Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Helicopters, 67009-67011 [2013-26043]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations of principal and interest on such security or obligation is expected; and (2) There is minimal risk that the timely payment of principal or interest would not occur because of adverse changes in economic and financial conditions during the projected life of the security or obligation. * * * * * ■ 3. Amend § 1267.3 by revising paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) to read as follows: § 1267.3 Prohibited investments and prudential rules. (a) * * * (3) Debt instruments that are not investment quality, except: (i) Investments described in § 1265.3(e) of this chapter; and (ii) Debt instruments that a Bank determined became less than investment quality because of developments or events that occurred after acquisition of the instrument by the Bank; (4) Whole mortgages or other whole loans, or interests in mortgages or loans, except: (i) Acquired member assets; (ii) Investments described in § 1265.3(e) of this chapter; (iii) Marketable direct obligations of state, local, or Tribal government units or agencies, that are investment quality, where the purchase of such obligations by the Bank provides to the issuer the customized terms, necessary liquidity, or favorable pricing required to generate needed funding for housing or community lending; (iv) Mortgage-backed securities, or asset-backed securities collateralized by manufactured housing loans or home equity loans, that meet the definition of the term ‘‘securities’’ under 15 U.S.C. 77b(a)(1) and are not otherwise prohibited under paragraphs (a)(5) through (a)(7) of this section; and (v) Loans held or acquired pursuant to section 12(b) of the Bank Act (12 U.S.C. 1432(b)). * * * * * § 1267.5 ■ [Removed] 4. Remove § 1267.5. PART 1269—STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT 5. The authority citation for part 1269 continues to read as follows: wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES ■ Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1429, 1430, 1430b, 1431, 4511, 4513, 4526. § 1269.1 [Amended] 6. Amend § 1269.1 by removing the definitions for ‘‘Investment grade’’ and ‘‘NRSRO.’’ ■ VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:17 Nov 07, 2013 Jkt 232001 7. Amend § 1269.2 by revising paragraph (c)(2) to read as follows: ■ § 1269.2 Standby letters of credit on behalf of members. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) A standby letter of credit issued or confirmed on behalf of a member for a purpose described in paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section may, in addition to the collateral described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, be secured by obligations of state or local government units or agencies, where such obligations have a readily ascertainable value, can be reliably discounted to account for liquidation and other risks, and can be liquidated in due course. 67009 manner and take any actions necessary, including without limitation reducing leverage, to ensure that consolidated obligations maintain a high level of acceptance by financial markets and are generally perceived by investors as presenting a low level of credit risk. Dated: October 31, 2013. Edward J. DeMarco, Acting Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency. [FR Doc. 2013–26775 Filed 11–7–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8070–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration PART 1270—LIABILITIES 14 CFR Part 39 8. The authority citation for part 1270 continues to read as follows: Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1431, 1432, 1435, 4511, 4512, 4513, 4526. [Docket No. FAA–2013–0514; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–068–AD; Amendment 39–17647; AD 2013–22–15] RIN 2120–AA64 ■ § 1270.1 Definitions. 9. Amend § 1270.1 by removing the definition of ‘‘NRSRO.’’ ■ 10. Amend § 1270.4 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows: ■ § 1270.4 Issuance of consolidated obligations. * * * * * (b) Negative pledge requirement. Each Bank shall at all times maintain assets described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(5) of this section free from any lien or pledge, in an amount at least equal to a pro rata share of the total amount of currently outstanding consolidated obligations and equal to such Bank’s participation in all such consolidated obligations outstanding, provided that any assets that are subject to a lien or pledge for the benefit of the holders of any issue of consolidated obligations shall be treated as if they were assets free from any lien or pledge for purposes of compliance with this paragraph (b). Eligible assets are: (1) Cash; (2) Obligations of or fully guaranteed by the United States; (3) Secured advances; (4) Mortgages as to which one or more Banks have any guaranty or insurance, or commitment therefor, by the United States or any agency thereof; and (5) Investments described in section 16(a) of the Bank Act (12 U.S.C. 1436(a)). ■ 11. Revise § 1270.5 to read as follows: § 1270.5 Bank operations. The Banks, individually and collectively, shall operate in such PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S–76A, B, and C helicopters to require certain inspections of each spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly for a crack. If there is a crack, this AD requires replacing the cracked part. If there is no crack, this AD requires applying white paint to the inspection area to enhance the existing inspection procedure. This AD was prompted by discovery of cracks in the spindle cuffs. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly, loss of a rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective December 13, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of December 13, 2013. 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.https:// www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1 67010 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations review a copy of 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 Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238–7763; email nicholas.faust@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES On June 20, 2013, at 78 FR 37160, 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, B, and C helicopters. The NPRM proposed either a one-time nondestructive inspection (NDI) or a visual inspection of each spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly for a crack and replacing any cracked part. If there was no crack in the part, the NPRM proposed applying white paint to a portion of each spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly lower cuff plate to enhance the existing inspection procedure. The NPRM was prompted by the discovery of five cracked spindle cuffs found during aircraft overhaul. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly, loss of a rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (78 FR 37160, June 20, 2013). 15:17 Nov 07, 2013 Jkt 232001 We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. Related Service Information Sikorsky issued S–76 Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76–65–67A, Revision A, dated July 18, 2012 (ASB), which specifies performing an NDI of the upper and lower cuff plate on each spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly for a crack, either by eddy current, fluorescent penetrant, or ultrasonic inspection. If a crack indication is detected and not verified, the ASB specifies performing a different NDI to verify a crack. If there is a crack, the ASB specifies removing the spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly from service. If a crack cannot be verified, the ASB specifies contacting Sikorsky for further instruction. Finally, if no crack is found, the ASB specifies applying white paint to a portion of the spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly lower cuff plate to enhance the existing inspection procedure. Differences Between This AD and the Service Information Discussion VerDate Mar<15>2010 FAA’s Determination The ASB specifies contacting the manufacturer if suspect cracks are not confirmed in the spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly; this AD does not require contacting the manufacturer. This AD applies to spindle cuff assembly, part number (P/ N) 76102–08001–043, which was inadvertently omitted in the ASB. The manufacturer has since revised the ASB to apply to this spindle cuff assembly. The ASB applies to spare parts; this AD does not. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 181 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD, based on an average labor cost of $85 per work hour: It will take 2.5 work hours to do an NDI and 2 work hours to apply the white paint. It will cost $15 in materials for the paint for each helicopter. Based on these estimates, it will cost a total of $398 per helicopter and $72,038 for the fleet. If it is necessary to replace a spindle cuff assembly or a blade cuff assembly, it will take 2.5 work hours and an estimated parts cost of $54,000, for a total cost of $54,212 for each helicopter. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 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): ■ 2013–22–15 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39–17647; FAA–2013–0514; Directorate Identifier 2012–SW–068–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model S–76A, S–76B, and S–76C helicopters with a serial number up to and including 760822 and with a spindle cuff assembly, part number (P/N) 76102–08001–043, –045 or –046, or a blade fold cuff assembly, P/N 76150–09601–041, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly. This condition could result in failure of a spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly, loss of a rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective December 13, 2013. (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. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES (e) Required Actions Within 150 hours time-in-service (TIS): (1) For each spindle cuff assembly or blade cuff assembly with 1,900 or more hours TIS, conduct a nondestructive inspection (NDI) by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Sikorsky S–76 Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76–65–67A, Revision A, dated July 18, 2012 (ASB), except this AD does not require you to contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. This inspection must be done by a level 2 or higher technician with National Aerospace Standard 410 or equivalent certification. (2) For each spindle cuff assembly or blade cuff assembly with less than 1,900 hours TIS, visually inspect the area indicated in Figure 4 of the ASB as ‘‘white paint application area’’ for a crack by using a 5x or higher power magnifying glass. (3) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the cracked part. (4) If there is no crack, apply white paint by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.D., of the ASB. (5) Do not install an affected spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly on any helicopter unless it has been inspected in accordance with paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(4) of this AD. Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety Engineer, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238– 7763; email nicholas.faust@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. Jkt 232001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0928; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–036–AD; Amendment 39–17645; AD 2013–22–13] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Main Rotor Head. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference SUMMARY: (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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 S–76 Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76–65–67A, Revision A, dated July 18, 2012. (ii) Reserved. (3) 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. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (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/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 24, 2013. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–26043 Filed 11–7–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: 15:17 Nov 07, 2013 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. (h) Subject (f) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits will not be issued. VerDate Mar<15>2010 67011 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC–7 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as chafing on the wiring harness attached to the engine mounting frame on the right-hand side of the engine compartment, which could cause a short circuit and could result in a fire in the engine compartment. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective November 29, 2013. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 29, 2013. We must receive comments on this AD by December 23, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this AD, contact PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD., Customer Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH–6371 STANS, Switzerland; telephone: +41 (0)41 619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67 73; Internet: E:\FR\FM\08NOR1.SGM 08NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 217 (Friday, November 8, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67009-67011]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26043]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0514; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-068-AD; 
Amendment 39-17647; AD 2013-22-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
(Sikorsky) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Model S-76A, B, and C helicopters to require certain 
inspections of each spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly 
for a crack. If there is a crack, this AD requires replacing the 
cracked part. If there is no crack, this AD requires applying white 
paint to the inspection area to enhance the existing inspection 
procedure. This AD was prompted by discovery of cracks in the spindle 
cuffs. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a spindle cuff 
assembly or blade fold cuff assembly, loss of a rotor blade, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective December 13, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of December 13, 
2013.

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.https://www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may

[[Page 67010]]

review a copy of 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 Floor, Room W12-
140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 
01803; telephone (781) 238-7763; email nicholas.faust@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On June 20, 2013, at 78 FR 37160, 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, 
B, and C helicopters. The NPRM proposed either a one-time 
nondestructive inspection (NDI) or a visual inspection of each spindle 
cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly for a crack and replacing any 
cracked part. If there was no crack in the part, the NPRM proposed 
applying white paint to a portion of each spindle cuff assembly or 
blade fold cuff assembly lower cuff plate to enhance the existing 
inspection procedure. The NPRM was prompted by the discovery of five 
cracked spindle cuffs found during aircraft overhaul. The proposed 
requirements were intended to prevent failure of a spindle cuff 
assembly or blade fold cuff assembly, loss of a rotor blade, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM (78 FR 37160, 
June 20, 2013).

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 these same type designs and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

Related Service Information

    Sikorsky issued S-76 Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-65-67A, Revision 
A, dated July 18, 2012 (ASB), which specifies performing an NDI of the 
upper and lower cuff plate on each spindle cuff assembly or blade fold 
cuff assembly for a crack, either by eddy current, fluorescent 
penetrant, or ultrasonic inspection. If a crack indication is detected 
and not verified, the ASB specifies performing a different NDI to 
verify a crack. If there is a crack, the ASB specifies removing the 
spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly from service. If a 
crack cannot be verified, the ASB specifies contacting Sikorsky for 
further instruction. Finally, if no crack is found, the ASB specifies 
applying white paint to a portion of the spindle cuff assembly or blade 
fold cuff assembly lower cuff plate to enhance the existing inspection 
procedure.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The ASB specifies contacting the manufacturer if suspect cracks are 
not confirmed in the spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly; 
this AD does not require contacting the manufacturer. This AD applies 
to spindle cuff assembly, part number (P/N) 76102-08001-043, which was 
inadvertently omitted in the ASB. The manufacturer has since revised 
the ASB to apply to this spindle cuff assembly. The ASB applies to 
spare parts; this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 181 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order 
to comply with this AD, based on an average labor cost of $85 per work 
hour: It will take 2.5 work hours to do an NDI and 2 work hours to 
apply the white paint. It will cost $15 in materials for the paint for 
each helicopter. Based on these estimates, it will cost a total of $398 
per helicopter and $72,038 for the fleet.
    If it is necessary to replace a spindle cuff assembly or a blade 
cuff assembly, it will take 2.5 work hours and an estimated parts cost 
of $54,000, for a total cost of $54,212 for each helicopter.

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:


[[Page 67011]]


    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):

2013-22-15 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-17647; FAA-
2013-0514; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-068-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-76A, S-76B, and S-76C helicopters 
with a serial number up to and including 760822 and with a spindle 
cuff assembly, part number (P/N) 76102-08001-043, -045 or -046, or a 
blade fold cuff assembly, P/N 76150-09601-041, installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a spindle 
cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly. This condition could 
result in failure of a spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff 
assembly, loss of a rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 13, 2013.

(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

    Within 150 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (1) For each spindle cuff assembly or blade cuff assembly with 
1,900 or more hours TIS, conduct a nondestructive inspection (NDI) 
by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of 
Sikorsky S-76 Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-65-67A, Revision A, 
dated July 18, 2012 (ASB), except this AD does not require you to 
contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. This inspection must be done 
by a level 2 or higher technician with National Aerospace Standard 
410 or equivalent certification.
    (2) For each spindle cuff assembly or blade cuff assembly with 
less than 1,900 hours TIS, visually inspect the area indicated in 
Figure 4 of the ASB as ``white paint application area'' for a crack 
by using a 5x or higher power magnifying glass.
    (3) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the 
cracked part.
    (4) If there is no crack, apply white paint by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.D., of the ASB.
    (5) Do not install an affected spindle cuff assembly or blade 
fold cuff assembly on any helicopter unless it has been inspected in 
accordance with paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(4) of this AD.

(f) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits will not be issued.

(g) 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, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 
(781) 238-7763; email nicholas.faust@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Main Rotor 
Head.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 S-76 Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-65-67A, Revision 
A, dated July 18, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, 
Fort Worth, Texas 76137. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (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/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 24, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-26043 Filed 11-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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