[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 78 (Monday, April 24, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20017-20019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-9472]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-58; Amendment 39-9203; AD 95-08-14]


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal, Inc. (Formerly Textron 
Lycoming) LTS101 Series Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) LTS101 
series turboshaft engines. This action requires a one-time replacement 
of magnetic speed pickups in the engine electronic overspeed protection 
system, or inspection, and replacement, if necessary, of pickups with 
incorrect polarity. This amendment is prompted by reports of a 
manufacturing error that resulted in improper sensor polarity of 
magnetic speed pickups. The actions specified in this AD are intended 
to prevent the engine electronic overspeed protection system from 
failing to function as designed, which can result in the inability to 
arrest an uncontrolled power turbine (PT) rotor overspeed and damage to 
the aircraft.

DATES: Effective May 9, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 9, 1995.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 23, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-58, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
AlliedSignal Engines, 550 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06497; telephone 
(203) 385-1470, fax (203) 385-2256. This information may be examined at 
the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eugene Triozzi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (617) 
238-7148, fax (617) 238-7199.

 [[Page 20018]] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) has received reports of a manufacturing error that 
resulted in improper sensor polarity of magnetic speed pickups on 
certain AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) Models LTS101-
650B1, -750B1, -650C3/3A, and -750C1 turboshaft engines. These engines 
incorporate an engine electronic overspeed protection system installed 
in production or retrofitted in accordance with Textron Lycoming 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. LTS101B-73-10-0127, Revision 2, dated August 
14, 1992, or previous revisions; or SB No. LTS101C-73-10-0129, Revision 
3, dated August 14, 1992, or previous revisions. The engine electronic 
overspeed protection system utilizes signals from two magnetic pickups 
to sense and arrest power turbine (PT) rotor overspeed. The improper 
sensor polarity induced by the manufacturing error can result in a 
malfunctioning engine electronic overspeed protection system although 
the system self-test indicates normal operation. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in the engine electronic overspeed protection 
system failing to function as designed, which can result in the 
inability to arrest an uncontrolled PT rotor overspeed and damage to 
the aircraft.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LTS101-73-10-0169, dated December 12, 1994, 
that describes procedures for a one-time replacement of magnetic speed 
pickups in the engine electronic overspeed protection system, or 
inspection, and replacement, if necessary, of pickups with incorrect 
polarity.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other AlliedSignal, Inc. LTS101 series engines of 
the same type design, this airworthiness directive (AD) is being issued 
to prevent the engine electronic overspeed protection system from 
failing to function as designed. This AD requires a one-time 
replacement of magnetic speed pickups in the engine electronic 
overspeed protection system, or inspection, and replacement, if 
necessary, of pickups with incorrect polarity. The actions are required 
to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 94-ANE-58.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to 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

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

95-08-14  AlliedSignal, Inc.: Amendment 39-9203. Docket 94-ANE-58.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) 
Models LTS101-650B1, -750B1, -650C3/3A, and -750C1 turboshaft 
engines incorporating engine electronic overspeed protection system 
installed in production prior to the effective date of this 
airworthiness directive (AD), or retrofitted in accordance with 
Textron Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. LTS101B-73-10-0127, 
Revision 2, dated August 14, 1992, or previous revisions; or SB No. 
LTS101C-73-10-0129, Revision 3, dated August 14, 1992, or previous 
revisions. These engines are installed on but not limited to 
Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK117 series and Bell Helicopter Textron 
222 series helicopters.

    Note: This AD applies to each engine identified in the preceding 
applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, 
altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this 
AD. For engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so 
that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the 
owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (c) to 
request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no 
action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe 
condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe 
condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an 
assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the 
[[Page 20019]] unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case 
does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove 
any engine from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the engine electronic overspeed protection system 
from failing to function as designed, which can result in the 
inability to arrest an uncontrolled power turbine (PT) rotor 
overspeed and damage to the aircraft, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 150 hours time in service after the effective date of 
this AD, accomplish either paragraph (a)(1) or paragraph (a)(2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Replace magnetic speed pickups, P/N 4-301-356-01, in the 
engine electronic overspeed protection system, with a serviceable 
part in accordance with Allied Signal Engines SB No. LTS101-73-10-
0169, dated December 12, 1994.
    (2) Inspect magnetic speed pickups, P/N 4-301-356-01, in the 
engine electronic overspeed protection system, for polarity in 
accordance with AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LTS101-73-10-0169, dated 
December 12, 1994, and prior to further flight, remove magnetic 
speed pickups with incorrect polarity, and replace with a 
serviceable part, in accordance with AlliedSignal Engines SB No. 
LTS101-73-10-0169, dated December 12, 1994.
    (b) Prior to installation, inspect all uninstalled magnetic 
speed pickups, P/N 4-301-356-01, for polarity, and replace pickups 
with incorrect polarity with a serviceable part, in accordance with 
AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LTS101-73-10-0169, dated December 12, 
1994.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office. The 
request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Engine Certification Office.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The inspection, and replacement, of the magnetic speed 
pickups shall be done in accordance with the following AlliedSignal 
Engines service document:

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               Document No.                 Pages           Date        
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SB No. LTS101-73-10-0169.................      1-3  Dec. 12, 1994.      
  Total pages: 3                                                        
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from AlliedSignal Engines, 550 Main 
Street, Stratford, CT 06497; telephone (203) 385-1470, fax (203) 
385-2256. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 9, 1995.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 11, 1995.
James C. Jones,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 95-9472 Filed 4-19-95; 2:14 pm]
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