[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 221 (Friday, November 15, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68697-68699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27185]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0940; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-26-AD;
Amendment 39-17654; AD 2013-22-22]
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 airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-01-07 for
all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2D turboshaft engines. AD 2013-01-07 required
replacing the hydromechanical metering unit (HMU) at a reduced life.
This AD maintains that requirement and also requires conducting
inspections of the HMU. This AD was prompted by further cases of
deterioration of HMU rotating components. We are issuing this AD to
prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of the engine and possible
loss of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective December 20, 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 Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is provided in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7779;
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 2013-01-07, Amendment 39-17321 (78 FR 6725,
January 31, 2013), (``AD 2013-01-07''). AD 2013-01-07 applied to the
specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June
7, 2013 (78 FR 34284). The NPRM proposed to continue to require
replacing the HMU at a reduced life. The NPRM also proposed to require
inspections of the HMU.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 34284, June 7,
2013).
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for the
following editorial changes. We changed paragraphs (e)(1)(iv) and
(e)(2)(iv).
Paragraph (e)(1)(iv) now reads, ``Guidance on replacing the
complete sleeve and inspecting the complete sleeve female splines, and
HP and LP male splines, can be found in Turbomeca Technical Instruction
No. 292 73 2847.''
[[Page 68698]]
Paragraph (e)(2)(iv) now reads, ``Guidance for completing the
requirements of paragraph (e)(2) can be found in Turbomeca S.A. Alert
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 73 2847.''
We changed paragraph (f) to provide credit for initial replacements
specified in paragraph (e) of this AD.
We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (78 FR 32484, June 7, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 32484, June 7, 2013).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 56 Arriel 2D turboshaft engines
installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it
will take about two hours per engine to comply with this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Required parts cost about $14,400
per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of this
AD to U.S. operators is $815,920.
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)
2013-01-07, Amendment 39-17321 (78 FR 6725, January 31, 2013), and
adding the following new AD:
2013-22-22 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-17654; Docket No. FAA-2012-
0940; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-26-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 20, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2013-01-07, Amendment 39-17321 (78 FR
6725, January 31, 2013).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2D turboshaft
engines.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by further cases of deterioration of
hydromechanical metering unit (HMU) rotating components. We are
issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of the
engine and possible loss of the helicopter.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(1) Replace inter-pump complete sleeve, and visually inspect the
complete sleeve female splines and HMU high-pressure (HP) pump and
low-pressure (LP) pump male splines for corrosion, scaling, cracks,
and wear, at the following:
(i) Before exceeding 400 HMU operating hours since new if the
HMU has 375 or fewer operating hours on the effective date of this
AD; or
(ii) Within 25 HMU operating hours if the HMU has more than 375
operating hours on the effective date of this AD.
(iii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 400 HMU operating
hours.
(iv) Guidance on replacing the complete sleeve and inspecting
the complete sleeve female splines, and HP and LP male splines, can
be found in Turbomeca Technical Instruction No. 292 73 2847.
(v) If the HMU does not pass the initial or repetitive visual
inspections required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, then before the
next flight, replace the affected HMU with an HMU eligible for
installation.
(2) Replace the rotating components of the HP and LP pumps,
including the complete sleeve, or replace the HMU with an HMU
eligible for installation at the following:
(i) Before exceeding 800 HMU operating hours since new; or
(ii) Within 800 HMU operating hours since last replacement of LP
and HP fuel pumps rotating components; whichever occurs later.
(iii) Thereafter, replace the LP and HP fuel pump rotating
components or the HMU within every 800 HMU operating hours.
(iv) Guidance for completing the requirements of paragraph
(e)(2) can be found in Turbomeca S.A. Alert Mandatory Service
Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 73 2847.
(f) Credit for Previous Actions
If before the effective date of this AD, you complied with
Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No. A292 73 2847, Version A, dated May 29,
2012, you met the initial replacement requirements specified in
paragraph (e) of this AD. However, you must still comply with the
repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
(g) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install any HMU onto
any engine, or install any engine onto any helicopter, unless the
HMU is in compliance with this AD.
(h) 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Frederick Zink,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; phone: 781-238-7779; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2013-0079,
dated March 22, 2013, for more information. You may examine the AD
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-0940-0006.
(3) Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No. A292 73 2847, Turbomeca
Technical Instruction No. 292 73 2847, and Turbomeca Maintenance
Manual Task 73-23-00-802-A01, which are
[[Page 68699]]
not incorporated by reference in this AD, pertain to the subject of
this AD and can be obtained from Turbomeca, using the contact
information in paragraph (i)(4) of this AD.
(4) For Turbomeca 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.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 24, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-27185 Filed 11-14-13; 8:45 am]
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