Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category Helicopters, 41221-41223 [2020-14787]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 132 / Thursday, July 9, 2020 / Proposed Rules
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model
AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated
in any category, with an engine mounting rod
part number (P/N) 3G7120V00132 with a
serial number (S/N) listed in Figures 2 or 3
of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. 139–593, Revision A, dated June
14, 2019 (ASB 139–593), installed.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
non-conforming engine mounting rod. This
condition could result in structural failure of
the engine mounting rod and subsequent loss
of control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
September 8, 2020.
(f) Credit for Previous Actions
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
(d) Compliance
You are responsible for performing each
action required by this AD within the
specified compliance time unless it has
already been accomplished prior to that time.
(e) Required Actions
(1) Before further flight, determine the total
hours time-in-service (TIS) of each engine
mounting rod.
(2) Before reaching 225 total hours TIS or
within 25 hours TIS, whichever occurs later,
with the battery and any other electrical
power supply disconnected, remove from
service the engine mounting rod as follows:
(i) For the Number 1 engine outboard
mounting rod, remove from service the
Number 1 engine outboard mounting rod and
install an airworthy Number 1 engine
outboard mounting rod as shown in Detail
‘‘B’’ of Figure 1 of ASB 139–593 and by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 of ASB 139–593,
except you are not required to discard the
Number 1 engine outboard mounting rod or
comply with the ‘‘Scrap Report’’ instruction
in paragraph 3.1 of ASB 139–593.
Note 1 to paragraph (e)(2)(i) through (iv)
of this AD: Figure 1 of ASB 139–593 shows
the engine outboard and inboard mounting
rod assemblies for the left-hand side only, the
right-hand side is symmetrical.
(ii) For the Number 1 engine inboard
mounting rod, remove from service the
Number 1 engine inboard mounting rod and
install an airworthy Number 1 engine
inboard mounting rod as shown in Detail ‘‘C’’
of Figure 1 of ASB 139–593 and by following
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs
3.3 and 3.4 of ASB 139–593, except you are
not required to discard the Number 1 engine
inboard mounting rod or comply with the
‘‘Scrap Report’’ instruction in paragraph 3.3
of ASB 139–593.
(iii) For the Number 2 engine outboard
mounting rod, remove from service the
Number 2 engine outboard mounting rod and
install an airworthy Number 2 engine
outboard mounting rod as shown in Detail
‘‘B’’ of Figure 1 of ASB 139–593 and by
following the Accomplishment instructions,
paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of ASB 139–593,
except you are not required to discard the
Number 2 engine outboard mounting rod or
comply with the ‘‘Scrap Report’’ instruction
in paragraph 4.1 of ASB 139–593.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:25 Jul 08, 2020
Jkt 250001
(iv) For the Number 2 engine inboard
mounting rod, remove from service the
Number 2 engine inboard mounting rod and
install an airworthy Number 2 engine
inboard mounting rod as shown in Detail ‘‘C’’
of Figure 1 of ASB 139–593 and by following
the Accomplishment instructions, paragraphs
4.3 and 4.4 of ASB 139–593, except you are
not required to discard the Number 2 engine
inboard mounting rod or comply with the
‘‘Scrap Report’’ instruction in paragraph 4.3
of ASB 139–593.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install on any helicopter an engine
mounting rod with a P/N and S/N listed in
paragraph (a) of this AD.
Actions accomplished before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with the
procedures specified in Leonardo Helicopters
Alert Service Bulletin No. 139–593, dated
June 11, 2019, are considered acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding actions
specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this
AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Rotorcraft Standards
Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this
AD. Send your proposal to: Kristi Bradley,
Aerospace Engineer, Safety Management
Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) For operations conducted under a 14
CFR part 119 operating certificate or under
14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
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) Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. 139–593, dated June 11, 2019,
which is not incorporated by reference,
contains additional information about the
subject of this AD. For service information
identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.a.
Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of
Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017
C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone
+39–0331–225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or
at https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/
home. You may view a copy of the service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth,
TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD No. 2019–0149, dated June 24,
2019. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the
AD Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 7120, Engine Mount Section.
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
41221
Issued on July 1, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–14607 Filed 7–8–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0625; Product
Identifier 2016–SW–007–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various
Restricted Category Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
various restricted category helicopters,
originally manufactured by Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky), Model
EH–60A, HH–60L, S–70, S–70A, S–70C,
S–70C(M), S–70C(M1), and UH–60A.
This proposed AD would require initial
and recurring inspections of the main
rotor (M/R) blade spindle cuff for a
crack. This proposed AD is prompted by
multiple reports of a cracked M/R blade
spindle cuff. The proposed actions are
intended to prevent an unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by August 24,
2020.
SUMMARY:
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–2020–
0625; or in person at Docket Operations
E:\FR\FM\09JYP1.SGM
09JYP1
41222
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 132 / Thursday, July 9, 2020 / Proposed Rules
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this proposed
AD, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in
this proposed rule, contact your local
Sikorsky Field Representative or
Sikorsky’s Service Engineering Group at
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611;
telephone 1–800–Winged–S; email wcs_
cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com.
Operators may also log on to the
Sikorsky 360 website at https://
www.sikorsky360.com. You may view
the referenced service information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
Kristopher Greer, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington,
Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781–
238–7799; email kristopher.greer@
faa.gov.
Confidential Business Information
(CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Kristopher Greer,
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO
Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803;
telephone 781–238–7799; email
kristopher.greer@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Comments Invited
The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD
for various restricted category
helicopters, originally manufactured by
Sikorsky, Model EH–60A, HH–60L, S–
70, S–70A, S–70C, S–70C(M), S–
70C(M1), and UH–60A, with an M/R
blade spindle cuff part number 70150–
09109–041 installed. This proposed AD
would require initial and recurring
inspections of the M/R blade spindle
cuff for a crack.
This proposed AD is prompted by
multiple reports of a cracked M/R blade
spindle cuff. In 2008, Sikorsky reported
an M/R blade spindle cuff on a Model
UH–60A helicopter that cracked across
the lower inboard bolt holes.
Investigation determined the crack was
caused by a non-conforming hole edge
break, specifically a burr, introduced
during an overhaul at a non-Sikorsky
overhaul facility. Sikorsky issued
Sikorsky Safety Advisory No. SSA–S70–
08–002, dated December 11, 2008 (SSA–
S70–08–002), for Black Hawk Model H–
60- and S–70-series helicopters to
inform operators of the incident and
recommend compliance with Sikorsky’s
preventative maintenance inspections.
The safety advisory also recommended
that operators with M/R blades
overhauled by a non-Sikorsky repair
facility contact that facility to verify
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
Confidential Business Information
The FAA invites you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. 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.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will file in the docket all
comments received, as well as a report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerning
this proposed rulemaking. Before acting
on this proposal, the FAA will consider
all comments received on or before the
closing date for comments. The FAA
will consider comments filed after the
comment period has closed if it is
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. The FAA may change
this proposal in light of the comments
received.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:25 Jul 08, 2020
Jkt 250001
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
whether the hole edge radius
requirement was met during the
overhaul.
In 2015, the FAA received an
additional report of an M/R blade
spindle cuff on a military model
helicopter that cracked. Investigation
from this reporting has revealed no
anomalies at the crack initiation site. In
each instance, a crack initiated at a bolt
hole and spread to either an adjacent
bolt hole or to the free edge. Due to
design similarity, Model EH–60A, HH–
60L, S–70, S–70A, S–70C, S–70C(M), S–
70C(M1), and UH–60A helicopters are
all affected by this unsafe condition.
The proposed actions are intended to
detect a crack, prevent failure of an
M/R blade spindle cuff, loss of an M/R
blade, and loss of control of the
helicopter.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD after
evaluating all known relevant
information and determining that an
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed SSA–S70–08–002.
This service information recommends,
for helicopters with M/R blades
overhauled by non-Sikorsky M/R blade
repair facilities, contacting the facilities
to verify whether the hole edge radius
requirement was met during cuff
replacement. The safety advisory also
recommends operators conduct 10 hour/
14 day visual inspections and follow the
inspection procedures regarding sudden
onset of low frequency vibration or an
out of track condition.
The FAA also reviewed Sikorsky
Technical Manual Preventative
Maintenance Services 10 Hour/14 Day
(30 Hour/42 Day) Inspection Checklist
TM 1–70–PMS–1, dated December 1,
2014, for Sikorsky Model S–70
helicopters. This service information
contains procedures for the 10 hour/14
day and 30 hour/42 day inspections.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require,
using 10X or higher power
magnification, visually inspecting each
M/R blade spindle cuff for a crack, and
replacing the M/R blade spindle cuff if
there is a crack.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 204 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates that
operators may incur the following costs
in order to comply with this AD. Labor
E:\FR\FM\09JYP1.SGM
09JYP1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 132 / Thursday, July 9, 2020 / Proposed Rules
costs are estimated at $85 per workhour.
Inspecting the M/R blade spindle
cuffs would take about 1 work-hour for
an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter
and $17,340 for the U.S. fleet. Replacing
an M/R blade spindle cuff would take
about 175 work-hours and required
parts would cost about $10,000 for a
total estimated replacement cost of
$24,875 per M/R blade spindle cuff.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska, and
3. 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.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
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,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:25 Jul 08, 2020
Jkt 250001
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):
■
Various Restricted Category Helicopters:
Docket No. FAA–2020–0625; Product
Identifier 2016–SW–007–AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to various restricted
category helicopters originally manufactured
by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Model EH–
60A, HH–60L, S–70, S–70A, S–70C, S–
70C(M), S–70C(M1), and UH–60A helicopters
with a main rotor (M/R) blade spindle cuff
part number 70150–09109–041 installed;
type certificate holders include but are not
limited to ACE Aeronautics, LLC; BHI H60
Helicopters, LLC; Billings Flying Service Inc.;
Carson Helicopters; Delta Enterprise; High
Performance Helicopters Corp.; Northwest
Rotorcraft LLC; Pickering Aviation, Inc.; PJ
Helicopters Inc.; Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation; SixtyHawk TC, LLC; Skydance
Blackhawk Operations, LLC; Timberline
Helicopters, Inc.; and Unical Aviation, Inc.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a
crack in an M/R blade spindle cuff. This
condition could result in failure of an M/R
blade spindle cuff, loss of an M/R blade, and
loss of control of the helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
August 24, 2020.
(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
Before further flight, unless already done
within the last 10 hours time-in-service (TIS),
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10
hours TIS from the last inspection:
(1) Using 10X or higher power
magnification, visually inspect each M/R
blade spindle cuff for a crack. Pay particular
attention to the area around each bolt hole
and the upper and lower surfaces of the
leading and trailing edges of each M/R blade
spindle cuff.
(2) If there is a crack, replace the M/R blade
spindle cuff before further flight.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch,
FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send
your proposal to: Kristopher Greer,
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch,
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
41223
Compliance and Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 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, the FAA suggests
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.
(g) Additional Information
Sikorsky Safety Advisory No. SSA–S70–
08–002, dated December 11, 2008, and
Sikorsky Technical Manual Preventative
Maintenance Services 10 Hour/14 Day (30
Hour/42 Day) Inspection Checklist 1–70–
PMS–1, dated December 1, 2014, which are
not incorporated by reference, contain
additional information about the subject of
this AD. For service information identified in
this AD, contact your local Sikorsky Field
Representative or Sikorsky’s Service
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT
06611; telephone 1–800–Winged–S; email
wcs_cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com.
Operators may also log on to the Sikorsky
360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com.
You may view a copy of information at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 6220, Main Rotor Head—Main Rotor
Spindle Cuff.
Issued on July 2, 2020.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–14787 Filed 7–8–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 665
[Docket No. 200702–0175]
RTID 0648–XP010
Pacific Island Pelagic Fisheries; 2020
U.S. Territorial Longline Bigeye Tuna
Catch Limits
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed specifications; request
for comments.
AGENCY:
NMFS proposes a 2020 limit
of 2,000 metric tons (t) of longline-
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\09JYP1.SGM
09JYP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 132 (Thursday, July 9, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41221-41223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-14787]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0625; Product Identifier 2016-SW-007-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various Restricted Category Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for various restricted category helicopters, originally manufactured by
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky), Model EH-60A, HH-60L, S-70,
S-70A, S-70C, S-70C(M), S-70C(M1), and UH-60A. This proposed AD would
require initial and recurring inspections of the main rotor (M/R) blade
spindle cuff for a crack. This proposed AD is prompted by multiple
reports of a cracked M/R blade spindle cuff. The proposed actions are
intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 24,
2020.
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-2020-
0625; or in person at Docket Operations
[[Page 41222]]
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact
your local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road,
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S; email
[email protected]. Operators may also log on to the
Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You may view 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: Kristopher Greer, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781-238-
7799; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. 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.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the
closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light
of the comments received.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552),
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing
CBI should be sent to Kristopher Greer, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO
Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781-238-7799; email
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA proposes to adopt a new AD for various restricted category
helicopters, originally manufactured by Sikorsky, Model EH-60A, HH-60L,
S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C(M), S-70C(M1), and UH-60A, with an M/R blade
spindle cuff part number 70150-09109-041 installed. This proposed AD
would require initial and recurring inspections of the M/R blade
spindle cuff for a crack.
This proposed AD is prompted by multiple reports of a cracked M/R
blade spindle cuff. In 2008, Sikorsky reported an M/R blade spindle
cuff on a Model UH-60A helicopter that cracked across the lower inboard
bolt holes. Investigation determined the crack was caused by a non-
conforming hole edge break, specifically a burr, introduced during an
overhaul at a non-Sikorsky overhaul facility. Sikorsky issued Sikorsky
Safety Advisory No. SSA-S70-08-002, dated December 11, 2008 (SSA-S70-
08-002), for Black Hawk Model H-60- and S-70-series helicopters to
inform operators of the incident and recommend compliance with
Sikorsky's preventative maintenance inspections. The safety advisory
also recommended that operators with M/R blades overhauled by a non-
Sikorsky repair facility contact that facility to verify whether the
hole edge radius requirement was met during the overhaul.
In 2015, the FAA received an additional report of an M/R blade
spindle cuff on a military model helicopter that cracked. Investigation
from this reporting has revealed no anomalies at the crack initiation
site. In each instance, a crack initiated at a bolt hole and spread to
either an adjacent bolt hole or to the free edge. Due to design
similarity, Model EH-60A, HH-60L, S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C(M), S-
70C(M1), and UH-60A helicopters are all affected by this unsafe
condition. The proposed actions are intended to detect a crack, prevent
failure of an M/R blade spindle cuff, loss of an M/R blade, and loss of
control of the helicopter.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all known relevant
information and determining that an unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type
designs.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed SSA-S70-08-002. This service information
recommends, for helicopters with M/R blades overhauled by non-Sikorsky
M/R blade repair facilities, contacting the facilities to verify
whether the hole edge radius requirement was met during cuff
replacement. The safety advisory also recommends operators conduct 10
hour/14 day visual inspections and follow the inspection procedures
regarding sudden onset of low frequency vibration or an out of track
condition.
The FAA also reviewed Sikorsky Technical Manual Preventative
Maintenance Services 10 Hour/14 Day (30 Hour/42 Day) Inspection
Checklist TM 1-70-PMS-1, dated December 1, 2014, for Sikorsky Model S-
70 helicopters. This service information contains procedures for the 10
hour/14 day and 30 hour/42 day inspections.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require, using 10X or higher power
magnification, visually inspecting each M/R blade spindle cuff for a
crack, and replacing the M/R blade spindle cuff if there is a crack.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 204 helicopters of
U.S. Registry. The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following
costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor
[[Page 41223]]
costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.
Inspecting the M/R blade spindle cuffs would take about 1 work-hour
for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $17,340 for the U.S.
fleet. Replacing an M/R blade spindle cuff would take about 175 work-
hours and required parts would cost about $10,000 for a total estimated
replacement cost of $24,875 per M/R blade spindle cuff.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
3. 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.
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):
Various Restricted Category Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2020-0625;
Product Identifier 2016-SW-007-AD.
(a) Applicability
This AD applies to various restricted category helicopters
originally manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Model EH-
60A, HH-60L, S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C(M), S-70C(M1), and UH-60A
helicopters with a main rotor (M/R) blade spindle cuff part number
70150-09109-041 installed; type certificate holders include but are
not limited to ACE Aeronautics, LLC; BHI H60 Helicopters, LLC;
Billings Flying Service Inc.; Carson Helicopters; Delta Enterprise;
High Performance Helicopters Corp.; Northwest Rotorcraft LLC;
Pickering Aviation, Inc.; PJ Helicopters Inc.; Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation; SixtyHawk TC, LLC; Skydance Blackhawk Operations, LLC;
Timberline Helicopters, Inc.; and Unical Aviation, Inc.
(b) Unsafe Condition
This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in an M/R blade
spindle cuff. This condition could result in failure of an M/R blade
spindle cuff, loss of an M/R blade, and loss of control of the
helicopter.
(c) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by August 24, 2020.
(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
Before further flight, unless already done within the last 10
hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 10 hours TIS from the last inspection:
(1) Using 10X or higher power magnification, visually inspect
each M/R blade spindle cuff for a crack. Pay particular attention to
the area around each bolt hole and the upper and lower surfaces of
the leading and trailing edges of each M/R blade spindle cuff.
(2) If there is a crack, replace the M/R blade spindle cuff
before further flight.
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for
this AD. Send your proposal to: Kristopher Greer, Aerospace
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803;
telephone 781-238-7799; email [email protected].
(2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests
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.
(g) Additional Information
Sikorsky Safety Advisory No. SSA-S70-08-002, dated December 11,
2008, and Sikorsky Technical Manual Preventative Maintenance
Services 10 Hour/14 Day (30 Hour/42 Day) Inspection Checklist 1-70-
PMS-1, dated December 1, 2014, which are not incorporated by
reference, contain additional information about the subject of this
AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact your
local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road,
Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1-800-Winged-S; email
[email protected]. Operators may also log on to
the Sikorsky 360 website at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You may
view a copy of information at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort
Worth, TX 76177.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220, Main Rotor
Head--Main Rotor Spindle Cuff.
Issued on July 2, 2020.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-14787 Filed 7-8-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
