AD NUMBER: 2020-02-17

PRODUCT: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C(M), and S-70C(M1) helicopters.

ACTION: Final rule

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C(M), and S-70C(M1) helicopters.

This AD was prompted by four incidents of disbonding between the tail rotor (T/R) blade pitch horn and the torque tube.

This AD requires recurring visual and tap inspections of the T/R blade, and depending on the outcome, replacing the T/R blade.

DATES: This AD is effective March 13, 2020.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 13 helicopters of U.S. registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

The FAA estimates that operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour.

Inspecting the T/R blades takes about 1 work-hour for an estimated cost of $85 per helicopter and $1,105 for the U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.

Replacing a set of two T/R blades takes about 6 work-hours and parts cost about $192,304 for an estimated replacement cost of $192,814 per helicopter.

FMI: AD