[Federal Register: October 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 202)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61634-61635]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19oc06-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-23809; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-52-AD;
Amendment 39-14795; AD 2006-21-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 2B Series Turboshaft
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Turbomeca Arriel 2B, 2B1, and 2B1A turboshaft engines. This AD requires
visually inspecting the splines of the high-pressure (HP) pump drive
gear shaft and coupling shaft assembly for wear. This AD results from
reports of uncommanded in-flight shutdowns of engines. We are issuing
this AD to detect wear on the splines of the HP pump drive gear shaft
and coupling shaft assembly, which could interrupt the fuel flow and
cause an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of the engine on a single-
engine helicopter. The in-flight shutdown of the engine could result in
a forced autorotation landing or accident.
DATES: This AD becomes effective November 24, 2006. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of November 24, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD
from Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos--France; Tel (33) 05 59 74 40 00; Telex
570 042; Fax (33) 05 59 74 45 15.
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39
with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to Turbomeca Arriel 2B,
2B1, and 2B1A turboshaft engines. We published the proposed AD in the
Federal Register on March 9, 2006 (71 FR 12150). That action proposed
to require visually inspecting the splines of the HP pump drive gear
shaft and coupling shaft assembly for wear.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management
Facility Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800)
647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of
Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
the DMS receives them.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We received no
[[Page 61635]]
comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 107 engines installed on
helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about
1.0 work-hours per engine to perform the actions, and that the average
labor rate is $65 per work-hour. There are no required parts. Based on
these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators
to be $6,955.
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); 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 AD 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2006-21-10 Turbomeca: Amendment 39-14795. Docket No. FAA-2005-23809;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-52-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November
24, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Turbomeca Arriel 2B, 2B1, and 2B1A
turboshaft engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited
to, Eurocopter AS350B3 and EC130B4 helicopters.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of uncommanded in-flight
shutdowns of engines. We are issuing this AD to detect wear on the
splines of the high-pressure (HP) pump drive gear shaft and the
coupling shaft assembly, which could interrupt the fuel flow and
cause an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of the engine on a single-
engine helicopter. The in-flight shutdown of the engine could result
in a forced autorotation landing or accident.
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.
Initial Visual Inspection
(f) Perform an initial visual inspection of the splines of the
coupling assembly and the HP pump drive gear shaft for wear. Use
2.A. through 2.C.(2) of the Instructions to be Incorporated of
Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 73 2812, Update
No. 2, dated June 28, 2005, as follows:
(1) For hydraulic mechanical units (HMUs) that have accumulated
450 or more hours time-since-new (TSN) or time-since-overhaul (TSO)
on the effective date of this AD, inspect within 50 hours after the
effective date of this AD. Replace the HMU if worn beyond limits.
(2) For HMUs that have fewer than 450 hours TSN or TSO on the
effective date of this AD, inspect after accumulating 450 hours TSN
or TSO, but before accumulating 500 hours TSN or TSO. Replace the
HMU if worn beyond limits.
Repetitive Visual Inspections
(g) Thereafter, perform a visual inspection of the splines of
the coupling shaft assembly and the HP pump drive gear shaft for
wear every time you remove or install the HMU. Use 2.A. through
2.C.(2) of the Instructions to be Incorporated of Turbomeca MSB No.
292 73 2812, Update No. 2, dated June 28, 2005. Replace the HMU and
coupling shaft assembly if worn beyond limits.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(h) 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
(i) DGAC airworthiness directive F-2005-188, dated November 23,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 292 73
2812, Update No. 2, dated June 28, 2005, to perform the visual
inspections required by this AD. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service
bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos--France; Tel (33) 05 59 74 40 00;
Telex 570 042; Fax (33) 05 59 74 45 15, for a copy of this service
information. You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA; or 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 October 12, 2006.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-17326 Filed 10-18-06; 8:45 am]
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