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

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 129 (Friday, July 9, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36205-36207]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14520]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1180; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00517-E; 
Amendment 39-21608; AD 2021-13-03]
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 
certain Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran Helicopter Engines) 
Arriel 2B, 2B1, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1 and 2S2 model turboshaft engines. 
This AD was prompted by reports of non-conforming fuel filter pre-
blockage pressure switches. This AD requires repetitive visual 
inspections of the fuel filter by-pass indicator pop-up, a one-time 
operational test of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch and, 
depending on the findings, replacement of the fuel filter pre-blockage 
pressure switch with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 13, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 13, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: 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-2020-1180.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1180; 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 certain Safran 
Helicopter Engines Arriel 2B, 2B1, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1 and 2S2 model 
turboshaft engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
February 22, 2021 (86 FR 10501). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
non-conforming fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switches. In the NPRM, 
the FAA proposed to require repetitive visual inspections of the fuel 
filter by-pass indicator pop-up, a one-time operational test of the 
fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch and, depending on the 
findings, replacement of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch 
with a part eligible for installation. 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 2019-0180, dated July 25, 2019 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products. 
The MCAI states:

    Occurrences have been reported of non-conforming fuel filter 
pre-blockage pressure switches, manufactured before December 2016. 
The non-conformity of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch 
can cause its non-activation in case of fuel system contamination, 
with consequent opening of the by-pass without indication in the 
cockpit.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, and in case of 
fuel contamination, could lead to an uncommanded in-flight shut-
down, possibly resulting in an emergency autorotation landing on a 
single engine helicopter, or to a double uncommanded in-flight shut-
down on a twin engine helicopter.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, SAFRAN issued the 
MSB, providing inspection instructions.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA AD] requires 
repetitive daily visual checks of the fuel filter by-pass indicator 
pop-up. This [EASA] AD also requires a one-

[[Page 36206]]

time operational check of the affected part and, depending on 
findings, replacement of that part, which constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive daily checks as required by this [EASA] 
AD.

    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-2020-1180.

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 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed. 
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Task 73-23-01-750-801-A01--Pre-Blockage Pressure 
Switch of the Fuel Filter Tests (Electrical), dated November 30, 2012, 
from the Turbomeca Arriel 2 S1 Maintenance Manual. Task 73-23-01-750-
801-A01 provides instructions for performing an operational test of the 
fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Safran Helicopter Engines Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 73 2869, Version B, dated December 2018. The MSB 
describes procedures for identifying and securing pre-blockage pressure 
switches of fuel filter part number P/N 9 550 17 200 0, which are 
potentially non-conforming.

Justification for Allowing Pilot To Perform Visual Inspection

    This final rule allows the visual inspections required by paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD to be performed by an aircrew member holding at least 
a private pilot certificate. Performing a visual inspection to 
determine if the fuel filter by-pass indicator pop-up has been 
activated is not considered an action that must be performed by a 
certified person under 14 CFR 43.3. This authorization is an exception 
to our standard maintenance regulations.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 775 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visual inspection of fuel filter by-    1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $65,875
 pass indicator.                         hour = $85.
Operational test of the fuel filter     3 work-hours x $85 per                 0             255         197,625
 pre-blockage pressure switch.           hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacement that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace fuel filter pre-blockage pressure       2 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $225            $395
 switch.                                         $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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,
    (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.

[[Page 36207]]

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:

2021-13-03 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate 
previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.): Amendment 39-21608; Docket No. 
FAA-2020-1180; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00517-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 13, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type 
Certificate previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Arriel 2B, 2B1, 2C, 
2C1, 2C2, 2S1 and 2S2 model turboshaft engines with a fuel filter 
pre-blockage pressure switch, part number 9 550 17 200 0, and serial 
number (S/N) 00001 to 12753, inclusive, and S/N A0001 to A0247, 
inclusive, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7321, Fuel Control/
Turbine Engines.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports from the manufacturer of non-
conforming fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switches manufactured 
before December 2016. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the non-
conformity of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch, which 
can cause its non-activation in case of fuel system contamination, 
with consequent opening of the by-pass without indication in the 
cockpit. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
uncommanded in-flight shut-down of the engine, an emergency 
autorotation landing on a single engine helicopter, or an 
uncommanded in-flight shut-down of both engines on a twin engine 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, during the pre-flight 
inspection for the first flight of each day the engine is operated, 
perform a visual inspection of the fuel filter by-pass indicator to 
determine if the fuel filter by-pass indicator pop-up has been 
activated.
    (2) Within the next 300 hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU) 
operating hours or 180 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first, perform an operational test of the fuel 
filter pre-blockage pressure switch in accordance with Task 73-23-
01-750-801-A01--Pre-Blockage Pressure Switch of the Fuel Filter 
Tests (Electrical), dated November 30, 2012, (the Task) from the 
Turbomeca Arriel 2 S1 Maintenance Manual.
    (3) During any visual inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, if the fuel filter by-pass indicator pop-up has been 
activated or, during the operational test required by paragraph 
(g)(2) of this AD, any discrepancy is detected as described by the 
Task, before next flight, replace the fuel filter pre-blockage 
pressure switch with a part eligible for installation.
    (4) The actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records 
showing compliance with this AD, in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 
(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The records must be 
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) Terminating Action

    Passing the operational test (no failure detected) of the fuel 
filter pre-blockage pressure switch, as required by paragraph (g)(2) 
of this AD, or replacement of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure 
switch with a part eligible for installation, constitutes a 
terminating action for the repetitive visual inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for that engine.

(i) Definition

    A part eligible for installation is a fuel filter pre-blockage 
pressure switch that is not listed in the Applicability, paragraph 
(c), of this AD, or a fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch that 
has passed the operational test (no discrepancies detected) required 
by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.

(j) 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.

(k) 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 EASA AD 2019-0180, dated July 25, 2019, for more 
information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-1180.

(l) 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) Task 73-23-01-750-801-A01--Pre-Blockage Pressure Switch of 
the Fuel Filter Tests (Electrical), dated November 30, 2012, from 
the Turbomeca Arriel 2 S1 Maintenance Manual.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Turbomeca service information identified in this AD, 
contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Avenue du 1er Mai, Tarnos, 
France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 40 00.
    (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 July 1, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14520 Filed 7-8-21; 8:45 am]
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