Register
Citation
Date
Document
December 13, 1991 ............
September 27, 2010 ...........
Nuclear Power Plant License Renewal ...........................................................................................
Earth Day Commitment/Friends of the Coast, Beyond Nuclear, Seacoast Anti-Pollution League,
C–10 Research and Education Foundation, Pilgrim Watch, and New England Coalition; Notice of Receipt of Petition for Rulemaking.
Commission Memorandum and Order (CLI–11–01), In the Matter of Petition for Rulemaking to
Amend 10 CFR § 54.17(c).
Public Comment Matrix for Petition for Rulemaking 54–6, License Renewal ................................
January 24, 2011 ................
January 31, 2012 ................
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 4th day
of May 2012.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Annette L. Vietti-Cook,
Secretary of the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2012–11418 Filed 5–11–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0216; Directorate
Identifier 2010–SW–025–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
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Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky)
Model S–92A helicopters, which
requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R)
pylon for a loose or missing fastener, a
crack, damage, or corrosion and adding
an internal doubler to the aft shear deck
tunnel assembly. This proposed AD is
prompted by the discovery of cracks in
T/R pylons. The proposed actions are
intended to detect a loose or missing
fastener, a crack, damage, or corrosion
on the T/R pylon and, if present, to
repair the T/R Pylon and install a
doubler on the aft shear deck tunnel
assembly or to replace the T/R pylon
and install the doubler on the aft shear
deck tunnel assembly to prevent failure
of the T/R pylon or other T/R
SUMMARY:
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56 FR 64943
75 FR 59158
ML110250087
ML113540177
components, and subsequent loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 13, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://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
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 93 / Monday, May 14, 2012 / Proposed Rules
at https://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 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 AD, contact Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager,
Commercial Technical Support,
mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street,
Stratford, CT 06614; telephone (800)
562–4409; email
tsslibrary@sikorsky.com; or at https://
www.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, TX 76137.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification
Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781)
238–7763; email nicholas.faust@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
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.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
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Discussion
We propose to adopt a new AD for
Sikorsky Model S–92A helicopters with
a T/R pylon, part number (P/N) 92000–
06102–041. This proposal is prompted
by the discovery of cracks in the
forward lower spar region of T/R pylons
installed on Sikorsky
Model S–92A helicopters. The T/R
pylon supports the T/R and the
horizontal stabilizer, and a crack in a
T/R pylon could alter vibration
characteristics of the T/R pylon, which
could adversely affect fatigue lives of
T/R components. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in failure of the
T/R pylon or other T/R components and
subsequent loss of control of the
helicopter.
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 design.
Related Service Information
We have reviewed Sikorsky Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 92–53–001,
dated June 23, 2008 (ASB No. 92–53–
001), and ASB No. 92–53–004B,
Revision B, dated June 21, 2011 (ASB
No. 92–53–004B). ASB No. 92–53–001
specifies for a T/R pylon with more than
500 flight-hours a one-time inspection
of the T/R pylon ‘‘components and
structure for obvious damage, cracks,
corrosion, and security.’’ ASB No. 92–
53–004B specifies a one-time
replacement of the T/R pylon, P/N
92000–06102–041, with T/R pylon, P/N
92070–20058–042, and installation of a
doubler on the aft shear deck tunnel
assembly. The ASB specifies a
replacement schedule based on the T/R
pylon’s hours for specified serial
numbered helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
compliance with specified portions of
the manufacturer’s alert service
bulletins. This proposal would require,
for helicopters with 500 or more hours
time-in-service (TIS), within 25 hours
TIS and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 10 hours TIS, inspecting the
T/R pylon for a crack, damage,
corrosion, or loose or missing fasteners.
If a crack or an area of damage or
corrosion is found or if there is a loose
or missing fastener, before further flight,
this proposed AD would require
repairing the crack, damage, or
corrosion, and replacing any loose or
missing fastener and installing a
doubler, P/N 92070–20087–101, on the
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28329
aft shear deck tunnel assembly; or
replacing the T/R pylon, P/N 92000–
06102–041, with an airworthy T/R
pylon, P/N 92070–20058–042, and
installing a doubler, P/N 92070–20087–
101, on the aft shear deck tunnel
assembly. If there is no crack in the
T/R pylon, this proposed AD would
require replacing the T/R pylon, P/N
92000–06102–041, with an airworthy
T/R pylon, P/N 92070–20058–042, and
adding a doubler, P/N 92070–20087–
101, on the aft shear deck tunnel
assembly, according to the following
compliance schedule:
• For a T/R pylon with 3,750 or more
hours TIS, within 12 months;
• For a T/R pylon with 1,500 through
3,749 hours TIS, within 24 months; and
• For a T/R pylon with 1,499 or less
hours TIS, within 36 months.
Replacing the T/R pylon, P/N 92000–
06102–041, with an airworthy T/R
pylon, P/N 92070–20058–042, and
installing doubler, P/N 92070–20087–
101, on the aft shear deck tunnel
assembly, would constitute terminating
action for the requirements of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 20 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. We estimate that operators
may incur the following costs in order
to comply with this AD. It would take
approximately 1 work-hour per
helicopter to inspect and 120 workhours per helicopter to replace the T/R
pylon and install the doubler. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour
and required parts would cost
approximately $339,080 per helicopter.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
total cost impact of the proposed AD per
helicopter to be $356,505, and the total
cost on U.S. operators to be $7,130,100,
assuming 85 inspections per year are
performed on each helicopter and
assuming replacement of the T/R pylon
and installing the doubler on each
helicopter.
According to the Sikorsky service
information, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under
warranty thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected individuals. We do
not control warranty coverage.
Accordingly, we have included all costs
in our cost estimate.
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 93 / Monday, May 14, 2012 / Proposed Rules
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
emcdonald on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
VerDate Mar<15>2010
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Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No.
FAA–2012–0216; Directorate Identifier
2010–SW–025–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S–92A
helicopters, with a tail rotor (T/R) pylon, part
number (P/N) 92000–06102–041, certificated
in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
loose or missing fastener, a crack, damage, or
corrosion on the T/R pylon that could result
in failure of the T/R pylon or other T/R
components, and subsequent loss of control
of the helicopter.
(c) 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.
(d) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters with 500 or more hours
time-in-service (TIS), within 25 hours TIS
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10
hours TIS, inspect each T/R pylon for a
crack, damage, corrosion, or a loose or
missing fastener in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.A.(4)(a) through paragraph 3.A.(4)(f), and
referring to Figure 1 of Sikorsky Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. 92–53–001, dated June 23,
2008, except you are not required to contact
Sikorsky Customer Service Engineering per
paragraph 3.A.(4)(c)1 of ASB 92–53–001,
dated June 23, 2008.
(2) If there is a crack, damage, corrosion,
or a loose or missing fastener, before further
flight, either:
(i) If within allowable tolerances, repair
each crack and each area of damage or
corrosion and replace any loose or missing
fastener; or
(ii) Replace the T/R pylon, (P/N) 92000–
06102–041, with T/R pylon, P/N 92070–
20058–042, as follows:
(A) Conduct the Total Indicated Run-out
procedure on the No. 4 and No. 5 T/R drive
shafts and remove the T/R pylon; and
(B) Install the doubler, P/N 92070–20087–
101, as follows:
(1) For helicopters, serial numbers (S/Ns)
920006 through 920082, on the aft shear deck
tunnel assembly, P/N 92204–05103–041 or
–045, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.B.(1) through 3.B.(30) and while referring to
Figures 1, 2, and 4 of Sikorsky ASB No. 92–
53–004B, Revision B, dated June 21, 2011
(92–53–004B).
(2) For helicopters, S/Ns 920083 through
920124, on the aft shear deck tunnel
assembly, P/N 92204–05103–043, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(1) through
3.C.(21) and referring to Figures 3 and 4 of
ASB 92–53–004B.
(3) If there is no crack in the T/R pylon,
replace T/R pylon, P/N 92000–06102–041,
with T/R pylon, P/N 92070–20058–042, and
install doubler, P/N 92070–20087–101, on
the aft shear deck tunnel assembly as
specified in paragraphs (2)(ii)(A) through
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(2)(ii)(B) of this AD, according to the
following:
(i) For a T/R pylon with 3,750 or more
hours TIS, replace and install doubler within
12 months.
(ii) For a T/R pylon with 1,500 through
3,749 hours TIS, replace and install doubler
within 24 months.
(iii) For a T/R pylon with 1,499 or less
hours TIS, replace and install doubler within
36 months.
(4) Replacing T/R pylon, P/N 92000–
06102–041, with T/R pylon, P/N 92070–
20058–042, and installing internal tail cone
doubler, P/N 92070–20087–101, on the aft
shear deck tunnel assembly, constitutes
terminating action for the requirements of
this AD.
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, may approve
AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to:
Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
telephone (781) 238–7763; email
nicholas.faust@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a Part
119 operating certificate or under 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.
(f) Additional Information
For service information identified in this
AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation,
Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical
Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street,
Stratford, CT 06614; telephone (800) 562–
4409; email tsslibrary@sikorsky.com; or at
https://www.sikorsky.com. You may review
this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth,
TX 76137.
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5340, Fuselage Main, Attach Fittings.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 2,
2012.
Carlton N. Cochran,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–11475 Filed 5–11–12; 8:45 am]
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 93 (Monday, May 14, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28328-28330]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-11475]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0216; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-025-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters, which
requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) pylon for a loose or missing
fastener, a crack, damage, or corrosion and adding an internal doubler
to the aft shear deck tunnel assembly. This proposed AD is prompted by
the discovery of cracks in T/R pylons. The proposed actions are
intended to detect a loose or missing fastener, a crack, damage, or
corrosion on the T/R pylon and, if present, to repair the T/R Pylon and
install a doubler on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly or to replace
the T/R pylon and install the doubler on the aft shear deck tunnel
assembly to prevent failure of the T/R pylon or other T/R components,
and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 13, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://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
[[Page 28329]]
at https://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 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 AD, contact
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical
Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614;
telephone (800) 562-4409; email tsslibrary@sikorsky.com; or at https://www.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, TX 76137.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
telephone (781) 238-7763; email nicholas.faust@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-92A helicopters
with a T/R pylon, part number (P/N) 92000-06102-041. This proposal is
prompted by the discovery of cracks in the forward lower spar region of
T/R pylons installed on Sikorsky
Model S-92A helicopters. The T/R pylon supports the T/R and the
horizontal stabilizer, and a crack in a T/R pylon could alter vibration
characteristics of the T/R pylon, which could adversely affect fatigue
lives of T/R components. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in failure of the T/R pylon or other T/R components and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
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 design.
Related Service Information
We have reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 92-53-
001, dated June 23, 2008 (ASB No. 92-53-001), and ASB No. 92-53-004B,
Revision B, dated June 21, 2011 (ASB No. 92-53-004B). ASB No. 92-53-001
specifies for a T/R pylon with more than 500 flight-hours a one-time
inspection of the T/R pylon ``components and structure for obvious
damage, cracks, corrosion, and security.'' ASB No. 92-53-004B specifies
a one-time replacement of the T/R pylon, P/N 92000-06102-041, with T/R
pylon, P/N 92070-20058-042, and installation of a doubler on the aft
shear deck tunnel assembly. The ASB specifies a replacement schedule
based on the T/R pylon's hours for specified serial numbered
helicopters.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require compliance with specified portions
of the manufacturer's alert service bulletins. This proposal would
require, for helicopters with 500 or more hours time-in-service (TIS),
within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 hours
TIS, inspecting the T/R pylon for a crack, damage, corrosion, or loose
or missing fasteners. If a crack or an area of damage or corrosion is
found or if there is a loose or missing fastener, before further
flight, this proposed AD would require repairing the crack, damage, or
corrosion, and replacing any loose or missing fastener and installing a
doubler, P/N 92070-20087-101, on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly; or
replacing the T/R pylon, P/N 92000-06102-041, with an airworthy T/R
pylon, P/N 92070-20058-042, and installing a doubler, P/N 92070-20087-
101, on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly. If there is no crack in the
T/R pylon, this proposed AD would require replacing the T/R pylon, P/N
92000-06102-041, with an airworthy T/R pylon, P/N 92070-20058-042, and
adding a doubler, P/N 92070-20087-101, on the aft shear deck tunnel
assembly, according to the following compliance schedule:
For a T/R pylon with 3,750 or more hours TIS, within 12
months;
For a T/R pylon with 1,500 through 3,749 hours TIS, within
24 months; and
For a T/R pylon with 1,499 or less hours TIS, within 36
months.
Replacing the T/R pylon, P/N 92000-06102-041, with an airworthy T/R
pylon, P/N 92070-20058-042, and installing doubler, P/N 92070-20087-
101, on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly, would constitute
terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 20 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this AD. It would take approximately 1 work-
hour per helicopter to inspect and 120 work-hours per helicopter to
replace the T/R pylon and install the doubler. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour and required parts would cost approximately
$339,080 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total
cost impact of the proposed AD per helicopter to be $356,505, and the
total cost on U.S. operators to be $7,130,100, assuming 85 inspections
per year are performed on each helicopter and assuming replacement of
the T/R pylon and installing the doubler on each helicopter.
According to the Sikorsky service information, some of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty
coverage. Accordingly, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.
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.
[[Page 28330]]
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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2012-0216; Directorate
Identifier 2010-SW-025-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky)
Model S-92A helicopters, with a tail rotor (T/R) pylon, part number
(P/N) 92000-06102-041, certificated in any category.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a loose or missing
fastener, a crack, damage, or corrosion on the T/R pylon that could
result in failure of the T/R pylon or other T/R components, and
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) 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.
(d) Required Actions
(1) For helicopters with 500 or more hours time-in-service
(TIS), within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
10 hours TIS, inspect each T/R pylon for a crack, damage, corrosion,
or a loose or missing fastener in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(4)(a) through paragraph 3.A.(4)(f), and
referring to Figure 1 of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No.
92-53-001, dated June 23, 2008, except you are not required to
contact Sikorsky Customer Service Engineering per paragraph
3.A.(4)(c)1 of ASB 92-53-001, dated June 23, 2008.
(2) If there is a crack, damage, corrosion, or a loose or
missing fastener, before further flight, either:
(i) If within allowable tolerances, repair each crack and each
area of damage or corrosion and replace any loose or missing
fastener; or
(ii) Replace the T/R pylon, (P/N) 92000-06102-041, with T/R
pylon, P/N 92070-20058-042, as follows:
(A) Conduct the Total Indicated Run-out procedure on the No. 4
and No. 5 T/R drive shafts and remove the T/R pylon; and
(B) Install the doubler, P/N 92070-20087-101, as follows:
(1) For helicopters, serial numbers (S/Ns) 920006 through
920082, on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly, P/N 92204-05103-041
or -045, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(30) and while referring to Figures 1,
2, and 4 of Sikorsky ASB No. 92-53-004B, Revision B, dated June 21,
2011 (92-53-004B).
(2) For helicopters, S/Ns 920083 through 920124, on the aft
shear deck tunnel assembly, P/N 92204-05103-043, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(21)
and referring to Figures 3 and 4 of ASB 92-53-004B.
(3) If there is no crack in the T/R pylon, replace T/R pylon, P/
N 92000-06102-041, with T/R pylon, P/N 92070-20058-042, and install
doubler, P/N 92070-20087-101, on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly
as specified in paragraphs (2)(ii)(A) through (2)(ii)(B) of this AD,
according to the following:
(i) For a T/R pylon with 3,750 or more hours TIS, replace and
install doubler within 12 months.
(ii) For a T/R pylon with 1,500 through 3,749 hours TIS, replace
and install doubler within 24 months.
(iii) For a T/R pylon with 1,499 or less hours TIS, replace and
install doubler within 36 months.
(4) Replacing T/R pylon, P/N 92000-06102-041, with T/R pylon, P/
N 92070-20058-042, and installing internal tail cone doubler, P/N
92070-20087-101, on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly, constitutes
terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(e) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Nicholas Faust,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7763; email
nicholas.faust@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a Part 119 operating
certificate or under 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.
(f) Additional Information
For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support,
mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614; telephone
(800) 562-4409; email tsslibrary@sikorsky.com; or at https://www.sikorsky.com. You may review this service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, TX 76137.
(g) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5340, Fuselage
Main, Attach Fittings.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 2, 2012.
Carlton N. Cochran,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-11475 Filed 5-11-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
