Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 78 (Tuesday, April 23, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23830-23832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09349]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

Docket No. FAA-2012-1131; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-34-AD; 
Amendment 39-17440; AD 2013-08-22]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 
1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. This AD requires daily post-flight 
checks of the engine tachometer's unit cycle-counting feature. This AD 
also requires ground-run functional checks within every 1,000 operating 
hours. This AD was prompted by detailed analysis and review of the 
accuracy of the engine's tachometer cycle-counting feature. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent uncontained engine failure and damage to the 
helicopter.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 28, 2013.

ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-
0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjana Murthy, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7750; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 11, 2012 
(77 FR 73557). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) states:

    Following detailed analysis and review of in-service feedback 
performed by Turbomeca on the Arriel 1 engines, the chapter 05-10 
Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) of Arriel 1 Maintenance 
Manuals has been updated in order to clarify the definition and 
update the requirements relative to the cycle counting aid system 
(modification introduced in production by Turbomeca modification 
TU207 or TU243 and in-service, respectively, by Turbomeca Service 
Bulletin (SB) 292 80 0190 or SB 292 80 0168), add associated 
maintenance tasks, and modify the Power Turbine (PT) partial cycle 
counting method.

    The SBs referenced above introduced the tachometer. The 
tachometer's cycle-counting feature, in some instances, produced 
results inconsistent with ground run checks. The inaccurate cycle-
counting results of the tachometer can lead to exceeding life limits on 
critical rotating parts, which can cause uncontained engine failure and 
damage to the helicopter.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 73557, December 11, 
2012).

Actions Since We Issued the Proposed Rule

    Since we issued the NPRM (77 FR 73557, December 11, 2012), the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued revised MCAI (EASA AD 
2012-0187R2, dated December 6, 2012), which states that for affected 
engines that have a tachometer installed, but the

[[Page 23831]]

tachometer is not used to count cycles, then no further action is 
required.

Changes to Actions and Compliance Section of This AD

    We evaluated the revised MCAI (EASA AD 2012-0187R2, dated December 
6, 2012), and we agree that for affected engines that have a tachometer 
installed, but the tachometer is not used to count cycles, then no 
further compliance action is required. We changed paragraph (e) of the 
final rule by inserting a new paragraph (e)(1) to read:
    ``(1) If a tachometer is installed on the engine, but is not used 
to count cycles, then no further action is required.''
    We also changed paragraph (e)(2) of this AD to clarify the 
objective of the daily check. The objective is not only to compare the 
cycle-count values from the tachometer and the daily check, but also to 
verify that they agree. The NPRM (77 FR 73557, December 11, 2012) 
stated:
    ``During the post flight maintenance inspection after the last 
flight of each day, compare the cycles counted by the engine's 
tachometer unit with the cycles counted by the primary counting 
method.''
    The changed paragraph in this AD states:
    ``During the post-flight maintenance inspection after the last 
flight of each day, verify that the cycles counted by the engine's 
tachometer unit agree with the cycles counted by the primary counting 
method.''
    We also changed paragraph (e)(4) of this AD to clearly state that 
the ground-run functional check required every 1,000 operating hours is 
in addition to the daily inspections required by this AD. The NPRM (77 
FR 73557, December 11, 2012) stated:
    ``If the engine tachometer cycle-counting feature remains accurate, 
then every 1,000 operating hours, perform a ground-run functional check 
of the tachometer unit cycle-counting feature.''
    The changed paragraph in this AD states:
    ``If the engine tachometer cycle-counting feature remains accurate, 
then every 1,000 operating hours, perform a ground-run functional check 
of the tachometer unit cycle-counting feature in addition to the daily 
inspections required in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. If the tachometer 
cycle-counting feature fails the check, thereafter, use only the 
primary cycle-counting method to count cycles.''

Changes to Cost of Compliance

    We also changed the Costs of Compliance section of this AD. 
Paragraph (e)(4) of this AD requires a functional check of the 
tachometer cycle counting feature every 1,000 operating hours. The NPRM 
(77 FR 73557, December 11, 2012) did not include the cost of the 
functional check in the estimated annual costs of compliance, while 
this AD does include that cost. The fleet cost for the functional check 
every 1,000 operating hours is $181,050, bringing the new total 
estimated fleet cost of compliance for this AD to $19,493,050.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously. We determined that the changes we have made, that is, the 
change based on revised MCAI and the editorial changes made to improve 
clarity, will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 1,420 engines installed 
in helicopters of U.S. registry. We do not have an estimate of how many 
engine tachometers will fail the inspection, so we have estimated the 
cost of repetitive inspections of engine tachometer units for one year 
and the cost of a required 1000-hour functional check. We estimate that 
an average of 320 checks will be required per year, and that it will 
take about 30 minutes per engine to perform a check of the engine's 
tachometer unit cycle-counting feature. We estimate the 1,000-
operating-hour functional check to take 1.5 hours to complete. The 
average labor rate is $85 per hour. No parts will be required. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD on U.S. operators 
to be $19,493,050.

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 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 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 affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is provided in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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.


[[Page 23832]]




Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2013-08-22 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-17440; Docket No. FAA-2012-
1131; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-34-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 28, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 
1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines that have 
incorporated Modification TU 207 or TU 243, or have incorporated 
Turbomeca Service Bulletin (SB) No. 292 80 0168 or SB No. 292 80 
0190.

(d) Reason

    This AD was prompted by detailed analysis and review of the 
accuracy of the engine's tachometer cycle-counting feature. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent uncontained engine failure and damage to 
the helicopter.

(e) Actions and Compliance

    (1) If a tachometer is installed on the engine, but is not used 
to count cycles, then no further action is required.
    (2) During the post-flight maintenance inspection after the last 
flight of each day, verify that the cycles counted by the engine's 
tachometer unit agree with the cycles counted by the primary 
counting method.
    (3) If the numbers are different, use the primary counting 
method thereafter to determine all cycle counts. Do not use the 
values from the tachometer cycle-counting feature.
    (4) If the engine tachometer cycle-counting feature remains 
accurate, then every 1,000 operating hours, perform a ground-run 
functional check of the tachometer unit cycle-counting feature in 
addition to the daily inspections in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. If 
the tachometer cycle-counting feature fails the check, thereafter, 
use only the primary cycle-counting method to count cycles.
    (5) If the tachometer is replaced, follow the instructions in 
paragraphs (e)(2), (e)(3), and (e)(4) of this AD.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(g) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjana Murthy, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7750; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2012-0187R2, 
dated December 6, 2012, and Turbomeca S.A. SB No. 292 80 0168 and SB 
No. 292 80 0190, for related information.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0) 5 59 74 40 00; 
telex: 570 042; fax: 33 (0) 5 59 74 45 15. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

(h) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 16, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-09349 Filed 4-22-13; 8:45 am]
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