[Federal Register: October 18, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 200)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 60453-60456]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18oc05-13]
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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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[[Page 60453]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2004-NE-10-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (Formerly
Allison Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit
Diesel Allison) (RRC) 250-B and 250-C Series Turboshaft and Turboprop
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 certain RRC 250-B and 250-C series turboshaft and
turboprop engines. That AD currently requires a onetime inspection of
the fuel nozzle screen for contamination, and if contamination is
found, inspection and cleaning of the entire aircraft fuel system
before further flight. That AD also requires replacing the fuel nozzle
with a new design fuel nozzle, at the next fuel nozzle overhaul or by
June 30, 2006, whichever occurs first. This proposed AD would require
the same actions, but would add additional part numbers (P/Ns) to the
list of affected fuel nozzles. This proposed AD would also explain that
the existing AD, as worded, allows certain part number (P/N) fuel
nozzles back into service. Those fuel nozzles must not be allowed back
into service. This proposed AD results from the discovery that several
P/Ns of fuel nozzles were inadvertently left out of AD 2004-24-09. We
are proposing this AD to minimize the risk of sudden loss of engine
power and uncommanded shutdown of the engine due to fuel contamination
and collapse of the screen in the fuel nozzle.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by December 19,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD:
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2004-NE-10-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
By fax: (781) 238-7055.
By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Rolls-Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN 46206-
0420; telephone (317) 230-6400; fax (317) 230-4243.
You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Tallarovic, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des
Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847) 294-8180; fax (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2004-NE-10-AD'' in the
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a
substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and
place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received
by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those
comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the
location.
Discussion
On November 22, 2004, we issued AD 2004-24-09, Amendment 39-13885
(69 FR 69807, December 1, 2004). That AD requires a onetime inspection
of the fuel nozzle screen for contamination, and if contamination is
found, inspection and cleaning of the entire aircraft fuel system
before further flight. That AD also requires replacing the fuel nozzle
with a new design fuel nozzle, at the next fuel nozzle overhaul or by
June 30, 2006, whichever occurs first. That AD was the result of 10
reports of engine power loss with accompanying collapse of the fuel
nozzle screen, due to fuel contamination. That condition, if not
corrected, could result in sudden loss of engine power and uncommanded
shutdown of the engine due to fuel contamination and collapse of the
screen in the fuel nozzle.
Actions Since AD 2004-24-09 Was Issued
Since AD 2004-24-09 was issued, we discovered that several RRC and
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) fuel nozzle part numbers were
inadvertently left out of the AD. Additionally, we discovered that
certain RRC fuel nozzles are only identified by their vendor part
number. Because AD 2004-24-09 defined a serviceable fuel nozzle as a
nozzle that has a P/N not specified in, or addressed by, that AD, it is
possible that operators could return to service fuel nozzles, P/Ns
6874959, 6894610, and 6898531, and then record being in compliance with
AD 2004-24-09. In those cases, the minimizing of the risk of sudden
loss of engine power and uncommanded shutdown of the engine due to fuel
contamination and collapse of the screen in the fuel nozzle, has not
been achieved. We have added these additional RRC, PMA, and vendor part
numbers to this proposed AD.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products
of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would
minimize the risk of sudden loss of engine power and uncommanded
shutdown of the engine due to fuel contamination and collapse of the
screen in the fuel nozzle. This proposed AD requires:
[[Page 60454]]
A onetime inspection of the screens in certain P/N fuel
nozzles for contamination within 50 operating hours after the effective
date of the proposed AD; or
A onetime inspection of the screens in certain P/N fuel
nozzles for contamination within 150 operating hours after January 5,
2005, unless already done using AD 2004-24-09; and
If contamination is found, inspecting and cleaning the
entire aircraft fuel system, before further flight; and
Replacing the fuel nozzles listed in this AD with a new
design fuel nozzle, at the next fuel nozzle overhaul or by June 30,
2006, whichever occurs first.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 15,000 RRC 250-B and 250-C series turboshaft and
turboprop engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We
estimate that 10,000 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry
would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate that it would
take about one work hour per engine to perform the proposed actions,
and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. In addition,
operators can either replace the fuel nozzle with a new one at a cost
of about $2,595 or have the existing nozzle overhauled at a cost of
about $850. We estimate that about 80% of the fuel nozzles will be
overhauled and 20% will be replaced with a new nozzle. Therefore, we
estimate that the required parts would cost, on average, about $1,200
per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the
proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $12,650,000.
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 will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed 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 the 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. 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2004-NE-10-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-13885 (69 FR
69807, December 1, 2004), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
to read as follows:
Rolls-Royce Corporation: Docket No. 2004-NE-10-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments
on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by December 19, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-24-09.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison
Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit Diesel
Allison) (RRC) 250-B and 250-C series turboshaft and turboprop engines
in the following Table 1:
Table 1.--250-B and 250-C Series Turboshaft and Turboprop Engines
Affected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-B15A
-B15E
-B15G
-B17
-B17B
-B17C
-B17D
-B17E
-B17F
-B17F/1
-B17F/2
-C18
-C18A
-C18B
-C18C
-C20
-C20B
-C20C
-C20F
-C20J
-C20R
-C20R/1
-C20R/2
-C20R/4
-C20S
-C20W
-C28
-C28B
-C28C
-C30
-C30G
-C30G/2
-C30M
-C30P
-C30R
-C30R/1
-C30R/3
-C30R/3M
-C30S
-C30U
-C40B
-C47B
-C47M
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These engines are installed on, but not limited to, the aircraft
listed in the following Table 2:
[[Page 60455]]
Table 2.--Engines Installed On, But Not Limited To
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Manufacturer Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agusta................................. A109, A109A, A109AII, and
A109C.
Bell Helicopter Textron................ 47, 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1,
206L-3, 206L-4, 407, and 430.
B-N Group.............................. BN-2T and BN-2T-4R.
Enstrom................................ TH28, 480; and 480B.
Eurocopter Canada Limited.............. BO 105 LS A-3.
Eurocopter France...................... AS355E, AS355F, AS355I, and
AS355F2.
Eurocopter Deutschland................. BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, and
BO-105LS A-1.
Hiller Aviation........................ FH-1100.
McDonnell Douglas...................... 369D, 369E, 369F, 369H, 369HE,
369HM, 369HS, 369FF, and 500N.
Schweizer.............................. TH269D.
SIAI Marchetti s.r.l................... SF600 and SF600A.
Sikorsky............................... S-76A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from the discovery that several part numbers
(P/Ns) of fuel nozzles were inadvertently left out of AD 2004-24-09.
That AD, as worded, allows certain P/N fuel nozzles back into service.
Those fuel nozzles must not be allowed back into service. We are
issuing this AD to minimize the risk of sudden loss of engine power and
uncommanded shutdown of the engine due to fuel contamination and
collapse of the screen in the fuel nozzle.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have
already been done.
(f) Perform a onetime inspection of the screens in fuel nozzles as
follows:
(1) For fuel nozzles with a P/N listed in Table 3 of this AD,
inspect the screen for contamination within 50 operating hours after
the effective date of this AD.
Table 3.--Fuel Nozzles To Be Inspected Within 50 Operating Hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corresponding
Manufacturer P/N RRC vendor P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RRC..................................... 6874959 5232815
6894610 5233465
6898531 5233585
Delevan Inc. (PMA)...................... 49445 N/A
47069 N/A
47101 N/A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For fuel nozzles with a P/N listed in Table 4 of this AD,
inspect the screen for contamination within 150 operating hours after
January 5, 2005.
Table 4.--Fuel Nozzles To Be Inspected Within 150 Operating Hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corresponding
Manufacturer P/N RRC vendor P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RRC..................................... 6852020 5232480
6890917 5233333
6899001 5233600
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(g) Before further flight, inspect and clean the entire aircraft
fuel system if you find any contamination on the screen.
(h) At the next fuel nozzle overhaul after the effective date of
this AD, or by June 30, 2006, whichever occurs first, do the
following:
(1) Remove from service fuel nozzles listed in Table 3 and Table
4 of this AD.
(2) Replace with a serviceable fuel nozzle.
Definition
(i) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable fuel nozzle is
defined as a nozzle that has a P/N not specified in, or addressed
by, this AD.
Previous Credit
(j) Previous credit is given for onetime inspections of fuel
nozzles, RRC P/Ns 6852020, 6890917, and 6899001 using AD 2004-24-09.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(k) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft 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
(l) Information related to the subject of this AD can be found
in Rolls-Royce Corporation Alert Commercial Engine Bulletins (CEBs),
all at Revision 1, and all dated August 30, 2004, listed in the
following Table 5:
[[Page 60456]]
Table 5.--Related Alert Commercial Engine Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CEB-A-313.............................. CEB-A-73-5029.
CEB-A-73-2075.......................... CEB-A-73-6041.
CEB-A-1394............................. TP CEB-A-183.
CEB-A-73-3118.......................... TP CEB-A-1336.
CEB-A-73-4056.......................... TP CEB-A-73-2032.
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Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 11, 2005.
Ann C. Mollica,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-20779 Filed 10-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P