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

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 93 (Monday, May 17, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26651-26654]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10310]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1038; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00569-E; 
Amendment 39-21496; AD 2021-08-02]
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.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Arriel 2D and Arriel 2E model 
turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising 
the maintenance and overhaul manuals to introduce new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks. This AD 
requires the replacement of certain critical parts before reaching 
their published in-service life limits, performing scheduled

[[Page 26652]]

maintenance tasks before reaching their published periodicity, and 
performing unscheduled maintenance tasks when the engine meets certain 
conditions. As a terminating action, this AD requires operators to 
revise the airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of their existing 
approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP) by incorporating the 
revised airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 21, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 21, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 64511 Bordes--Cedex, France; 
phone: (33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15. 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-2020-1038.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1038; 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 address for Docket Operations is 
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: 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 FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Safran Arriel 2D 
and Arriel 2E model turboshaft engines. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on November 30, 2020 (85 FR 76492). The NPRM was 
prompted by the manufacturer revising the maintenance and overhaul 
manuals to introduce new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations 
and maintenance tasks. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require the 
replacement of certain critical parts before reaching their published 
in-service life limits, performing scheduled maintenance tasks before 
reaching their published periodicity, and performing unscheduled 
maintenance tasks when the engine meets certain conditions specified in 
the applicable Safran Arriel maintenance manual (MM) chapter. As a 
terminating action, the NPRM proposed to require operators to revise 
the ALS of their existing approved AMP by incorporating the revised 
airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2018-0273, dated December 13, 2018 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks for the 
SAFRAN ARRIEL 2D, ARRIEL 2E and ARRIEL 2N engines, which are 
approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the SAFRAN 
ARRIEL 2 Maintenance and Overhaul Manuals, as applicable. These 
instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued 
airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.
    SAFRAN recently revised the applicable Maintenance and Overhaul 
Manuals (the applicable ALS), introducing new and/or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable ALS.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2020-1038.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for 
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Section 05-10-00, Airworthiness Limitations, of 
Chapter 05, Airworthiness Limitations--Frequencies--Inspections, of the 
Safran Helicopter Engines ARRIEL 2D Maintenance Manual, Volume 1, No. X 
292 R1 450 2, Update No. 20, dated June 15, 2020. Safran Helicopter 
Engines ARRIEL 2D Maintenance Manual No. X292 R1 450 2 identifies the 
terms used in tables for limits and mandatory maintenance tasks, usage 
counters of the engine log book, life limits for life-limited parts, 
and mandatory inspection tasks to be carried out to reach the 
airworthiness objectives on Safran Arriel 2D model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Section 05-10-00, Airworthiness Limitations, of 
Chapter 05, Airworthiness Limitations--Frequencies--Inspections, of the 
Safran Helicopter Engines ARRIEL 2E Maintenance Manual No. X 292 R2 300 
2, Update No. 16, dated June 15, 2020. Safran Helicopter Engines ARRIEL 
2E Maintenance Manual No. X292 R2 300 2 identifies the terms used in 
tables for limits and mandatory maintenance tasks, usage counters of 
the engine log book, life limits for life-limited parts, and mandatory 
inspection tasks to be carried out to reach the airworthiness 
objectives on Safran Arriel 2E model engines.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 426 engines installed on 
helicopters of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 26653]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove and replace critical parts.....  12 work-hours x $85 per           $1,152          $2,172        $925,272
                                         hour = $1,020.
Perform maintenance tasks.............  1 work-hour x $85 per              1,152           1,237         526,962
                                         hour = $85.
Revise the ALS and AMP................  1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85          36,210
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
corrective actions that would be required based on the results of the 
mandated maintenance tasks. The agency has no way of determining the 
number of aircraft that might need these actions.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform corrective action.....................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85              $0             $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

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:

2021-08-02 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate 
previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.): Amendment 39-21496; Docket No. 
FAA-2020-1038; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00569-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 21, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) 
(Type Certificate previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Arriel 2D and 
Arriel 2E model turboshaft engines.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the 
maintenance and overhaul manuals to introduce new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the engine. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of 
a critical part, damage to the engine, and damage to the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Replace each critical part before reaching the in-service 
life limits specified in paragraph 1.C., ``Table of authorized in-
service life limits for the ARRIEL 2D,'' or ``Table of authorized 
in-service life limits for the ARRIEL 2E,'' Chapter 05-10-00 of the 
Safran ARRIEL Maintenance Manual (MM) for that engine.
    (2) Before reaching the periodicity specified in paragraph 1., 
``Tables of Mandatory Maintenance Tasks,'' table D., ``Scheduled 
inspection,'' Chapter 05-10-00 of the Safran ARRIEL MM for that 
engine, perform all maintenance tasks specified in table D.
    (3) When the engine meets the conditions specified in paragraph 
1., ``Tables of Mandatory Maintenance Tasks,'' table E., 
``Unscheduled inspection,'' Chapter 05-10-00 of the Safran ARRIEL MM 
for that engine, perform the maintenance tasks specified in table E.
    (4) If, during performance of the maintenance tasks required by 
paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD, a discrepancy is found, as 
defined in the applicable airworthiness limitation section (ALS), 
perform the corrective actions specified in paragraph 1., ``Tables 
of Mandatory Maintenance Tasks,'' table D., ``Scheduled 
inspection,'' or table E. ``Unscheduled inspection,'' Chapter 05-10-
00 of the Safran ARRIEL MM for the engine.
    (5) If no compliance time is identified in Chapter 05-10-00 of 
the Safran ARRIEL MM, perform the corrective action before further 
flight.

[[Page 26654]]

(h) Exception to Paragraphs (g)(2) and (3)

    Where the applicable Safran ARRIEL MM chapters provide 
instructions to send the Module 03 to a Safran Helicopter Engines-
approved repair center, the operator may choose to send the Module 
03 to any FAA-approved repair center capable of performing the 
required actions.

(i) Mandatory Terminating Action

    As terminating action to the requirements in paragraph (g) of 
this AD, within 365 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the ALS of the existing approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP) 
by incorporating:
    (i) Task 05-10-00-150-801-A01, ``Airworthiness Limitations--
General,'' from the applicable Safran ARRIEL MM chapter.
    (ii) Task 05-10-00-200-801-A01, ``Airworthiness Limitations--
Authorized In-Service Life Limits,'' from the applicable Safran 
ARRIEL MM chapter.
    (iii) Task 05-10-10-200-801-A01, ``Airworthiness Limitations--
Tables of Mandatory Maintenance Tasks,'' from the applicable Safran 
ARRIEL MM chapter.

(j) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``critical part'' is a part 
identified in paragraph 1.C., ``Table of authorized in-service life 
limits for the ARRIEL 2D,'' or ``Table of authorized in-service life 
limits for the ARRIEL 2E,'' Chapter 05-10-00 of the Safran ARRIEL MM 
for that engine.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, the ``Chapter 05-10-00 of the 
Safran ARRIEL MM'' is:
    (i) Chapter 05-10-00 of Safran Aircraft Engines ARRIEL 2D MM No. 
X292 R1 450 2, Update No. 20, dated June 15, 2020; or
    (ii) Chapter 05-10-00 of Safran Aircraft Engines ARRIEL 2E MM 
No. X292 R2 300 2, Update No. 16, dated June 15, 2020.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, the ``approved maintenance 
program'' is defined as the basis for which the operator ensures the 
continuing airworthiness of each operated helicopter.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For affected Safran Arriel 2D model turboshaft engines, you 
may take credit for revising the ALS of the existing approved AMP 
that is required by paragraph (i) of this AD if you incorporated the 
tasks before the effective date of this AD using Chapter 05-10-00 of 
Safran ARRIEL 2D MM No. X292 R1 450 2, Update No. 19, dated December 
30, 2019.
    (2) For affected Safran Arriel 2E model turboshaft engines, you 
may take credit for revising the ALS of the existing approved AMP 
that is required by paragraph (i) of this AD if you incorporated the 
tasks before the effective date of this AD using Chapter 05-10-00 of 
Safran ARRIEL 2E MM No. X292 R2 300 2, Update No. 15, dated December 
30, 2019.

(l) 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 
certification office, 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.

(m) 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 
2018-0273, dated December 13, 2018, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2020-1038.

(n) 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) Section 05-10-00, Airworthiness Limitations, of Chapter 05, 
Airworthiness Limitations--Frequencies--Inspections, of the Safran 
Helicopter Engines ARRIEL 2D Maintenance Manual, Volume 1, No. X 292 
R1 450 2, Update No. 20, dated June 15, 2020.
    (ii) Section 05-10-00, Airworthiness Limitations, of Chapter 05, 
Airworthiness Limitations--Frequencies--Inspections, of the Safran 
Helicopter Engines ARRIEL 2E Maintenance Manual, Volume 1, No. X 292 
R2 300 2, Update No. 16, dated June 15, 2020.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 64511 Bordes--Cedex, France; phone: 
(33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 11, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-10310 Filed 5-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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