[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 232 (Thursday, December 3, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66741-66743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-32047]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-ANE-72-AD; Amendment 39-10926; AD 98-22-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal, Inc. Model T5317A-1
Turboshaft Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule, request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-22-11 that was sent previously
to all known U.S. owners and operators of AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly
Textron Lycoming) model T5317A-1 turboshaft engines by individual
letters. This AD requires, prior to further flight, a pressure test to
determine if both fuel pumps in the regulator, Part Number (PN) 1-170-
240-93, are producing fuel pressure, and, if necessary, replacement of
the fuel regulator with serviceable part. In addition, this AD requires
repetitive engine fuel pump pressure tests. This amendment is prompted
by a report of an accident involving an AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly
Textron Lycoming) model T5317A-1 turboshaft engine installed on a Kaman
Aerospace model K-1200 rotorcraft engaged in logging operations. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of fuel flow
from the engine fuel regulator due to failure of both primary and
secondary fuel pump drive shaft splines. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in engine failure and forced autorotation
landing.
DATES: Effective December 18, 1998, to all persons except those persons
to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-22-
11, issued on October 30, 1998, which contained the requirements of
this amendment.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 18, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before February 1, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-ANE-72-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad-
[email protected].'' Comments sent via the Internet must contain the
docket number in the subject line.
The applicable service information may be obtained from
AlliedSignal, Inc., 111 South 34th Street, P.O. Box 52181, Phoenix,
Arizona 85072-2181; telephone (602) 231-3838; fax (602) 231-3800. This
information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond Vakili, Aerospace Engineer,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562)
627-5262, fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 30, 1998, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive
(AD) 98-22-11, applicable to AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron
Lycoming) model T5317A-1 turboshaft engines, which requires, prior to
further flight, a pressure test to determine if both fuel pumps in the
regulator, PN 1-170-240-93, are producing fuel pressure, and if
necessary, replacement of the fuel regulator with a serviceable part.
In addition, this AD requires repetitive engine fuel pump pressure
tests at intervals not to exceed 50 hours Time In Service (TIS). That
action was prompted by an accident involving an AlliedSignal Inc.
(formerly Textron Lycoming) model T5317A-1 turboshaft engine installed
on a Kaman Aerospace model K-1200 rotorcraft engaged in logging
operations. This condition, if not corrected, could result in engine
failure and forced autorotation landing.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of
AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. T5317A-1-A0106,
Revision 1, dated October 23, 1998, that describes procedures for a
pressure test to determine if both fuel pumps in the regulator, PN 1-
170-240-93, are producing fuel pressure, and, if necessary, replacement
of the fuel regulator with serviceable part.
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other engines of the same type design, the FAA issued priority
letter AD 98-22-11 to prevent engine failure and forced autorotation
landing. The AD requires,
[[Page 66742]]
prior to further flight, a pressure test to determine if both fuel
pumps in the regulator are producing fuel pressure, and if necessary,
replacement of the fuel regulator with serviceable parts. In addition,
this AD requires repetitive engine fuel pump pressure tests at
intervals not to exceed 50 hours time-in-service (TIS). The actions are
required to be accomplished in accordance with the ASB described
previously.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters
issued on October 30, 1998, to all known U.S. owners and operators of
AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) model T5317A-1
turboshaft engines. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby
published in the Federal Register as an amendment to Section 39.13 of
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to make it
effective to all persons.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-ANE-72-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-22-11 AlliedSignal, Inc.: Amendment 39-10926. Docket 98-ANE-72-
AD.
Applicability: AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming)
model T5317A-1 turboshaft engines. These engines are installed on,
but not limited to, Kaman Aerospace model K-1200 rotorcraft.
Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with
paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific
proposed actions to address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent engine failure and forced autorotation landing,
accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to further flight, perform pressure tests to determine
if both fuel pumps in the regulator, PN 1-170-240-93, are producing
the specified fuel pressure in accordance with the accomplishment
instructions paragraph of AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) No. T5317A-1-A0106, Revision 1, dated October 23, 1998,
Section 3, paragraphs A through F.
(b) If the observed pressures on the pressure gauges during the
test do not read a minimum of 110 psig and within 50 plus or minus 2
psig of each other, replace the fuel regulator, PN 1-170-240-93, and
repeat the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c) Thereafter, perform pressure tests using the procedures of
paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 50 hours Time In
Service (TIS) since last pressure test.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Certification Office. Operators
shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Engine Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.
(e) The fuel pressure tests shall be done in accordance with the
following AlliedSignal, Inc. alert service bulletin:
[[Page 66743]]
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Document No. Pages Revision Date
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T5317A-1-A0106............................. 1-6 1 October 23, 1998.
Total pages: 6.
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from AlliedSignal, Inc., 111 South
34th Street, P.O. Box 52181, Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2181; telephone
(602) 231-3838; fax (602) 231-3800. Copies may be inspected at the
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
(f) This amendment becomes effective December 18, 1998, to all
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by priority letter AD 98-22-11, issued October 23, 1998,
which contained the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 25, 1998.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-32047 Filed 12-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U