AD 54-16-01

final rule

Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters

AD Number
54-16-01
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
aircraft
Docket
Unknown
FR Citation
This information is not available.
Technical illustration of a helicopter rotor hub assembly
Problem area Rotor system

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Orlando Helicopter Airways, Inc. | Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation HRS-1/CH-19 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters
aircraft Orlando Helicopter Airways, Inc. | Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation HRS-3/H-19B Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters
aircraft Orlando Helicopter Airways, Inc. | Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation S-55 Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters
aircraft Orlando Helicopter Airways, Inc. | Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation S-55B Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters
aircraft Orlando Helicopter Airways, Inc. | Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation S-55C Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters

Unsafe Condition

Cracks in main transmission rear accessory covers (S14-35-4000, S14-35-4300), main transmission support assembly (S14-20-2503), servo brackets (S14-40-2113, S14-40-2143, S14-40-2411), and insufficient edge distance on main rotor scissors bracket assembly (S10-10-1447) could lead to failure of these components.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Inspect rear accessory covers for cracks using dye penetrant method at every intermediate inspection; replace cracked covers. Inspect main transmission support assembly visually and via Magnaflux at intermediate inspections and overhauls; replace cracked assemblies. Inspect servo brackets for cracks using dye penetrant every 30 hours; replace cracked brackets and apply zinc chromate primer. Inspect scissors bracket edge distance every 30 hours; replace if less than 5/32 inch. Install vibration isolators (S14-35-4442/4443) per Sikorsky IC 1435-443 to prevent failures. Follow Sikorsky IC 1440-457 for steel servo brackets to eliminate inspections.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Compliance required as indicated in the regulatory text (e.g., inspections at every intermediate inspection, major inspection, transmission overhaul, or every 30 hours as specified).

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters (all serial numbers) including HRS-1/CH-19, HRS-3/H-19B, S-55, S-55B, S-55C models.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Federal Register Abstract

Main Transmission

Applicability Source Text

Show captured applicability text from the source AD
AD Final Rules - DRS_54-16-01.html
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AD Number:
54-16-01
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
Unknown
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters
Subject:
Main Transmission
Status:
Current
Citation:
This information is not available.
Citation Publish Date:
Effective Date:
Make:
Orlando Helicopter Airways, Inc. | Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Model:
HRS-1/CH-19 | HRS-3/H-19B | S-55 | S-55B | S-55C
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Rotorcraft
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 54-16-01
CITATION:   This information is not available.

PAGE NUMBER:  

DOCKET NUMBER:   Unknown

AMENDMENT:  

AD NUMBER:   54-16-01

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters

ACTION:  

SUMMARY:  

DATES:  

ADDRESSES:  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  

REGULATORY TEXT:  
54-16-01 SIKORSKY: Applies to All Model S-55 Helicopters.

Compliance required as indicated.

1. (a) The rear accessory covers of main transmission S14-35-4000 and S14- 35-4300 should be inspected for cracks in the areas surrounding the points of attachment of the generator to the cover. Prior to the inspection, the paint in these areas should be removed. The inspections should be accomplished by the dye penetrant method. Covers found with cracks should be replaced immediately. These inspections are to be accomplished at every intermediate inspection.

(b) Vibration isolators S14-35-4442 and S14-35-4443 have been designed by the manufacturer to prevent further failures. When these parts are installed in accordance with Sikorsky Information Circular No. 1435-443, the inspection outlined in item 1. (a) will be required at every major inspection for the first two inspections and then at every second major inspection if the cover has been operated without the isolator. If the cover has never been operated without the isolator, the inspection should be accomplished at the regular transmission overhaul period.

(c) The retirement time for vibration isolators is specified in Sikorsky Information Circular S14-00-354, Rev. Z.

2. (a) The upper and lower ends of the main transmission support assembly, S14-20-2503, both fore and aft, must be inspected visually for cracks at every intermediate inspection. Particular attention should be directed at the underside of the attachment points, the welded joints and the small drive screws. Assemblies found with cracks are to be replaced immediately.

(b) Prior to or at the next intermediate inspection and at every transmission overhaul thereafter, the S14-20-2503 support assemblies must be subjected to a Magnaflux inspection. Any cracks detected are cause for replacement.

3. The forward and aft lugs, to which the S14-20-2503 supports are attached, on the upper housing of the main transmission must be inspected at every major inspection. This inspection should be directed at each face of each lug in the area surrounding the bushing. Any crack detected is cause for replacement.

4. (a) The main rotor control servo brackets, S14-40-2113, S14-40-2143 and S14-40-2411 should be inspected for cracks in the area of the bracket ears. Prior to the inspection, all paint should be removed. The inspections should be accomplished by the dye penetrant method. Parts found with cracks should be replaced immediately. The exposed surfaces of brackets found satisfactory for return to service should be protected with several coats of zinc chromate primer. Extreme care should be taken in the installation procedure of either new or old brackets. These inspections are to be accomplished every 30 hours.

(b) The inspections of 4. (a) will no longer be necessary when steel servo brackets S14-40-2415 are installed in accordance with Sikorsky Service Information Circular No. 1440-457 dated March 24, 1954.

5. The main rotor scissors bracket assembly S10-14-1447, should be inspected for sufficient edge distance at the bolt hole through which the scissors assembly S10-10-4350, is secured. A minimum edge diameter of 5/32 inch is allowable. Any S10-10-1447 brackets with less than 5/32-inch edge distance should be replaced. These inspections are to be performed on those helicopters with the S10-10-1400 Timken rotor head and are to be accomplished every 30 hours.

(Sikorsky Service Information Circular No. 1435-383 dated September 3, 1953, as amended by revision A dated April 28, 1954, and revision B dated June 18, 1954, covers the same subject, except that section II of the Circular is amended by paragraph 1. (c).)

This supersedes AD 53-25-02.

FOOTER:

Document Text

Show stored source text (verify against official source)
AD Final Rules - DRS_54-16-01.html
Copy URL
Print/Save as PDF
Document Versions
 Feedback
Details
AD Number:
54-16-01
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
Unknown
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters
Subject:
Main Transmission
Status:
Current
Citation:
This information is not available.
Citation Publish Date:
Effective Date:
Make:
Orlando Helicopter Airways, Inc. | Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Model:
HRS-1/CH-19 | HRS-3/H-19B | S-55 | S-55B | S-55C
Product Type:
Aircraft
Product Subtype:
Rotorcraft
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 54-16-01
CITATION:   This information is not available.

PAGE NUMBER:  

DOCKET NUMBER:   Unknown

AMENDMENT:  

AD NUMBER:   54-16-01

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Model S-55 Helicopters

ACTION:  

SUMMARY:  

DATES:  

ADDRESSES:  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  

REGULATORY TEXT:  
54-16-01 SIKORSKY: Applies to All Model S-55 Helicopters.

Compliance required as indicated.

1. (a) The rear accessory covers of main transmission S14-35-4000 and S14- 35-4300 should be inspected for cracks in the areas surrounding the points of attachment of the generator to the cover. Prior to the inspection, the paint in these areas should be removed. The inspections should be accomplished by the dye penetrant method. Covers found with cracks should be replaced immediately. These inspections are to be accomplished at every intermediate inspection.

(b) Vibration isolators S14-35-4442 and S14-35-4443 have been designed by the manufacturer to prevent further failures. When these parts are installed in accordance with Sikorsky Information Circular No. 1435-443, the inspection outlined in item 1. (a) will be required at every major inspection for the first two inspections and then at every second major inspection if the cover has been operated without the isolator. If the cover has never been operated without the isolator, the inspection should be accomplished at the regular transmission overhaul period.

(c) The retirement time for vibration isolators is specified in Sikorsky Information Circular S14-00-354, Rev. Z.

2. (a) The upper and lower ends of the main transmission support assembly, S14-20-2503, both fore and aft, must be inspected visually for cracks at every intermediate inspection. Particular attention should be directed at the underside of the attachment points, the welded joints and the small drive screws. Assemblies found with cracks are to be replaced immediately.

(b) Prior to or at the next intermediate inspection and at every transmission overhaul thereafter, the S14-20-2503 support assemblies must be subjected to a Magnaflux inspection. Any cracks detected are cause for replacement.

3. The forward and aft lugs, to which the S14-20-2503 supports are attached, on the upper housing of the main transmission must be inspected at every major inspection. This inspection should be directed at each face of each lug in the area surrounding the bushing. Any crack detected is cause for replacement.

4. (a) The main rotor control servo brackets, S14-40-2113, S14-40-2143 and S14-40-2411 should be inspected for cracks in the area of the bracket ears. Prior to the inspection, all paint should be removed. The inspections should be accomplished by the dye penetrant method. Parts found with cracks should be replaced immediately. The exposed surfaces of brackets found satisfactory for return to service should be protected with several coats of zinc chromate primer. Extreme care should be taken in the installation procedure of either new or old brackets. These inspections are to be accomplished every 30 hours.

(b) The inspections of 4. (a) will no longer be necessary when steel servo brackets S14-40-2415 are installed in accordance with Sikorsky Service Information Circular No. 1440-457 dated March 24, 1954.

5. The main rotor scissors bracket assembly S10-14-1447, should be inspected for sufficient edge distance at the bolt hole through which the scissors assembly S10-10-4350, is secured. A minimum edge diameter of 5/32 inch is allowable. Any S10-10-1447 brackets with less than 5/32-inch edge distance should be replaced. These inspections are to be performed on those helicopters with the S10-10-1400 Timken rotor head and are to be accomplished every 30 hours.

(Sikorsky Service Information Circular No. 1435-383 dated September 3, 1953, as amended by revision A dated April 28, 1954, and revision B dated June 18, 1954, covers the same subject, except that section II of the Circular is amended by paragraph 1. (c).)

This supersedes AD 53-25-02.

FOOTER:

Source: Official FAA Source ↗

Retrieved: Apr 8, 2026

Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain

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