[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 52 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14370-14372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06000]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25970; Directorate Identifier 99-NE-12-AD;
Amendment 39-18426; AD 2016-05-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2006-23-17 for
certain Turbomeca S.A. Turmo IV A and IV C turboshaft engines. AD 2006-
23-17 required repetitive inspections of the centrifugal compressor
intake wheel (inducer) blades for cracks and corrosion, replacement of
parts that fail inspection, and replacement of the TU 197 standard
centrifugal compressor. This AD requires the same inspections, but at
revised intervals, adds the replacement of the TU 215 standard
centrifugal compressor, and requires replacement of parts that fail
inspection. This AD was prompted by a centrifugal compressor inducer
blade loss. This AD was also prompted by a Turbomeca S.A. review of the
engine service experience and their determination that more frequent
borescope inspections (BSIs) are required on engines not modified to
the TU 191, TU 197, or TU 224 standard. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the centrifugal compressor inducer, which could lead
to an uncontained blade release, damage to the engine, and damage to
the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective April 21, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 21,
2016.
[[Page 14371]]
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; fax:
33 (0)5 59 74 45 15. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7125. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2006-
25970.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2006-
25970; 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, 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: Kenneth Steeves, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7765; 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 2006-23-17, Amendment 39-14829 (71 FR 66664,
November 16, 2006), (``AD 2006-23-17''). AD 2006-23-17 applied to the
specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
November 25, 2015 (80 FR 73681). The NPRM proposed to require the same
inspections, but at revised intervals, add the replacement of the TU
215 standard centrifugal compressor, and require replacement of parts
that fail inspection.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 73681, November 25,
2015).
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Turbomeca S.A. Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB)
No. A249 72 0100, Version H, dated May 21, 2015. The Alert MSB
describes procedures for the inspection and replacement of the
centrifugal compressor inducer blades. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 36 engines installed on airplanes
of U.S. registry. We estimate that two of these engines will require
compressor replacement. We also estimate that about 40 hours per engine
are required to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
hour. Parts cost about $40,000 per engine. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $202,400.
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
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 part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (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)
2006-23-17, Amendment 39-14829 (71 FR 66664, November 16, 2006)
(``2006-23-17''), and adding the following new AD:
2016-05-08 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-18426; Docket No. FAA-2006-
25970; Directorate Identifier 99-NE-12-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 21, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2006-23-17.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Turmo IV A and IV C turboshaft
engines.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a centrifugal compressor inducer blade
loss. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the centrifugal
compressor inducer, which could lead to an uncontained blade
release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(1) Remove the TU 197 and TU 215 standard centrifugal
compressors and install the TU 224 standard centrifugal compressor,
within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Perform initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections (UIs)
or eddy current inspections
[[Page 14372]]
(ECIs) of the centrifugal compressor (inducer). Use Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 6.B.(1)(b) of Turbomeca S.A. Alert Mandatory
Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A249 72 0100, Version H, dated May 21,
2015 to do the inspections. Use Appendix 1 of Turbomeca S.A. Alert
MSB No. A249 72 0100, Version H, dated May 21, 2015 for the schedule
of inspections.
(3) Perform initial and repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs)
of the centrifugal compressor inducer. Use Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs 6.B.(1)(a) of Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No.
A249 72 0100, Version H, dated May 21, 2015 to do the inspections.
Use Appendix 1 of Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No. A249 72 0100, Version
H, dated May 21, 2015 for the schedule of inspections.
(4) If, during any inspection required by paragraphs (e)(2) or
(e)(3) of this AD, any crack, corrosion, or other damage is detected
on the inducer, then before next flight, replace the centrifugal
compressor.
(5) Accomplishment of a UI or ECI of the centrifugal compressor
inducer, required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, is acceptable in
lieu of a BSI required by paragraph (e)(3) of this AD for that
engine.
(6) Replacement of a centrifugal compressor required by
paragraph (e)(4) of this AD, does not constitute terminating action
for the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (e)(2) and
(e)(3) of this AD.
(f) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the inspections and corrective actions
required by paragraphs (e)(2) and (e)(3) of this AD, if you
performed the inspections and corrective actions before the
effective date of this AD, using Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No. A249
72 0100, Version G, or an earlier version.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request. You may email your request to: [email protected].
(h) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kenneth Steeves,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7765; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Turbomeca S.A. Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No.
A249 72 0100, Version H, dated May 21, 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Turbomeca S.A. service information identified in this
AD, contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59
74 40 00; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7125.
(5) You may view this service information at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 26, 2016.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-06000 Filed 3-16-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P