Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18717 · Autopilot system
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
This AD applies to Model S-76D helicopters, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-76D helicopters. This AD requires revising the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to prohibit Barometric Altitude Hold (ALT) mode beyond a certain rate of climb or descent. This AD is prompted by a report of the autopilot being unable to maintain level flight during certain flight conditions. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a significant pilot workload increase, pilot disorientation, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
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.
Within 10 hours time-in-service, revise Section 1 Limitations, “Automatic Flight Control System” section, of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual by one of the following methods:
(1) Insert Sikorsky S-76D SA S76D-RFM-000, Temporary Revision No. 7, approved May 19, 2016; or
(2) Insert a copy of this AD; or
(3) Make pen-and-ink changes to add the information in Figure 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
