Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B Turboshaft Engines

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 121 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36480-36482]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12415]


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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 39-14162; AD 2005-13-25]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B Turboshaft 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

[[Page 36481]]


ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft engines with Modification TU62A 
incorporated. This AD results from several reports of the 
hydromechanical unit (HMU) acceleration controller axle sticking. This 
AD requires initial and repetitive inspections, cleaning, lubrication, 
and checks for proper operation of the HMU acceleration controller 
axle. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of control of engine fuel 
flow in manual control mode or mixed control mode, leading to engine 
overspeed and in-flight engine shutdown, or uncommanded in-flight 
engine shutdown.

DATES: Effective July 11, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulations as of July 11, 2005.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by August 23, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> 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: The Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile 
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us 
that an unsafe condition might exist on Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B 
turboshaft engines with Modification TU62A incorporated. The DGAC 
advises that several reports of the HMU acceleration controller axle 
sticking have been received that resulted in engine overspeed and in-
flight engine shutdown, or uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown. These 
events can occur when the fuel system is either in manual control mode 
or mixed control mode. They are most likely to occur during an HMU 
failure simulation or during autorotation training. HMU acceleration 
controller axle sticking can result in an excessive decrease in engine 
speed when the manual control is used to reduce fuel flow. It can also 
result in an excessive increase in engine speed when moving the control 
back to the flight notch. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of 
control of engine fuel flow in the manual control mode or mixed control 
mode, leading to engine overspeed and in-flight engine shutdown, or 
uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Turbomeca 
Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, 
dated January 11, 2005. That ASB describes procedures for inspecting, 
lubricating, and checking for proper operation of the HMU acceleration 
controller axle. The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory 
and issued AD F-2004-139, dated August 18, 2004, in order to ensure the 
airworthiness of these Arriel 2B turboshaft engines in France.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This Turbomeca Arriel 2B turboshaft engine model is manufactured in 
France. It 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 DGAC has 
kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have 
examined the findings of the DGAC, 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 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 mixed control mode, 
leading to engine overspeed and in-flight engine shutdown, or 
uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown. 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.
    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable. We also found 
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 
30 days.

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. The 
Web site includes 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 DMS Docket Offices 
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

[[Page 36482]]

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 the regulation:
    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 by 
sending a request to us 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:

2005-13-25 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-14162. Docket No. FAA-2005-
21624; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-17-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 11, 
2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft 
engines with Modification TU62A incorporated. These engines are 
installed on, but not limited to, Eurocopter AS350B3 helicopters.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from several reports of the hydromechanical 
unit (HMU) acceleration controller axle sticking. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent loss of control of engine fuel flow in the manual 
control mode or mixed control mode, leading to engine overspeed and 
in-flight engine shutdown, or uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown.

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.
    (f) Within 20 operating hours after the effective date of this 
AD, 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, to do these 
actions.
    (g) Thereafter, repeat the actions specified in paragraph (f) of 
this AD within every 210 operating hours.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (h) 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

    (i) DGAC airworthiness directive F-2004-139, dated August 18, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use Turbomeca Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, dated January 11, 2005, to 
perform the actions 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. 
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 Docket Management 
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001, on the 
internet at http://dms.dot.gov; 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 June 16, 2005.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12415 Filed 6-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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