Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Type Certificate Previously Held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (type certificate previously held by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation) (Sikorsky) Model 269D and Model 269D Configuration A helicopters. This AD requires reducing the life limit of the ring gear carrier assembly. This AD was prompted by cracks in the ring gear carrier assembly. The actions are intended to reduce the life of the ring gear carrier assembly to prevent failure of the main rotor transmission, loss of engine power to the main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.