Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Turboshaft Engines

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9424-9426]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04439]



[[Page 9424]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0084; Product Identifier 2018-NE-02-AD; Amendment 
39-19212; AD 2018-05-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 
Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Arrius 2F turboshaft engines. This AD 
requires inspection and replacement of the magnetic heads installed on 
oil system electrical magnetic plugs. This AD was prompted by reports 
from the manufacturer of a batch of non-conforming magnetic heads 
installed on electrical magnetic plugs. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 21, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 21, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by April 20, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: (33) 05 
59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0084.

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-2018-
0084; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations (phone: 
800-647-5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2018-0012-E, dated January 16, 2018 (referred to hereinafter as 
``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Flaking of the cadmium coating of electrical magnetic plugs head 
Part Number (P/N) 9 520 01 154 5 was detected. Investigation results 
indicate that this was the result of manufacturing deficiency. This 
part is installed on electrical magnetic plugs (front and rear 
position) of the engine, providing warning signals for early 
detection of internal part(s) structural degradation, propagating in 
form of presence of metal particles in the lubrication system. The 
subsequent investigation identified the batch of affected magnetic 
plugs heads by serial number (s/n).
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
reduced capability of the particle detection system to identify 
internal structural failures and consequent in-flight shut-down, 
resulting in forced landing with possible damage to the helicopter 
and injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Safran Helicopter 
Engines issued Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) A319 79 4840 
and Alert MSB A319 79 4841 to provide inspection and replacement 
instructions.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0084.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Safran Helicopter Engines Alert Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (MSB) No. A319 79 4840, Version A, dated November 27, 2017, 
and Safran Helicopter Engines Alert MSB No. A319 79 4841, Version A, 
dated November 20, 2017. The MSBs describe procedures, respectively, 
for inspecting and replacing the magnetic heads installed on the 
electrical magnetic plugs. 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.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by France and is approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with the European Community, EASA has notified us of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced 
above. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information 
provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is 
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This final rule requires inspection and replacement of the magnetic 
heads installed on oil system electrical magnetic plugs.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the compliance time for the action is less than the time 
required for public comment. Therefore, we find good cause that notice 
and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In 
addition, for the reason stated above, we find 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 any written data, views, or 
arguments about

[[Page 9425]]

this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under the 
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-0084 and Product 
Identifier 2018-NE-02-AD at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule 
because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 105 engines installed on 
helicopters of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRIUS 2F Rear Electrical Mag Plug      2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170         $17,850
 Inspection.                             hour = $170.
ARRIUS 2F Front and Rear Electrical     4 work-hours x $85 per             3,061           3,401         357,105
 Mag Plug Mag Head Replacement.          hour = $340.
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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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-05-03 Safran Helicopter Engines (Type Certificate previously 
held by Turbomeca, S.A.): Amendment 39-19212; Docket No. FAA-2018-
0084; Product Identifier 2018-NE-02-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 21, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Arrius 2F 
turboshaft engines, with an oil system electrical magnetic plug 
magnetic head, part number (P/N) 9520011545, with serial numbers (S/
Ns) DU4621 through DU5053 inclusive, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7900, Engine Oil 
System (Airframe Furnished).

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports from the manufacturer of a batch 
of non-conforming magnetic heads installed on electrical oil debris 
magnetic plugs. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
engine oil debris detection system. This unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could result in the inability to detect engine bearing 
failures, failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 15 flight hours or 30 days, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, and then after each flight, 
inspect the magnetic head installed on the rear electrical magnetic 
plug in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
2.4.5, of Safran Helicopter Engines Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(MSB) A319 79 4840, Version A, dated November 27, 2017.
    (2) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, replace 
each affected magnetic head, installed on the front or the rear 
electrical magnetic plug, with a part eligible for installation in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.4.2, of 
Safran Helicopter Engines Alert MSB A319 79 4841, Version A, dated 
November 20, 2017.
    (3) After replacement of the magnetic head installed on the rear 
electrical magnetic plug, as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this 
AD, the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD are no longer required.

[[Page 9426]]

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, except as part of the 
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, do not install a 
magnetic head, P/N 9520011545, with an S/N DU4621 up to and 
including DU5053 on any engine.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. You may email your request to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2018-0012-
E, dated January 16, 2018, for more information. You may examine the 
MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2018-0084.

(k) 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.
    (i) Safran Helicopter Engines Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(MSB) A319 79 4840, Version A, dated November 27, 2017.
    (ii) Safran Helicopter Engines Alert MSB A319 79 4841, Version 
A, dated November 20, 2017.
    (3) For Safran Helicopter Engines service information identified 
in this AD, contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, 
France; phone: (33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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 February 23, 2018.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-04439 Filed 3-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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