[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 232 (Thursday, December 3, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66741-66743]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-32047]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-ANE-72-AD; Amendment 39-10926; AD 98-22-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal, Inc. Model T5317A-1 
Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule, request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-22-11 that was sent previously 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly 
Textron Lycoming) model T5317A-1 turboshaft engines by individual 
letters. This AD requires, prior to further flight, a pressure test to 
determine if both fuel pumps in the regulator, Part Number (PN) 1-170-
240-93, are producing fuel pressure, and, if necessary, replacement of 
the fuel regulator with serviceable part. In addition, this AD requires 
repetitive engine fuel pump pressure tests. This amendment is prompted 
by a report of an accident involving an AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly 
Textron Lycoming) model T5317A-1 turboshaft engine installed on a Kaman 
Aerospace model K-1200 rotorcraft engaged in logging operations. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of fuel flow 
from the engine fuel regulator due to failure of both primary and 
secondary fuel pump drive shaft splines. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in engine failure and forced autorotation 
landing.

DATES: Effective December 18, 1998, to all persons except those persons 
to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-22-
11, issued on October 30, 1998, which contained the requirements of 
this amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 18, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 1, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-ANE-72-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad-
[email protected].'' Comments sent via the Internet must contain the 
docket number in the subject line.
    The applicable service information may be obtained from 
AlliedSignal, Inc., 111 South 34th Street, P.O. Box 52181, Phoenix, 
Arizona 85072-2181; telephone (602) 231-3838; fax (602) 231-3800. This 
information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of 
the Regional 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: Raymond Vakili, Aerospace Engineer, 
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 
627-5262, fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 30, 1998, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive 
(AD) 98-22-11, applicable to AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron 
Lycoming) model T5317A-1 turboshaft engines, which requires, prior to 
further flight, a pressure test to determine if both fuel pumps in the 
regulator, PN 1-170-240-93, are producing fuel pressure, and if 
necessary, replacement of the fuel regulator with a serviceable part. 
In addition, this AD requires repetitive engine fuel pump pressure 
tests at intervals not to exceed 50 hours Time In Service (TIS). That 
action was prompted by an accident involving an AlliedSignal Inc. 
(formerly Textron Lycoming) model T5317A-1 turboshaft engine installed 
on a Kaman Aerospace model K-1200 rotorcraft engaged in logging 
operations. This condition, if not corrected, could result in engine 
failure and forced autorotation landing.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. T5317A-1-A0106, 
Revision 1, dated October 23, 1998, that describes procedures for a 
pressure test to determine if both fuel pumps in the regulator, PN 1-
170-240-93, are producing fuel pressure, and, if necessary, replacement 
of the fuel regulator with serviceable part.
    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other engines of the same type design, the FAA issued priority 
letter AD 98-22-11 to prevent engine failure and forced autorotation 
landing. The AD requires,

[[Page 66742]]

prior to further flight, a pressure test to determine if both fuel 
pumps in the regulator are producing fuel pressure, and if necessary, 
replacement of the fuel regulator with serviceable parts. In addition, 
this AD requires repetitive engine fuel pump pressure tests at 
intervals not to exceed 50 hours time-in-service (TIS). The actions are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the ASB described 
previously.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters 
issued on October 30, 1998, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) model T5317A-1 
turboshaft engines. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby 
published in the Federal Register as an amendment to Section 39.13 of 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to make it 
effective to all persons.

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 98-ANE-72-AD.'' 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

98-22-11  AlliedSignal, Inc.: Amendment 39-10926. Docket 98-ANE-72-
AD.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) 
model T5317A-1 turboshaft engines. These engines are installed on, 
but not limited to, Kaman Aerospace model K-1200 rotorcraft.

    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 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 engine failure and forced autorotation landing, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to further flight, perform pressure tests to determine 
if both fuel pumps in the regulator, PN 1-170-240-93, are producing 
the specified fuel pressure in accordance with the accomplishment 
instructions paragraph of AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. T5317A-1-A0106, Revision 1, dated October 23, 1998, 
Section 3, paragraphs A through F.
    (b) If the observed pressures on the pressure gauges during the 
test do not read a minimum of 110 psig and within 50 plus or minus 2 
psig of each other, replace the fuel regulator, PN 1-170-240-93, and 
repeat the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (c) Thereafter, perform pressure tests using the procedures of 
paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 50 hours Time In 
Service (TIS) since last pressure test.
    (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, Certification Office. Operators 
shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Engine 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 Engine Certification Office.

    (e) The fuel pressure tests shall be done in accordance with the 
following AlliedSignal, Inc. alert service bulletin:

[[Page 66743]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Document No.                    Pages       Revision                      Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T5317A-1-A0106.............................          1-6            1  October 23, 1998.
    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, Inc., 111 South 
34th Street, P.O. Box 52181, Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2181; telephone 
(602) 231-3838; fax (602) 231-3800. Copies may be inspected at the 
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective December 18, 1998, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by priority letter AD 98-22-11, issued October 23, 1998, 
which contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 25, 1998.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-32047 Filed 12-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U