Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Model S- 76C Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 99-01-09 which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76C helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, installing a placard in the cockpit adjacent to the fuel quantity gauge that states ``No flight operations to be conducted with less than 250 lbs. fuel in each tank.'' This AD must be placed in the Operating Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual. This AD also requires, within 50 hours time- in-service (TIS) or 30 calendar days, whichever occurs first, defueling, engine starting, and if necessary, inspecting fuel supply lines. This amendment is prompted by an in-flight engine flame-out that occurred on October 27, 1998. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent air from getting into a fuel supply line when there is less than 250 lbs. of fuel in either fuel tank, engine flame-out, and a subsequent forced landing.