Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters, 49710-49712 [2012-20102]

Download as PDF 49710 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations in paragraph (j) of this AD: Apply the droop stripe to the nacelle strut and sailboat fairing, on each side of engine numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 nacelle struts, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3537, dated January 30, 2012. (j) Exception to the Compliance Times Where Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3537, dated January 30, 2012, specifies a compliance time based on ‘‘the original issue date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (k) Exception to the Service Information Where Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3537, dated January 30, 2012, refers to ‘‘Manual 707, 720 NDT Part 6, 51–00–00 Figure 24 as an accepted procedure’’ for the HFEC inspection, this AD requires that the inspection be done in accordance with Figure 24, Steel Part Surface Inspection (Impedance Plane Display), Subject 51–00–00, StructuralGeneral, of Part 6, Eddy Current, of the Boeing 707/720 Nondestructive Test Manual, Document D6–48023, Revision 120, dated March 15, 2012. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES (l) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the installation of the engine droop lines required by paragraph (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing 707/720 Service Bulletin 3377, dated November 21, 1979 (which is not incorporated by reference in this AD). (m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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 ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (n) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:43 Aug 16, 2012 Jkt 226001 Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: (425) 917–6577; fax: (425) 917–6590; email: Berhane.Alazar@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, that is not incorporated by reference in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766– 5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (o) Material Incorporated by Reference SUMMARY: (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3537, dated January 30, 2012. (ii) Figure 24, Steel Part Surface Inspection (Impedance Plane Display), Subject 51–00– 00, Structural—General, of Part 6, Eddy Current, of the Boeing 707/720 Nondestructive Test Manual, Document D6– 48023, Revision 120, dated March 15, 2012. The revision level of this document is identified on only the manual revision Transmittal Sheet. (3) For The Boeing Company service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ index.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 3, 2012. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–19819 Filed 8–16–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0517; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–73–AD; Amendment 39– 17137; AD 2012–15–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S–76A helicopters to require modifying the electric rotor brake (ERB) and inserting changes into the ‘‘Normal Procedures’’ and ‘‘Emergency Procedures’’ sections of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by a fire in the main gearbox area as a result of a hot electric rotor brake (ERB). The actions are intended to prevent overheating of the ERB, ignition of the ERB hydraulic fluid, a fire in the main gearbox area, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2012. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of September 21, 2012. ADDRESSES: 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 the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Examining the AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet 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 AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800– 647–5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M–30, West Building Ground E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM 17AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caspar Wang, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238–7799; email caspar.wang@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion A number of service documents and ADs have been issued relating to the ERB on this and similar model helicopters. AD 82–17–03, issued July 30, 1982 (47 FR 35469, August 16, 1982), requires a puck-to-disc inspection of rotor brake, P/N 76363– 09101–101, and modification of the ERB system including, among other modifications, installation of a warning relay by following Sikorsky Customer Service Bulletin No. 76–66–10B, Revision 2, dated November 25, 1981 (pages 1 and 9 through 13 of the service bulletin are dated November 25, 1981 and pages 2 through 8 are dated July 30, 1981). AD 2003–04–15, issued February 14, 2003 (68 FR 8994, February 27, 2003), requires inspecting certain rotor brake discs for cracks that resulted from improper heat treating of the disc. On October 26, 2011, at 76 FR 66205, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Sikorsky Model S–76A helicopters with a different part-numbered ERB, part number (P/N) 76363–09100–012, installed. That NPRM proposed to require, within 120 days, modifying the ERB by installing and operationally testing the parts contained in an ERB warning relay kit (P/N 76070–55023– 011), an ERB circuit modification kit (P/N 76070–55033–012), and an ERB modification kit (P/N 76070–55207– 011). That NPRM was prompted by a reported incident of a fire occurring in an ERB installed on a Model S–76A helicopter in Brazil. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent overheating of the ERB assembly, ignition of the ERB hydraulic fluid, fire in the main gearbox area, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Related Service Information We have reviewed the following documents from Sikorsky: • Customer Service Bulletin No. 76– 66–10B, Revision 2, dated November 25, 1981 (pages 1 and 9 through 13 of the service bulletin are dated November 25, 1981 and pages 2 through 8 are dated VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:43 Aug 16, 2012 Jkt 226001 July 30, 1981), which specifies installing an ERB warning relay kit; • Customer Service Notice No. 76– 113, dated June 1, 1983, which specifies installing an ERB circuit breaker and modification kit; • Alert Service Bulletin No. 76–66– 48B, Revision B, dated July 8, 2009, which specifies a one-time installation of an ERB modification kit containing two other kits and several modifications; and • RFM Supplement No. 41, Part 1, approved September 6, 2005, which revises the information in the basic RFM normal and emergency procedures sections when the ERB system is modified. 49711 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 FAA’s Determination We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed, except for editorial changes. These editorial changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals and will not increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. 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 this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. Costs of Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 We estimate that this AD will affect 180 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. It will take about 38 workhours per helicopter to perform the modifications and operational tests at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost $13,300 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $2,975,400 for the fleet. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 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): ■ 2012–15–08 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky): Amendment 39–17137; Docket No. FAA–2010–0517; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–73–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model S–76A helicopters, with an electric rotor brake E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM 17AUR1 49712 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 160 / Friday, August 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations (ERB), part number (P/N) 76363–09100–012, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as an overheated ERB. This condition could result in ignition of hydraulic fluid, fire in the main gearbox area, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective September 21, 2012. (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 120 days, modify the ERB by installing: (i) Warning relay system parts contained in modification kit, P/N 76070–55023–011, and operationally testing the ERB system in accordance with paragraphs 2.A. through 2.F., of Sikorsky Customer Service Bulletin No. 76–66–10B, Revision 2, dated November 25, 1981 (pages 1 and 9 through 13 of the service bulletin are dated November 25, 1981 and pages 2 through 8 are dated July 30, 1981); (ii) Circuit breaker and diodes contained in ERB circuit modification kit, P/N 76070– 55033–012, and operationally testing the ERB system in accordance with paragraph B. through F. of Sikorsky Customer Service Notice 76–113, dated June 1, 1983; and (iii) Manifold, relay box, junction box, right-hand relay panel, and wiring harness parts contained in ERB modification kit, P/ N 76070–55207–011, and operationally testing the ERB system in accordance with paragraphs 3.B. through 3.I. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76–66–48B, Revision B, dated July 8, 2009. (2) After accomplishing paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, insert into the Sikorsky Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) the changes to the ‘‘Normal Procedures (Part 1, Section II)’’ and ‘‘Emergency Procedures (Part 1, Section III)’’ contained in Sikorsky RFM, Supplement No. 41, approved September 6, 2005. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Caspar Wang, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238–7799; email caspar.wang@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:43 Aug 16, 2012 Jkt 226001 (g) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6321, Main Rotor Brake. (h) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Sikorsky Customer Service Bulletin No. 76–66–10B, Revision 2, dated November 25, 1981 (pages 1 and 9 through 13 of the service bulletin are dated November 25, 1981 and pages 2 through 8 are dated July 30, 1981); (ii) Sikorsky Customer Service Notice No. 76–113, dated June 1, 1983; (iii) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76–66–48B, Revision B, dated July 8, 2009; and (iv) Sikorsky Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement No. 41, Part 1, approved September 6, 2005. (3) For Sikorsky 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. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (5) You may also view this service information 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 20, 2012. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–20102 Filed 8–16–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0438; Airspace Docket No. 11–AWA–4] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment to Class B Airspace; Salt Lake City, UT Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action modifies the Salt Lake City, UT, Class B airspace to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 contain aircraft conducting Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) instrument approach procedures to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Salt Lake City, UT. The FAA is taking this action to improve the flow of air traffic, enhance safety, and reduce the potential for midair collision, while accommodating the concerns of airspace users. Further, this effort supports the FAA’s national airspace redesign goal of optimizing terminal and en route airspace to reduce aircraft delays and improve system capacity. Minor corrections have been made to the geographic coordinates of the affected legal descriptions, as well as editorial corrections. Effective Date: 0901 UTC, October 18, 2012. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Airspace, Regulations, and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: History On August 24, 2011, the FAA published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify the Salt Lake City, UT, Class B airspace area (76 FR 52905). Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. Eight written comments were received in response to the NPRM. All comments received were considered before making a determination on the final rule. Class B airspace designations are published in paragraph 3000 of FAA Order 7400.9V, dated August 9, 2011, and effective September 15, 2011, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class B airspace designations listed in this document will be subsequently published in the Order. Discussion of Comments Four commenters opposed the vertical extension of the Salt Lake City Class B airspace from 10,000 feet MSL to 12,000 feet MSL without mitigating impacts on VFR operations. They challenged the operational and safety benefit of raising the ceiling based on no actual mid-air collision or conflict resolution data having been provided to support taking this action. E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM 17AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49710-49712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20102]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0517; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-73-AD; 
Amendment 39-17137; AD 2012-15-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76A helicopters to 
require modifying the electric rotor brake (ERB) and inserting changes 
into the ``Normal Procedures'' and ``Emergency Procedures'' sections of 
the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by a fire in 
the main gearbox area as a result of a hot electric rotor brake (ERB). 
The actions are intended to prevent overheating of the ERB, ignition of 
the ERB hydraulic fluid, a fire in the main gearbox area, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of September 21, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: 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 the referenced service information at 
the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
    Examining the AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket on the 
Internet 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 AD, any 
incorporated-by-reference service information, the economic evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground

[[Page 49711]]

Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    A number of service documents and ADs have been issued relating to 
the ERB on this and similar model helicopters. AD 82-17-03, issued July 
30, 1982 (47 FR 35469, August 16, 1982), requires a puck-to-disc 
inspection of rotor brake, P/N 76363-09101-101, and modification of the 
ERB system including, among other modifications, installation of a 
warning relay by following Sikorsky Customer Service Bulletin No. 76-
66-10B, Revision 2, dated November 25, 1981 (pages 1 and 9 through 13 
of the service bulletin are dated November 25, 1981 and pages 2 through 
8 are dated July 30, 1981). AD 2003-04-15, issued February 14, 2003 (68 
FR 8994, February 27, 2003), requires inspecting certain rotor brake 
discs for cracks that resulted from improper heat treating of the disc.
    On October 26, 2011, at 76 FR 66205, the Federal Register published 
our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Sikorsky Model S-76A 
helicopters with a different part-numbered ERB, part number (P/N) 
76363-09100-012, installed. That NPRM proposed to require, within 120 
days, modifying the ERB by installing and operationally testing the 
parts contained in an ERB warning relay kit (P/N 76070-55023-011), an 
ERB circuit modification kit (P/N 76070-55033-012), and an ERB 
modification kit (P/N 76070-55207-011). That NPRM was prompted by a 
reported incident of a fire occurring in an ERB installed on a Model S-
76A helicopter in Brazil. The proposed requirements were intended to 
prevent overheating of the ERB assembly, ignition of the ERB hydraulic 
fluid, fire in the main gearbox area, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

Related Service Information

    We have reviewed the following documents from Sikorsky:
     Customer Service Bulletin No. 76-66-10B, Revision 2, dated 
November 25, 1981 (pages 1 and 9 through 13 of the service bulletin are 
dated November 25, 1981 and pages 2 through 8 are dated July 30, 1981), 
which specifies installing an ERB warning relay kit;
     Customer Service Notice No. 76-113, dated June 1, 1983, 
which specifies installing an ERB circuit breaker and modification kit;
     Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-66-48B, Revision B, dated 
July 8, 2009, which specifies a one-time installation of an ERB 
modification kit containing two other kits and several modifications; 
and
     RFM Supplement No. 41, Part 1, approved September 6, 2005, 
which revises the information in the basic RFM normal and emergency 
procedures sections when the ERB system is modified.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed, except for 
editorial changes. These editorial changes are consistent with the 
intent of the proposals and will not increase the economic burden on 
any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 180 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in 
order to comply with this AD. It will take about 38 work-hours per 
helicopter to perform the modifications and operational tests at an 
average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost 
$13,300 per helicopter. Based on these figures, we estimate the total 
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators to be $2,975,400 for the fleet.

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

    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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2012-15-08 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky): Amendment 39-
17137; Docket No. FAA-2010-0517; Directorate Identifier 2009-SW-73-
AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-76A helicopters, with an electric 
rotor brake

[[Page 49712]]

(ERB), part number (P/N) 76363-09100-012, installed, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as an overheated ERB. This 
condition could result in ignition of hydraulic fluid, fire in the 
main gearbox area, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 21, 2012.

(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 120 days, modify the ERB by installing:
    (i) Warning relay system parts contained in modification kit, P/
N 76070-55023-011, and operationally testing the ERB system in 
accordance with paragraphs 2.A. through 2.F., of Sikorsky Customer 
Service Bulletin No. 76-66-10B, Revision 2, dated November 25, 1981 
(pages 1 and 9 through 13 of the service bulletin are dated November 
25, 1981 and pages 2 through 8 are dated July 30, 1981);
    (ii) Circuit breaker and diodes contained in ERB circuit 
modification kit, P/N 76070-55033-012, and operationally testing the 
ERB system in accordance with paragraph B. through F. of Sikorsky 
Customer Service Notice 76-113, dated June 1, 1983; and
    (iii) Manifold, relay box, junction box, right-hand relay panel, 
and wiring harness parts contained in ERB modification kit, P/N 
76070-55207-011, and operationally testing the ERB system in 
accordance with paragraphs 3.B. through 3.I. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-66-48B, 
Revision B, dated July 8, 2009.
    (2) After accomplishing paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, insert into 
the Sikorsky Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) the changes to the 
``Normal Procedures (Part 1, Section II)'' and ``Emergency 
Procedures (Part 1, Section III)'' contained in Sikorsky RFM, 
Supplement No. 41, approved September 6, 2005.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Caspar Wang, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7799; email 
caspar.wang@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6321, Main Rotor 
Brake.

(h) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Sikorsky Customer Service Bulletin No. 76-66-10B, Revision 
2, dated November 25, 1981 (pages 1 and 9 through 13 of the service 
bulletin are dated November 25, 1981 and pages 2 through 8 are dated 
July 30, 1981);
    (ii) Sikorsky Customer Service Notice No. 76-113, dated June 1, 
1983;
    (iii) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin No. 76-66-48B, Revision B, 
dated July 8, 2009; and
    (iv) Sikorsky Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement No. 41, Part 
1, approved September 6, 2005.
    (3) For Sikorsky 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 
663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.
    (5) You may also view this service information 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 20, 2012.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20102 Filed 8-16-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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