Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 Turboshaft Engines

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 247 (Monday, December 28, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68510-68512]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-29985]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0544; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-17-AD; 
Amendment 39-16142; AD 2009-26-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 
1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 Turboshaft Engines

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for Turbomeca Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 
1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. That AD currently requires initial 
and repetitive visual inspections of certain reduction gearboxes 
(module M05) for oil leakage, repair if leaking, and repair of all 
affected modules as optional terminating action to the repetitive 
inspections. This AD requires the same actions, but adds five more 
serial numbers of the reduction gearboxes (module M05) that are 
affected, and adds an alternative optional terminating action to the 
repetitive visual inspections. This AD results from Turbomeca 
identifying five additional reduction gearboxes (module M05) affected, 
and adding an alternative optional terminating action to the repetitive 
visual inspections. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded in-
flight engine shutdown, possible engine fire, and an emergency 
autorotation landing.

DATES: Effective January 12, 2010, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulations as of January 12, 2010.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by February 26, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD.
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5

[[Page 68511]]

p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    Contact Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone (33) 05 59 74 40 
00, fax (33) 05 59 74 45 15 for the service information identified in 
this AD.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 22, 2009, the FAA issued AD 2009-12-
51, Amendment 39-15952 (74 FR 31167, June 30, 2009). That AD requires 
initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain reduction 
gearboxes (module M05) for oil leakage, repair if leaking, and repair 
of all affected modules as terminating action to the repetitive 
inspections. That AD was the result of reports of oil leaks from 
certain reduction gearbox (module M05) front casings. The engine 
manufacturer reported that the lubrication duct plug was not properly 
bonded/glued in place. That condition, if not corrected, could result 
in uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, possible engine fire, and an 
emergency autorotation landing.

Actions Since AD 2009-12-51 Was Issued

    Since AD 2009-12-51 was issued, the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Community, recently notified us that an unsafe condition may 
exist on Turbomeca Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 
1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. EASA advises that Turbomeca has 
added five more serial numbers of the reduction gearboxes (module M05) 
that are affected, and has also added an alternative optional 
terminating action to the repetitive visual inspections. This AD 
requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain reduction 
gearboxes (module M05) for oil leakage, repair if leaking, and repair 
of all affected modules as optional terminating action to the 
repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded 
in-flight engine shutdown, possible engine fire, and an emergency 
autorotation landing.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Turbomeca 
S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 72 0825, Version B, 
dated October 6, 2009, that describes procedures for visual inspections 
of affected reduction gearboxes (module M05) for oil leakage, repair if 
leaking, and repair of all affected modules as terminating action to 
the repetitive inspections.
    EASA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD 
2009-0245-E to ensure the airworthiness of these Turbomeca Arriel 1A1, 
1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft 
engines in Europe.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This engine model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, EASA has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the findings of EASA, 
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other Turbomeca Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 
1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines of the same type design. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, 
possible engine fire, and an emergency autorotation landing. This AD 
requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of certain reduction 
gearboxes (module M05) for oil leakage, repair if leaking, and repair 
of all affected modules as terminating action to the repetitive 
inspections. You must use the service information described previously 
to perform the actions required by this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2009-0544; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-17-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the 
DMS Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

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 the same as 
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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.

[[Page 68512]]

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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. 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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal 
Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (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 removing Amendment 39-15952 (74 FR 
31167, June 30, 2009), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-16142, to read as follows:

2009-26-07 Turbomeca: Amendment 39-16142. Docket No. FAA-2009-0544; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-17-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 
12, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2009-12-51, Amendment 39-15952.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Turbomeca Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 
1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines if modified 
by Turbomeca Modification TU332 and fitted with a reduction gearbox 
(module M05) as listed by serial number in Figure 1 of Turbomeca 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 72 0825, Version B, dated 
October 6, 2009. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, 
Eurocopter France AS350B, AS350BA, AS365N, AS350B1, AS350B2, 
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH MBB-BK117-C1, Agusta A109K2, and 
Sikorsky S-76A+, S-76A++ and S-76C helicopters.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from Turbomeca identifying five additional 
reduction gearboxes (module M05) affected, and adding an alternative 
optional terminating action to the repetitive visual inspections. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded in-flight engine 
shutdown, possible engine fire, and an emergency autorotation 
landing.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Initial Visual Inspection Before Further Flight

    (f) Before further flight:
    (1) Visually inspect the reduction gearbox (module M05) 
lubrication duct for oil leakage. Use paragraph 1.C.(1)(a), 
paragraph 2.A., and Figure 2 of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. A292 72 0825, 
Version B, dated October 6, 2009, to do the inspection.
    (2) If oil leakage is found:
    (i) Repair the reduction gearbox (module M05) lubrication duct 
by filling it with black CAF 33 elastomer. Use paragraphs 2.B.1 
through 2.B.1.(a)3 3.2, Figure 3, and Figure 4 in Turbomeca S.A. MSB 
No. A292 72 0825, Version B, dated October 6, 2009, to do the 
repair; or
    (ii) Repair the reduction gearbox (module M05) lubrication duct 
by installing a steel plug. Use paragraphs 2.B.1(b)1 through 
2.B.1(b)7, and Figure 5 in Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. A292 72 0825, 
Version B, dated October 6, 2009, to do the repair.

Repetitive Visual Inspections

    (g) If no oil leakage is found, repeat the visual inspection 
every four flight hours, or after the last flight of each day, 
whichever comes first.
    (h) The actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator 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 and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v).

Optional Terminating Action

    (i) As optional terminating action to the repetitive visual 
inspections in paragraph (g) of this AD, repair the affected 
reduction gearbox (module M05) as specified in paragraph (f)(2) of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (j) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (k) European Aviation Safety Agency emergency airworthiness 
directive 2009-0245-E, dated November 10, 2009, also addresses the 
subject of this AD.

Contact Information

    (l) For further information, contact: James Lawrence, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and 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

    (m) You must use Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin No. A292 
72 0825, Version B, dated October 6, 2009, to identify the serial 
numbers of reduction gearboxes (module M05) affected by this AD, and 
to perform the inspections and repairs required by this AD. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get a copy from Turbomeca, 40220 
Tarnos, France; telephone (33) 05 59 74 40 00, fax (33) 05 59 74 45 
15. 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (n) Under 14 CFR part 39.23, special flight permits for this AD 
are prohibited.
    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 10, 2009.

Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-29985 Filed 12-24-09; 8:45 am]
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