AD NUMBER: 2018-02-13

PRODUCT: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model 269D and Model 269D Configuration A helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-07-02 for the aircraft listed above.

AD 2017-07-02 required reducing the life limit of and inspecting certain drive shafts. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2017-07-02 and requires repeating the inspections.

DATES: This AD is effective March 5, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 18 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

• Removing the engine side and pulley side drive shafts that have reached the new life limit will take about 4 work-hours for a cost of $340 per helicopter.
• Inspecting the lower pulley to engine alignment using the belt alignment tool will take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $774 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
• Adjusting the engine elevation alignment will take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter.
• Inspecting the drive shaft alignment by checking spline engagement will take about 1 work-hour for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $1,530 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
• Inspecting the drive shafts for damage will take about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $1,530 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
• Inspecting the joints will take about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $1,530 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
• Replacing the engine side and pulley side drive shafts, if required, will take about 8 work-hours and parts will cost about $20,000, for an estimated cost of $20,680 per helicopter

FMI: AD