Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 144 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44839-44841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18051]



[[Page 44839]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0164; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-02-AD; 
Amendment 39-18191; AD 2015-13-04]
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) 2014-19-05 for 
all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 
1K1, 1S, 1S1, 2B, 2B1, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1, and 2S2 turboshaft engines. 
AD 2014-19-05 required an initial one-time vibration check of the 
engine accessory gearbox (AGB) on certain Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 model 
engines, and repetitive vibration checks for all Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 
engines. This AD was prompted by our determination that we incorrectly 
identified technical references in AD 2014-19-05. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent failure of the engine AGB, which could lead to in-flight 
shutdown and damage to the engine, which may result in damage to the 
aircraft.

DATES: This AD is effective September 1, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 1, 
2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of 
November 5, 2014 (79 FR 59091, October 1, 2014).

ADDRESSES: 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. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0164.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0164; 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, 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document 
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Riley, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7758; 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 2014-19-05, Amendment 39-17973 (79 FR 59091, 
October 1, 2014), (``AD 2014-19-05''). AD 2014-19-05 applied to the 
specified products. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
February 4, 2015 (80 FR 6017). The NPRM proposed to continue to require 
an initial one-time vibration check of the engine AGB on certain higher 
risk Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 model engines. That NPRM also proposed to 
continue to require repetitive vibration checks of the engine AGB for 
all Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engines at every engine shop visit.
    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Request To Allow Sufficient Compliance Time

    One commenter requested that sufficient time be allowed to comply 
with this AD to account for the availability of the vibration test 
equipment and Turbomeca technical representatives. The commenter 
indicated that the initial one-time vibration check of the engine AGB 
requires use of Turbomeca-specified vibration test equipment and is 
performed by Turbomeca technical personnel.
    We do not agree. The compliance times in the AD provide sufficient 
time for the operator to perform the required maintenance. Operators 
can also procure the required vibration test equipment to perform the 
test. We did not change this AD.

Request To Revise Definition of Shop Visit

    One commenter requested that we revise the AD to make the 
definition of ``shop visit'' consistent with EASA AD 2014-0036. The 
EASA AD specifies that the repetitive vibration check of the engine AGB 
be performed during a ``qualifying shop visit,'' which is when the 
engine is ``overhauled or repaired in a qualified Repair Center.'' The 
commenter indicated that because of the modularity of the Arriel 
engine, it is possible to separate a major mating flange during ``Level 
2'' or ``Level 1 maintenance.''
    We do not agree. We do not find specific criteria in EASA AD 2014-
0036's definition of ``engine shop visit'' for when the repetitive AGB 
vibration check should be conducted. We did not change this AD.

Request To Eliminate Repetitive Vibration Check

    One commenter requested that the repetitive vibration check 
required by this AD be eliminated. The commenter indicated that this 
vibration check is already incorporated in Turbomeca Level 4 
maintenance, and in subsequent test requirements, so it will always be 
done. Further, adding this requirement to the AD only adds to the cost 
and paperwork requirements for operators.
    We do not agree. The repetitive vibration checks of the engine AGB 
are required to prevent failure of the AGB. We did not change this AD.

Revisions To Service Information References

    Turbomeca S.A. updated the service bulletins (SBs) referenced in 
this AD. We reviewed the updated SBs and found they adequately 
addressed the unsafe condition. Therefore, we revised this AD to 
reference the updated versions of the SBs. This AD now references 
Turbomeca S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 72 0839, 
Version C, dated June 18, 2014, and Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849, 
Version C, dated June 18, 2014. We also revised compliance paragraph 
(e) of this AD to refer to the corresponding paragraphs used in these 
updated MSBs to require the vibration checks.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these 
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of this AD.

[[Page 44840]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 0839, Version C, dated 
June 18, 2014; and Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version C, dated 
June 18, 2014. The service information describes procedures for 
vibration checks. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section 
of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,268 engines installed on 
aircraft of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 4 
hours per engine to comply with the inspection requirement in this AD. 
The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $431,120.

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

    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 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2014-19-05, Amendment 39-17973 (79 FR 59091, October 1, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

2015-13-04 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-18191; Docket No. FAA-2014-
0164; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-02-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 1, 2015

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2014-19-05, Amendment 39-17973 (79 FR 
59091, October 1, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 
1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, 1S1, 2B, 2B1, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1, 
and 2S2 turboshaft engines.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded in-flight 
shutdowns on Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engines following 
rupture of the 41-tooth gear forming part of the 41/23-tooth bevel 
gear located in the engine accessory gearbox (AGB). We are issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the engine AGB, which could lead to 
in-flight shutdown and damage to the engine, which may result in 
damage to the aircraft.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) For all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1B, 1D, 1D1, 2B, and 2B1 
turboshaft engines, perform a one-time vibration check of the AGB 
41/23-tooth bevel gear meshing within 32 months of the effective 
date of this AD, as follows:
    (i) For all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1B, 1D, and 1D1 engines, 
except those engines with an AGB installed with a serial number (S/
N) listed in the figure under paragraph 2.2. of Turbomeca S.A. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 72 0839, Version C, dated 
June 18, 2014, use paragraph 2.3.1. through 2.3.3. of Turbomeca S.A. 
MSB No. 292 72 0839, Version C, dated June 18, 2014, to perform the 
vibration check.
    (ii) You must also use Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 Technical 
Instruction (TI) No. 292 72 0839 and Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 TI No. 
292 72 0840 to do the vibration check.
    (iii) For all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B and 2B1 engines, except 
those engines with an AGB installed with an S/N listed in the figure 
under paragraph 2.2. of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version 
C, dated June 18, 2014, use paragraphs 2.3.1. through 2.3.3. of 
Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version C, dated June 18, 2014, 
to perform the vibration check. Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849 
refers to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2 TI No. 292 72 2849 and to 
Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2 TI No. 292 72 2850, which you must also use 
to do the vibration check.
    (iv) The reporting requirements in paragraphs 2.3.1.1.3., 
2.3.2.1.3., and the requirement to return module M01 (AGB) to a 
Repair Center in paragraph 2.3.2.2.2. in Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 
72 0839, Version C, dated June 18, 2014, and in Turbomeca S.A. MSB 
No. 292 72 2849, Version C, dated June 18, 2014, are not required by 
this AD.
    (2) For all affected Turbomeca S.A. engines, during each engine 
shop visit after the effective date of this AD, perform a vibration 
check of the AGB 41/23-tooth bevel gear meshing.
    (3) If the AGB does not pass the vibration check required by 
paragraphs (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD, replace the AGB with a part 
eligible for installation.

(f) Credit for Previous Action

    If you performed a vibration check of the AGB before the 
effective date of this AD using Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 0839, 
Version A, dated September 9, 2013, or Version B, dated November 25, 
2013, or MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version A, dated September 9, 2013, or 
Version B, dated November 25, 2013; or during an engine shop visit 
per paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, you met the initial inspection 
requirement of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(g) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges. The separation 
of engine flanges solely for the purpose of transportation without 
subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop 
visit.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

[[Page 44841]]

make your request. You may email your request to: [email protected].

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mark Riley, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7758; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2014-0036, 
dated February 11, 2014, for related information. You may examine 
the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0164-0003.
    (3) Turbomeca S.A. Engine Test Bed Acceptance Test 
Specifications CCT No. 0292009400, Version T; CCT No. 0292019400, 
Version R; CCT No. 0292019690, Version I; CCT No. 0292019530, 
Version K; CCT No. 0292019610, Version K; CCT No. 0292029450, 
Version J; CCT No. 0292029490, Version I; CCT No. 0292029440, 
Version I; CCT No. 0292029480, Version K; CCT No. 0292029520, 
Version H; CCT No. 0292029410, Version L; CCT No. 0292029530, 
Version H; or Turbomeca ID No. 383952; or Turbomeca RTD No. X 292 65 
327 2, provide information on performing a vibration check during an 
engine shop visit. These service documents can be obtained from 
Turbomeca S.A. using the contact information in paragraph (j)(5) of 
this AD.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 1, 2015.
    (i) Turbomeca S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 72 
0839, Version C, dated June 18, 2014.
    (ii) Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version C, dated June 
18, 2014.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 5, 2014 (79 FR 59091, October 1, 2014).
    (i) Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 0839, Version B, dated 
November 25, 2013.
    (ii) Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version B, dated 
November 25, 2013.
    (iii) Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 Technical Instruction (TI) No. 292 
72 0839, Version E, dated February 20, 2014.
    (iv) Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 TI No. 292 72 0840, Version A, 
dated November 29, 2013.
    (v) Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2 TI No. 292 72 2849, Version E, dated 
February 20, 2014.
    (vi) Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2 TI No. 292 72 2850, Version A, 
dated November 29, 2013.
    (5) For Turbomeca S.A. 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.
    (6) You may view this service information at 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.
    (7) You may view this service information 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 16, 2015.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-18051 Filed 7-27-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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