Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 221 (Friday, November 15, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68697-68699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-27185]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0940; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-26-AD; 
Amendment 39-17654; AD 2013-22-22]
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 superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-01-07 for 
all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2D turboshaft engines. AD 2013-01-07 required 
replacing the hydromechanical metering unit (HMU) at a reduced life. 
This AD maintains that requirement and also requires conducting 
inspections of the HMU. This AD was prompted by further cases of 
deterioration of HMU rotating components. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of the engine and possible 
loss of the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective December 20, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Turbomeca, 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is provided in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7779; 
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 supersede AD 2013-01-07, Amendment 39-17321 (78 FR 6725, 
January 31, 2013), (``AD 2013-01-07''). AD 2013-01-07 applied to the 
specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 
7, 2013 (78 FR 34284). The NPRM proposed to continue to require 
replacing the HMU at a reduced life. The NPRM also proposed to require 
inspections of the HMU.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 34284, June 7, 
2013).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for the 
following editorial changes. We changed paragraphs (e)(1)(iv) and 
(e)(2)(iv).
    Paragraph (e)(1)(iv) now reads, ``Guidance on replacing the 
complete sleeve and inspecting the complete sleeve female splines, and 
HP and LP male splines, can be found in Turbomeca Technical Instruction 
No. 292 73 2847.''

[[Page 68698]]

    Paragraph (e)(2)(iv) now reads, ``Guidance for completing the 
requirements of paragraph (e)(2) can be found in Turbomeca S.A. Alert 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 73 2847.''
    We changed paragraph (f) to provide credit for initial replacements 
specified in paragraph (e) of this AD.
    We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 32484, June 7, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 32484, June 7, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 56 Arriel 2D turboshaft engines 
installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it 
will take about two hours per engine to comply with this AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Required parts cost about $14,400 
per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of this 
AD to U.S. operators is $815,920.

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 DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (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.

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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2013-01-07, Amendment 39-17321 (78 FR 6725, January 31, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

2013-22-22 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-17654; Docket No. FAA-2012-
0940; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-26-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 20, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-01-07, Amendment 39-17321 (78 FR 
6725, January 31, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2D turboshaft 
engines.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by further cases of deterioration of 
hydromechanical metering unit (HMU) rotating components. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of the 
engine and possible loss of the helicopter.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Replace inter-pump complete sleeve, and visually inspect the 
complete sleeve female splines and HMU high-pressure (HP) pump and 
low-pressure (LP) pump male splines for corrosion, scaling, cracks, 
and wear, at the following:
    (i) Before exceeding 400 HMU operating hours since new if the 
HMU has 375 or fewer operating hours on the effective date of this 
AD; or
    (ii) Within 25 HMU operating hours if the HMU has more than 375 
operating hours on the effective date of this AD.
    (iii) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 400 HMU operating 
hours.
    (iv) Guidance on replacing the complete sleeve and inspecting 
the complete sleeve female splines, and HP and LP male splines, can 
be found in Turbomeca Technical Instruction No. 292 73 2847.
    (v) If the HMU does not pass the initial or repetitive visual 
inspections required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, then before the 
next flight, replace the affected HMU with an HMU eligible for 
installation.
    (2) Replace the rotating components of the HP and LP pumps, 
including the complete sleeve, or replace the HMU with an HMU 
eligible for installation at the following:
    (i) Before exceeding 800 HMU operating hours since new; or
    (ii) Within 800 HMU operating hours since last replacement of LP 
and HP fuel pumps rotating components; whichever occurs later.
    (iii) Thereafter, replace the LP and HP fuel pump rotating 
components or the HMU within every 800 HMU operating hours.
    (iv) Guidance for completing the requirements of paragraph 
(e)(2) can be found in Turbomeca S.A. Alert Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 73 2847.

(f) Credit for Previous Actions

    If before the effective date of this AD, you complied with 
Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No. A292 73 2847, Version A, dated May 29, 
2012, you met the initial replacement requirements specified in 
paragraph (e) of this AD. However, you must still comply with the 
repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.

(g) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install any HMU onto 
any engine, or install any engine onto any helicopter, unless the 
HMU is in compliance with this AD.

(h) 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Frederick Zink, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7779; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2013-0079, 
dated March 22, 2013, for more information. You may examine the AD 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-0940-0006.
    (3) Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No. A292 73 2847, Turbomeca 
Technical Instruction No. 292 73 2847, and Turbomeca Maintenance 
Manual Task 73-23-00-802-A01, which are

[[Page 68699]]

not incorporated by reference in this AD, pertain to the subject of 
this AD and can be obtained from Turbomeca, using the contact 
information in paragraph (i)(4) of this AD.
    (4) For Turbomeca service information identified in this AD, 
contact Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; 
telex: 570 042; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 24, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-27185 Filed 11-14-13; 8:45 am]
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