2013-22-15: Main Rotor Head

Adoption of 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: [[Page 67011]] Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2013-22-15 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-17647; FAA- 2013-0514; Directorate Identifier 2012-SW-068-AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model S-76A, S-76B, and S-76C helicopters with a serial number up to and including 760822 and with a spindle cuff assembly, part number (P/N) 76102-08001-043, -045 or -046, or a blade fold cuff assembly, P/N 76150-09601-041, installed, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as a crack in a spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly. This condition could result in failure of a spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly, loss of a rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective December 13, 2013. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Within 150 hours time-in-service (TIS): (1) For each spindle cuff assembly or blade cuff assembly with 1,900 or more hours TIS, conduct a nondestructive inspection (NDI) by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B., of Sikorsky S-76 Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-65-67A, Revision A, dated July 18, 2012 (ASB), except this AD does not require you to contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. This inspection must be done by a level 2 or higher technician with National Aerospace Standard410 or equivalent certification. (2) For each spindle cuff assembly or blade cuff assembly with less than 1,900 hours TIS, visually inspect the area indicated in Figure 4 of the ASB as ``white paint application area'' for a crack by using a 5x or higher power magnifying glass. (3) If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the cracked part. (4) If there is no crack, apply white paint by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.D., of the ASB. (5) Do not install an affected spindle cuff assembly or blade fold cuff assembly on any helicopter unless it has been inspected in accordance with paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(4) of this AD. (f) Special Flight Permit Special flight permits will not be issued. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (1) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Nicholas Faust, Aviation Safety Engineer, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; telephone (781) 238-7763; email [email protected]. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6220 Main Rotor Head. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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 S-76 Alert Service Bulletin ASB 76-65-67A, Revision A, dated July 18, 2012. (ii) Reserved. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Attn: Manager, Commercial Technical Support, mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614; telephone (800) 562-4409; email [email protected]; or at http://www.sikorsky.com. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. 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, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.