AD 2020-15-17

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of inaccurate main gear box (MGB) indications in flight. This AD requires updating the remote data acquisition unit (RDAU) software and re-identifying the RDAU and, for certain helicopters, updating the software of the display unit (DU) and re- identifying the DU. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Final rule.

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2020-15-17 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-21180; Docket No. FAA-2020-0212; Product Identifier 2018-SW-097-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective September 9, 2020. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with remote data acquisition unit (RDAU) part number 76450-01098-106, 76450-01098- 107, or 76450-01098-109. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 3100, Indicating/recording system. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by reports of inaccurate main gear box (MGB) indications in flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address inaccurate MGB indications in flight, resulting in multiple erroneous values/annunciations on channel B, which could cause the flight crew to land immediately, and consequent possible loss of the helicopter, injury, or fatality. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) RDAU and Display Unit (DU) Updates \n\n\n\tWithin 500 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD, as applicable to your helicopter. \n\t(1) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098- 109, update the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance with Section 3., Paragraphs A. through J. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU to Parker Fluid Systems Division (FSD). \n\t(2) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098- 107, update the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance with Section 3., Paragraphs A. through J. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU to Parker FSD. \n\t(3) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098- 106, update the RDAU software and re-identify the RDAU in accordance with Section 3., Paragraphs A. through K. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018, except you are not required to return the RDAU to Parker FSD. \n\t(4) For helicopters equipped with RDAU part number 76450-01098- 106, update the software of DU part number 76450-01098-101 and re- identify the DU as part number 76450-01098-108, in accordancewith Section 3., Paragraphs A. through J. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018, except you are not required to return the DU to Parker FSD. \n\n(h) Parts Installation Limitations \n\n\n\tAs of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any helicopter, a DU part number 76450-01098-101, unless it has been modified in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (g)(4) of this AD. \n\n(i) Reporting \n\n\n\tAt the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of this AD, submit a report of compliance with the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD, as applicable to your helicopter. The report must include the document number and title of the service information used, the owner and/or operator of the helicopter, the submitter's name, date, and the helicopter serial number. Submit the report to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in accordance with Section 3., Paragraph A. (Record of Compliance) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; Section 3., Paragraph L. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; Section 3., Paragraph M. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018; or Section 3., Paragraph L. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018, as applicable to your helicopter. \n\t(1) If the action was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. \n\t(2) If the action was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. \n\n(j) Credit for Previous Actions \n\n\n\t(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed beforethe effective date of this AD using Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, dated March 2, 2018; or Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision A, dated March 29, 2018. \n\t(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g)(2) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, dated May 17, 2018. \n\t(3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g)(4) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006, dated July 26, 2018. \n\n(k) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement \n\n\n\tA federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displaysa current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public \n\n((Page 47300)) \n\nreporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524. \n\n(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(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 (m)(1) of this AD. \n\t(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. \n\n(m) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) For more information about this AD, contact Min Zhang, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7161; email: min.zhang@faa.gov. \n\t(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (n)(3) and (4) of this AD. \n\n(n) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(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. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018. \n\t(ii) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018. \n\t(iii) Sikorsky Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018. \n\t(iv) Sikorsky Service Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018. \n\t(3) 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; phone: 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. \n\t(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. \n\t(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. \n\n\n\tIssued on July 16, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2020-16405 Filed 8-4-20; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Discussion \n\n\n\tThe FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 6, 2020 (85 FR 19110). The NPRM was prompted by reports of inaccurate MGB indications in flight. The NPRM proposed to require updating the RDAU software and re-identifying the RDAU and, for certain helicopters, updating the software of the DU and re- identifying the DU. \n\tThe FAA is issuing this AD to address inaccurate MGB indications in flight, resulting in multiple erroneous values/annunciations on channel B, which could cause the flight crew to land immediately, and consequent possible loss of the helicopter, injury, or fatality. \n\nComments \n\n\n\tThe FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. \n\nConclusion \n\n\n\tThe FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes: \n\tAre consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and \n\tDo not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. \n\nRelated Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 \n\n\n\tThe FAA reviewed the following Sikorsky service information. \n\tAlert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; and Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018. This service information describes procedures for updating the RDAU software and re- identifying the RDAU. This service information also describes procedures for sending the inspection results to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. These documents are distinct since they apply to specific helicopter models in different configurations (different part numbered RDAU units). \n\tService Bulletin 76-006, Revision A, dated August 23, 2018. This service information describes procedures for updating the software of DU part number 76450-01098-101, and re-identifying the DU as part number 76450-01098-108. This service information also describes procedures for sending the inspection results to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. \n\tThis 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. \n\nDifferences Between This AD and the Service Information \n\n\n\tThe service information recommends accomplishing the update of the RDAU software and re-identification of the RDAU and, for certain helicopters, update of the software of the DU and re-identification of the DU, depending on service information, no later than a specific calendar date (April 30, 2019 for Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-3, Revision B, dated June 26, 2018; June 30, 2019 for Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-4, Revision A, dated May 30, 2018; or July 31, 2019 for Alert Service Bulletin 76-31-5, dated July 31, 2018). In developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, the FAA considered factors including the manufacturer's recommendation, the degree of urgency associated with the subject unsafe condition, and the average utilization of the affected fleet. After considering these factors, the FAA finds that a 500 hours time-in-service compliance time (which is approximately one year based on the average annual flight hours for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76C helicopters) represents an appropriate interval of time for affected helicopters to continue to operate without compromising safety. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tThe FAA estimates that this AD affects 99 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\n\tEstimated Costs for Required Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tCost per Cost on U.S. \n\tAction Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update RDAU software (99 helicopters). 3 work-hours x $85 per (*) $255 $25,245 \n\thour = $255. Update display units (52 helicopters). 7 work-hours x $85 per (*) 595 30,940 \n\thour = $595. Reporting (99 helicopters)............ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 85 8,415 \n\thour = $85. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the FAA to provide parts cost estimates for the\n\n\tactions specified in this AD. \n\n\n\tAccording to the manufacturer, some or all 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 known costs in the cost estimate. \n\nPaperwork Reduction Act \n\n\n\tA federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120- 0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue \n\n((Page 47299)) \n\nrules 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. \n\tThe 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 proceduresthe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.