Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters, 47041-47043 [2021-17948]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 160 / Monday, August 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules flange P/N G52–02–201 mounted or having been mounted on pulley (12 screws) P/N G52–10–100 or G52–10–101, installed on cooling fan P/N G52–00–001, and with 500 or more total hours TIS since new as of the effective date of this AD: Within 5 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, or 70 engine start-stop cycles, whichever occurs first, inspect the cooling fan front flange for a crack in accordance with He´licopte`res Guimbal Cabri G2 Maintenance Manual (MM) and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness J70–002 Issue 06, Section C, Airworthiness Limitations, dated December 6, 2018 (MM J70–002 Issue 06), sub section 52–A–10 Cooling Fan Inspection, paragraphs (c) through (d). If any crack is found, before further flight, remove the cooling fan front flange from service. (ii) Cooling fan front flange P/N G52–02– 200 mounted on pulley (12 screws) P/N G52– 10–100 or G52–10–101; and cooling fan front flange P/N G52–02–201 mounted or having been mounted on pulley (12 screws) P/N G52–10–100 or G52–10–101, installed on cooling fan P/N G52–00–001, and with less than 500 total hours TIS since new as of the effective date of this AD: Before accumulating 500 total hours TIS since new and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, or 70 engine start-stop cycles, whichever occurs first, inspect the cooling fan front flange for a crack in accordance with MM J70–002 Issue 06, sub section 52– A–10 Cooling Fan Inspection, paragraphs (c) through (d). If any crack is found, before further flight, remove the cooling fan front flange from service. (iii) Cooling fan front flange P/N G52–02– 201 mounted on pulley (24 screws) P/N G52– 10–102 and having never been mounted on pulley (12 screws) P/N G52–10–100 or G52– 10–101, installed on cooling fan P/N G52– 00–002: Before accumulating 500 total hours TIS since new and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the cooling fan front flange for a crack in accordance with MM J70–002, Issue 06, sub section 52– A–10 Cooling Fan Inspection, paragraphs (c) through (d). If any crack is found, before further flight, remove the cooling fan front flange from service. (iv) For helicopters with tail boom P/N G65–00–101, G65–00–102 or G65–00–103 and subsequent installed: Before further flight after the effective date of this AD, paint or verify the tail boom upper surface in accordance with MM J70–002, Issue 06, sub section C–23 Tail Structure Paint, as applicable to your helicopter. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (h) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using He´licopte`res Guimbal Cabri G2 MM and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness J70–002 Issue 05.1, Section C, Airworthiness Limitations, dated October 30, 2015, sub section 52–A–10 Cooling Fan Inspection, paragraphs (c) through (d). VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Aug 20, 2021 Jkt 253001 (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228–7330; email andrea.jimenez@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact He´licopte`res Guimbal, Basile Ginel, 1070, rue du Lieutenant Parayre, Ae´rodrome d’Aix-en-Provence, 13290 Les Milles, France; telephone 33–04–42–39–10– 88; email basile.ginel@guimbal.com; web https://www.guimbal.com. You may view this referenced 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. (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0025, dated February 4, 2019. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2021–0688. Issued on August 16, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–17944 Filed 8–20–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0689; Project Identifier AD–2020–01589–R] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 47041 Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ACTION: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S–92A helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a cracked main rotor stationary swashplate assembly (swashplate assembly). This proposed AD would require visually inspecting the swashplate assembly at specified intervals and depending on the results, removing the swashplate assembly from service. 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 October 7, 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 service information identified in this NPRM, 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– 946–4337 (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. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0689; 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jared Hyman, Aerospace Engineer, E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM 23AUP1 47042 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 160 / Monday, August 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781– 238–7799; email: Jared.M.Hyman@ 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–2021–0689; Project Identifier AD– 2020–01589–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 NPRM. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS 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 Jared Hyman, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781–238–7799; email: Jared.M.Hyman@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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Aug 20, 2021 Jkt 253001 Background The FAA was notified of an in-service crack in a swashplate assembly inner ring. The crack, discovered during a routine inspection, extended between the uniball bore and near the right-hand trunnion to servo attach bolt hole. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in fretting wear on the shoulder that supports the clamp-up of the uniball outer race, failure of the swashplate assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92–62–009, Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019 (ASB). The ASB specifies a onetime visual inspection of the swashplate assembly to determine if there are any cracks. If cracks are found, the ASB specifies replacing the swashplate assembly. If there is any other damage such as nicks, dents, or scratches, the ASB specifies providing that damage information to Sikorsky. The ASB also specifies returning the swashplate assembly, uniball bearing, trunnions, and all attachment hardware to Sikorsky for investigation if cracks are found. 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 ADDRESSES. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, visually inspecting the upper and lower surfaces of the swashplate assembly for a crack, nick, dent, and scratch. If there is a crack, nick, dent, or scratch that exceeds allowable limits, this proposed AD would require removing the swashplate assembly from service before further flight. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information The ASB specifies a one-time visual inspection of the swashplate assembly; this proposed AD would require repetitive visual inspections of the swashplate assembly to determine if any crack, nick, dent, or scratch develops over time. This proposed AD would not PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 require returning parts to or contacting Sikorsky, while the ASB specifies performing those actions. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD would affect 89 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Visually inspecting a swashplate assembly would take about 0.5 workhour, for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,827 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle. Replacing the swashplate assembly, if required, would take about 16 workhours and parts would cost about $389,720, for an estimated cost of $391,080 per helicopter. 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 above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM 23AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 160 / Monday, August 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. FAA–2021–0689; Project Identifier AD– 2020–01589–R. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by October 7, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S–92A helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor stationary swashplate assembly (swashplate assembly) part number (P/N) 92104–15011– 042 or P/N 92104–15011–043 that has accumulated 1,600 or more total hours timein-service, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/ Swashplate. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the discovery of a crack on the swashplate assembly inner ring. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in fretting wear on the shoulder that supports the clamp-up of the uniball outer race, failure of the swashplate assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. 16:56 Aug 20, 2021 Jkt 253001 (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston ACO, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 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 Related Information. (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. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jared Hyman, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone 781–238–7799; email: Jared.M.Hyman@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 1–800–946–4337 (1–800– Winged–S); email wcs_cust_service_eng.grsik@lmco.com. Operators may also log on to the Sikorsky 360 website at https:// www.sikorsky360.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 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 August 16, 2021. Ross Landes, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–17948 Filed 8–20–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 (g) Required Actions (1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, visually inspect the swashplate assembly for a crack, nick, dent, and scratch, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraph B. (except paragraphs B.(2)(a) through (c)) of Sikorsky VerDate Sep<11>2014 Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92–62–009, Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019. (2) If there is a crack, nick, dent, or scratch that exceeds the allowable limits, before further flight, remove the swashplate assembly from service. Proposed Amendment of Class C Airspace at Chicago Midway International Airport, IL; Public Meeting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notification of meeting. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 47043 This document announces a fact-finding informal airspace meeting regarding a plan to amend the Class C Airspace at Chicago Midway International Airport, IL. The purpose of the meeting is to solicit aeronautical comments on the proposal’s effects on local aviation operations. All comments received during the meeting, and the subsequent comment period, will be considered prior to the issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking. DATES: The meetings will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, beginning at 1:00 p.m. (Central Time) and on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, beginning at 6:00 p.m. (Central Time). Comments must be received on or before Friday, October 29, 2021. Each registered participant that indicated they would like to make comments during the meeting will be given an opportunity to deliver their comments or make a presentation, although a time limit may be imposed to accommodate closing times. ADDRESSES: Format: This will be a virtual informal airspace meeting using the Zoom teleconferencing tool. The meeting will also be available to watch on the FAA’s Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube social media channels. Comments: Send comments on the proposal, not later than October 29, 2021, to: Christopher Southerland, Manager, Operations Support Group, Central Service Area, Air Traffic Organization, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; or via email to: 9-ASW-CSC-OSG-AirspaceComments@faa.gov, please include MDW Class C in the email subject line. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Al Qualiardi, Support Manager, Chicago District, Chicago Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), Air Traffic Organization, 1100 Bowes Road, Elgin, IL, 60123. Telephone: (847) 608– 5591. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Meeting Procedures: The meeting will provide interested parties an opportunity to present views, recommendations, and comments on the proposed airspace amendment. (a) Registration: To attend the meeting, members of the public are asked to register at https://zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_1MpVHlbdRH S4SeyIMgxcqw for the Tuesday, September 28, 2021, meeting and at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ zY2MTFJnQDynDG1-tZS16g for the Wednesday, September 29, 2021, meeting. When registration is confirmed, registrants will be provided SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM 23AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 160 (Monday, August 23, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47041-47043]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17948]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0689; Project Identifier AD-2020-01589-R]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 
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 certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A 
helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a cracked main rotor 
stationary swashplate assembly (swashplate assembly). This proposed AD 
would require visually inspecting the swashplate assembly at specified 
intervals and depending on the results, removing the swashplate 
assembly from service. 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 October 7, 
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 service information identified in this NPRM, contact your local 
Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service Engineering Group 
at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, 124 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; 
telephone 1-800-946-4337 (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 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0689; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jared Hyman, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 47042]]

Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & 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 send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0689; Project Identifier 
AD-2020-01589-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 NPRM.

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 Jared 
Hyman, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & 
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.

Background

    The FAA was notified of an in-service crack in a swashplate 
assembly inner ring. The crack, discovered during a routine inspection, 
extended between the uniball bore and near the right-hand trunnion to 
servo attach bolt hole. This condition, if not detected and corrected, 
could result in fretting wear on the shoulder that supports the clamp-
up of the uniball outer race, failure of the swashplate assembly, and 
subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service 
Bulletin ASB 92-62-009, Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019 (ASB). The 
ASB specifies a one-time visual inspection of the swashplate assembly 
to determine if there are any cracks. If cracks are found, the ASB 
specifies replacing the swashplate assembly. If there is any other 
damage such as nicks, dents, or scratches, the ASB specifies providing 
that damage information to Sikorsky. The ASB also specifies returning 
the swashplate assembly, uniball bearing, trunnions, and all attachment 
hardware to Sikorsky for investigation if cracks are found. 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 ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require, within 50 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, visually 
inspecting the upper and lower surfaces of the swashplate assembly for 
a crack, nick, dent, and scratch. If there is a crack, nick, dent, or 
scratch that exceeds allowable limits, this proposed AD would require 
removing the swashplate assembly from service before further flight.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The ASB specifies a one-time visual inspection of the swashplate 
assembly; this proposed AD would require repetitive visual inspections 
of the swashplate assembly to determine if any crack, nick, dent, or 
scratch develops over time. This proposed AD would not require 
returning parts to or contacting Sikorsky, while the ASB specifies 
performing those actions.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD would affect 89 helicopters of U.S. 
Registry and that operators may incur the following costs in order to 
comply with this proposed AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per 
work-hour.
    Visually inspecting a swashplate assembly would take about 0.5 
work-hour, for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,827 for 
the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
    Replacing the swashplate assembly, if required, would take about 16 
work-hours and parts would cost about $389,720, for an estimated cost 
of $391,080 per helicopter.

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 above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

[[Page 47043]]

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:

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2021-0689; Project 
Identifier AD-2020-01589-R.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by October 7, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A 
helicopters, certificated in any category, with a main rotor 
stationary swashplate assembly (swashplate assembly) part number (P/
N) 92104-15011-042 or P/N 92104-15011-043 that has accumulated 1,600 
or more total hours time-in-service, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code 6230, Main Rotor Mast/Swashplate.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the discovery of a crack on the 
swashplate assembly inner ring. This condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could result in fretting wear on the shoulder that 
supports the clamp-up of the uniball outer race, failure of the 
swashplate assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours 
TIS, visually inspect the swashplate assembly for a crack, nick, 
dent, and scratch, by following the Accomplishment Instructions, 
Section 3, paragraph B. (except paragraphs B.(2)(a) through (c)) of 
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-009, 
Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019.
    (2) If there is a crack, nick, dent, or scratch that exceeds the 
allowable limits, before further flight, remove the swashplate 
assembly from service.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, 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 Related 
Information.
    (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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jared Hyman, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 
01803; telephone 781-238-7799; email: [email protected].
    (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 1-800-946-4337 (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 this referenced service information at the FAA, 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 August 16, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17948 Filed 8-20-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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