Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron Lycoming) ALF502L-2, ALF502L-2C, ALF502R-3 and ALF502R-3A Series Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 15, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1961-1962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-643]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-34-AD; Amendment 39-13017; AD 2003-02-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International, Inc., 
(formerly AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron Lycoming) ALF502L-2, ALF502L-
2C, ALF502R-3 and ALF502R-3A Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to Honeywell International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, 
Inc. and Textron Lycoming) ALF502L-2, ALF502L-2C, ALF502R-3 and 
ALF502R-3A series turbofan engines. This action requires inspection of 
the flow divider primary, secondary, and drain tube assemblies for 
security and proper clamping. This amendment is prompted by a fire in 
the engine nacelle of an ALF502L-2C powered airplane caused by fracture 
of the flow divider left primary fuel tube, due to high-cycle fatigue 
resulting from a missing support clamp. The actions specified in this 
AD are intended to prevent fire in the engine nacelle, in-flight 
shutdown, and possible damage to the engine.

DATES: Effective January 30, 2003. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of January 30, 2003.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 17, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-34-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via 
the Internet using the following address: ``[email protected]''. 
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the 
subject line.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Honeywell International, Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron 
Lycoming), Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201, PO Box 29003, 
Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003, telephone: (602) 365-2493; fax: (602) 365-5577. 
This information may be examined, by appointment, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (LAACO), FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 
(562) 627-5245; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has been informed that a Bombardier 
CL-600 airplane powered by ALF502L-2C engines had a fire in the nacelle 
of the number one engine, resulting from fracturing of the flow divider 
left primary fuel tube. The fracture was due to high-cycle fatigue 
caused by a missing support clamp. This action mandates inspection of 
the flow divider primary, secondary, and drain tube assemblies for 
security and proper clamping. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to prevent fire in the engine nacelle. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in an in-flight shutdown and possible damage to 
the engine.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ALF/LF A73-1013, dated October 
18, 2002, that describes procedures for inspection of the flow divider 
primary, secondary, and drain tube assemblies for security and proper 
clamping.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service Information

    Although Honeywell ASB ALF/LF A73-1013 requires compliance within 
75 hours after receipt of the service bulletin, this AD requires 
compliance within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
allowing operators more time to schedule and perform inspections.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Honeywell International, Inc., (formerly 
AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron Lycoming) ALF502L-2, ALF502L-2C, 
ALF502R-3 and ALF502R-3A series turbofan engines, this AD is being 
issued to prevent fire in the engine nacelle, in-flight-shutdown, and 
possible damage to the engine. This AD requires inspection of the flow 
divider primary, secondary and drain tube assemblies for security and 
proper clamping. The actions are required to be done in accordance with 
the service bulletin described previously.

Immediate Adoption of This AD

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that

[[Page 1962]]

supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in 
evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether 
additional rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2002-NE-34-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final 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 final rule.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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:

2003-02-01 Honeywell International, Inc.: Amendment 39-13017. Docket 
No. 2002-NE-34-AD.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Honeywell 
International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron 
Lycoming) ALF502L-2, ALF502L-2C, ALF502R-3 and ALF502R-3A series 
turbofan engines with tube assemblies, part numbers 2-193-340-02, 2-
173-600-03, 2-173-110-02, 2-173-120-03, and 2-193-350-02 installed. 
These engines are installed on, but not limited to Bombardier CL-
600-1A11 and BAE Systems BAe146-100A, -200A and -300A series 
airplanes.

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

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already 
done. To prevent fire in the engine nacelle, in-flight shutdown, and 
possible damage to the engine, do the following:

One-time Inspection of Flow Divider Tube Assemblies

    (a) Within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the flow divider primary, secondary, and drain tubes for 
proper clamp installation, in accordance with Paragraph 2.A.(1) and 
2.A.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Honeywell 
International, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin ALF/LF A73-1013, dated 
October 18, 2002.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (LAACO). Operators must submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the LAACO.

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

Special Flight Permits

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

    (d) The inspection must be done in accordance with Honeywell 
Alert Service Bulletin ALF/LF A73-1013, dated October 18, 2002.
    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 Honeywell International, Inc. 
(formerly AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron Lycoming), Attn: Data 
Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201, PO Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-
9003, telephone: (602) 365-2493; fax: (602) 365-5577. Copies may be 
inspected 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.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 30, 2003.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 6, 2003.
Mark C. Fulmer,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-643 Filed 1-14-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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