[Federal Register: June 30, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 124)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 31167-31169]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30jn09-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0544; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-17-AD;
Amendment 39-15952; AD 2009-12-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C,
1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 Turboshaft Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting emergency airworthiness directive (AD) 2009-12-51 that was
sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Turbomeca
S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1
turboshaft engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual
inspections of certain reduction gearboxes (module M05) for oil
leakage, repair if leaking, and repair of all affected modules as
terminating action to the repetitive inspections. This AD results from
reports of oil leaks from certain reduction gearbox (module M05) front
casings. The engine manufacturer reported that the lubrication duct
plug was not properly bonded/glued in place. We are issuing this AD to
prevent uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, possible engine fire,
and an emergency autorotation landing.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 15, 2009 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD
2009-12-51, issued on June 4, 2009, which contained the requirements of
this amendment. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the
regulations as of July 15, 2009.
We must receive any comments on this AD by August 31, 2009.
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: Docket Management Facility, 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.
Contact Turbomeca, 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: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
james.lawrence@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 4, 2009, the FAA issued emergency AD
2009-12-51, that applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C,
1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. That AD
requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain reduction
gearboxes (module M05) for oil leakage, repair if leaking, and repair
of all affected modules as terminating action to the repetitive
inspections. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, possible engine fire, and an
emergency autorotation landing.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Turbomeca
S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 72 0825, Version A,
dated May 27, 2009, that describes procedures for visual inspections of
affected reduction gearboxes (module M05) for oil leakage, repair if
leaking, and repair of all affected modules as terminating action to
the repetitive inspections.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop
on other engines of the same type design, we issued emergency AD 2009-
12-51 to prevent uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, possible engine
fire, and an emergency autorotation landing. This AD requires initial
and repetitive visual inspections of certain reduction gearboxes
(module M05) for oil leakage, repair if leaking, and repair of all
affected modules as terminating action to the repetitive inspections.
You must use the service information described previously to perform
the actions required by this AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this
[[Page 31168]]
AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for public comment before
issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good cause existed to make
the AD effective immediately on June 4, 2009, to all known U.S. owners
and operators of Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D,
1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. These conditions still
exist, and we are publishing the AD in the Federal Register as an
amendment to Section 39.13 of part 39 of the Code Federal Regulations
(14 CFR part 39) to make it effective to all persons.
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-2009-0544;
Directorate Identifier 2009-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://
www.regulations.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
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including, if provided, 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).
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.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2009-12-51 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-15952. Docket No. FAA-2009-
0544; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-17-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 15,
2009, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made
immediately effective by emergency AD 2009-12-51, issued June 4,
2009, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C,
1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines if
modified by Turbomeca Modification TU332 and fitted with modules M05
as listed by serial number in Figure 1 of Turbomeca S.A. Mandatory
Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 72 0825, Version A, dated May 27,
2009. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Eurocopter
France AS350B, AS350BA, AS365N, AS350B1, AS350B2, Eurocopter
Deutschland GmbH MBB-BK117-C1, Agusta A109K2, and Sikorsky S-76A+,
S-76A++ and S-76C helicopters.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of oil leaks from certain
reduction gearbox (module M05) front casings. The engine
manufacturer reported that the lubrication duct plug was not
properly bonded/glued in place. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in loss of the lubrication duct plug, followed by a
rapid draining of the oil tank, without indication to the cockpit
through low oil pressure warning. This condition can lead to
uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, possible engine fire, and an
emergency autorotation landing.
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 Before Further Flight
(f) Before further flight:
(1) Visually inspect the module M05 lubrication duct for oil
leakage. Use paragraph 1.C.(1)(a), paragraph 2.A., and Figure 2 of
Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. A292 72 0825, Version A, dated May 27, 2009,
to do the inspection.
(2) If oil leakage is found, repair the module M05 lubrication
duct. Use paragraph
[[Page 31169]]
2.B.1, Figure 3, and Figure 4 in Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. A292 72
0825, Version A, dated May 27, 2009, to do the repair.
Repetitive Visual Inspections
(g) If no oil leakage is found, repeat the visual inspection
every four flight hours, or after the last flight of each day,
whichever comes first.
(h) The actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD may be
performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot
certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records showing
compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 and 14 CFR
91.417(a)(2)(v).
Optional Terminating Action
(i) As optional terminating action to the repetitive visual
inspections in paragraph (g) of this AD, repair the affected modules
M05 as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(j) 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
(k) European Aviation Safety Agency emergency airworthiness
directive 2009-0117-E, dated June 2, 2009, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Contact Information
(l) For further information, contact: James Lawrence, Aerospace
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-
mail: james.lawrence@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781)
238-7199, for more information about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. A292 72 0825, Version A,
dated May 27, 2009, to identify the serial numbers of modules M05
affected by this AD, and to perform the inspections and repairs
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. You can get a
copy from Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone (33) 05 59 74
40 00, fax (33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may review 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 June 22, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-15277 Filed 6-29-09; 8:45 am]
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