Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arrius 1A Series Turboshaft Engines

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 11, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19298-19299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-7456]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NE-42-AD; Amendment 39-11650; AD 2000-06-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arrius 1A Series Turboshaft 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to Turbomeca Arrius 1A series turboshaft engines, that 
requires installation of module TU63, which provides a separate supply 
of fuel for one of the 10 main injectors of the fuel injection system. 
This action is prompted by reports of unexpected power loss during test 
flights. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
unexpected power loss, which could result in an uncommanded in-flight 
engine shutdown, autorotation, and forced landing.

DATES: Effective June 12, 2000. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications in this rule is approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of June 12, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in the rule may be 
obtained from Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone (33) 05 59 64 
40 00, fax (33) 05 59 64 60 80. This information may be examined at the 
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glorianne Niebuhr, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 
238-7132, fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to Turbomeca Turboshaft Arrius 1A 
series turboshaft engines was published in the Federal Register on 
December 1, 1999 (64 FR 67206). That action proposed to require 
installation of module TU63, which provides a separate supply of fuel 
for one of the 10 main injectors of the fuel injection system. That 
action was prompted by reports of cracked injection wheels. That 
condition, if not corrected, could result in an unexpected power loss, 
which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown, autorotation, and a 
forced landing.

Comments Received

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 100 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that nine engines installed on 
aircraft of US registry would be affected by this AD, that it would 
take approximately 1 work hour per engine to accomplish the actions, 
and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts 
would cost approximately $5,500 per engine. Based on these figures, the 
total cost impact of the AD on US operators is estimated to be $50,040. 
The manufacturer has advised the DGAC that they may provide module TU63 
at no cost to the operator, thereby substantially reducing the cost 
impact of this rule.

Regulatory Impact

    This rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in 
Executive Order 13132, because it would 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. Accordingly, 
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication 
of this rule.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to 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

    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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2000-06-09 Turbomeca: Amendment 39-11650. Docket 99-NE-42-AD.

    Applicability: Turbomeca Arrius 1A series turboshaft engines, 
installed on but not limited to Ecureuil AD355 series helicopters.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless

[[Page 19299]]

of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area 
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition 
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously. To prevent unexpected power loss, which could result in 
an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, autorotation, and forced 
landing, accomplish the following:

Installation of Module TU63

    (a) Install module TU63 in accordance with the Instructions for 
Incorporation of Turbomeca Arrius Service Bulletin (SB) No. 319 73 
0016, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997, at the earliest of the 
following after the effective date of this AD:
    (1). The next shop visit, or
    (2). Within 120 cycles-in-service, or
    (3). Within 30 days.

Definition

    (b) For the purpose of this AD, a shop visit is defined as 
whenever the engine is removed from the helicopter for maintenance.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office. 
Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.

Ferry Flights

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with Turbomeca Arrius Service Bulletin (SB) No. 319 73 0016, 
Revision 1, dated December 22, 1997. This incorporation by reference 
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from 
Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone (33) 05 59 64 40 00, fax 
(33) 05 59 64 60 80. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 12, 2000.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 20, 2000.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-7456 Filed 4-10-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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