[Federal Register: November 29, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 229)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67562-67564]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29no07-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28125; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-17-AD;
Amendment 39-15276; AD 2007-24-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 2S1 and 2S2 Turboshaft
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
[[Page 67563]]
airworthiness information (MCAI) provided by the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) to identify and correct an unsafe condition on
Turbomeca Arriel 2S1 and 2S2 turboshaft engines. The MCAI states the
following:
During assembly of a new HP/LP fuel pump, the drain screw on the
fuel filter unit failed when it was tightened to the torque value
specified in the assembly schedule (12 Nm). Investigation of the
screw showed that it was fully conformed to its specification, in
terms of both dimensions and material. The mechanical calculations
show, however, that a torque value of 12 Nm is too high for this
screw, exceeding the elastic limit of the material. Failure of the
affected screw could cause a fuel leak, resulting in an engine
flame-out or engine fire.
We are issuing this AD to prevent a fuel leak as a result of a ruptured
fuel filter drain screw that could lead to engine flame-out or an
engine fire.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 14, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of Turbomeca, S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 292 73
2824, dated February 1, 2007, listed in the AD as of December 14, 2007.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 31, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC
20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-
mail: Christopher.spinney@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781)
238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA AD No. 2007-0063, dated March 8,
2007, to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The
EASA AD states:
During assembly of a new HP/LP fuel pump, the drain screw on the
fuel filter unit failed when it was tightened to the torque value
specified in the assembly schedule (12 Nm). Investigation of the
screw showed that it was fully conform to its specification, in
terms of both dimensions and material. The mechanical calculations
show, however, that a torque value of 12 Nm is too high for this
screw, exceeding the elastic limit of the material. Failure of the
affected screw could cause a fuel leak, resulting in an engine
flame-out or engine fire.
You may obtain further information by examining the EASA AD in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Turbomeca has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 292 73 2824,
dated February 1, 2007. The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in
the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of France,
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with France, they have notified us of the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI AD and service information referenced
above. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the information
provided by the EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
This AD requires the replacement of the fuel filter drain screw and
tightening it to an effective torque of 6.5 Nm.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of
the high risk that the drain screw on the fuel filter unit may fail
when tightened to the torque value specified in the assembly schedule.
Failure of the affected screw could cause a fuel leak, resulting in an
engine flame-out or engine fire. Therefore, we determined that notice
and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-28125; Directorate
Identifier 2007-NE-17-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
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 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
[[Page 67564]]
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 this AD:
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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 FAA 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 AD:
2007-24-10 Turbomeca: Amendment 39-15276.; Docket No. FAA-2007-
28125, Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-17-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December
14, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Turbomeca Arriel 2S1 and 2S2 turboshaft
engines, all serial numbers that have a hydro mechanical unit (HMU)
installed that was manufactured before December 8, 2006, or
repaired/overhauled before December 8, 2006. These engines are
installed on, but not limited to, Sikorsky S-76C helicopters.
Reason
(d) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2007-0063,
dated March 3, 2007, states:
During assembly of a new HP/LP fuel pump, the drain screw on the
fuel filter unit failed when it was tightened to the torque value
specified in the assembly schedule (12 Nm). Investigation of the
screw showed that it was fully conforming to its specification, in
terms of both dimensions and material. The mechanical calculations
show, however, that a torque value of 12 Nm is too high for this
screw, exceeding the elastic limit of the material. Failure of the
affected screw could cause a fuel leak, resulting in an engine
flame-out or engine fire.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, within 30 HMU operating hours or 45
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first,
replace the fuel filter drain screw with a new one and tighten it to
an effective torque of 6.5 Nm, using Turbomeca Mandatory Service
Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 73 2824, dated February 1, 2007.
FAA AD Differences
(f) This AD differs from the EASA AD and/ or service information
as follows:
(1) EASA AD No. 2007-0063 requires compliance with the AD within
30 HMU operating hours, but not later than 15 April 2007, whichever
occurs first after the effective date of that AD.
(2) This AD, written later, requires compliance within 30 HMU
operating hours or 45 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(h) Refer to EASA AD 2007-0063, dated March 8, 2007, for related
information.
(i) Contact Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
Christopher.spinney@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781)
238-7199, for more information about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 292 73
2824, dated February 1, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD.
(k) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(l) For service information identified in this AD, contact:
Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone 33 05 59 74 40 00, fax 33
05 59 74 45 15.
(m) You may review service information copies at the FAA, New
England Region, 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 November 20, 2007.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-23031 Filed 11-28-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P