Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters, 71591-71593 [2016-24738]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations (c) Applicability (1) This AD applies to the Boeing Company Model 767–200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0260, dated August 26, 2014. (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01920SE (https:// rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_ Library/rgstc.nsf/0/ 59027F43B9A7486E86257B1D006591EE? OpenDocument&Highlight=st01920se) does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01920SE is installed, a ‘‘change in product’’ alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder indicating that the skin lap splice is subject to widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of this skin lap splice, which could grow and result in possible rapid decompression and reduced structural integrity of the airplane. Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection and Corrective Actions At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0260, dated August 26, 2014, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection and a surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection at section 41, stringer S–2R skin lap splice from body station (STA) 368 to STA 434, for any cracking, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0260, dated August 26, 2014. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0260, dated August 26, 2014. If any existing external repair is found in the inspection area, then the inspections in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0260, dated August 26, 2014, are not required in the area hidden by the repair, provided that the repair was previously approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), or by the Authorized Representative of the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), or installed as specified in Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0260, dated August 26, 2014. Inspections in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0260, dated August VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:31 Oct 17, 2016 Jkt 241001 71591 26, 2014, remain applicable in areas not hidden by the repair. still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (h) Post-Repair Inspections (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6447; fax: 425– 917–6590; email: wayne.lockett@faa.gov. Repairs identified in Part 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–53A0260, dated August 26, 2014, specify post-repair airworthiness limitation inspections for compliance with 14 CFR 25.57l(a)(3) at the repaired locations, which support compliance with 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2). As airworthiness limitations, these inspections are required by maintenance and operational rules. It is therefore unnecessary to mandate them in this AD. Deviations from these inspections require FAA approval, but do not require an AMOC. (i) Exception to the Service Information Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767– 53A0260, dated August 26, 2014, specifies a compliance time ‘‘after the original issue date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (k) 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 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. (4) Except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767– 53A0260, dated August 26, 2014. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone: 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax: 206–766– 5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. (4) You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 16, 2016. Suzanne Masterson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–23076 Filed 10–17–16; 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; Amendment 39–18683; AD 2016–21–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM 18OCR1 71592 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Model S–92A helicopters. This AD requires altering the fire bottle inertia switch wiring and performing a cartridge functional test of the fire extinguishing system. This AD was 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 actions are intended to prevent unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharges and subsequent unavailability of fire suppression in case of a fire. This AD is effective November 22, 2016. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of November 22, 2016. DATES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800– Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email wcs_ cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You may review a copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 6640. 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 AD, any incorporated-byreference service information, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. 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. Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:31 Oct 17, 2016 Jkt 241001 Discussion On May 13, 2016, at 81 FR 29817, the Federal Register published our notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to 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. The NPRM proposed to require altering the fire bottle inertia switch wiring to disable the automatic feature of the fire extinguishing system and performing a cartridge functional test. The proposed requirements were intended to prevent an unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent unavailability of fire suppression in the event of a fire. Since the NPRM was issued, the email address for Sikorsky has changed. We have revised this email address throughout this final rule. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD, but we did not receive any comments on the NPRM. FAA’s Determination We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed. 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 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 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 procedures as ASB 92–26–005A. However, ASB 92–26–005A contains an additional figure. Differences Between This AD and the Service Information This AD has a compliance date within 90 days, and the service information has a calendar date, which has already passed. This 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 AD will affect 80 helicopters of U.S. Registry. We estimate that operators may incur the following costs to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Altering the fire bottle switch and performing a cartridge functional test will take about 2 workhours. No parts are 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 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM 18OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ 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): ■ 2016–21–02 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39–18683; Docket No. FAA–2016–6640; Directorate Identifier 2015–SW–084–AD. (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. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective November 22, 2016. Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES (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. 12:31 Oct 17, 2016 Jkt 241001 (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (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 final rule. For service information identified in this final rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800–Winged–S or 203– 416–4299; email wcs_cust_service_eng.grsik@lmco.com. You may review a copy of this service 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. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model S–92A helicopters, serial number 920006 through 920250, certificated in any category. VerDate Sep<11>2014 (f) Credit for Actions Previously Completed Compliance with Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 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. (j) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92–26– 005A, Revision A, dated June 27, 2014. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Sikorsky service information identified in this final rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800–Winged–S or 203– 416–4299; email wcs_cust_service_eng.grsik@lmco.com. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 71593 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 3, 2016. Lance T. Gant, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–24738 Filed 10–17–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–6418; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–158–AD; Amendment 39–18676; AD 2016–20–10] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330–200 Freighter, –200, and –300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fuel leaking through fuel pump electrical connectors and of fuel pump electrical connector damage caused by the build-up of moisture behind the electrical connectors. This AD requires an inspection of the fuel pumps to identify their part numbers and replacement of affected pumps. We are issuing this AD to prevent a potential ignition source and a fuel leak through damaged fuel pump electrical connectors, which creates a flammability risk in an area adjacent to the fuel tank. DATES: This AD is effective November 22, 2016. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 22, 2016. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office— EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@ airbus.com; Internet https:// www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM 18OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 201 (Tuesday, October 18, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71591-71593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-24738]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6640; Directorate Identifier 2015-SW-084-AD; 
Amendment 39-18683; AD 2016-21-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky)

[[Page 71592]]

Model S-92A helicopters. This AD requires altering the fire bottle 
inertia switch wiring and performing a cartridge functional test of the 
fire extinguishing system. This AD was 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 actions are intended to prevent 
unintentional and undetected fire bottle discharges and subsequent 
unavailability of fire suppression in case of a fire.

DATES: This AD is effective November 22, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain document listed in this AD as of November 22, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 
124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-
416-4299; email wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You may review a 
copy of the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, 
Fort Worth, TX 76177. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6640.

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 AD, any incorporated-by-reference service information, 
the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for the Docket Operations Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations Office, 
M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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:

Discussion

    On May 13, 2016, at 81 FR 29817, the Federal Register published our 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to 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.
    The NPRM proposed to require altering the fire bottle inertia 
switch wiring to disable the automatic feature of the fire 
extinguishing system and performing a cartridge functional test. The 
proposed requirements were intended to prevent an unintentional and 
undetected fire bottle discharge and subsequent unavailability of fire 
suppression in the event of a fire.
    Since the NPRM was issued, the email address for Sikorsky has 
changed. We have revised this email address throughout this final rule.

Comments

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

FAA's Determination

    We have reviewed the relevant information and determined that an 
unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design and that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

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.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    This AD has a compliance date within 90 days, and the service 
information has a calendar date, which has already passed. This 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 AD will affect 80 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry.
    We estimate that operators may incur the following costs to comply 
with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Altering 
the fire bottle switch and performing a cartridge functional test will 
take about 2 work-hours. No parts are 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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;

[[Page 71593]]

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

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

2016-21-02 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-18683; 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.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective November 22, 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 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 (AMOCs)

    (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 final rule. For 
service information identified in this final rule, contact Sikorsky 
Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, 
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email 
wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You may review a copy of this 
service 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.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 92-26-005A, Revision A, 
dated June 27, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Sikorsky service information identified in this final 
rule, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service 
Engineering, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-
Winged-S or 203-416-4299; email wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 3, 2016.
Lance T. Gant,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-24738 Filed 10-17-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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