Airworthiness Directives; Various Sikorsky-Manufactured Transport and Restricted Category Helicopters, 60789-60793 [2014-23585]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 8, 2014 / Proposed Rules under § 1277.25 of this part, and, if such transfer is allowed, shall specify the procedures to effect such transfer, and provide that the transfer shall be undertaken only in accordance with § 1277.25; (4) Shall specify that the stock of the Bank may be traded only among the Bank and its members, and former members; (5) May provide for a minimum investment based on investment in Class B stock that is lower than a minimum investment based on investment in Class A stock, provided that the level of investment is sufficient for the Bank to comply with its regulatory capital requirements; (6) Shall specify the fee, if any, to be imposed upon cancellation of a request to redeem Bank stock or upon cancellation of a request to withdraw from membership; and (7) Shall specify the period of notice that the Bank will provide before the Bank, on its own initiative, determines to repurchase any excess Bank stock. (e) Termination of membership. The capital plan shall address the manner in which the Bank will provide for the disposition of its capital stock that is held by institutions that terminate their membership, and the manner in which the Bank will liquidate claims against such institutions, including claims resulting from prepayment of advances prior to their stated maturity. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS § 1277.29 plan. Amendments to a Bank’s capital (a) In general. A Bank’s board of directors shall approve any amendments to the Bank’s capital plan and submit such amendment to the Director for approval. No such amendment may take effect until it has been approved by the Director. (b) Submission of amendments for approval. Any request for approval of capital plan amendments should be submitted to the Deputy Director for the Division of Federal Home Loan Bank Regulation and should include the following: (1) The name of the Bank making the request and the name, title, and contact information of the official filing the request; (2) The name, title and contact information of the staff member(s) whom FHFA may contact for additional information; (3) A certification by an executive officer of the Bank with knowledge of the facts that the representations made in the request are accurate and complete. The following form of certification may be used: ‘‘I hereby certify that the statements contained in VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Oct 07, 2014 Jkt 235001 the submission are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. [Name and Title]’’; (4) A written, narrative description of the proposed amendments to the Bank’s capital plan and a discussion of the Bank’s reasons for the proposed changes; (5) The amended capital plan as approved by the Bank’s board of directors; (6) A version of the Bank’s capital plan showing all proposed changes to its previously approved capital plan; (7) Resolutions of the Bank’s board of directors: (i) Approving the proposed capital plan amendments; and (ii) Authorizing the filing of the application for approval of the amendments and concurring in substance with the supporting documentation provided; (8) An opinion of counsel demonstrating that the proposed amendments comply with the Bank Act, FHFA regulations and any other applicable law or regulation. If the amendments would be identical in substance to provisions approved for other Banks’ capital plans, a Bank’s legal analysis may reference the other capital plans that contain the provisions in question; (9) An analysis of the effect of the proposed amendments, if any, on the Bank’s capital levels and the Bank’s ability to meet its regulatory capital requirements; (10) Pro forma financial statements from the end of the quarter immediately prior to the date of submission of the request for approval through at least the end of the next two years, showing the impact of the proposed changes, if any, on capital levels; and (11) A discussion of and an explanation for changes to the Bank’s strategic plan, if any, which may be related to the capital plan amendments. (c) FHFA consideration of the amendment. The Director may approve any amendment to a Bank’s capital plan as submitted or may condition approval on the Bank’s compliance with certain stated conditions. Dated: September 30, 2104. Melvin L. Watt, Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency. [FR Doc. 2014–23799 Filed 10–7–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8070–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 60789 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–0442; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–24–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Various Sikorsky-Manufactured Transport and Restricted Category Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening of comment period. AGENCY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S–61A, D, E, L, N, NM (serial number 61454), R, and V; Croman Corporation Model SH–3H, Carson Helicopters, Inc., Model S–61L; Glacier Helicopters, Inc. Model CH–3E; Robinson Air Crane, Inc. Model CH–3E, CH–3C, HH–3C, and HH–3E; and Siller Helicopters Model CH–3E and SH–3A helicopters. This SNPRM is prompted by comments received in response to a previous SNPRM and a reevaluation of the relevant data. This SNPRM retains the proposed actions in the previous SNPRM, provides an increased estimated cost of the main rotor shaft (MRS) replacement, and clarifies some of the language in the Required Actions section of the AD. The proposed actions are intended to prevent MRS structural failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this SNPRM by December 8, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. DATES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www. regulations.gov or in person at the E:\FR\FM\08OCP1.SGM 08OCP1 60790 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 8, 2014 / Proposed Rules Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone (203) 383–4866, 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, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Lee, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803, telephone (781) 238–7161, fax (781) 238–7170, email jeffrey.lee@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion On April 10, 2008, we issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (73 FR VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Oct 07, 2014 Jkt 235001 21556, April 22, 2008) proposing to amend 14 CFR part 39 to add an AD for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S– 61A, D, E, L, N, NM, R, and V; Croman Corporation Model SH–3H, Carson Helicopters, Inc. Model S–61L; Glacier Helicopters, Inc. Model CH–3E; Robinson Air Crane, Inc. Model CH–3E, CH–3C, HH–3C and HH–3E; and Siller Helicopters Model CH–3E and SH–3A helicopters. The NPRM proposed superseding AD 98–26–02 (63 FR 69177, December 16, 1998), which only applies to the affected Sikorsky model helicopters. The NPRM proposed retaining some of the requirements of AD 98–26–02 but also proposed determining a new retirement life for each MRS, removing from service any MRS with oversized dowel pin bores, and expanding the applicability to include the restricted category models that were inadvertently omitted from AD 98–26–02. The NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer’s reevaluation of the retirement life for the MRS based on torque, ground-air-ground cycle, and fatigue testing. Those proposals were intended to prevent MRS structural failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. On April 16, 2013, we issued an SNPRM (78 FR 24363, April 25, 2013) that proposed to revise the NPRM based on our review of the data and the comments received. The SNPRM proposed retaining the proposals in the NPRM and extending the hours time-inservice (TIS) required for identifying the MRS as a repetitive external lift (REL) MRS to coincide with the nondestructive inspection (NDI) to prevent repeated disassembly of the shaft. Also, the action proposed to extend the time required to replace the MRS and revise calculations for establishing the retirement life. Actions Since Previous SNPRM Was Issued Since we issued the previous SNPRM (78 FR 24364, April 25, 2013), we have determined a need to revise the proposed requirements again based on our review of the data and the comments received. In addition to retaining the proposals in the previous SNPRM, this SNPRM changes the ‘‘Costs of Compliance’’ to reflect an increased cost to replace an MRS. Also, paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of the previous SNPRM provided that where there is no record of the hours TIS on an MRS, you may substitute the ‘‘helicopter’s hours TIS.’’ To clarify some of the wording for complying with the AD, this SNPRM proposes that you may substitute the ‘‘helicopter’s hours TIS or the PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 helicopter’s transmission hours TIS if both the shaft and transmission were installed new at the same time.’’ Because the proposed changes increase the economic burden on operators, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public to comment. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the previous SNPRM (78 FR 24366, April 25, 2013). The following presents the comments received from two commenters and the FAA’s response to those comments. Request One commenter requested that we increase the life limits of modified REL shafts from 30,000 cycles to no less than 100,000 cycles because the proposed limit of 30,000 REL lift cycles is unreasonable and contrary to the manufacturer’s current fatigue evaluation practices. The commenter stated the limit of 30,000 REL cycles ignores the crack-free service history for the modified MRS as well as several variables in operation. The commenter also stated the proposed requirements would impose an unacceptable punitive cost because the actual cost to replace an MRS is much higher than the cost identified in the SNPRM (78 FR 24366, April 25, 2013). We disagree. The commenter’s proposed limit of 100,000 REL lift cycles is based on the working SN curve from fatigue testing that showed test specimen failure at 200,000 individual fatigue cycles. The data assumes that only the 103% torque event creates shaft damage and that one REL lift cycle is the same as one fatigue cycle. This assumption is not correct. One REL lift cycle includes many damaging fatigue cycles associated with a logging flight spectrum not accounted for by the commenter. The 30,000 REL lift cycle life limit is based upon the working SN curve from the fatigue tests and the fatigue damage determined by the logging flight loading spectrum. It is not only based on using the working SN curve cycle limit at the torque level chosen by the commenter. However, we agree with the commenter that the SNPRM does not reflect an accurate cost to replace an MRS. We have revised the ‘‘Costs of Compliance’’ section to reflect the current cost of the MRS. The commenter also requested that the AD measure the shaft life limit by transmission TIS instead of the helicopter’s TIS where no records exist for the main rotor shaft. The commenter states that the transmission TIS is a E:\FR\FM\08OCP1.SGM 08OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 8, 2014 / Proposed Rules better measure because most helicopters have more than 13,000 hours TIS. We partially agree. The requested change of language would only be accurate where both the shaft and transmission were installed new at the same time. This language would not be accurate where the transmission had been replaced earlier than the shaft and thus had a lower life than the shaft. Therefore, we have revised paragraph (f)(1)(ii) to include both ‘‘helicopter’s hours TIS’’ and ‘‘the helicopter’s transmission hours TIS if both the shaft and transmission were installed new at the same time’’ as options where no records exist for the main rotor shaft. The second commenter disagreed with determining pilot initial qualification by hours alone and suggested other methods. This comment appears to have been posted in error in this docket as it is not relevant to the SNPRM (78 FR 24366, April 25, 2013). and provides a method for marking the REL MRS. Proposed AD Requirements 60791 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. We are proposing this SNPRM because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other helicopters of these same type designs. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the previous SNPRM (78 FR 24363, April 25, 2013) by increasing the economic burden. As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM. This proposed AD would retain some of the requirements from AD 98–26–02 (63 FR 69177, December 16, 1998): • Recording the number of external lift cycles (lift cycles) performed and the hours TIS. • Determining whether the MRS is REL or Non-REL. • Marking the REL MRS at the time of the NDI. • Conducting an NDI for shafts used in REL operations and replacing it if there is a crack. The proposed AD would also require the following: • When recording the number of hours TIS, using either the helicopter’s hours TIS or the helicopter’s transmission hours TIS if both the shaft and transmission were installed new at the same time where there is no record of the hours TIS on an individual MRS. • Calculating a 250-hour TIS moving average of lift cycles to determine whether the MRS is an REL MRS. • Determining a new retirement life for each MRS based on hours TIS and lift cycles. • Removing from service any MRS with oversized dowel pin bores. • Extending the retirement life of modified REL MRS from 2,200 hours TIS to 5,000 hours TIS but also implementing lift-cycle retirement lives. • Allowing the use of Revision A service information to modify the REL MRS for life limit determination. Related Service Information Costs of Compliance Sikorsky has issued Customer Service Notice (CSN) No. 6135–10A and Sikorsky Service Bulletin (SB) No. 61B35–53A, both dated April 19, 2004. The CSN and the SB apply to Model S– 61L, N, and NM (serial number (S/N) 61454), and R series transport category helicopters; and S–61A, D, E, and V series restricted category helicopters. The CSN specifies replacing the planetary assembly and MRS assembly attaching hardware with high strength hardware. The CSN also specifies reworking the dowel retainer to increase hole chamfer and related countersink diameters. The SB specifies replacing the existing planetary matching plates with new steel matching plates during overhaul at the operator’s discretion. Also, Sikorsky has issued ASB No. 61B35–69, dated April 19, 2004 (ASB 61B35–69), which supersedes ASB 61B35–68B. ASB 61B35–69 provides updated procedures for determining REL and Non-REL status, assigns new REL and Non-REL MRS retirement lives, We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 60 helicopters of U.S. registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD: It would take about 2.2 work hours to NDI an REL MRS at $85 per work hour plus a $50 consumable cost, for a total cost of $237 per helicopter and $14,220 for the U.S. fleet. It would take 2.2 work hours at $85 per work hour to replace an MRS, and parts would cost $81,216, for a total cost of $81,403 per helicopter. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Authority for This Rulemaking ■ asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS FAA’s Determination VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Oct 07, 2014 Jkt 235001 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: PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Amend § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39–10943 (63 FR 69177, December 16, 1998), and adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation; Croman Corporation; Carson Helicopters, Inc.; E:\FR\FM\08OCP1.SGM 08OCP1 60792 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 8, 2014 / Proposed Rules Glacier Helicopters, Inc.; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and Siller Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2008–0442; Directorate Identifier 2007–SW–24–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model S–61A, D, E, L, N, NM (serial number (S/N) 61454), R, V, CH–3C, CH–3E, HH–3C, HH–3E, SH–3A, and SH–3H helicopters with main rotor shaft (MRS), part number (P/N) S6135–20640–001, S6135–20640–002, or S6137–23040–001, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as MRS structural failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 98–26–02 (63 FR 69177, December 16, 1998), Amendment 39– 10943, Docket No. 96–SW–29–AD. (d) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by December 8, 2014. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (e) 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. (f) Required Actions (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS): (i) Create a component history card or equivalent record for each MRS. (ii) If there is no record of the hours TIS on an individual MRS, substitute the helicopter’s hours TIS or the helicopter’s transmission hours TIS if both the shaft and transmission were installed new at the same time. (iii) If the record of external lift cycles (lift cycles) on an individual MRS is incomplete, add the known number of lift cycles to a number calculated by multiplying the number of hours TIS of the individual MRS by the average lift cycles calculated according to the instructions in Section I of Appendix I of this AD or by a factor of 13.6, whichever is higher. An external lift cycle is defined as a flight cycle in which an external load is picked up, the helicopter is repositioned (through flight or hover), and the helicopter hovers and releases the load and departs or lands and departs. (iv) At the end of each day’s operations, record the number of lift cycles performed and the hours TIS. (2) Within 250 hours TIS, determine whether the MRS is a repetitive external lift (REL) or non-REL MRS. (i) Calculate the first moving average of lift cycles by following the instructions in Section I of Appendix I of this AD. (A) If the calculation results in 6 or more lift cycles per hour TIS, the MRS is an REL– MRS. (B) If the calculation results in less than 6 lift cycles per hour TIS, the MRS is a NonREL MRS. (ii) If the MRS is a Non-REL MRS based on the calculation performed in accordance with paragraph (f)(2)(i), thereafter at intervals of 50 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Oct 07, 2014 Jkt 235001 hour TIS, recalculate the average lift cycles per hour TIS by following the instructions in Section II of Appendix 1 of this AD. (iii) Once an MRS is determined to be an REL MRS, you no longer need to perform the 250-hour TIS moving average calculation, but you must continue to count and record the lift cycles and number of hours TIS. (iv) If an MRS is determined to be an REL MRS, it remains an REL MRS for the rest of its service life and is subject to the retirement times for an REL MRS. (3) Within 1,100 hours TIS: (i) Conduct a Non-Destructive Inspection for a crack on each MRS. If there is a crack in an MRS, before further flight, replace it with an airworthy MRS. (ii) If an MRS is determined to be an REL MRS, identify it as an REL MRS by etching ‘‘REL’’ on the outside diameter of the MRS near the part S/N by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C., of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 61B35–69, dated April 19, 2004. (4) Replace each MRS with an airworthy MRS on or before reaching the revised retirement life as follows: (i) For an REL MRS that is not modified by following Sikorsky Customer Service Notice (CSN) 6135–10, dated March 18, 1987, and ASB No. 61B35–53, dated December 2, 1981 (unmodified REL MRS), the retirement life is 30,000 lift cycles or 1,500 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. (ii) For an REL MRS that is modified by following Sikorsky CSN 6135–10, dated March 18, 1987, and Sikorsky ASB No. 61B35–53 dated December 2, 1981, or CSN 6135–10A, Revision A, and ASB 61B35–53A, Revision A, both dated April 19, 2004 (modified REL MRS), the retirement life is 30,000 lift cycles or 5,000 hours TIS, whichever occurs first. (iii) For a non-REL MRS, the retirement life is 13,000 hours TIS. (5) Establish or revise the retirement lives of the MRS as indicated in paragraphs (f)(4)(i) through (f)(4)(iii) of this AD by recording the new or revised retirement life on the MRS component history card or equivalent record. (6) Within 50 hours TIS, remove from service any MRS with oversized (0.8860’’ or greater diameter) dowel pin bores. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to Jeffrey Lee, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803, telephone (781) 238–7161, fax (781) 238– 7170, email jeffrey.lee@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) Additional Information (1) Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation issued an All Operators Letter (AOL) CCS–61–AOL– PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 04–0005, dated May 18, 2004, with an example and additional information about tracking cycles and the moving average procedure. This AOL is not incorporated by reference but contains additional information about the subject of this AD. (2) The Overhaul and Repair Instruction (ORI) Number 6135–281, Part B, Step 5, and ORI 6137–041, Section III, Oversize Dowel Pin Bore Repair and identified on the flange as TS–281 or TS–041–3, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. (3) For more information about the AOL or the ORI, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone (203) 383–4866, 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, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. Appendix I Section I: The first moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS The first moving average calculation is performed on the MRS assembly when the external lift component history card record reflects that the MRS assembly has reached its first 250 hours TIS. To perform the calculation, divide the total number of lift cycles performed during the first 250 hours TIS by 250. The result will be the first moving average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS. Section II: Subsequent moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS Subsequent moving average calculations are performed on the MRS assembly at intervals of 50 hour TIS after the first moving average calculation. Subtract the total number of lift cycles performed during the first 50-hour TIS interval used in the previous moving average calculation from the total number of lift cycles performed on the MRS assembly during the previous 300 hours TIS. Divide this result by 250. The result will be the next or subsequent moving average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS. Section III: Sample calculation for subsequent 50 hour TIS intervals Assume the total number of lift cycles for the first 50 hour TIS interval used in the previous moving average calculation = 450 lift cycles and the total number of lift cycles for the previous 300 hours TIS = 2700 lift cycles. The subsequent moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS = (2700 ¥ 450) divided by 250 = 9 lift cycles per hour TIS. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main Rotor Gearbox. E:\FR\FM\08OCP1.SGM 08OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 8, 2014 / Proposed Rules Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 19, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–23585 Filed 10–7–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0537; Airspace Docket No. 13–AGL–38] Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Edgeley, ND Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Edgeley, ND. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP) at Edgeley Municipal Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations for SIAPs at the airport. DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 24, 2014. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. You must identify the docket number FAA–2014– 0537/Airspace Docket No. 13–AGL–38, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1–800– 647–5527), is on the ground floor of the building at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raul Garza, Jr., Central Service Center, Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone: 817–321– 7654. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:52 Oct 07, 2014 Jkt 235001 by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2014–0537/Airspace Docket No. 13–AGL–38.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s Web page at https:// www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_ traffic/publications/airspace_ amendments/. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Central Service Center, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRMs should contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking (202) 267–9677, to request a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11–2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application procedure. The Proposal This action proposes to amend Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), Part 71 by establishing Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 6.5-mile radius of Edgeley Municipal Airport, Edgeley, ND, to accommodate new standard instrument approach procedures. Controlled airspace is needed for the safety and management of IFR operations at the airport. PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 60793 Class E airspace areas are published in Paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 7400.9Y, dated August 6, 2014 and effective September 15, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document would be published subsequently in the Order. The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. It, therefore, (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); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code. Subtitle 1, Section 106 describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency’s authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would establish controlled airspace at Edgeley Municipal Airport, Edgeley, ND. Environmental Review This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures’’ prior to any FAA final regulatory action. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). The Proposed Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows: E:\FR\FM\08OCP1.SGM 08OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 8, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60789-60793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23585]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0442; Directorate Identifier 2007-SW-24-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Various Sikorsky-Manufactured Transport 
and Restricted Category Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening 
of comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-61A, 
D, E, L, N, NM (serial number 61454), R, and V; Croman Corporation 
Model SH-3H, Carson Helicopters, Inc., Model S-61L; Glacier 
Helicopters, Inc. Model CH-3E; Robinson Air Crane, Inc. Model CH-3E, 
CH-3C, HH-3C, and HH-3E; and Siller Helicopters Model CH-3E and SH-3A 
helicopters. This SNPRM is prompted by comments received in response to 
a previous SNPRM and a reevaluation of the relevant data. This SNPRM 
retains the proposed actions in the previous SNPRM, provides an 
increased estimated cost of the main rotor shaft (MRS) replacement, and 
clarifies some of the language in the Required Actions section of the 
AD. The proposed actions are intended to prevent MRS structural 
failure, loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of 
control of the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this SNPRM by December 8, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for sending your comments 
electronically.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ``Mail'' address between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the

[[Page 60790]]

Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed 
AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, 
mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone (203) 383-
4866, 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, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Lee, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803, telephone (781) 238-7161, fax (781) 238-7170, 
email jeffrey.lee@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to 
the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might 
result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed 
electronically, commenters should submit only one time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    On April 10, 2008, we issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
(73 FR 21556, April 22, 2008) proposing to amend 14 CFR part 39 to add 
an AD for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-61A, D, E, L, N, NM, R, 
and V; Croman Corporation Model SH-3H, Carson Helicopters, Inc. Model 
S-61L; Glacier Helicopters, Inc. Model CH-3E; Robinson Air Crane, Inc. 
Model CH-3E, CH-3C, HH-3C and HH-3E; and Siller Helicopters Model CH-3E 
and SH-3A helicopters. The NPRM proposed superseding AD 98-26-02 (63 FR 
69177, December 16, 1998), which only applies to the affected Sikorsky 
model helicopters. The NPRM proposed retaining some of the requirements 
of AD 98-26-02 but also proposed determining a new retirement life for 
each MRS, removing from service any MRS with oversized dowel pin bores, 
and expanding the applicability to include the restricted category 
models that were inadvertently omitted from AD 98-26-02. The NPRM was 
prompted by the manufacturer's reevaluation of the retirement life for 
the MRS based on torque, ground-air-ground cycle, and fatigue testing. 
Those proposals were intended to prevent MRS structural failure, loss 
of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.
    On April 16, 2013, we issued an SNPRM (78 FR 24363, April 25, 2013) 
that proposed to revise the NPRM based on our review of the data and 
the comments received. The SNPRM proposed retaining the proposals in 
the NPRM and extending the hours time-in-service (TIS) required for 
identifying the MRS as a repetitive external lift (REL) MRS to coincide 
with the nondestructive inspection (NDI) to prevent repeated 
disassembly of the shaft. Also, the action proposed to extend the time 
required to replace the MRS and revise calculations for establishing 
the retirement life.

Actions Since Previous SNPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the previous SNPRM (78 FR 24364, April 25, 2013), 
we have determined a need to revise the proposed requirements again 
based on our review of the data and the comments received. In addition 
to retaining the proposals in the previous SNPRM, this SNPRM changes 
the ``Costs of Compliance'' to reflect an increased cost to replace an 
MRS. Also, paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of the previous SNPRM provided that 
where there is no record of the hours TIS on an MRS, you may substitute 
the ``helicopter's hours TIS.'' To clarify some of the wording for 
complying with the AD, this SNPRM proposes that you may substitute the 
``helicopter's hours TIS or the helicopter's transmission hours TIS if 
both the shaft and transmission were installed new at the same time.''
    Because the proposed changes increase the economic burden on 
operators, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public to 
comment.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the previous SNPRM 
(78 FR 24366, April 25, 2013). The following presents the comments 
received from two commenters and the FAA's response to those comments.

Request

    One commenter requested that we increase the life limits of 
modified REL shafts from 30,000 cycles to no less than 100,000 cycles 
because the proposed limit of 30,000 REL lift cycles is unreasonable 
and contrary to the manufacturer's current fatigue evaluation 
practices. The commenter stated the limit of 30,000 REL cycles ignores 
the crack-free service history for the modified MRS as well as several 
variables in operation. The commenter also stated the proposed 
requirements would impose an unacceptable punitive cost because the 
actual cost to replace an MRS is much higher than the cost identified 
in the SNPRM (78 FR 24366, April 25, 2013).
    We disagree. The commenter's proposed limit of 100,000 REL lift 
cycles is based on the working SN curve from fatigue testing that 
showed test specimen failure at 200,000 individual fatigue cycles. The 
data assumes that only the 103% torque event creates shaft damage and 
that one REL lift cycle is the same as one fatigue cycle. This 
assumption is not correct. One REL lift cycle includes many damaging 
fatigue cycles associated with a logging flight spectrum not accounted 
for by the commenter. The 30,000 REL lift cycle life limit is based 
upon the working SN curve from the fatigue tests and the fatigue damage 
determined by the logging flight loading spectrum. It is not only based 
on using the working SN curve cycle limit at the torque level chosen by 
the commenter. However, we agree with the commenter that the SNPRM does 
not reflect an accurate cost to replace an MRS. We have revised the 
``Costs of Compliance'' section to reflect the current cost of the MRS.
    The commenter also requested that the AD measure the shaft life 
limit by transmission TIS instead of the helicopter's TIS where no 
records exist for the main rotor shaft. The commenter states that the 
transmission TIS is a

[[Page 60791]]

better measure because most helicopters have more than 13,000 hours 
TIS.
    We partially agree. The requested change of language would only be 
accurate where both the shaft and transmission were installed new at 
the same time. This language would not be accurate where the 
transmission had been replaced earlier than the shaft and thus had a 
lower life than the shaft. Therefore, we have revised paragraph 
(f)(1)(ii) to include both ``helicopter's hours TIS'' and ``the 
helicopter's transmission hours TIS if both the shaft and transmission 
were installed new at the same time'' as options where no records exist 
for the main rotor shaft.
    The second commenter disagreed with determining pilot initial 
qualification by hours alone and suggested other methods. This comment 
appears to have been posted in error in this docket as it is not 
relevant to the SNPRM (78 FR 24366, April 25, 2013).

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this SNPRM because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other helicopters of these same type 
designs. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the 
previous SNPRM (78 FR 24363, April 25, 2013) by increasing the economic 
burden. As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen 
the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to 
comment on this SNPRM.

Related Service Information

    Sikorsky has issued Customer Service Notice (CSN) No. 6135-10A and 
Sikorsky Service Bulletin (SB) No. 61B35-53A, both dated April 19, 
2004. The CSN and the SB apply to Model S-61L, N, and NM (serial number 
(S/N) 61454), and R series transport category helicopters; and S-61A, 
D, E, and V series restricted category helicopters. The CSN specifies 
replacing the planetary assembly and MRS assembly attaching hardware 
with high strength hardware. The CSN also specifies reworking the dowel 
retainer to increase hole chamfer and related countersink diameters. 
The SB specifies replacing the existing planetary matching plates with 
new steel matching plates during overhaul at the operator's discretion.
    Also, Sikorsky has issued ASB No. 61B35-69, dated April 19, 2004 
(ASB 61B35-69), which supersedes ASB 61B35-68B. ASB 61B35-69 provides 
updated procedures for determining REL and Non-REL status, assigns new 
REL and Non-REL MRS retirement lives, and provides a method for marking 
the REL MRS.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain some of the requirements from AD 98-
26-02 (63 FR 69177, December 16, 1998):
     Recording the number of external lift cycles (lift cycles) 
performed and the hours TIS.
     Determining whether the MRS is REL or Non-REL.
     Marking the REL MRS at the time of the NDI.
     Conducting an NDI for shafts used in REL operations and 
replacing it if there is a crack.
    The proposed AD would also require the following:
     When recording the number of hours TIS, using either the 
helicopter's hours TIS or the helicopter's transmission hours TIS if 
both the shaft and transmission were installed new at the same time 
where there is no record of the hours TIS on an individual MRS.
     Calculating a 250-hour TIS moving average of lift cycles 
to determine whether the MRS is an REL MRS.
     Determining a new retirement life for each MRS based on 
hours TIS and lift cycles.
     Removing from service any MRS with oversized dowel pin 
bores.
     Extending the retirement life of modified REL MRS from 
2,200 hours TIS to 5,000 hours TIS but also implementing lift-cycle 
retirement lives.
     Allowing the use of Revision A service information to 
modify the REL MRS for life limit determination.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 60 helicopters of 
U.S. registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs 
in order to comply with this proposed AD: It would take about 2.2 work 
hours to NDI an REL MRS at $85 per work hour plus a $50 consumable 
cost, for a total cost of $237 per helicopter and $14,220 for the U.S. 
fleet. It would take 2.2 work hours at $85 per work hour to replace an 
MRS, and parts would cost $81,216, for a total cost of $81,403 per 
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

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that 
it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-10943 (63 FR 69177, 
December 16, 1998), and adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation; Croman Corporation; Carson 
Helicopters, Inc.;

[[Page 60792]]

Glacier Helicopters, Inc.; Robinson Air Crane, Inc.; and Siller 
Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2008-0442; Directorate Identifier 2007-
SW-24-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-61A, D, E, L, N, NM (serial number 
(S/N) 61454), R, V, CH-3C, CH-3E, HH-3C, HH-3E, SH-3A, and SH-3H 
helicopters with main rotor shaft (MRS), part number (P/N) S6135-
20640-001, S6135-20640-002, or S6137-23040-001, installed, 
certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as MRS structural failure, 
loss of power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of 
the helicopter.

(c) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 98-26-02 (63 FR 69177, December 16, 1998), 
Amendment 39-10943, Docket No. 96-SW-29-AD.

(d) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 8, 2014.

(e) 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.

(f) Required Actions

    (1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS):
    (i) Create a component history card or equivalent record for 
each MRS.
    (ii) If there is no record of the hours TIS on an individual 
MRS, substitute the helicopter's hours TIS or the helicopter's 
transmission hours TIS if both the shaft and transmission were 
installed new at the same time.
    (iii) If the record of external lift cycles (lift cycles) on an 
individual MRS is incomplete, add the known number of lift cycles to 
a number calculated by multiplying the number of hours TIS of the 
individual MRS by the average lift cycles calculated according to 
the instructions in Section I of Appendix I of this AD or by a 
factor of 13.6, whichever is higher. An external lift cycle is 
defined as a flight cycle in which an external load is picked up, 
the helicopter is repositioned (through flight or hover), and the 
helicopter hovers and releases the load and departs or lands and 
departs.
    (iv) At the end of each day's operations, record the number of 
lift cycles performed and the hours TIS.
    (2) Within 250 hours TIS, determine whether the MRS is a 
repetitive external lift (REL) or non-REL MRS.
    (i) Calculate the first moving average of lift cycles by 
following the instructions in Section I of Appendix I of this AD.
    (A) If the calculation results in 6 or more lift cycles per hour 
TIS, the MRS is an REL-MRS.
    (B) If the calculation results in less than 6 lift cycles per 
hour TIS, the MRS is a Non-REL MRS.
    (ii) If the MRS is a Non-REL MRS based on the calculation 
performed in accordance with paragraph (f)(2)(i), thereafter at 
intervals of 50 hour TIS, recalculate the average lift cycles per 
hour TIS by following the instructions in Section II of Appendix 1 
of this AD.
    (iii) Once an MRS is determined to be an REL MRS, you no longer 
need to perform the 250-hour TIS moving average calculation, but you 
must continue to count and record the lift cycles and number of 
hours TIS.
    (iv) If an MRS is determined to be an REL MRS, it remains an REL 
MRS for the rest of its service life and is subject to the 
retirement times for an REL MRS.
    (3) Within 1,100 hours TIS:
    (i) Conduct a Non-Destructive Inspection for a crack on each 
MRS. If there is a crack in an MRS, before further flight, replace 
it with an airworthy MRS.
    (ii) If an MRS is determined to be an REL MRS, identify it as an 
REL MRS by etching ``REL'' on the outside diameter of the MRS near 
the part S/N by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
3.C., of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 61B35-69, dated April 
19, 2004.
    (4) Replace each MRS with an airworthy MRS on or before reaching 
the revised retirement life as follows:
    (i) For an REL MRS that is not modified by following Sikorsky 
Customer Service Notice (CSN) 6135-10, dated March 18, 1987, and ASB 
No. 61B35-53, dated December 2, 1981 (unmodified REL MRS), the 
retirement life is 30,000 lift cycles or 1,500 hours TIS, whichever 
occurs first.
    (ii) For an REL MRS that is modified by following Sikorsky CSN 
6135-10, dated March 18, 1987, and Sikorsky ASB No. 61B35-53 dated 
December 2, 1981, or CSN 6135-10A, Revision A, and ASB 61B35-53A, 
Revision A, both dated April 19, 2004 (modified REL MRS), the 
retirement life is 30,000 lift cycles or 5,000 hours TIS, whichever 
occurs first.
    (iii) For a non-REL MRS, the retirement life is 13,000 hours 
TIS.
    (5) Establish or revise the retirement lives of the MRS as 
indicated in paragraphs (f)(4)(i) through (f)(4)(iii) of this AD by 
recording the new or revised retirement life on the MRS component 
history card or equivalent record.
    (6) Within 50 hours TIS, remove from service any MRS with 
oversized (0.8860'' or greater diameter) dowel pin bores.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to Jeffrey Lee, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803, telephone (781) 
238-7161, fax (781) 238-7170, email jeffrey.lee@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) Additional Information

    (1) Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation issued an All Operators Letter 
(AOL) CCS-61-AOL-04-0005, dated May 18, 2004, with an example and 
additional information about tracking cycles and the moving average 
procedure. This AOL is not incorporated by reference but contains 
additional information about the subject of this AD.
    (2) The Overhaul and Repair Instruction (ORI) Number 6135-281, 
Part B, Step 5, and ORI 6137-041, Section III, Oversize Dowel Pin 
Bore Repair and identified on the flange as TS-281 or TS-041-3, 
which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional 
information about the subject of this AD.
    (3) For more information about the AOL or the ORI, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical 
Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT, telephone 
(203) 383-4866, 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, 2601 Meacham 
Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

Appendix I

Section I: The first moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS

    The first moving average calculation is performed on the MRS 
assembly when the external lift component history card record 
reflects that the MRS assembly has reached its first 250 hours TIS. 
To perform the calculation, divide the total number of lift cycles 
performed during the first 250 hours TIS by 250. The result will be 
the first moving average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS.

Section II: Subsequent moving average of lift cycles per hour TIS

    Subsequent moving average calculations are performed on the MRS 
assembly at intervals of 50 hour TIS after the first moving average 
calculation. Subtract the total number of lift cycles performed 
during the first 50-hour TIS interval used in the previous moving 
average calculation from the total number of lift cycles performed 
on the MRS assembly during the previous 300 hours TIS. Divide this 
result by 250. The result will be the next or subsequent moving 
average calculation of lift cycles per hour TIS.

Section III: Sample calculation for subsequent 50 hour TIS intervals

    Assume the total number of lift cycles for the first 50 hour TIS 
interval used in the previous moving average calculation = 450 lift 
cycles and the total number of lift cycles for the previous 300 
hours TIS = 2700 lift cycles. The subsequent moving average of lift 
cycles per hour TIS = (2700 - 450) divided by 250 = 9 lift cycles 
per hour TIS.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6320, Main Rotor 
Gearbox.


[[Page 60793]]


    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 19, 2014.
Lance T. Gant,
Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23585 Filed 10-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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