Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters, 13631-13633 [2021-04940]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 45 / Wednesday, March 10, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
generally offers interested parties the
opportunity to comment on proposed
regulations and publish rules not less
than 30 days before their effective dates.
However, the APA provides that an
agency is not required to conduct
notice-and-comment rulemaking or
delay effective dates when the agency,
for good cause, finds that the
requirement is impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest (5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and (d)(3)).
There is good cause to waive both of
these requirements here as they are
impracticable and unnecessary. A delay
in the effective dates of the final rule,
‘‘Operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft
Systems Over People’’, is essential for
the President’s appointees and
designees to have adequate time to
review the rule before it takes effect, and
neither the notice and comment process
nor the delayed effective date could be
implemented in time to allow for this
review, thereby making notice and
comment impracticable. In addition,
notice and comment on this delay is
unnecessary because the delay is short,
the effective dates remain aligned with
the ‘‘Remote Identification of
Unmanned Aircraft’’ final rule, and
there is no change to the policy
effectuated by the ‘‘Operation of Small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems over
People’’ final rule. This delay is
insignificant in its nature and impact,
and inconsequential to the regulated
community and to the public.
Corrections
In FR Doc. 2020–28947 (86 FR 4314)
published on January 15, 2021, the
following corrections are made:
§ 107.29
[Corrected]
1. As of April 21, 2021, on page 4382,
in the second column, in § 107.29, in
paragraph (a)(1), the date ‘‘March 1,
2021’’ is corrected to read ‘‘April 6,
2021’’, and in paragraph (d), the date
‘‘March 16, 2021’’ is corrected to read
‘‘April 21, 2021’’ everywhere it appears.
■
§ 107.65
[Corrected]
2. As of April 6, 2021, on page 4383,
in the first column, in § 107.65, in
paragraph (d), the date ‘‘March 1, 2021’’
is corrected to read ‘‘April 6, 2021’’.
■
§ 107.140
[Corrected]
3. As of April 21, 2021, on page 4385,
in the second column, in § 107.140, in
paragraph (d), remove ‘‘(b)(4)’’ and add
in its place ‘‘(b)(3)’’.
■
Issued in Washington, DC, under the
authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40101
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:13 Mar 09, 2021
Jkt 253001
13631
note and 44807, dated on or about March 4,
2021.
Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg,
Secretary, Department of Transportation.
Steve Dickson,
Administrator, Federal Aviation
Administration.
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 817–222–5110. It is also available at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0791.
[FR Doc. 2021–04881 Filed 3–8–21; 8:45 am]
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0791; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
final rule, any comments received, and
other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7693; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: dorie.resnik@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0791; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00676–R; Amendment
39–21438; AD 2021–04–16]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky)
Model S–92A helicopters. This AD was
prompted by the manufacturer
discovering nonconforming threads,
resulting in a life limit reduction on
multiple landing gear components
including threaded hinge pins and main
landing gear (MLG) and nose landing
gear (NLG) actuator pins. This AD
requires a one-time inspection of the
landing gear for components with nonconforming threads and removal of any
nonconforming threaded hinge pin and
MLG and NLG actuator pin. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 14,
2021.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of April 14, 2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation,
Commercial Systems and Services, 124
Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611,
United States; phone: 203–416–4000;
email: product_safety.gr-sik@lmco.com.
Operators may also log on to the
Sikorsky 360 website at website: https://
www.sikorsky360.com/portal/public/
index.html#!/welcome. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Examining the AD Docket
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Sikorsky Model S–92A
helicopters, with serial numbers (S/Ns)
920006 through 920334, inclusive. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 8, 2020 (85 FR
55388). The NPRM was prompted by the
manufacturer discovering nonconforming threads, resulting in a life
limit reduction on multiple landing gear
components including threaded hinge
pins and MLG and NLG actuator pins.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require a one-time inspection of the
landing gear and the removal from
service of certain serial-numbered
threaded hinge pins part number (P/N)
92250–12281–101 and certain serialnumbered MLG and NLG actuator pins
P/N 92250–12287–101 and 92250–
12287–103. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
Discussion of Final AD
Comments
The FAA received comments from
three commenters. The following
presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
Support for the NPRM
An individual commenter supported
the NPRM.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 45 / Wednesday, March 10, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
Comment Not Relevant to the NPRM
An individual commenter submitted
information that was not relevant to the
NPRM.
Request for the FAA To Change the Cost
of Compliance of the AD
Request: Sikorsky requested the FAA
revise the On-Condition Costs table.
Sikorsky stated the parts cost for P/N
92250–12281–101 should be revised to
$4,535.
FAA Response: The FAA agrees. The
FAA obtained the cost information
provided in the NPRM from Sikorsky’s
website at www.sikorsky360.com.
However, as Sikorsky has indicated that
the price of the part has increased, the
cost information in this final rule is
updated accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered any comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule with the changes described
previously. These changes are
consistent with the intent of the
proposals in the NPRM. The FAA also
determined that these changes will not
increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation Alert Service Bulletin 92–
32–008, Basic Issue, dated January 21,
2020 (the ASB). The ASB describes
procedures for a one-time inspection
and replacement of non-conforming
components on the MLG and NLG. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the
Service Information
This AD requires replacement of only
affected hinge pins and MLG and NLG
actuator pins. The ASB requires
replacement of additional parts, such as
the MLG and NLG crossbolt and the
MLG and NLG upper nut. The FAA has
determined that the MLG and NLG
crossbolt and the MLG and NLG upper
nut fail in a safe and contained manner
and therefore are not subject to this AD.
In addition, this AD requires the onetime inspection within 300 hours time
in service after the effective date of this
AD and any affected hinge pins and
MLG and NLG actuator pins be removed
from service before further flight. The
ASB requires that the inspection and
replacement of the affected hinge pins
and MLG and NLG actuator pins occur
no later than January 21, 2021.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 85 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Visually inspect landing gear (right
MLG assembly, left MLG assembly, and NLG kit).
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85
(per landing gear).
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the
Parts cost
Cost on U.S.
operators
Cost per product
$0
$255 (three landing gear installed
on each helicopter).
results of the proposed inspection. The
FAA has no way of determining the
$21,675
number of helicopters that might need
these replacements:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Labor cost
Replace threaded hinge pin, P/N 92250–12281–101 ..
Replace MLG/NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250–12287–
101.
Replace MLG/NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250–12287–
103.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...............................
1 work-hour × $85 = $85 ..............................................
$4,535
557
$4,620
642
1 work-hour × $85 = $85 ..............................................
609
694
According to the manufacturer, some
of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected individuals. The
FAA does not control warranty coverage
for affected individuals. As a result, the
FAA has included all costs in its cost
estimate.
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:13 Mar 09, 2021
Jkt 253001
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Action
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 45 / Wednesday, March 10, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
(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 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:
■
2021–04–16 Amendment 39–21438; Docket
No. FAA–2020–0791; Project Identifier
AD–2020–00676–R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective April 14, 2021.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S–92A
helicopters, certificated in any category, with
serial numbers (S/Ns) 920006 through
920334 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 3220, Nose/Tail Landing Gear; 3210,
Main Landing Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the
manufacturer determining that because of
non-conforming threads, due to a quality
escape, the life limit of the threaded hinge
pin and main landing gear (MLG) and nose
landing gear (NLG) actuator pins is reduced.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure
of components on the MLG and NLG. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in damage to the helicopter and
reduced ability to control the helicopter
during landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 300 hours time in service after the
effective date of this AD, visually inspect the
components of the right MLG assembly, left
16:13 Mar 09, 2021
Jkt 253001
(h) Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not
install any threaded hinge pin, P/N 92250–
12281–101, or actuator pin, P/N 92240–
12287–101 or 92240–12287–103, with an S/
N listed in Table 1 or 2 in Section 3, the
Accomplishment Instructions, in the ASB, on
any helicopter.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(b) Affected ADs
None.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
MLG assembly, and NLG kit for threaded
hinge pins, part number (P/N) 92250–12281–
101, and actuator pins, P/N 92240–12287–
101 and 92240–12287–103, with serial
numbers (S/Ns) identified in Table 1 or 2
(threaded hinge pins) or in Table 1 (actuator
pins), in Section 3, the Accomplishment
Instructions, in the Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 92–
32–008, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2020
(the ASB).
Note 1 to the introductory text of
paragraph (g): See Figures 1 and 2 in Section
3, the Accomplishment Instructions, in the
ASB for guidance on performing the visual
inspection.
(1) If there is any threaded hinge pin, P/
N 92250–12281–101, with an S/N listed in
Table 1 or 2 in the ASB, before further flight,
remove the threaded hinge pin from service.
(2) If there is any MLG or NLG actuator
pin, P/N 92250–12287–101 or P/N 92250–
12287–103, with an S/N listed in Table 1 in
the ASB, before further flight, remove the
actuator pin from service.
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch,
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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD.
(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.
For more information about this AD,
contact Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
238–7693; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
dorie.resnik@faa.gov. You may view the
related service information at the 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.
(k) 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.
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert
Service Bulletin 92–32–008, Basic Issue,
dated January 21, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Sikorsky service information
identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation, Commercial Systems
and Services, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT
06611; phone: 203–416–4000; email:
product_safety.gr-sik@lmco.com. Operators
may also log on to the Sikorsky 360 website
at: https://customerportal.sikorsky.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the 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,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on February 9, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–04940 Filed 3–9–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0847; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–087–AD; Amendment
39–21434; AD 2021–04–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
(j) Related Information
PO 00000
13633
Sfmt 4700
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters;
Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP
helicopters; and Model EC130 B4 and
EC130 T2 helicopters. This AD requires
a one-time inspection to verify the
presence and correct installation of the
main rotor mast (MRM) upper bearing
retaining rings, a repetitive inspection of
the sealant bead on the MRM for
damage, and corrective actions if
necessary. This AD was prompted by a
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\10MRR1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13631-13633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04940]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0791; Project Identifier AD-2020-00676-R;
Amendment 39-21438; AD 2021-04-16]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A
helicopters. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer discovering
nonconforming threads, resulting in a life limit reduction on multiple
landing gear components including threaded hinge pins and main landing
gear (MLG) and nose landing gear (NLG) actuator pins. This AD requires
a one-time inspection of the landing gear for components with non-
conforming threads and removal of any nonconforming threaded hinge pin
and MLG and NLG actuator pin. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 14, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 14,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Commercial Systems and Services,
124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611, United States; phone: 203-416-
4000; email: [email protected]. Operators may also log on
to the Sikorsky 360 website at website: https://www.sikorsky360.com/portal/public/#!/welcome. You may view this service
information at the 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. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0791.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0791; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Sikorsky Model
S-92A helicopters, with serial numbers (S/Ns) 920006 through 920334,
inclusive. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 8,
2020 (85 FR 55388). The NPRM was prompted by the manufacturer
discovering non-conforming threads, resulting in a life limit reduction
on multiple landing gear components including threaded hinge pins and
MLG and NLG actuator pins. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a
one-time inspection of the landing gear and the removal from service of
certain serial-numbered threaded hinge pins part number (P/N) 92250-
12281-101 and certain serial-numbered MLG and NLG actuator pins P/N
92250-12287-101 and 92250-12287-103. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final AD
Comments
The FAA received comments from three commenters. The following
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to
each comment.
Support for the NPRM
An individual commenter supported the NPRM.
[[Page 13632]]
Comment Not Relevant to the NPRM
An individual commenter submitted information that was not relevant
to the NPRM.
Request for the FAA To Change the Cost of Compliance of the AD
Request: Sikorsky requested the FAA revise the On-Condition Costs
table. Sikorsky stated the parts cost for P/N 92250-12281-101 should be
revised to $4,535.
FAA Response: The FAA agrees. The FAA obtained the cost information
provided in the NPRM from Sikorsky's website at www.sikorsky360.com.
However, as Sikorsky has indicated that the price of the part has
increased, the cost information in this final rule is updated
accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously.
These changes are consistent with the intent of the proposals in the
NPRM. The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service
Bulletin 92-32-008, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2020 (the ASB). The
ASB describes procedures for a one-time inspection and replacement of
non-conforming components on the MLG and NLG. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
This AD requires replacement of only affected hinge pins and MLG
and NLG actuator pins. The ASB requires replacement of additional
parts, such as the MLG and NLG crossbolt and the MLG and NLG upper nut.
The FAA has determined that the MLG and NLG crossbolt and the MLG and
NLG upper nut fail in a safe and contained manner and therefore are not
subject to this AD.
In addition, this AD requires the one-time inspection within 300
hours time in service after the effective date of this AD and any
affected hinge pins and MLG and NLG actuator pins be removed from
service before further flight. The ASB requires that the inspection and
replacement of the affected hinge pins and MLG and NLG actuator pins
occur no later than January 21, 2021.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 85 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visually inspect landing gear 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $255 (three landing $21,675
(right MLG assembly, left MLG hour = $85 (per gear installed on
assembly, and NLG kit). landing gear). each helicopter).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace threaded hinge pin, P/N 92250-12281- 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $4,535 $4,620
101.
Replace MLG/NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287- 1 work-hour x $85 = $85......... 557 642
101.
Replace MLG/NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287- 1 work-hour x $85 = $85......... 609 694
103.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all costs in its cost
estimate.
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
[[Page 13633]]
(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 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:
2021-04-16 Amendment 39-21438; Docket No. FAA-2020-0791; Project
Identifier AD-2020-00676-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 14, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky)
Model S-92A helicopters, certificated in any category, with serial
numbers (S/Ns) 920006 through 920334 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3220, Nose/Tail
Landing Gear; 3210, Main Landing Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer determining that
because of non-conforming threads, due to a quality escape, the life
limit of the threaded hinge pin and main landing gear (MLG) and nose
landing gear (NLG) actuator pins is reduced. The FAA is issuing this
AD to prevent failure of components on the MLG and NLG. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in damage to the
helicopter and reduced ability to control the helicopter during
landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 300 hours time in service after the effective date of
this AD, visually inspect the components of the right MLG assembly,
left MLG assembly, and NLG kit for threaded hinge pins, part number
(P/N) 92250-12281-101, and actuator pins, P/N 92240-12287-101 and
92240-12287-103, with serial numbers (S/Ns) identified in Table 1 or
2 (threaded hinge pins) or in Table 1 (actuator pins), in Section 3,
the Accomplishment Instructions, in the Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 92-32-008, Basic Issue,
dated January 21, 2020 (the ASB).
Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (g): See Figures 1
and 2 in Section 3, the Accomplishment Instructions, in the ASB for
guidance on performing the visual inspection.
(1) If there is any threaded hinge pin, P/N 92250-12281-101,
with an S/N listed in Table 1 or 2 in the ASB, before further
flight, remove the threaded hinge pin from service.
(2) If there is any MLG or NLG actuator pin, P/N 92250-12287-101
or P/N 92250-12287-103, with an S/N listed in Table 1 in the ASB,
before further flight, remove the actuator pin from service.
(h) Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any threaded
hinge pin, P/N 92250-12281-101, or actuator pin, P/N 92240-12287-101
or 92240-12287-103, with an S/N listed in Table 1 or 2 in Section 3,
the Accomplishment Instructions, in the ASB, on any helicopter.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
(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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Dorie Resnik,
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781-238-7693; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]. You
may view the related service information at the 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.
(k) 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) Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin 92-32-
008, Basic Issue, dated January 21, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Sikorsky service information identified in this AD,
contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Commercial Systems and
Services, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; phone: 203-416-4000;
email: [email protected]. Operators may also log on to
the Sikorsky 360 website at: https://customerportal.sikorsky.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on February 9, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-04940 Filed 3-9-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
