2022-03-09: Global Positioning System

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022-03-09 Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation: Amendment 39-21926; Docket No. FAA-2021-1002; Project Identifier AD-2021-00332-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2020-08-02, Amendment 39-21108 (85 FR 20586, April 14, 2020) (AD 2020-08-02). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76D helicopters, certificated in any category, with Thales Global Positioning System (GPS) TopStar 200 LPV receiver part number (P/N) C17149HA01 installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code: 3457, Global Positioning System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports that certain Thales GPS satellite based augmentation system (SBAS) receivers provided, under certain conditions, erroneous outputs on aircraft positions. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in controlled flight into terrain and 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 130 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, replace each affected GPS receiver identified in paragraph (c) of this AD with GPS receiver P/N C17149RA01 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs A., C., and D., of Sikorsky S-76D Helicopter Service Bulletin SB 76-017, Basic Issue, dated May 11, 2021. (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a GPS receiver identified in paragraph (c) of this AD on any helicopter. (3) Accomplishing paragraph (g)(1) of this AD terminates the requirements of AD 2020-08-02. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, 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 paragraph (i) 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. (i) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Rediess, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7159; email: 9-AVS-AIR-BACO-COS@faa.gov. (j) 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 S-76D Helicopter Service Bulletin SB 76-017, Basic Issue, dated May 11, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation service information identified in this AD, contact your local Sikorsky Field Representative or Sikorsky's Service Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Mailstop K100, 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. (4) You may view this service information at 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: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on January 20, 2022. Ross Landes, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-02745 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P