Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Helicopters, 549-551 [2013-31525]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 3 / Monday, January 6, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (n) 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) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–30–1058, Revision 4, dated November 3, 2011. (ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–30–1058, Revision 5, dated April 24, 2013. (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 20, 2013. Jeffrey E. Duven, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–31307 Filed 1–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0945; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–110–AD; Amendment 39–17722; AD 2013–26–13] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S–70, S–70A, S–70C, S– 70C (M), and S–70C (M1) helicopters with General Electric (GE) T700–GE– 401C or T700–GE–701C engines installed. This AD requires establishing new fatigue life limits for certain GE VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:04 Jan 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 549 engine gas generator turbine (GGT) rotor parts. This AD was prompted by a reevaluation of the method for determining the life limit for certain GE engine GGT rotor parts and the determination that these life limits should be based on low cycle fatigue (LCF) events instead of hours time-inservice (TIS). The actions are intended to prevent fatigue failure of a GGT rotor part, engine failure, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. DATES: This AD is effective February 10, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of February 10, 2014. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone (800) 562–4409, email address tsslibrary@sikorsky.com, or at https://www.sikorsky.com. You may 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. 401C or T700–GE–701C engines installed. The NPRM proposed establishing new fatigue life limits for certain GE engine GGT rotor parts, based upon a formula in GE’s service information. The NPRM was prompted by the determination that the affected engines could fail due to fatigue unless the life limits of certain GE engine rotor parts are changed from hours TIS to LCF events. On July 23, 2013, at 78 FR 44052, the Federal Register published our supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM), which proposed to revise the formula in the NPRM for establishing the new fatigue life limits by using the correct formula in a newer revision of GE’s service information. Also, the SNPRM corrected a typographical error made in the preamble of the previous NPRM in the ‘‘Related Service Information,’’ which referenced the service bulletin number as 72–041 rather than the correct service bulletin number 72–0041. The proposed actions in the SNPRM were intended to prevent failure of a GGT rotor part, engine failure, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. 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: Michael Davison, Flight Test Engineer, New England Regional Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7156; fax: (781) 238–7170; email: michael.davison@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM (77 FR 55166, September 7, 2012), and the SNPRM (78 FR 44052, July 23, 2013), but we did not receive any comments. Discussion On September 7, 2012, at 77 FR 55166, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Sikorsky Model S–70, S–70A, S–70C, S–70C (M), and S–70C (M1) helicopters with GE T700–GE– PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 in the SNPRM (78 FR 44052, July 23, 2013). Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 9 helicopters of U.S. registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD: A minimal amount for work hours and labor costs because these parts are replaced as part of the periodic maintenance on the helicopter; a minimal amount of time to calculate the new retirement life; $360,000 to replace the GGT rotor parts per helicopter; and $3,240,000 to replace the GGT rotor parts for the entire U.S. operator 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, E:\FR\FM\06JAR1.SGM 06JAR1 550 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 3 / Monday, January 6, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 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 sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:04 Jan 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2013–26–13 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39–17722; Docket No. FAA–2012–0945; Directorate Identifier 2010–SW–110–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model S–70, S–70A, S– 70C, S–70C (M), and S–70C (M1) helicopters with General Electric (GE) T700–GE–401C or T700–GE–701C part-numbered engines, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a critical engine part remaining in service beyond its fatigue life because the current life limit is based on hours time-in-service (TIS) instead of fatigue cycles. This condition could result in fatigue failure of an engine rotor part, engine failure, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective February 10, 2014. (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) Before further flight, insert into the airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness the low cycle fatigue (LCF) limit diagrams shown in Figures 2 through 7 (pages 9 through 14) of GE T700 Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/ B 72–0041, Revision 1, dated March 12, 2010, for helicopters with the GE T700–GE–401C engine, or Figures 2 through 4 (pages 10 through 12) of GE T700 Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 72–0038, dated October 1, 2008, for helicopters with the GE T700–GE–701C engine. The diagonal line on each diagram represents the new cycle life limit (a combination of full low cycle fatigue events (LCF1) and partial low cycle fatigue events (LCF2) as those terms are defined in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(1) and 3.A.(2) of each service bulletin) for each gas generator turbine (GGT) rotor part. A combination of LCF1 and LCF2, which results in a number below the diagonal line of the applicable diagram for each engine, indicates that the part has not reached its fatigue life limit. (2) Before further flight: (i) Obtain the actual LCF1 and LCF2 count from the engine ‘‘history recorder’’ (HR); (ii) Calculate the LCF1 and LCF2 fatigue retirement life for each GGT rotor part as follows: (A) Determine the actual LCF ratio by dividing the total actual LCF2 cycle count obtained from the HR by the total actual LCF1 cycle count obtained from the HR. Add to the actual counts from the HR any actual additional fatigue cycle incurred during any period in which the HR was inoperative. PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (B) Determine the LCF1 retirement life by dividing the maximum number of LCF2 events obtained from the applicable diagram for each engine by the sum of the actual LCF ratio obtained by following paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(A) of this AD plus the quotient of the maximum number of LCF2 events from the applicable diagram for each engine divided by the maximum number of LCF1 events from the applicable diagram for each engine. (C) Determine the LCF2 retirement life by multiplying the actual LCF ratio obtained by following paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(A) of this AD times the LCF1 retirement life determined by following paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD. (iii) Replace each GGT rotor part that has reached the new fatigue cycle life limit with an airworthy rotor part. (3) For helicopters with the GE T700–GE– 401C engine, if you cannot determine the number of low cycle fatigue events manually from the HR or by combining both manual and HR counts, then the life limit for the GGT rotor part is the hours TIS for the part as shown in Table 1 of GE T700 Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 72–0041, dated August 21, 2009. (4) Before further flight, begin or continue to count the full and partial low fatigue cycle events and record on the component card or equivalent record that count at the end of each day for which the HR is inoperative. (f) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits will not be issued to allow flight in excess of life limits. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Davison, Flight Test Engineer, New England Regional Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7156; fax: (781) 238–7170; email: michael.davison@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under 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: 7250: Turbine Section. (i) 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) General Electric (GE) T700 Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 72–0038, dated October 1, 2008. (ii) GE T700 Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 72–0041, dated August 21, 2009. E:\FR\FM\06JAR1.SGM 06JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 3 / Monday, January 6, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (iii) GE T700 Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 72–0041, Revision 1, dated March 12, 2010. (3) For GE service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone (800) 562–4409, email address 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 December 24, 2013. Kim Smith, Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–31525 Filed 1–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY FutureGen program have been withdrawn from our consideration as revisions to the Texas SIP. Accordingly, EPA is withdrawing our direct final approval and in a separate rulemaking in today’s Federal Register we are also withdrawing the corresponding proposed approval. We find that no further action is necessary on the Texas FutureGen Program March 9, 2006 and July 2, 2010 SIP revisions. The State’s action also withdraws from EPA’s review the FutureGen Program component of the January 22, 2010 Consent Decree between EPA and the BCCA Appeal Group, Texas Association of Business, and Texas Oil and Gas Association. This withdrawal is being taken under section 110 and parts C and D of the Federal Clean Air Act. DATES: The direct final rule published on November 21, 2013 (78 FR 69773), is withdrawn effective January 6, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Adina Wiley (6PD–R), Air Permits Section, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue (6PD–R), Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75202– 2733. The telephone number is (214) 665–2115. Ms. Wiley can also be reached via electronic mail at wiley.adina@epa.gov. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R06–OAR–2006–0593; FRL–9905–07– Region–6] Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Control of Air Pollution by Permits for New Construction or Modification; Permits for Specific Designated Facilities Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: December 20, 2013. Samuel Coleman, Acting Regional Administrator, Region 6. 40 CFR Part 52 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Withdrawal of direct final rule. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: On November 21, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a direct final rule approving portions of two revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) concerning the Permits for Specific Designated Facilities Program, also referred to as the FutureGen Program. The direct final action was published without prior proposal because EPA anticipated no adverse comments. EPA stated in the direct final rule that if we received relevant, adverse comments by December 23, 2013, EPA would publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register. EPA received a letter dated December 19, 2013, from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality stating that the March 9, 2006, and July 2, 2010, SIP revisions specific to the VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:04 Jan 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 Accordingly, the amendments to 40 CFR 52.2270 published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2013 (78 FR 69773), which were to become effective on January 21, 2014, are withdrawn. [FR Doc. 2013–31437 Filed 1–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R06–OAR–2010–0612; FRL–9904–03– Region–6] Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Public Participation for Air Quality Permit Applications Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 551 SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) that establish the public participation requirements for air quality permits. EPA finds that these revisions to the Texas SIP comply with the Federal Clean Air Act (the Act or CAA) and EPA regulations and are consistent with EPA policies. Texas submitted the public participation provisions in four separate revisions to the SIP on July 22, 1998; October 25, 1999; July 2, 2010; and March 11, 2011. EPA is finalizing this action under section 110 and parts C and D of the Clean Air Act (the Act). DATES: This final rule will be effective on February 5, 2014. ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID No. EPA–R06–OAR–2010–0612. All documents in the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information or other information the disclosure of which is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in https:// www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Air Permits Section (6PD–R), Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202–2733. While all documents in the docket are listed in the index, some information may be publicly available only at the hard copy location (e.g., copyrighted material), and some may not be publicly available at either location (e.g., CBI). To inspect the hard copy materials, please schedule an appointment with the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT paragraph below or Mr. Bill Deese at 214–665–7253. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Adina Wiley, Air Permits Section (6PD– R), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 700, Dallas, Texas 75202–2733, telephone 214–665–2115; fax number 214–665– 6762; email address wiley.adina@ epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean EPA. Table of Contents I. Background for this Final Action II. Response to Comments III. Final Action IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews E:\FR\FM\06JAR1.SGM 06JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 3 (Monday, January 6, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 549-551]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-31525]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0945; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-110-AD; 
Amendment 39-17722; AD 2013-26-13]
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-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C (M), and S-70C (M1) 
helicopters with General Electric (GE) T700-GE-401C or T700-GE-701C 
engines installed. This AD requires establishing new fatigue life 
limits for certain GE engine gas generator turbine (GGT) rotor parts. 
This AD was prompted by a reevaluation of the method for determining 
the life limit for certain GE engine GGT rotor parts and the 
determination that these life limits should be based on low cycle 
fatigue (LCF) events instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). The 
actions are intended to prevent fatigue failure of a GGT rotor part, 
engine failure, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective February 10, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain documents listed in this AD as of February 10, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical 
Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone 
(800) 562-4409, email address tsslibrary@sikorsky.com, or at https://www.sikorsky.com. You may 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: Michael Davison, Flight Test Engineer, 
New England Regional Office, FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7156; fax: (781) 238-7170; 
email: michael.davison@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On September 7, 2012, at 77 FR 55166, the Federal Register 
published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Sikorsky Model 
S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C (M), and S-70C (M1) helicopters with GE T700-
GE-401C or T700-GE-701C engines installed. The NPRM proposed 
establishing new fatigue life limits for certain GE engine GGT rotor 
parts, based upon a formula in GE's service information. The NPRM was 
prompted by the determination that the affected engines could fail due 
to fatigue unless the life limits of certain GE engine rotor parts are 
changed from hours TIS to LCF events.
    On July 23, 2013, at 78 FR 44052, the Federal Register published 
our supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM), which proposed 
to revise the formula in the NPRM for establishing the new fatigue life 
limits by using the correct formula in a newer revision of GE's service 
information. Also, the SNPRM corrected a typographical error made in 
the preamble of the previous NPRM in the ``Related Service 
Information,'' which referenced the service bulletin number as 72-041 
rather than the correct service bulletin number 72-0041.
    The proposed actions in the SNPRM were intended to prevent failure 
of a GGT rotor part, engine failure, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM (77 FR 
55166, September 7, 2012), and the SNPRM (78 FR 44052, July 23, 2013), 
but we did not receive any comments.

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 in the SNPRM 
(78 FR 44052, July 23, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 9 helicopters of U.S. 
registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in 
order to comply with this AD: A minimal amount for work hours and labor 
costs because these parts are replaced as part of the periodic 
maintenance on the helicopter; a minimal amount of time to calculate 
the new retirement life; $360,000 to replace the GGT rotor parts per 
helicopter; and $3,240,000 to replace the GGT rotor parts for the 
entire U.S. operator 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,

[[Page 550]]

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):

2013-26-13 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-17722; Docket 
No. FAA-2012-0945; Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-110-AD.

 (a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C (M), and S-
70C (M1) helicopters with General Electric (GE) T700-GE-401C or 
T700-GE-701C part-numbered engines, certificated in any category.

 (b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as a critical engine part 
remaining in service beyond its fatigue life because the current 
life limit is based on hours time-in-service (TIS) instead of 
fatigue cycles. This condition could result in fatigue failure of an 
engine rotor part, engine failure, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective February 10, 2014.

 (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) Before further flight, insert into the airworthiness 
limitations section of the maintenance manual or instructions for 
continued airworthiness the low cycle fatigue (LCF) limit diagrams 
shown in Figures 2 through 7 (pages 9 through 14) of GE T700 
Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 72-0041, Revision 1, 
dated March 12, 2010, for helicopters with the GE T700-GE-401C 
engine, or Figures 2 through 4 (pages 10 through 12) of GE T700 
Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 72-0038, dated October 
1, 2008, for helicopters with the GE T700-GE-701C engine. The 
diagonal line on each diagram represents the new cycle life limit (a 
combination of full low cycle fatigue events (LCF1) and partial low 
cycle fatigue events (LCF2) as those terms are defined in the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.A.(1) and 3.A.(2) of each 
service bulletin) for each gas generator turbine (GGT) rotor part. A 
combination of LCF1 and LCF2, which results in a number below the 
diagonal line of the applicable diagram for each engine, indicates 
that the part has not reached its fatigue life limit.
    (2) Before further flight:
    (i) Obtain the actual LCF1 and LCF2 count from the engine 
``history recorder'' (HR);
    (ii) Calculate the LCF1 and LCF2 fatigue retirement life for 
each GGT rotor part as follows:
    (A) Determine the actual LCF ratio by dividing the total actual 
LCF2 cycle count obtained from the HR by the total actual LCF1 cycle 
count obtained from the HR. Add to the actual counts from the HR any 
actual additional fatigue cycle incurred during any period in which 
the HR was inoperative.
    (B) Determine the LCF1 retirement life by dividing the maximum 
number of LCF2 events obtained from the applicable diagram for each 
engine by the sum of the actual LCF ratio obtained by following 
paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(A) of this AD plus the quotient of the maximum 
number of LCF2 events from the applicable diagram for each engine 
divided by the maximum number of LCF1 events from the applicable 
diagram for each engine.
    (C) Determine the LCF2 retirement life by multiplying the actual 
LCF ratio obtained by following paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(A) of this AD 
times the LCF1 retirement life determined by following paragraph 
(e)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD.
    (iii) Replace each GGT rotor part that has reached the new 
fatigue cycle life limit with an airworthy rotor part.
    (3) For helicopters with the GE T700-GE-401C engine, if you 
cannot determine the number of low cycle fatigue events manually 
from the HR or by combining both manual and HR counts, then the life 
limit for the GGT rotor part is the hours TIS for the part as shown 
in Table 1 of GE T700 Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 
72-0041, dated August 21, 2009.
    (4) Before further flight, begin or continue to count the full 
and partial low fatigue cycle events and record on the component 
card or equivalent record that count at the end of each day for 
which the HR is inoperative.

 (f) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits will not be issued to allow flight in 
excess of life limits.

 (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Michael Davison, 
Flight Test Engineer, New England Regional Office, FAA, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7156; 
fax: (781) 238-7170; email: michael.davison@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under 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: 7250: Turbine 
Section.

 (i) 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) General Electric (GE) T700 Turboshaft Engine Service 
Bulletin T700 S/B 72-0038, dated October 1, 2008.
    (ii) GE T700 Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 72-
0041, dated August 21, 2009.

[[Page 551]]

    (iii) GE T700 Turboshaft Engine Service Bulletin T700 S/B 72-
0041, Revision 1, dated March 12, 2010.
    (3) For GE service information identified in this AD, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical 
Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone 
(800) 562-4409, email address 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 December 24, 2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-31525 Filed 1-3-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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