[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 193 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51618-51619]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25170]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 193 / Thursday, October 3, 1996 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 51618]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-ANE-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. TPE331 Series
Turboprop Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. TPE331 series
turboprop engines equipped with Woodward fuel controls. This proposal
would require revising the applicable Emergency Procedures or Abnormal
Procedures Section of the applicable FAA-approved Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) or Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) to include a paragraph
relating to a non-responsive power lever. In addition, this proposal
would require replacing or reworking orifice fittings and restrictors,
which would constitute terminating action to the requirement to revise
the applicable AFM. This proposal is prompted by reports of occasional
icing of the inlet Pt2 sensor, which can produce an erroneous (high)
pressure signal to the fuel control, causing little or no response to
power lever movement. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to prevent a non-responsive power lever and lack of control of
engine power.
DATES: Comments must be received by December 2, 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-13, 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. 96-ANE-13 in the subject line of the comment. Comments may
be inspected at this location between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from AlliedSignal Aerospace, Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-
3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602)
365-2493, fax (602) 365-5577. This information may be examined at the
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone
(310) 627-5246; fax (310) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal 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-13.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-ANE-13, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
Discussion
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received reports of
``no response to power lever movement'' after extended high altitude
operation (20,000 feet or higher) with outside air temperature (OAT)
below freezing, in clear air (no visible moisture), and engine anti-
icing ``OFF''. An investigation has revealed that these incidents
resulted from the inlet temperature and pressure (Pt2) sensor becoming
blocked by ice caused by very small amounts of moisture accumulated in
the sensor. Ice blockage of this sensor can produce an erroneous (high)
pressure signal to the fuel control and thus create a fixed fuel flow
irrespective of the position of the power lever. Occasional icing of
the Pt2 sensor is currently not addressed the applicable FAA-approved
Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). Icing
of the Pt2 sensor may affect one or both engines simultaneously. This
condition, if not corrected, could result in a non-responsive power
lever and lack of control of engine power.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of
AlliedSignal Inc. Operating Information Letter No. 331-13, dated April
27, 1995, that recommends actions intended to supplement the applicable
FAA-approved AFM or POH; Service Bulletin (SB) No. TPE331-73-0236,
dated July 28, 1995, that describes procedures for replacing the inlet
temperature and pressure sensor orifice fittings; and SB No. TPE331-73-
0235, dated July 28, 1995, that describes procedures for replacing the
inlet temperature and pressure sensor orifice fittings and reworking
the inlet sensor Ps3 restrictors.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require revising the Abnormal
[[Page 51619]]
Procedures or Emergency Procedures Section of the applicable FAA-
approved AFM or POH to include a paragraph relating to a non-responsive
power lever. In addition, this proposal would require replacing orifice
fittings and reworking restrictors, which would constitute terminating
action to the requirement to revise the applicable AFM or POH. The
actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the
service documents described previously.
There are approximately 9,438 engines of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 4,700 engines installed on
aircraft of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. The
FAA estimates that 2,760 engines would need modification in accordance
with SB No. TPE331-73-0236, dated July 28, 1995, that it would take
approximately 2 work hours per engine to accomplish the proposed
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts would cost approximately $80 per engine.
In addition, the FAA estimates that 1,240 engines would need
modification in accordance with SB No. TPE331-73-0235, dated July 28,
1995, that it would take approximately 3 work hours per engine to
accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60
per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $80 per engine.
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $874,400.
The regulations proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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:
AlliedSignal Inc.: Docket No. 96-ANE-13.
Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. TPE331-3, -5, -6, -10, -11, -12
series turboprop engines equipped with Woodward fuel controls,
installed on but not limited to the following aircraft: Ayres S2R-
G5, S2R-G6, and S2R-G10; Beech Model B100; Construcciones
Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA) C-212 series; Dornier 228 series;
Fairchild SA226 and SA227 series; Jetstream 3101 and 3201 series;
Mitsubishi MU-2B series (MU-2 series); Short Brothers plc Model SC-7
Skyvan Series 3; Twin Commander Aircraft Corp. 680, 690 and 695
series.
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 (d) 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 a non-responsive power lever and lack of control of
engine power, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, for
aircraft equipped with engine inlet ice protection, revise the
applicable Emergency Procedures or Abnormal Procedures Section of
the applicable FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot's
Operating Handbook (POH) to include the following paragraph relating
to a non-responsive power lever. This may be accomplished by
inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM or POH:
``NON-RESPONSIVE POWER LEVER: If a lack of response to the power
lever is observed, turn ON the ignition and engine anti-ice for both
engines. After the condition has cleared and normal operation is
observed, which occurs in approximately three minutes, anti-ice and
ignition can be turned OFF.''
(b) Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, or at
next removal of the Pt2 sensor, whichever occurs first, replace or
rework orifice fittings and restrictors in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Aerospace Service
Bulletin (SB), No. TPE331-73-0235, dated July 28, 1995. Replacing
the orifice fittings and reworking the inlet sensor Ps3 restrictor
constitutes terminating action to the AFM or POH revision
requirement stated in paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c) Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, or at
next removal of the Pt2 sensor, whichever occurs first, replace the
orifice fittings in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of AlliedSignal Aerospace SB No. TPE331-73-0236, dated July 28,
1995. Replacing orifice fittings constitutes terminating action to
the AFM or POH revision requirement stated in paragraph (a) of this
AD.
(d) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office.
(e) 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.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 19, 1996.
James C. Jones,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-25170 Filed 10-2-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U