[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 91 (Thursday, May 9, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21070-21071]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-11258]



-----------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-ANE-12; Amendment 39-9609; AD 96-10-04]


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal, Inc. LTS101-600 Series 
Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to AlliedSignal, Inc. LTS101-600 series turboshaft engines, 
that requires installation of an improved design fuel control. This 
amendment is prompted by reports of fuel control bearings failing prior 
to the recommended overhaul period. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to prevent a fuel control failure, which could result in 
an uncommanded increase or decrease in engine power.

DATES: Effective June 13, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 13, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from AlliedSignal Engines, 111 South 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 
85072; telephone (602) 365-2493, fax (602) 365-2210. This information 
may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (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: Dave Keenan, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (617) 
238-7139, fax (617) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to AlliedSignal, Inc. Models LTS101-
600A-2/A-3 turboshaft engines was published in the Federal Register on 
August 21, 1995 (60 FR 43413). That action proposed to require the 
installation of an improved fuel control in accordance with 
AlliedSignal Engines Service Bulletin (SB) No. LTS101A-73-20-0166, 
Revision 1, dated November 21, 1994.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    One commenter, the manufacturer, states that since the issuance of 
the NPRM, AlliedSignal, Inc. has revised AlliedSignal Engines SB No. 
LTS101A-73-20-0166 to recommend the installation of a screened 
pneumatic fitting on the main fuel control (MFC). The FAA concurs in 
part. Both revisions of the SB address the incorporation of fuel 
control drive (Meldin) bearings in the MFC in the same manner, which is 
the primary focus of this AD. The FAA has determined that installation 
of a screened pneumatic fitting is not necessary to prevent a MFC 
failure due to lack of bearing lubrication. Therefore, this final rule 
references both AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LTS101A-73-20-0166, 
Revision 1, dated November 21, 1994, and Revision 2, dated August 1, 
1995, but does not require installation of a screened pneumatic 
fitting.
    The manufacturer also states that due to the time required to 
publish the NPRM and receive comments, the AD will not be published 
prior to compliance end-date specified in the NPRM. The FAA concurs and 
has extended the compliance end-date in this final rule to September 1, 
1996.
    In addition, the FAA is considering future rulemaking to address 
other aircraft installations of the AlliedSignal, Inc. LT101 series 
engines.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described 
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 216 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. 
registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 
2.5 work hours per engine to accomplish the required actions, and that 
the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $1,000 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $248,400.
    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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

[[Page 21071]]

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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

96-10-04 AlliedSignal, Inc.: Amendment 39-9609. Docket 95-ANE-12.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal, Inc. Models LTS101-600A-2 and A-3 
turboshaft engines, installed on but not limited to Eurocopter AS350 
series aircraft.

    Note: This airworthiness directive (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 (b) to request approval from the 
Federal Aviation Administration (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 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 a fuel control failure, which could result in an 
uncommanded increase or decrease in available engine power, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) At the next replacement of an affected fuel control, prior 
to accumulating 300 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, or September 1, 1996, whichever occurs first, 
accomplish the following in accordance with AlliedSignal Engines 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. LTS101A-73-20-0166, Revision 1, dated 
November 21, 1994, or Revision 2, dated August 1, 1995:
    (1) For AlliedSignal, Inc. Model LTS101-600A-2 engines, install 
an improved fuel control, P/N 4-301-098-04 with ``B'' or ``BF'' 
stamped on the data plate after the dash number of the AlliedSignal 
Aerospace Equipment Division (formerly AlliedSignal Controls and 
Accessories/Bendix) part number, or P/N 4-301-098-15. These improved 
fuel controls incorporate fuel control drive (Meldin) bearings.
    (2) For AlliedSignal, Inc. Model LTS101-600A-3 engines, install 
an improved fuel control, P/N 4-301-288-02 with ``B'' or ``BF'' 
stamped on the data plate after the dash number of the AlliedSignal 
Aerospace Equipment Division (formerly AlliedSignal Controls and 
Accessories/Bendix)
 P/N, or P/N 4-301-288-04. These improved fuel controls incorporate 
fuel control drive (Meldin) bearings.
    (b) 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.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following AlliedSignal Engines SB's:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Document No.             Pages  Revision          Date       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LTS101A-73-20-0166...............     1-3        1   November 21, 1994. 
Total Pages: 3.                                                         
LTS101A-73-20-0166...............     1-6        2   August 1, 1995.    
Total Pages: 6.                                                         
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, 111 South 
34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85072; telephone (602) 365-2493, fax (602) 
365-2210. 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 13, 1996.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 24, 1996.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-11258 Filed 5-8-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U