[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 105 (Friday, May 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32551-32553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-12696]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0024; Directorate Identifier 2000-NE-12-AD;
Amendment 39-17469; AD 2013-11-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2B, 2B1, and 2F turboshaft engines. That AD
currently requires replacement of injector manifolds and borescope-
inspection of the flame tube and the high-pressure (HP) turbine area
for possible damage. This new AD requires, depending on the engine
model, repetitive replacements of fuel injection manifolds and the
privilege injector, or, repetitive replacements of the privilege
injector. This AD was prompted by a report that the corrective actions
of the existing AD were insufficient to eliminate the unsafe condition.
We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of
Arrius 2B1 and 2F turboshaft engines and damage to the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective July 5, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; telex: 570
042; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15. You may view this service information at
the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800 647 5527) is Document Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M 30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12 140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7176;
fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2001-08-14R1, Amendment 39 14423 (71 FR 2993,
January 19, 2006). That AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2B, 2B1,
and 2F turboshaft engines. The Arrius 2B engine model is no longer
listed because it is no longer in service and has been removed from the
engine Type Certificate Data Sheet No. E34NE, as requested by the
manufacturer. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 7,
2013 (78 FR 9007). That NPRM proposed to require, depending on the
engine model, repetitive replacements of fuel injection manifolds and
the privilege injector, or, repetitive replacements of the privilege
injector.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Change Paragraphs (f)(1) and (g)(1)
Turbomeca USA requested that we change compliance paragraph (f)(1)
by deleting ``or since last inspection of the fuel injection manifolds
and privilege injector, whichever comes first.'' The commenter also
requested that we change paragraph (g)(1) by deleting ``or since last
inspection of the privilege injector, whichever comes first.'' The
commenter stated that paragraphs (f)(1) and (g)(1) speak to initial
replacement where subsequent replacements are addressed in paragraphs
(f)(3) and (g)(3). There is no required inspection for this reason
prior to reaching the allocated hours of operation time-since-new (TSN)
so there will be no ``last inspection'' at this point. The fuel
injection manifolds and privilege injector (Arrius 2B1 engines) and,
the privilege injector (Arrius 2F engines) will not have been in
service long enough to have an inspection performed. Also, an
inspection (unless leading to a replacement) if done for whatever
reason, will not ``reset'' the allocated hours (200 or 400) of
operation TSN counter. Only a replacement will, which is why the
commenter thinks the allocated hours (200 or 400) of operation TSN
limit is sufficient.
We agree. Because there is no specific inspection requirement, fuel
injection manifolds and privilege injectors (Arrius 2B1 enignes) and,
privilege injectors (Arrius 2F engines) can be removed from one Arrius
2B1 engine and installed in another Arrius 2B1engine or from one Arrius
2F engine and installed in another Arrius 2F engine as noted in their
respective service bulletins (SBs). We anticipated that those used
components would undergo an inspection and flow check, prior to
reinstallation. However, the fuel injection manifolds and privilege
injectors are limited to the allocated hours (200 or 400) of operation
TSN regardless of reuse. We changed paragraphs (f)(1) and (g)(1) of the
AD as requested above.
Request To Change Compliance Paragraphs (f)(2) and (g)(2)
Turbomeca USA requested that we change compliance paragraph (f)(2)
by adding ``when replacing the fuel injection manifolds and privilege
injector for the first time.'' The commenter also requested that we
change paragraph (g)(2) by adding ``when replacing the privilege
injector for the first time.'' The commenter stated that without adding
these words, these paragraphs would require a borescope inspection each
time the
[[Page 32552]]
manifolds and privilege injector (Arrius 2B1 engines) and, privilege
injectors (Arrius 2F engines) are replaced. Turbomeca SB No. A319 73
2012 (Arrius 2B1) and SB No. A319 73 4001 (Arrius 2F) specifically
state to perform the borescope inspection when the components are
replaced for the first time.
The commenter also stated that the purpose of borescope inspection
is to identify the internal condition before initial replacement and to
verify there is no distress caused by a partially blocked or totally
blocked condition. It is intended to verify there was no collateral
damage downstream (flame tube, HP turbine). The replacement interval is
an interval that would prevent any distress being created, should a
blocked condition occur, thus eliminating the need for borescope checks
at each replacement. Also, borescope inspection of the combustion
chamber and the gas generator turbine is called for at certain
intervals by the engine maintenance manual, which will allow sufficient
periodic monitoring for collateral damage.
We agree with the commenter's technical explanation and rationale.
We changed paragraphs (f)(2) and (g)(2) of the AD as requested above.
Request To Change Compliance Paragraphs (f)(3)
Turbomeca USA requested that we change compliance paragraph (f)(3)
which states, ``Thereafter, within every 200 operating hours time-in-
service (TIS) since last fuel injector manifolds and privilege injector
replacement, replace the fuel injector manifolds and the privilege
injector with parts eligible for installation'' to ``Thereafter, within
every 200 operating hours TIS since last fuel injector manifolds and
privilege injector replacement, or sooner if a power check performed
per flight manual EC T135-T1 indicates a negative T45 margin, replace
the fuel injector manifolds and the privilege injector with parts
eligible for installation.'' The commenter stated that T45 margin is
monitored as part of existing scheduled maintenance and, as it is known
as being a possible consequence of manifolds or privilege injector
blockage, it is inserted as an additional ``trigger'' point for
replacement prior to the hard hours TSN replacement limit. The engine
is not serviceable with a negative T45 margin and engine repair is
needed before further flight. The need for borescope inspection only
with first replacement is not modified in case of an early replacement
triggered by detection of negative T45 margin.
We agree with the commenter's technical explanation and rationale,
which applies only to the Arrius 2B1 engines. We changed paragraph
(f)(3) of the AD as requested above.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects about 38 Arrius 2B1 engines and
about 93 Arrius 2F engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about two hours per engine to
replace the injector manifolds and about one hour per engine to replace
the privilege injector. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based
on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to
be $663,615.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2001-08-14R1, Amendment 39 14423 (71 FR 2993, January 19, 2006), and
adding the following new AD:
* * * * *
2013-11-09 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39 17469; Docket No. FAA-2013-
0024; Directorate Identifier 2000-NE-12-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 5, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2001-08-14R1, Amendment 39 14423 (71 FR
2993, January 19, 2006).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2B1 and 2F
turboshaft engines.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that the corrective actions of
AD 2001-08-14R1, Amendment 39 14423 (71 FR 2993, January 19, 2006)
were insufficient to eliminate the unsafe condition. We are issuing
this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of Arrius 2B1
and 2F turboshaft engines and damage to the helicopter.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(f) Arrius 2B1 Turboshaft Engines
(1) Replace the fuel injector manifolds and privilege injector
with parts eligible for
[[Page 32553]]
installation before exceeding 200 operating hours, time-since-new
(TSN).
(2) Borescope-inspect the flame tube and the high-pressure
turbine area for turbine distress, when replacing the fuel injection
manifolds and privilege injector for the first time.
(3) Thereafter, within every 200 operating hours, time-in-
service (TIS) since last fuel injector manifolds and privilege
injector replacement, or sooner if a power check performed per
flight manual EC T135-T1 indicates a negative T45 margin, replace
the fuel injector manifolds and the privilege injector with parts
eligible for installation.
(g) Arrius 2F Turboshaft Engines
(1) Replace the privilege injector with a privilege injector
eligible for installation before exceeding 400 operating hours TSN.
(2) Borescope-inspect the flame tube and the high-pressure
turbine area for turbine distress, when replacing the privilege
injector for the first time.
(3) Thereafter, within every 400 operating hours TIS since last
privilege injector replacement, replace the privilege injector with
parts eligible for installation.
(h) Definition
For the purposes of this AD, TIS is defined as:
(1) The number of engine operating hours on the manifolds since
the manifolds were new or since the manifolds were last cleaned,
whichever is more.
(2) The number of engine operating hours on the privilege
injector since the privilege injector was new or since the privilege
injector was last cleaned, whichever is more.
(i) Installation Prohibitions
(1) For Arrius 2B1 turboshaft engines, after the effective date
of this AD, do not install fuel injector manifolds or a privilege
injector on an engine, or an engine on a helicopter, unless the fuel
injection manifold and privilege injector have accumulated fewer
than 200 operating hours since new, or since last inspection.
(2) For Arrius 2F turboshaft engines, after the effective date
of this AD, do not install a privilege injector on an engine, or an
engine on a helicopter, unless the privilege injector has
accumulated fewer than 400 operating hours since new, or since last
inspection.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for
this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact James Lawrence,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: 781-238-7176; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) See European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2012-0150, dated
August 8, 2012, and AD 2012-0249, dated November 21, 2012, Turbomeca
S.A. Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A319 73 2012,
Version I, dated November 12, 2012, and Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No.
A319 73 4001, Version L, dated January 17, 2013, for related
information.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; telex:
570 042; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 23, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-12696 Filed 5-30-13; 8:45 am]
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