[Federal Register: June 23, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 120)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 36355-36357]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23jn05-19]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NE-33-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Artouste III Series
Turboshaft Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) for Turbomeca Artouste III series turboshaft engines.
That AD currently requires smoke emission checks after every ground
engine shutdown, and if necessary, additional checks and possibly
removing the engine from service. That action also requires inspection
of central labyrinths not previously inspected, or not replaced after
the engine logged 1,500 operating hours, and, replacement if necessary.
That action also requires the removal of injection wheels at a new
lower life limit. This proposed AD includes the same requirements as
the existing AD, but reduces the compliance time for the initial
inspection of the central labyrinth and adds repetitive inspections of
the central labyrinth. This proposed AD results from reports and
analyses of in-flight engine shutdowns occurring since we issued AD
2002-22-11. We are proposing this AD to prevent injection wheel cracks
and excessive central labyrinth wear, which could result in an in-
flight engine shutdown.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by August 22,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-33-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via
the Internet using the following address: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the
subject line.
Contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone 33 05 59 74
40 00, fax 33 05 59 74 45 15, for the service information identified in
this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299;
telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NE-33-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRM's
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-33-AD, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
Discussion
On October 28, 2002, the FAA issued AD 2002-22-11, Amendment 39-
12937 (67 FR 68022, November 8, 2002). That AD requires smoke emission
checks after every ground engine shutdown. When shutting down the
engine, fuel flows into the combustion chamber, which could result in a
slight increase of rundown time or emission of smoke through the
exhaust pipe, the air intake, or the turbine casing drain after the
rotating assembly has stopped. This condition might be caused by the
thermal stresses to which the injection wheel is subjected or a
malfunctioning electric fuel cock. If there is smoke, that action
requires inspecting for fuel flow. If there is no fuel flow, the engine
might have injection wheel cracks, which would require removing the
engine from service for repair. If there is fuel flow, the engine might
have a malfunctioning electric fuel cock, which would require removing
the electric fuel cock from service and replacing it with a serviceable
part. That action also requires inspection of central labyrinths not
previously inspected, or not replaced after the engine logged 1,500
operating hours, and, replacement if necessary. That action also
requires the removal of injection wheels at a new lower life limit.
These conditions, if not corrected, could result in injection wheel
cracks, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown.
Actions Since AD 2002-22-11 was Issued
Since AD 2002-22-11 was issued, The Direction Generale de
L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for
France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition might continue to
exist on Turbomeca Artouste III B, B1, and D series turboshaft engines.
The DGAC advises that operators have continued to report cracks on the
rear face of the injection wheels, which can lead to fuel leakage into
the turbine shaft tube during operation. Turbomeca has
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reviewed the latest in-service data that shows that in-flight engine
shutdowns have continued to occur. As a result, this proposed AD
includes the same requirements as the existing AD, but would reduce the
compliance time for the initial inspection of the central labyrinth and
adds a requirement for repetitive inspections of the central labyrinth.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Turbomeca
Artouste III Service Bulletin (SB) No A218 72 0099, Update 1, dated
June 6, 2001, that specifies procedures for smoke emission checks, and
fuel flow inspections if smoke is detected. We have also reviewed and
approved Turbomeca Artouste III Service Bulletin (SB) No. A218 72
00100, Update 2, dated January 23, 2004, that specifies procedures for
inspection and replacement of central labyrinths. The DGAC classified
these SB's as mandatory and issued AD F-2004-016, dated February 4,
2004, in order to assure the airworthiness of these Turbomeca Artouste
III series engines in France.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
The manufacturer calls for a check for smoke emission through the
exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during rundown and
after every engine shutdown. This proposal will require the same check,
except it will only be required after the last flight of the day. Also,
the manufacturer calls for inspection of the central labyrinth using
ratios based on cycles per hour starting with the published date of the
SB. This proposal will require the same inspection ratios beginning at
the effective date of the proposed AD.
Bilateral Agreement Information
This engine model is manufactured in France and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral
airworthiness agreement, the DGAC kept us informed of the situation
described above. We have examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed
all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary
for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in
the United States.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
Since we have identified an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on other Turbomeca engines of the same type design
that are used on helicopters registered in the United States, the
proposed AD would require:
Smoke emission checks after each last flight of the day.
If there is smoke, then inspect for fuel flow.
If there is no fuel flow, remove the engine from service
for repair.
If there is fuel flow, remove the electric fuel cock from
service and replace with a serviceable part.
Initial inspection of central labyrinths within 1,750
hours Time-Since-New or 50 hours from the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
Repetitive inspection of central labyrinths within 1,750
hours time-since-last inspection.
The proposed AD would require that you do these actions using the
service information described previously.
Interim Action
These actions are interim actions and we may take further
rulemaking actions in the future.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 1,062 Turbomeca Artouste III engines of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 59 engines
installed on helicopters of U.S. registry would be affected by this
proposed AD. We also estimate that it would take about 31 work hours
per engine to perform the proposed actions, and that the average labor
rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $8,100 per
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the proposed AD would cost
U.S. operators $596,785.
Special Flight Permits Paragraph Removed
Paragraph (e) of the current AD, AD 2002-22-11, contains a
paragraph pertaining to special flight permits. Even though this final
rule does not contain a similar paragraph, we have made no changes with
regard to the use of special flight permits to operate the airplane to
a repair facility to do the work required by this AD. In July 2002, we
published a new 14 CFR part 39 that contains a general authority
regarding special flight permits and airworthiness directives; see
Docket No. FAA-2004-8460, Amendment 39-9474 (69 FR 47998, July 22,
2002). Thus, when we now supersede ADs we will not include a specific
paragraph on special flight permits unless we want to limit the use of
that general authority granted in section 39.23.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposal and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the
address listed under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14
CFR part 39 as follows:
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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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-12937 (67 FR
68022, November 8, 2002) and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
to read as follows:
Turbomeca: Docket No. 99-NE-32-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by August 22,
2005.
Applicability
(b) This AD applies to Turbomeca Artouste III B, B1, and D
series turboshaft engines with injection wheels part numbers (P/Ns)
218.25.700.0, 218.25.704.0, 243.25.709.0, 243.25.713.0,
0.218.27.705.0, 0.218.27.709.0, and 0.218.27.713.0. These engines
are installed on, but not limited to Eurocopter SA 315 LAMA and SA
316 Alouette III helicopters.
Compliance
(c) Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless
already done. To prevent injection wheel cracks and excessive
central labyrinth wear, which could result in an in-flight engine
shutdowns, do the following:
Smoke Check
(d) Following every engine ground shutdown, do the following
using Turbomeca Artouste III Service Bulletin (SB) No. 218 72 0099,
dated September 14, 1998:
(1) After every flight, check for smoke emissions through the
exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during rundown and
after every engine shutdown. If a smoke emission has been noticed,
check the fuel system before the next flight to identify the origin
of the smoke emissions.
(2) If smoke is not detected, no action is required until the
next engine ground shutdown.
(3) If smoke is detected, inspect for fuel flow in accordance
with paragraph 2.B.(1) and 2.B.(2) of the referenced SB.
(i) If fuel flow is not detected, prior to further flight,
remove the engine from service and replace with a serviceable
engine.
(ii) If fuel flow is detected, remove the electric fuel cock
from service and replace with a serviceable part in accordance with
section 2.B.(4) and 2.B.(5) of the referenced SB.
(iii) Before entry into service, perform an engine ground run
and check the fuel system again for smoke emissions through the
exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during engine
rundown and after shut-down; if smoke emissions still remain after
replacement of the electric fuel cock, prior to further flight,
remove the engine from service and replace with a serviceable
engine.
(e) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable engine is defined
as an engine that does not exhibit smoke emissions.
Central Labyrinth Inspection
(f) Perform checks and inspections of the central labyrinth and,
if necessary, replace the central labyrinth, using paragraph 2. of
Turbomeca ASB No. A218 72 0100, Update 2, dated January 23, 2004,
and the following Table 1:
Table 1.--Inspection Schedule
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Initial inspection Repetitive inspection
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Prior to 1,750 hours Time-Since-New 1,750 hours TSLI.
or 1,750 hours Time-Since-Last
Inspection (TSLI), or 50 hours from
the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance
(g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(h) DGAC airworthiness directive F-2004-016, dated February 4,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 15, 2005.
Robert E. Guyotte,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12414 Filed 6-22-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P