Airworthiness Directives; Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated Model S-64E and S-64F Helicopters, 14289-14290 [2021-05219]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 48 / Monday, March 15, 2021 / Proposed Rules average calculation required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, but you must continue to count and record the lift cycles as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Repetitive Inspections of REL IFWU Assemblies and Replacement For each REL IFWU assembly, as determined by paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD: (1) Within 500 hours TIS or 7,500 lift cycles, whichever occurs first since the assembly was determined to be a REL IFWU assembly, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 hours TIS or 7,500 lift cycles, whichever occurs first, inspect for wear, surface distress, and endplay by following paragraphs B.(1) through B.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin 61B35–67B, Revision B, dated August 11, 2003. Record all the information specified in Figures 1 through 3 of the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin 61B35– 67B, Revision B, dated August 11, 2003. You may record this information on any suitable maintenance record, or you may use the Sikorsky evaluation forms provided in Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin 61B35–67B, Revision B, dated August 11, 2003. This AD does not require you to contact Sikorsky or provide information to Sikorsky. (2) If during any inspection required by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, any IFWU assembly part is found whose average wear, wear marks, surface distress, or endplay exceeds the limits specified in paragraphs B.(1) through B.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin 61B35–67B, Revision B, dated August 11, 2003, before further flight, replace the affected part with an airworthy IFWU assembly part. Note 3 to paragraph (i)(2): Sikorsky Aircraft S–61L/N Overhaul Manual, SA4045– 83, Revision 20, dated August 15, 2003, as revised by Temporary Revisions 65–193, –194, –195, and –196, contains the overhaul procedures for the IFWU assembly. (j) Part Marking For each REL IFWU assembly, as determined by paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD: Before further flight after the assembly was determined to be an REL IFWU assembly, permanently mark IFWU camshafts, P/N 61350–24052, 61350–24072, S6135–20611, S6135–20614 and S6137– 23075, and IFWU gear housings, P/N 61350– 24051, 61350–24068, S6135–20695, and S6137–23057, with the letters ‘‘REL’’. Mark the camshafts by applying etching ink on the surface of the part that is 0.5-inch square with the depth of the letters not to exceed 0.001 inch. Before further flight and after etching, neutralize the etched surface and oil to prevent corrosion. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Mar 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, send it to: Manager, Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110. Information may be emailed to: 9-ASW-FTW-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. (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Isabel Saltzman, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone 781–238–7649; email Isabel.L.Saltzman@faa.gov. (2) 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 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. Issued on March 8, 2021. Ross Landes, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–05150 Filed 3–12–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0373; Directorate Identifier 2006–SW–14–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Erickson AirCrane Incorporated Model S–64E and S–64F Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal. AGENCY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would have applied to Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (now Erickson Incorporated) (Erickson) Model S–64E and S–64F helicopters. The NPRM was SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14289 prompted by several reports of cracking in the strap and pocket areas of the tail rotor blade. The NPRM would have required inspecting certain tail rotor blade assemblies (blade assembly) for a crack and replacing any cracked blade assembly. Since issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has determined that the unsafe condition no longer exists. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn. DATES: The FAA is withdrawing the proposed rule published December 31, 2007 (72 FR 74210), as of March 15, 2021. 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–2007– 0373; 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 AD action, any comments received, and other information. The street 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: Jonas Perez, Aerospace Engineer, ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222–5145; email: jonas.perez@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion The FAA has issued an NPRM that proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Erickson Model S–64E and S–64F helicopters with a blade assembly part number 65161–00001–042 or –043 installed. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 31, 2007 (72 FR 74210). The NPRM was prompted by several reports of cracking in the strap and pocket areas of the tail rotor blade. The NPRM proposed to require determining whether the blade assembly has an affected serial number or part marking. If a blade assembly had a certain serial number or part marking, the NPRM then proposed to require an initial and repetitive inspection of the blade assembly for a crack in the strap and pocket areas. If a crack was found, the NPRM also proposed to require, before further flight, replacing the blade assembly with an airworthy blade assembly that does not have an affected serial number or part marking. The proposed actions were intended to E:\FR\FM\15MRP1.SGM 15MRP1 14290 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 48 / Monday, March 15, 2021 / Proposed Rules RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued 14 CFR Part 39 Federal Aviation Administration Since issuance of the NPRM, the design approval holder has reviewed its records and determined that the affected blade assemblies have been removed from service. Therefore, the FAA has determined that AD action is not required and the NPRM is withdrawn. Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes only such action and does not preclude the FAA from further rulemaking on this issue, nor does it commit the FAA to any course of action in the future. Comments The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The FAA received comments from one commenter. Erickson requested deletions, corrections, and additions to the NPRM. The FAA acknowledges the commenter’s requests. However, because the FAA is withdrawing the NPRM, the commenter’s request is no longer necessary. FAA’s Conclusions Upon further consideration of the available information, the FAA has determined that the NPRM is unnecessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn. Regulatory Findings Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a final rule. This action therefore is not covered under Executive Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Withdrawal Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, Docket No. FAA–2007– 0373, Directorate Identifier 2006–SW– 14–AD, which was published in the Federal Register on December 31, 2007 (72 FR 74210), is withdrawn. ■ khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS [Docket No. FAA–2021–0145; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01212–R] Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. It is also available in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0145. prevent failure of the tail rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. Issued on March 8, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–05219 Filed 3–12–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Mar 12, 2021 Jkt 253001 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracks and geometrical non-conformities of the tail rotor blades (TRBs); all cracks initiated in the drain hole area at the blade root section. This proposed AD would require cleaning affected parts, visual and dye penetrant inspections for cracks of affected parts, a dimensional inspection to verify conformity of affected parts, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 29, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For material that is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at https:// ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0145; 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 NPRM, 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: 202–267–9167; email: hal.jensen@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2021–0145; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–01212–R’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. 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 post all comments received, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this proposal. 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 E:\FR\FM\15MRP1.SGM 15MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 48 (Monday, March 15, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14289-14290]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-05219]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0373; Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-14-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated Model 
S-64E and S-64F Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
that proposed to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would 
have applied to Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (now Erickson 
Incorporated) (Erickson) Model S-64E and S-64F helicopters. The NPRM 
was prompted by several reports of cracking in the strap and pocket 
areas of the tail rotor blade. The NPRM would have required inspecting 
certain tail rotor blade assemblies (blade assembly) for a crack and 
replacing any cracked blade assembly. Since issuance of the NPRM, the 
FAA has determined that the unsafe condition no longer exists. 
Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.

DATES: The FAA is withdrawing the proposed rule published December 31, 
2007 (72 FR 74210), as of March 15, 2021.

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-2007-
0373; 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 AD action, any comments received, and other information. The 
street 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: Jonas Perez, Aerospace Engineer, ACO 
Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177; phone: (817) 222-5145; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA has issued an NPRM that proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by 
adding an AD that would apply to Erickson Model S-64E and S-64F 
helicopters with a blade assembly part number 65161-00001-042 or -043 
installed. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 
31, 2007 (72 FR 74210). The NPRM was prompted by several reports of 
cracking in the strap and pocket areas of the tail rotor blade.
    The NPRM proposed to require determining whether the blade assembly 
has an affected serial number or part marking. If a blade assembly had 
a certain serial number or part marking, the NPRM then proposed to 
require an initial and repetitive inspection of the blade assembly for 
a crack in the strap and pocket areas. If a crack was found, the NPRM 
also proposed to require, before further flight, replacing the blade 
assembly with an airworthy blade assembly that does not have an 
affected serial number or part marking. The proposed actions were 
intended to

[[Page 14290]]

prevent failure of the tail rotor blade and subsequent loss of control 
of the helicopter.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since issuance of the NPRM, the design approval holder has reviewed 
its records and determined that the affected blade assemblies have been 
removed from service. Therefore, the FAA has determined that AD action 
is not required and the NPRM is withdrawn.
    Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes only such action and does not 
preclude the FAA from further rulemaking on this issue, nor does it 
commit the FAA to any course of action in the future.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM. The 
FAA received comments from one commenter.
    Erickson requested deletions, corrections, and additions to the 
NPRM. The FAA acknowledges the commenter's requests. However, because 
the FAA is withdrawing the NPRM, the commenter's request is no longer 
necessary.

FAA's Conclusions

    Upon further consideration of the available information, the FAA 
has determined that the NPRM is unnecessary. Accordingly, the NPRM is 
withdrawn.

Regulatory Findings

    Since this action only withdraws an NPRM, it is neither a proposed 
nor a final rule. This action therefore is not covered under Executive 
Order 12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979).

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Withdrawal

0
Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, Docket No. FAA-2007-
0373, Directorate Identifier 2006-SW-14-AD, which was published in the 
Federal Register on December 31, 2007 (72 FR 74210), is withdrawn.

    Issued on March 8, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-05219 Filed 3-12-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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