[Federal Register: April 17, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 73)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19110-19112]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17ap07-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21624; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-17-AD;
Amendment 39-15028; AD 2005-13-25R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B Turboshaft
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft engines with Modification TU62A
incorporated. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive
inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and checks for proper operation of
the HMU acceleration controller axle. This AD requires the same
actions, but removes engines incorporating TU132 from the applicability
and adds an optional terminating action for the repetitive actions
required in AD 2005-13-25. This AD results from the engine manufacturer
releasing a service bulletin to introduce modification TU132. We are
issuing this AD to prevent loss of control of engine fuel flow in
manual control mode or mixed control mode, which can lead to engine
overspeed, and in-flight engine shutdown resulting in a forced
autorotation landing or accident.
DATES: Effective May 22, 2007. The Director of the Federal Register
previously approved the incorporation by reference of Alert Mandatory
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, dated January
11, 2005, on July 11, 2005 (70 FR 36480, June 24, 2005). The Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of ASB
No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 2, dated December 15, 2006, as of May 22,
2007.
We must receive any comments on this AD by June 18, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 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: On June 16, 2005, the FAA issued AD 2005-13-
25, Amendment 39-14162 (70 FR 36480, June 24, 2005). That AD requires
initial and repetitive inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and checks
for proper operation of the hydromechanical unit (HMU) acceleration
controller axle on engines that incorporate modification TU62A. That AD
was the result of several reports of the HMU acceleration controller
axle sticking that resulted in engine overspeed and in-flight engine
shutdown or uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown. That condition, if
not corrected, could result in loss of control of engine fuel flow in
manual control mode or mixed control mode, which can lead to engine
overspeed, and in-flight engine shutdown resulting in a forced
autorotation landing or accident.
Actions Since We Issued AD 2005-13-25
Since we issued that AD, the manufacturer introduced modification
TU132, which includes a new P3 cover with a self-lubricating coating
and a reduced centering length in the P3 cover. The European Aviation
Safety Authority (EASA) which is the airworthiness authority for the
European Union, recently notified us that Turbomeca S.A. has introduced
modification TU132 to eliminate the cause of an unsafe condition on
Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft engines. This AD requires
inspecting and lubricating the P3 cover and HMU acceleration control
axle on HMUs that are not modified to TU132. We are issuing this AD to
prevent loss of control of engine fuel flow in the manual control mode
or mixed control mode, which can lead to engine overspeed, and in-
flight engine shutdown resulting in a forced autorotation landing or
accident.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Turbomeca
Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 2,
dated December 15, 2006. That ASB describes procedures for inspecting,
lubricating, and checking for proper operation of the HMU acceleration
controller axle. The EASA issued AD 2007-0026, dated February 1, 2007,
in order to ensure the airworthiness of these Arriel 2B turboshaft
engines in the European Union.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
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 EASA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the findings of the EASA,
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 This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft engines of the
same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of control of
engine fuel flow in the manual control mode or
[[Page 19111]]
mixed control mode, which can lead to engine overspeed, and in-flight
engine shutdown resulting in a forced autorotation landing or accident.
This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections, cleaning,
lubrication, and checks for proper operation of the HMU acceleration
controller axle. You must use the service information described
previously to perform the actions required by this AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since we are reducing the applicability of this AD, a situation
exists that allows the immediate adoption of this AD. We have found
that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD
are unnecessary.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2005-21624;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-17-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS Web
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
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 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.
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 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 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
Under 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
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 removing Amendment 39-14162 70 FR
36480, June 24, 2005, and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
Amendment 39-15028, to read as follows:
2005-13-25R1 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-15028. Docket No. FAA-
2005-21624; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-17-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 22,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD revises AD 2005-13-25, Amendment 39-14162.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft
engines with Modification TU62A incorporated, but do not have
Modification TU132. These engines are installed on, but not limited
to, Eurocopter AS350B3 helicopters.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from the engine manufacturer releasing a
service bulletin to introduce modification TU132. We are issuing
this AD to prevent loss of control of engine fuel flow in manual
control mode or mixed control mode, which can lead to engine
overspeed, and in-flight engine shutdown resulting 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.
Hydromechanical Units (HMUs) Without Modification TU132
(f) Within 20 operating hours after July 11, 2005, the AD's
original effective date, inspect, clean, lubricate, and check for
proper operation of the HMU acceleration controller axle. Use
paragraph 2 of Instructions to be Incorporated of Turbomeca Alert
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, dated
January 11, 2005, or Update No. 2, dated December 15, 2006, to do
these actions.
(g) Thereafter, repeat the actions specified in paragraph (f) of
this AD within every 210 operating hours.
Optional Terminating Action
(h) Modifying the HMU to Modification TU132, terminates the
repetitive inspection requirements specified in paragraph (g) of
this AD. Turbomeca Service Bulletin No. 292 73 2132, dated May 31,
2006, contains information on modifying the HMU to Modification
TU132.
[[Page 19112]]
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(i) 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
(j) The EASA airworthiness directive 2007-0026, dated February
1, 2007, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use Turbomeca Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin
(ASB) No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, dated January 11, 2005; or ASB
No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 2, dated December 15, 2006, to perform
the actions required by this AD. The Director of the Federal
Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of ASB
No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, dated January 11, 2005, on July 11,
2005 (70 FR 36480; June 24, 2005). The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by reference of ASB No. A292 73
2814, Update No. 2, dated December 15, 2006, in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220
Tarnos, France; telephone 33 05 59 74 40 00, 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 9, 2007.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-7115 Filed 4-16-07; 8:45 am]
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