[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 13, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58148-58150]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-28985]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-ANE-25]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. T5311, T5313, T5317, 
and T53 (Military) Series 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. (formerly 
Textron Lycoming) T5311, T5313, T5317, and T53 series military engines 
approved for installation on aircraft certified in accordance with 
Section 21.25 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). This proposal 
would require removal and replacement of the N2 spur gear nut retainer 
(lock cup). This proposal is prompted by reports of N2 spur gear nut 
retainer (lock cup) separation. The actions specified by the proposed 
AD are intended to prevent N2 accessory drive assembly disengagement 
due to N2 spur gear nut retainer (lock cup) separation, which could 
result in an uncommanded engine acceleration.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 13, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England

[[Page 58149]]

Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 96-ANE-25, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299. Comments may be inspected at this location between 8:00 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: Raymond Vakili, Aerospace Engineer, 
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 
(310) 627-5262; 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-25.'' 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-25, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports of N2 spur gear nut retainer (lock 
cup), P/N 1-070-066-01, separation on AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly 
Textron Lycoming) T53 turboshaft engines. Separation of the retainer 
can cause the N2 accessory drive assembly to disengage. The 
investigation revealed that the sheet metal retainer tab was found 
separated in fatigue. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
N2 accessory drive assembly disengagement due to N2 spur gear nut 
retainer (lock cup) separation, which could result in an uncommanded 
engine acceleration.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
AlliedSignal Aerospace Service Bulletin (SB) No. T5311/T53-L-11-0080, 
dated May 28, 1996, SB No. T5313B/T5317-0081, Revision 1, dated May 28, 
1996, SB No. T53-L-13B-0082, dated May 28, 1996, SB No. T53-L-13B/D-
0083, dated May 28, 1996, and SB No. T53-L-703-0084, dated May 28, 
1996, that describe procedures for removal and replacement of the N2 
spur gear nut retainer (lock cup).
    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 removal and replacement of the sheet metal 
lock cup with a more durable machined lock cup. The actions would be 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the SBs described 
previously.
    There are approximately 450 (excluding military) engines of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 125 
(excluding military) engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD, 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 $75 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $31,875.
    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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.


39.13   [Amended]

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

AlliedSignal Inc.: Docket No. 96-ANE-25.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) 
T5311, T5313, T5317, and T53 (military) series turboshaft engines, 
installed on but not limited to Bell Helicopter Textron 209, 205, 
and 204 series, and Kaman K-1200 series aircraft, and the following 
military aircraft: Bell Helicopter Textron AH-1 and UH-1, and 
Grumman OV-1 (turboprop installation), certified in accordance with 
Section 21.25 or 21.27 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).

    Note 1: 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

[[Page 58150]]

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 N2 accessory drive assembly disengagement due to N2 
spur gear nut retainer (lock cup) separation, which could result in 
an uncommanded engine acceleration, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 300 hours time in service, or 2 years after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove from 
service N2 spur gear nut retainers (lock cups), Part Number (P/N) 1-
070-066-01, and replace with N2 spur gear nut retainers P/Ns 1-070-
066-02 or 1-070-066-03, in accordance with the following applicable 
AlliedSignal Aerospace Service Bulletins (SBs):
    (1) For retainers installed on T5311 and T53-L-11 (military) 
series engines, in accordance with SB No. T5311/T53-L-11-0080, dated 
May 28, 1996.
    (2) For retainers installed on T5313B and T5317 series engines, 
in accordance with SB No. T5313B/T5317-0081, Revision 1, dated May 
28, 1996.
    (3) For retainers installed on T53-L-13B/SSA/SSB (military) 
series engines, in accordance with SB No. T53-L-13B-0082, dated May 
28, 1996.
    (4) For retainers installed on T53-L-13B/SSD (military) series 
engines, in accordance with SB No. T53-L-13B/D-0083, dated May 28, 
1996.
    (5) For retainers installed on T53-L-703 (military) series 
engines, in accordance with SB No. T53-L-703-0084, dated May 28, 
1996.
    (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, 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 2: 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.
    (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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 30, 1996.
James C. Jones,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-28985 Filed 11-12-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U