Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 2B and 2B1 Turboshaft Engines

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 14 (Friday, January 23, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4121-4123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-31396]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0935; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-28-AD; 
Amendment 39-15790; AD 2009-01-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 2B and 2B1 Turboshaft 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Several cases of loss of internal components from the Hydro 
Mechanical Unit (HMU) low fuel pressure switch Hydra-Electric part 
number (P/N) 9 550 17 956 0 into the fuel system, have been reported 
on Arriel 2 engines.
    The loss of internal components from the low fuel pressure 
switch into the fuel system may lead to a rupture of the HP-LP pumps 
drive shaft shear pin, and thus to a possible uncommanded in-flight 
shutdown (IFSD). On a single-engine helicopter, an uncommanded IFSD 
results in an emergency autorotation landing and in certain 
conditions may lead to an accident.

    We are issuing this AD to prevent forced autorotation landing, or 
an accident.

[[Page 4122]]


DATES: This AD becomes effective February 27, 2009. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in this AD as of February 27, 2009.

ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, 
SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-
0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 30, 2008 (73 
FR 64566). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states that:

    Several cases of loss of internal components from the HMU low 
fuel pressure switch Hydra-Electric P/N 9 550 17 956 0 into the fuel 
system, have been reported on Arriel 2 engines. The loss of internal 
components from the low fuel pressure switch into the fuel system 
may lead to a rupture of the HP-LP pumps drive shaft shear pin, and 
thus to a possible uncommanded IFSD. On a single-engine helicopter, 
an uncommanded IFSD results in an emergency autorotation landing and 
in certain conditions may lead to an accident.
    The evaluation of this condition prompts the issuance of this 
AD, which requires the following actions for the HMUs installed on 
Arriel 2 single-engine applications in order to:
    <bullet> Verify the part number of the low fuel pressure switch;
    <bullet> If installed, replace the Hydra-Electric low fuel 
pressure switch P/N 9 550 17 956 0 (with either of two different P/N 
low fuel pressure switches, referenced in the MCAI).
    <bullet> In case a Hydra-Electric switch P/N 9 550 17 956 0 is 
installed or may have been installed on the HMU, verify that no 
parts are found in the chamber of the HMU body where the base of the 
low fuel pressure switch has been installed.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. We are not referencing the P/Ns of 
the serviceable low pressure switch as the MCAI does, in order to 
follow FAA policies. This difference is described in a separate 
paragraph of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will 
affect about 414 products installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. We 
also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to comply 
with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required 
parts will cost about $256 per product. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $139,104. Our cost 
estimate is exclusive of possible warranty coverage.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is provided in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 AD:

2009-01-11 Turbomeca: Amendment 39-15790. Docket No. FAA-2008-0935; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-28-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 
27, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Turbomeca Arriel 2B and 2B1 turboshaft 
engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, 
Eurocopter France AS350B3 and EC130 B4 helicopters.

[[Page 4123]]

Reason

    (d) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2008-0077, 
dated March 13, 2006 (and corrected May 6, 2008), states:

    ``Several cases of loss of internal components from the Hydro 
Mechanical Unit (HMU) low fuel pressure switch Hydra-Electric part 
number (P/N) 9 550 17 956 0 into the fuel system, have been reported 
on Arriel 2 engines. The loss of internal components from the low 
fuel pressure switch into the fuel system may lead to a rupture of 
the HP-LP pumps drive shaft shear pin, and thus to a possible 
uncommanded in-flight shutdown (IFSD). On a single-engine 
helicopter, an uncommanded IFSD results in an emergency autorotation 
landing and in certain conditions may lead to an accident. `We are 
issuing this AD to prevent forced autorotation landing, or an 
accident.' ''

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) No later than September 30, 2009, perform a one-time 
inspection of the HMU, using paragraph 2 of Turbomeca Mandatory 
Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 73 2826, dated March 13, 2008, to 
identify the low fuel pressure switch installed on the adjusted HMU.
    (2) If a Hydra-Electric low fuel pressure switch, part number 
(P/N) 9 550 17 956 0 is installed:
    (i) Inspect the low fuel pressure switch and chamber of the HMU 
body.
    (ii) If any parts from the low fuel pressure switch are missing 
or found in the HMU chamber, replace the HMU with a new or 
overhauled HMU equipped with a serviceable low fuel pressure switch.
    (iii) If not, replace only the low fuel pressure switch with a 
serviceable low fuel pressure switch.
    (3) If a low fuel pressure switch other than a Hydra-Electric 
low fuel pressure switch, P/N 9 550 17 956 0 is installed, and that 
is the only type of low fuel pressure switch that has been installed 
since new, repair, or overhaul, no further action is required.
    (4) If a Hydra-Electric switch, P/N 9 550 17 956 0, has been or 
may have been installed previously, and the conditions of paragraph 
(e)(3) of this AD are not met:
    (i) Inspect the chamber of the HMU body.
    (ii) If any parts are found in the HMU chamber, replace the HMU 
with a new or overhauled HMU equipped with a serviceable low fuel 
pressure switch.

Definition

    (f) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable low fuel pressure 
switch is a switch that has a P/N other than P/N 9 550 17 956 0.

FAA AD Difference

    (g) This AD differs from the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information (MCAI) and/ or service information, by not referencing 
the P/Ns of the serviceable low fuel pressure switch, and, defining 
a serviceable low fuel pressure switch, for the purpose of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2008-0077, dated April 28, 2008 (and 
corrected May 6, 2008), for related information.
    (j) Contact James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7176; fax (781) 238-
7199, for more information about this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 292 73 
2826, dated March 13, 2008, to do the low fuel pressure switch 
installation inspection required by this AD.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone (33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax 
(33) 05 59 74 45 15.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or 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 December 30, 2008.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-31396 Filed 1-22-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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