[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 161 (Monday, August 19, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42782-42784]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-21034]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-ANE-21; Amendment 39-9709, AD 96-17-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. Model T5313B 
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) Model 
T5313B turboshaft engines. This action supersedes priority letter AD 
96-15-07 that currently requires, prior to further flight, removal from 
service of all suspect second stage power turbine disks, identified by 
serial number, and replacement with serviceable parts. This action 
corrects an incorrect second stage power turbine disk serial number. 
This amendment is prompted by report of a typographical error in the 
serial number listing. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent possible failure of a second stage power turbine disk, 
uncontained engine failure, and damage to aircraft.

DATES: Effective September 9, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 18, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-ANE-21, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be 
submitted to the Rules Docket by using the following Internet address: 
``[email protected]''. All comments must contain the 
Docket No. in the subject line of the comment.

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 July 16, 1996, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive 
(AD) 96- 15-07, applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly Textron 
Lycoming) Model T5313B turboshaft engines, which requires prior to 
further flight, removal from service of all suspect second stage power 
turbine disks, identified by serial number, and replacement with 
serviceable parts. That action was prompted by a report that surplus 
military second stage power turbine disks, Part Number (P/N) 1-140-272-
04, were used on civil aircraft. These disks were manufactured by a 
military parts supplier outside of a Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA)-approved manufacturing quality system. When compared to parts 
manufactured for civil use, parts manufactured for military service may 
undergo different manufacturing procedures, and receive

[[Page 42783]]

different quality control inspections, that are not approved by the 
FAA. After a review of some disk records, the FAA cannot determine 
whether the suspect disks conform with the FAA-approved type design for 
similar disks used in civil aircraft engines. Therefore, the suspect 
disks are currently not airworthy for use in civil engines, and must be 
removed from service. Twelve disks were subsequently installed in civil 
engines, four of these disks are currently in service. Although the FAA 
has not received any reports of suspect disk failures to date, it is 
unknown whether the suspect disks provide an acceptable level of safety 
for any period of operation. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in possible failure of a second stage power turbine disk, 
uncontained engine failure, and damage to aircraft.
    Since the issuance of that priority letter AD, the FAA received a 
report of a typographical error in the serial number listing.
    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 96-15-07 to correct an incorrect second 
stage power turbine disk serial number.
    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 96-ANE-21.'' 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, 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13   [Amended]

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

96-17-01  AlliedSignal Inc.: Amendment 39-9709. Docket No. 96-ANE-
21. Supersedes AD 96-15-07.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc., (formerly Textron Lycoming) 
Model T5313B turboshaft engines, incorporating suspect second stage 
power turbine disks, Part Number (P/N) 1-140-272-04, identified by 
any of the following Serial Numbers: SC05903/32891-451, SC09442/
32891-476, SC09685/32891-623, SC09723/32891-654, SC09743/32891-437, 
SC09759/32891-634, SC09755/32891-637, SC09779/32891-682, SC09908/
32891-657, SC10100/32891-649, SC10267/32891-573, SC10269/32891-471.
    These engines are installed on but not limited to Bell 
Helicopter Textron 205A-1 series rotorcraft.

    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 request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition 
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent possible failure of a second stage power turbine 
disk, uncontained engine failure, and damage to aircraft, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Prior to further flight, remove from service all suspect 
second stage power turbine disks, P/N 1-140-272-04, identified by 
Serial Numbers listed in the applicability paragraph of this AD, and 
replace with serviceable parts.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance 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.

    (c) This amendment supersedes priority letter AD 96-15-07, 
issued July 16, 1996.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on September 9, 1996.


[[Page 42784]]


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 6, 1996.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-21034 Filed 8-16-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P