Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22430 · Main rotor mast/swashplate
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
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 installed.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-02-01 for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S-92A helicopters with certain part-numbered main rotor stationary swashplate assemblies (swashplate assemblies) that had accumulated 1,600 or more total hours time-in- service (TIS) installed. AD 2022-02-01 required visually inspecting the swashplate assembly at specified intervals and depending on the results, removing the swashplate assembly from service. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-02-01, the FAA determined it was necessary to expand the applicability and require more detailed inspections to address the unsafe condition. This AD retains the actions of AD 2022-02-01, expands the applicability, adds a detailed recurring visual inspection, and requires either eddy current inspections (ECI) or fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI). The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
For the purposes of this AD, a “suspected crack” is a nick, scratch, or crack in the paint or primer that includes observable metallic base material.
(1) For helicopters with swashplate assemblies identified in paragraph (c) of this AD that have accumulated 1,600 or more total hours time-in-service on the swashplate assembly, within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) from February 18, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-02-01), 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 S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-009, Basic Issue, dated February 6, 2019. If there is a crack, nick, dent, or scratch that exceeds the allowable limits, before further flight, remove the swashplate assembly from service.
(2) For helicopters with swashplate assemblies identified in paragraph (c) of this AD, within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, visually inspect the swashplate assembly for surface discontinuities and suspected cracks by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3., paragraphs B.(1) through (3), of Sikorsky S-92 Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin ASB 92-62-010, Basic Issue, dated January 26, 2022 (ASB 92-62-010). If there is any surface discontinuity or suspected crack, before further flight, remove the trunnion and accomplish an eddy current inspection (ECI) or fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) for a crack by accomplishing the actions in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) Accomplish an ECI by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs C.(1) through (6), but not paragraph C.(6)(c)(1)., of ASB 92-62-010.
(ii) Accomplish an FPI by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs D.(1) through (5), except paragraph D.(4), of ASB 92-62-010.
(3) For helicopters with a swashplate assembly identified in paragraph (c) of this AD certified for operation at a maximum gross weight of 26,500 lbs. that have accumulated 8,600 or more total hours TIS on the swashplate assembly, or certified for operation at a maximum gross weight of 27,700 lbs. that have accumulated 3,300 or more total hours TIS on the swashplate assembly, within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, with the trunnion installed, accomplish an ECI or FPI of the uniball lower bore lip, uniball upper bore, and each trunnion mount bolt hole for a crack by accomplishing the actions in paragraph (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) Accomplish an ECI by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs C.(2) through (6), but not paragraph C.(6)(c)1., of ASB 92-62-010.
(ii) Accomplish an FPI by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3, paragraphs D.(2), (3), and (5) of ASB 92-62-010.
(4) If there is a crack as a result of any of the inspections required by paragraph (h)(2) or (3) of this AD, before further flight, remove the swashplate assembly from service.
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
