[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 25, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20189-20191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-10134]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-38; Amendment 39-9206, AD 95-09-02]


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Engines (Formerly Textron 
Lycoming) LTS101 Series Turboshaft and LTP101 Series Turboprop 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 Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) 
LTS101 series turboshaft and LTP101 series turboprop engines. This 
action supersedes priority letter AD 94-19-01 that currently requires 
initial and repetitive inspections for wear of the engine fuel pump 
internal drive splines, and replacement of engine fuel pumps that 
exhibit wear beyond specified limits. This action clarifies the 
original requirements of the current AD by providing additional 
information to emphasize that the AD only applies to engines installed 
on single-engine aircraft and to emphasize that removed fuel pumps must 
be returned to the manufacturer for inspection. In addition, this 
action defines a serviceable part. This amendment is prompted by 
requests to clarify interpretations of the current priority letter AD. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent engine fuel 
pump failure, which can result in total engine power loss and possible 
loss of the aircraft.

DATES: Effective May 10, 1995.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 10, 1995.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 26, 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-38, 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) 385-2000. 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 2, 1994, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive 
(AD) 94-19-01, applicable to Textron Lycoming LTS101 series turboshaft 
and LTP101 series turboprop engines, which requires initial and 
repetitive inspections for wear of the engine fuel pump internal drive 
splines, and replacement of engine fuel pumps that exhibit wear beyond 
the limits specified in Textron Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 
LT101-73-20-0165, dated September 1, 1994, with a serviceable part. 
Fuel pumps removed in accordance with that AD must be returned to 
Chandler Evans (CECO) for disassembly, inspection and repair. That 
action was prompted by a report of a helicopter accident that resulted 
in a total loss of engine power and subsequent autorotation of a 
helicopter powered by a Textron Lycoming Model LTS101-600A-3 turboshaft 
engine. Investigation of that accident and other recent engine failures 
found that CECO Model MFP261 engine fuel pump internal drive spline 
teeth were worn away and failed to engage, resulting in loss of fuel 
delivery to the engine. The wear progressed to failure prior to the 
specified overhaul interval of 2,400 hours time in service (TIS). The 
FAA has determined that the present engine fuel pump overhaul interval 
is insufficient to prevent excessive wear of internal drive splines 
during service. That condition, if not corrected, could result in 
engine fuel pump failure, which can result in total engine power loss 
and possible loss of the aircraft. [[Page 20190]] 
    Since issuance of that priority letter AD, on October 28, 1994, 
AlliedSignal Inc. purchased the turbine engine product line of Textron 
Lycoming. In addition, the FAA has approved the technical contents of 
AlliedSignal Engines Service Bulletin (SB) No. LT101-73-20-0165, 
Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995, that adds fuel pump Part Number 4-
301-128-09 to the SB's effectivity. The FAA has accordingly revised the 
applicability of this AD to include that additional part number.
    In addition, the FAA has received requests to clarify 
interpretations of the current priority letter AD. To begin, this AD is 
applicable to single-engine aircraft only. Although other AlliedSignal 
Engines LTS101 and LTP101 engine models, installed on multi-engine 
aircraft, use the same fuel pump internal spline design, the FAA has 
not determined that those other engine models face the same unsafe 
condition. Should unsafe conditions develop in the future on other 
engine models that incorporate fuel pumps with internal spline designs, 
the FAA may consider additional AD actions. This finding has been 
coordinated with the Small Aircraft and the Rotorcraft Directorates.
    Second, the FAA has determined that the removed fuel pumps must be 
returned to CECO due to CECO's specialized disassembly and inspection 
capabilities. The manufacturer must also obtain data necessary to 
further define the fuel pump failure characteristics, and to develop 
design modifications to correct the unsafe condition.
    Finally, for the purpose of this AD, a serviceable part is defined 
as a new part, or a part that has been inspected by CECO in accordance 
with AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated 
January 3, 1995, and that has not yet accumulated 900 hours time in 
service (TIS) since new, or since inspection by CECO.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other engines of this same type design, this AD 
supersedes priority letter AD 94-19-01 to require initial and 
repetitive inspections for wear of the engine fuel pump internal drive 
splines, and replacement of engine fuel pumps that exhibit wear beyond 
the limits specified in AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, 
Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995, with a serviceable part. Fuel pumps 
removed in accordance with this AD must be returned to CECO for 
disassembly, inspection and repair. 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-38.'' 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:

95-09-02  AlliedSignal Engines: Amendment 39-9206. Docket No. 94-
ANE-38.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) 
LTS101 series turboshaft and LTP101 series turboprop engines 
incorporating Chandler Evans (CECO) engine fuel pumps, Part Numbers 
4-301-128-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -07, -08, -09, and -10. These 
engines are installed on but not limited to the following single-
engine aircraft: Eurocopter France (formerly Aerospatiale) AS350D 
series helicopters and Airtractor AT302, PAC Aero Cresco, and Page 
(Ayres S-2R) Thrush airplanes. This AD is not applicable to engines 
installed on twin-engine aircraft.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent engine fuel pump failure, which can result in total 
engine power loss and possible loss of the aircraft, remove CECO 
engine fuel pumps, return to CECO for inspection, and replace with a 
serviceable part, in accordance with the following schedule: 
[[Page 20191]] 
    (a) Remove from service CECO engine fuel pumps with greater than 
1,300 hours time in service (TIS) since new or overhaul on the 
effective date of this airworthiness directive (AD), within the next 
100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, in accordance 
with AlliedSignal Engines Service Bulletin (SB) No. LT101-73-20-
0165, Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995, or previous revision.
    (b) Remove from service CECO engine fuel pumps with greater than 
850 hours TIS but less than or equal to 1,300 hours TIS since new or 
overhaul on the effective date of this AD, within the next 150 hours 
TIS after the effective date of this AD, in accordance with 
AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated 
January 3, 1995, or previous revision.
    (c) Remove from service CECO engine fuel pumps with less than or 
equal to 850 hours TIS since new or overhaul on the effective date 
of this AD, within the next 300 hours TIS after the effective date 
of this AD, or prior to accumulating 1,000 hours TIS since new or 
overhaul, whichever occurs first, in accordance with AlliedSignal 
Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995, 
or previous revision.
    (d) Thereafter, remove from service CECO engine fuel pump at 
intervals not to exceed 900 hours TIS since the last inspection in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal 
Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995, 
or previous revision.
    (e) Engine fuel pumps that exhibit wear beyond the limits 
specified in AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 
1, dated January 3, 1995, or previous revision, may not be returned 
to service.
    (f) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable part is defined as 
a new part, or a part that has been inspected by CECO in accordance 
with AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated 
January 3, 1995, or previous revision, and that has not yet 
accumulated 900 hours TIS since new, or since inspection by CECO.
    (g) 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 Principal 
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.

    (h) 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.
    (i) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following service bulletin:

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        Document No.           Revision    Pages            Date        
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AlliedSignal Engines SB No.           1        1-3  January 3, 1995.    
 LT101-73-20-0165.                                                      
Total Pages: 3.                                                         
Chandler Evans SB No. 73-13.          1        1-5  January 3, 1995.    
Total Pages: 5.                                                         
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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) 385-2000. 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.

    (j) This amendment supersedes priority letter AD 94-19-01, issued 
September 2, 1994.

    (k) This amendment becomes effective on May 10, 1995.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 17, 1995.

James C. Jones,

Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 95-10134 Filed 4-21-95; 11:19 am]

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