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

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 222 (Monday, November 20, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80577-80579]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25527]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1311; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00624-E; 
Amendment 39-22587; AD 2023-22-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-08-02 
for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) (type certificate 
previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Model Arriel 2D and Arriel 2E 
engines. AD 2021-08-02 required replacing 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. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-08-02, Safran has revised the 
airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of the existing maintenance and 
overhaul manuals, introducing new and more restrictive instructions and 
maintenance tasks, which prompted this AD action. This AD requires 
updating the ALS of the existing engine maintenance manual (EMM) or 
instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing 
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by 
incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, 
including life limits, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 26, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 26, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1311; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: 
+49 221 8999 000; email: [email protected]. You may find this material 
on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1311.
    <bullet> 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 (817) 222-5110.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 
238-7088; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-08-02, Amendment 39-21496 (86 FR 
26651, May 17, 2021), (AD 2021-08-02). AD 2021-08-02 applied to all 
Safran Model Arriel 2D and Arriel 2E engines. AD 2021-08-02 required 
replacing 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. As a 
terminating action, AD 2021-08-02 required operators to revise the ALS 
of their existing approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP) by 
incorporating the revised airworthiness limitations and maintenance 
tasks. The FAA issued AD 2021-08-02 to prevent failure of the engine.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 31, 2022 (87 
FR 65535). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2022-0083, dated May 11, 
2022 (EASA AD 2022-0083), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European Union (referred to after this as 
the MCAI), which supersedes EASA AD 2018-0273, dated December 13, 2018 
(EASA AD 2018-0273). The MCAI states that the manufacturer published a 
revised ALS introducing new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and 
airworthiness limitations. These new or more restrictive maintenance 
tasks and airworthiness limitations include initial and repetitive 
inspections for clogging of the power turbine air pressurization pipe.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1311.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the 
operator's existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate new and more restrictive airworthiness 
limitations.
    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-08-02. The SNPRM published 
in the Federal Register on July 14, 2023 (88 FR 45109). The SNPRM was

[[Page 80578]]

prompted by the FAA's determination that the NPRM contained an 
inaccurate reference to a certain paragraph of EASA AD 2022-0083 and 
that a reduced compliance time of 90 days is necessary. In the SNPRM, 
the FAA proposed to require revising the ALS of the existing EMM or ICA 
and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to incorporate the actions specified in paragraph (1) of 
the MCAI, described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between this AD and the MCAI.'' The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI referenced above. 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 SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0083, which specifies instructions 
for accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable ALS, 
including performing maintenance tasks, replacing life-limited parts, 
and revising the existing approved AMP by incorporating the 
limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described 
in the ALS.
    This material is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    EASA AD 2022-0083 applies to Arriel 2D, 2E, 2H, 2L2, and 2N model 
turboshaft engines, whereas this AD only applies to Model Arriel 2D and 
Arriel 2E engines. Arriel 2H, 2L2, and 2N engines are not U.S. type 
certificated.
    Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0083 specifies to replace each 
component before exceeding the applicable life limit and, within the 
thresholds and intervals, accomplishing all applicable maintenance 
tasks after its effective date. Instead, this AD requires revising the 
ALS of the existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the requirements 
specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0083 within 90 days after 
the effective date of this AD.

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:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the ALS of the existing EMM    1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85          $36,210
 or ICA and the operator's existing    hour = $85.
 approved maintenance or inspection
 program.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The FAA has determined that 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-08-02, Amendment 39-21496 (86 
FR 26651, May 17, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023-22-03 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.): Amendment 39-22587; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1311; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00624-E.

[[Page 80579]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 26, 
2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-08-02, Amendment 39-21496 (86 FR 26651, 
May 17, 2021).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (type 
certificate previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Model Arriel 2D and 
Arriel 2E engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine 
section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the 
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine 
maintenance manual (EMM) to introduce new or more restrictive tasks 
and limitations for certain life-limited parts. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of life-limited parts. 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) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the ALS of the existing EMM or instructions for continued 
airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions specified in 
paragraph (1) of European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2022-0083, dated May 11, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0083).
    (2) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot 
certificate may perform the action required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD for your engine and must enter compliance with the 
applicable paragraphs of this AD into the engine maintenance records 
in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record 
must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 
135.439.

(h) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD have been 
done, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and 
intervals, including life limits, are allowed unless they are 
approved as specified in the provisions of the ``Ref Publication'' 
section of EASA AD 2022-0083.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of 
this AD and email 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) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Clark, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7088; email: 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0083, 
dated May 11, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For EASA AD 2022-0083, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: 
[email protected]. You may find this material on the EASA website 
at ad.easa.europa.eu.
    (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 (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on October 26, 2023.
Caitlin Locke,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-25527 Filed 11-17-23; 8:45 am]
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