Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.), Turboshaft Engines

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 42 (Friday, March 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12807-12809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04454]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0132; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00947-E; 
Amendment 39-21466; AD 2021-05-22]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.), Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran Helicopter Engines) 
Arriel 1B, Arriel 1C, Arriel 1C2, Arriel 1D1, Astazou XIV B, and 
Astazou XIV H model turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by the 
detection of positive segregation (freckles) on Stage 2 high-pressure 
turbine (HPT) disks and Stage 3 turbine wheels. This AD requires 
removal from service of certain Stage 2 HPT disks for Safran Helicopter 
Engines Arriel 1B, 1C, 1C2, and 1D1 model turbofan engines and affected 
Stage 3 turbine wheels for Safran Helicopter Engines Astazou XIV B and 
XIV H model turbofan engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 22, 2021.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by April 19, 2021.

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 https://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: Deliver to Mail address above 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., Avenue du 1er Mai, Tarnos, France; 
phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 45 11. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0132.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0132; 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 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wego Wang, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
(781) 238-7134; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2020-0151-E, dated July 9, 2020, for Safran Helicopter 
Engines Arriel 1B, Arriel 1C, Arriel 1C2, and Arriel 1D1 model 
turboshaft engines, and AD 2020-0161-E, dated July 17, 2020, for Safran 
Helicopter Engines Astazou XIV B and Astazou XIV H model turboshaft 
engines to address an unsafe condition for the specified products. EASA 
AD 2020-0151-E states:

    Positive segregation (freckles) was detected on Stage 2 HP 
turbine discs manufactured from a certain block of material. Other 
parts manufactured from that same block of material may also be 
affected by this non-conformity.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to HP turbine disc 
failure and result in high-energy debris release, with consequent 
damage to, and reduced control of, the helicopter.
    To address this unsafe condition, SAFRAN issued the MSB, as 
defined in this [EASA] AD, to identify affected HP turbine discs and 
provide instructions for replacement.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts, and prohibits 
re-installation of affected parts.

    EASA AD 2020-0161-E states:

    Positive segregation (freckles) was detected on Stage 3 turbine 
wheels manufactured from a certain block of material. Other parts 
manufactured from that same block of material may also be affected 
by this non-conformity.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to turbine wheel 
failure and result in high-energy debris release, with consequent 
damage to, and reduced control of, the helicopter.
    To address this unsafe condition, SAFRAN issued the MSB, as 
defined in this [EASA] AD, to identify affected turbine wheels and 
provide instructions for replacement.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts, and prohibits 
re-installation of affected parts.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAIs in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2021-0132.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by EASA 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. The FAA is issuing this AD because the 
agency evaluated all the relevant information provided by EASA and has 
determined that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to 
exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Safran Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 292 72 
0860, Version A, dated July 9, 2020 (MSB 292 72 0860). MSB 292 72 0860 
identifies affected Stage 2 HPT disks and describes procedures for 
removing and replacing affected Stage 2 HPT disks on Safran Helicopter 
Engines Arriel 1B, Arriel 1C, Arriel 1C2, and Arriel 1D1 model turbofan 
engines. The FAA also reviewed Safran MSB 283 72 0814, Version A, dated 
July 16, 2020 (MSB 283 72 0814). MSB 283 72 0814 describes procedures 
for replacing the Stage 3 turbine wheel on Safran Helicopter Engines 
Astazou XIV B and Astazou XIV H model turbofan engines.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires the removal from service and replacement of 
affected Stage 2 HPT disks for Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 1B, 
Arriel 1C, Arriel 1C2, and Arriel 1D1 model turbofan engines.

[[Page 12808]]

This AD also requires the removal from service and replacement of each 
affected Stage 3 turbine wheel for Safran Helicopter Engines Astazou 
XIV B and Astazou XIV H model turbofan engines.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    EASA AD 2020-0161-E requires operators to use Safran Helicopter 
Engines service information to perform the removal and replacement of 
affected Stage 2 HPT disks while this AD does not.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    The FAA has found the risk to the flying public justifies waiving 
notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because no domestic 
operators use this product. It is unlikely that the FAA will receive 
any adverse comments or useful information about this AD from any U.S. 
operator. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are unnecessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for 
the foregoing reason(s), the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 
days.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA-2021-0132 and Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-00947-E at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Wego 
Wang, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 0 engines installed on 
helicopters of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace Stage 2 HPT disk..............  50 work-hours x $85 per          $30,000         $34,250              $0
                                         hour = $4,250.
Replace Stage 3 turbine wheel.........  50 work-hours x $85 per          237,000         241,250               0
                                         hour = $4,250.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

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.
    The FAA is 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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

[[Page 12809]]

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:

2021-05-22 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate 
previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.): Amendment 39-21466; Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0132; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00947-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 22, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Safran Helicopter Engines (Type Certificate 
previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.):
    (1) Arriel 1B, Arriel 1C, Arriel 1C2, and Arriel 1D1 model 
turboshaft engines with a Stage 2 HPT disk part number (P/N) 
0292250400 and serial number (S/N) J915AD, J918AD, J919AD, J921AD, 
J923AD, J924AD, J926AD or J927AD, installed; and
    (2) Astazou XIV B and Astazou XIV H model turboshaft engines 
with a Stage 3 turbine wheel P/N 0256257050 and S/N J276AD, J278AD, 
J279AD, J281AD, J282AD, J283AD or J287AD, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the detection of positive segregation 
(freckles) on Stage 2 high-pressure turbine (HPT) disks and Stage 3 
turbine wheels manufactured from a certain block of material. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT disk. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the 
Stage 2 HPT disk and Stage 3 turbine wheels, uncontained release of 
these parts, damage to the helicopter, and reduced control of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For affected Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 1B, Arriel 1C, 
Arriel 1C2 and Arriel 1D1 model turboshaft engines, within 25 flight 
hours (FHs) after the effective date of this AD, remove from service 
the Stage 2 HPT disk and replace with a part that is eligible for 
installation.
    (2) For affected Safran Helicopter Engines Astazou XIV B and 
Astazou XIV H model turboshaft engines, within 25 FHs after the 
effective date of this AD, remove from service the Stage 3 turbine 
wheel and replace with a part that is eligible for installation.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation 
on Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 1B, Arriel 1C, Arriel 1C2, and 
Arriel 1D1 model turboshaft engines is a Stage 2 HPT disk that does 
not have P/N 0292250400 and S/N J915AD, J918AD, J919AD, J921AD, 
J923AD, J924AD, J926AD or J927AD.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a part that is eligible for 
installation on Safran Helicopter Engines Astazou XIV B and Astazou 
XIV H model turboshaft engines is a Stage 3 turbine wheel that does 
not have P/N 0265257050 and S/N J276AD, J278AD, J279AD, J281AD, 
J282AD, J283AD, or J287AD.

(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 
Related Information. 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 Wego Wang, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7134; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2020-0151-E, dated July 9, 2020, and EASA AD 2020-0161-E, dated July 
17, 2020, for more information. You may examine the EASA ADs in the 
AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0132.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued on February 26, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-04454 Filed 3-4-21; 8:45 am]
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