Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters, 29817-29819 [2016-11196]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2016 / Proposed Rules inspection thereafter at the applicable intervals specified Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1315, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2015. (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2012–16–07 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD. (k) Skin Panel Replacement At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD: Replace the applicable skin panels, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53– 1315, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2015. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Doing the skin panel replacement required by this paragraph terminates the inspection requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD for that skin panel only, provided the skin panel replacement was done with a production skin panel after 53,000 total flight cycles. (1) Before 60,000 total flight cycles, but not at or before 53,000 total flight cycles. (2) Within 6,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, but not at or before 53,000 total flight cycles. (n) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Wade Sullivan, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6430; fax: 425–917–6590; email: wade.sullivan@faa.gov. (2) For 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. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (l) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the zone 1 actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, as described in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1315, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2015, if the zone 1, 2, and 3 actions, as described in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1315, dated July 29, 2011, were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53– 1315, dated July 29, 2011, except as required by paragraph (h)(4) of this AD. Boeing Special Attention Bulletin 737–53–1315, dated July 29, 2011, was incorporated by reference in AD 2012–16–07. (m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:43 May 12, 2016 Jkt 238001 Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 5, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–11173 Filed 5–12–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–6640; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–084–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S–92A helicopters. This proposed AD would require altering the fire bottle inertia switch wiring and performing a cartridge functional test of the fire extinguishing system. This proposed AD is prompted by the inadvertent tripping of inertia-switches that has led to unintentional discharging of the fire bottles, leaving the helicopter’s auxiliary power unit and engines without fire protection. The proposed actions are intended to prevent unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharges and subsequent unavailability of fire suppression in case of a fire. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 12, 2016. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 29817 You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 6640; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kris Greer, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238–7799; email kristopher.greer@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 E:\FR\FM\13MYP1.SGM 13MYP1 29818 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2016 / Proposed Rules supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion We propose to adopt a new AD for certain serial-numbered Sikorsky Model S–92A helicopters. Sikorsky has informed us that the inadvertent tripping of inertia switches has caused several engine and auxiliary power unit fire bottle discharges during taxi, flight, and landing operations. Because these discharges are undetected, the fire bottles remain unavailable in the event of a fire. This proposed AD would require altering the fire bottle inertia switch wiring to disable the automatic feature of the fire extinguishing system. This proposed AD would also require performing a cartridge functional test. The proposed actions are intended to prevent an unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent unavailability of fire suppression in the event of a fire. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92–26–005A, Revision A, dated June 27, 2014 (ASB 92–26–005A). ASB 92–26–005A specifies performing a onetime alteration of the fire bottle inertia switch wiring to disable the automatic actuation feature of the fire extinguishing system. ASB 92–26–005A includes figures that depict the wiring and electrical connector pin changes. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:43 May 12, 2016 Jkt 238001 course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Other Related Service Information We also reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92–26–005, Basic Issue, dated June 18, 2014 (ASB 92–26–005). ASB 92–26–005 contains the same procedures as ASB 92–26–005A. However, ASB 92–26–005A contains an additional figure. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require, within 90 days, altering the fire bottle inertia switch wiring to disable the automatic discharge of fire bottles and performing a post-alteration cartridge functional test. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information This proposed AD has a compliance date within 90 days, and the service information has a calendar date, which has already passed. This proposed AD does not require performing a cartridge functional test prior to alteration. The service information does specify performing a cartridge functional test prior to alteration. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 80 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Altering the fire bottle switch and performing a cartridge functional test would take about 2 workhours. No parts would be needed for an estimated cost of $170 per helicopter and $13,600 for the U.S. fleet. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. PO 00000 Frm 00020 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by Reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. FAA–2016–6640; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–084–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model S–92A helicopters, serial number 920006 through 920250, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as inadvertent tripping of a fire bottle inertiaswitch. This condition results in an unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent unavailability of fire suppression in the event of a fire. E:\FR\FM\13MYP1.SGM 13MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2016 / Proposed Rules (c) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by July 12, 2016. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Within 90 days: (1) Alter each fire bottle inertia switch by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92–26–005A, Revision A, dated June 27, 2014. (2) Perform a cartridge functional test. (f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed Compliance with Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92–26–005, Basic Issue, dated June 18, 2014, before the effective date of this AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the actions specified in paragraph (e) of this AD. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kris Greer, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate,1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238–7799; email kristopher.greer@ faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (h) Additional Information Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92–26–005, Basic Issue, dated June 18, 2014, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this proposed rule. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (i) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2621 Fire Bottle, Fixed. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 5, 2016. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–11196 Filed 5–12–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:43 May 12, 2016 Jkt 238001 Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket Number USCG–2016–0287] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zone; Allegheny River Mile 12.0 to 12.5, Oakmont, Pennsylvania Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary safety zone for all navigable waters of the Allegheny River mile 12.0 to mile 12.5. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created from a land based firework display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Pittsburgh or a designated representative. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before June 13, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2016–0287 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. SUMMARY: If you have questions about this proposed rulemaking, call or email MST1 Jennifer Haggins, Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 412–221– 0807, email Jennifer.L.Haggins@ uscg.mil. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Table of Abbreviations CFR Code of Federal Regulations DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking § Section U.S.C. United States Code II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis On March 10, 2016, the Oakmont Yacht Club notified the Coast Guard that it will be conducting a fireworks display from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on July 16, 2016. The fireworks will be launched from land in the vicinity of Allegheny River mile 12.0–12.5. Hazards from firework displays include accidental PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 29819 discharge of fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris. The purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the safety of vessels and the navigable waters before, during, and after the scheduled event. The Coast Guard proposes this rulemaking under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. III. Discussion of Proposed Rule The COTP proposes to establish a safety zone from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 16, 2016. The safety zone would cover all navigable waters of the Allegheny River mile 12.0 to mile 12.5. The duration of the zone is intended to ensure the safety of vessels and these navigable waters before, during, and after the scheduled fireworks display. No vessel or person would be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative. The regulatory text we are proposing appears at the end of this document. IV. Regulatory Analyses We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders and we discuss First Amendment rights of protestors. A. Regulatory Planning and Review Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This NPRM has not been designated a ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’ under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. This regulatory action determination is based on the size, location, duration, and time-of-day of the safety zone. The safety zone will close a small section of the Allegheny River for only 2 hours. Moreover, the Coast Guard would issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF–FM marine channel 16 about the zone, and the rule would allow vessels to seek permission to enter the zone. B. Impact on Small Entities The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, as amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of regulations on E:\FR\FM\13MYP1.SGM 13MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 93 (Friday, May 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29817-29819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11196]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6640; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-084-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This 
proposed AD would require altering the fire bottle inertia switch 
wiring and performing a cartridge functional test of the fire 
extinguishing system. This proposed AD is prompted by the inadvertent 
tripping of inertia-switches that has led to unintentional discharging 
of the fire bottles, leaving the helicopter's auxiliary power unit and 
engines without fire protection. The proposed actions are intended to 
prevent unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharges and 
subsequent unavailability of fire suppression in case of a fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 12, 2016.

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

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6640; or in person at the Docket Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the economic evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
    For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry 
Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; 
email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kris Greer, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 
238-7799; email kristopher.greer@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

[[Page 29818]]

supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate 
comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or 
if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one 
time.
    We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as 
a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we 
will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for 
comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has 
closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. 
We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive.

Discussion

    We propose to adopt a new AD for certain serial-numbered Sikorsky 
Model S-92A helicopters. Sikorsky has informed us that the inadvertent 
tripping of inertia switches has caused several engine and auxiliary 
power unit fire bottle discharges during taxi, flight, and landing 
operations. Because these discharges are undetected, the fire bottles 
remain unavailable in the event of a fire.
    This proposed AD would require altering the fire bottle inertia 
switch wiring to disable the automatic feature of the fire 
extinguishing system. This proposed AD would also require performing a 
cartridge functional test. The proposed actions are intended to prevent 
an unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent 
unavailability of fire suppression in the event of a fire.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant 
information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92-26-005A, Revision A, 
dated June 27, 2014 (ASB 92-26-005A). ASB 92-26-005A specifies 
performing a one-time alteration of the fire bottle inertia switch 
wiring to disable the automatic actuation feature of the fire 
extinguishing system. ASB 92-26-005A includes figures that depict the 
wiring and electrical connector pin changes.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    We also reviewed Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92-26-005, Basic 
Issue, dated June 18, 2014 (ASB 92-26-005). ASB 92-26-005 contains the 
same procedures as ASB 92-26-005A. However, ASB 92-26-005A contains an 
additional figure.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require, within 90 days, altering the fire 
bottle inertia switch wiring to disable the automatic discharge of fire 
bottles and performing a post-alteration cartridge functional test.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This proposed AD has a compliance date within 90 days, and the 
service information has a calendar date, which has already passed. This 
proposed AD does not require performing a cartridge functional test 
prior to alteration. The service information does specify performing a 
cartridge functional test prior to alteration.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 80 helicopters of 
U.S. Registry. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Altering 
the fire bottle switch and performing a cartridge functional test would 
take about 2 work-hours. No parts would be needed for an estimated cost 
of $170 per helicopter and $13,600 for the U.S. fleet.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2016-6640; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-SW-084-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Model S-92A helicopters, serial number 920006 
through 920250, certificated in any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as inadvertent tripping of 
a fire bottle inertia-switch. This condition results in an 
unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent 
unavailability of fire suppression in the event of a fire.

[[Page 29819]]

(c) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 12, 2016.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    Within 90 days:
    (1) Alter each fire bottle inertia switch by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Sikorsky Alert 
Service Bulletin 92-26-005A, Revision A, dated June 27, 2014.
    (2) Perform a cartridge functional test.

(f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed

    Compliance with Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-26-005, 
Basic Issue, dated June 18, 2014, before the effective date of this 
AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the actions 
specified in paragraph (e) of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)

    (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Kris Greer, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate,1200 District Avenue, Burlington, 
Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7799; email 
kristopher.greer@faa.gov.
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(h) Additional Information

    Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92-26-005, Basic Issue, dated 
June 18, 2014, which is not incorporated by reference, contains 
additional information about the subject of this proposed rule. For 
service information identified in this proposed rule, contact 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-
416-4299; email sikorskywcs@sikorsky.com. You may review a copy of 
information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest 
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

 (i) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2621 Fire Bottle, 
Fixed.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 5, 2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11196 Filed 5-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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