AD NUMBER: 2017-22-01

PRODUCT: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This AD requires adding operating limitations to a rotorcraft flight manual (RFM).

ACTION: Final Rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:  This AD is prompted by test results showing decoupling of the flight director (FD) in certain flight conditions. The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. The design approval holder is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, and available, additional rulemaking may be considered.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 87 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Revising the RFMS will take about 0.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter and $3,741 for the U.S. fleet.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 8, 2017. Comments must be received by December 26, 2017.

FMI: AD