[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 29, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52423-52424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-24700]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
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Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 29, 1999 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 52423]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-ANE-51-AD; Amendment 39-11332; AD 98-17-01 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731 Series
Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731 series turbofan engines,
that currently requires installation of an improved flexible (flex)
fuel tube. This amendment clarifies that installation of the improved
flex fuel tube and that the use of a clamp on the original rigid fuel
tube are optional for engines installed on Learjet 35, 36, and 55
series airplanes. This amendment is prompted by confusion from
operators regarding the applicability of these Learjet engine
installations. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent
cracking of the fuel tube and the subsequent leakage of fuel on or
around electrical components, which can cause an engine fire.
DATES: Effective November 29, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) TFE731-A73-3132, dated April 9, 1997, and ASB TFE731-
A73-3128, dated February 26, 1997, was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register as of May 19, 1999 (63 FR 42691, Aug. 11, 1998).
The incorporation by reference of AlliedSignal Inc. Service
Bulletin TFE731-73-3107, Revision 4, dated April 20, 1994, listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 29, 1999.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from AlliedSignal Aerospace, Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-
3/2101-201, PO Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-
2493, fax (602) 365-5577. This information may be examined at the
Federal Aviation Administration (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,
7th Floor, suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562)
627-5246, fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising Airworthiness
Directive (AD) 98-17-01, Amendment 39-10703 (63 FR 42691, August 11,
1998), which is applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731 series turbofan
engines, was published in the Federal Register on April 19, 1999 (64 FR
19096). The action proposed to clarify that installation of the
improved flexible (flex) fuel tube and that the use of a clamp on the
original rigid fuel tube are optional for engines installed on Learjet
35, 36, and 55 series airplanes.
Since the issuance of AD 98-17-01, the FAA has received reports
from operators expressing confusion as to the applicability of engines
installed on Learjet 35, 36, and 55 series airplanes. That AD did not
affect the AlliedSignal engine Model TFE731-2-2B and engine series
TFE731-3A and -3AR installed on Learjet Models 35, 36, and 55 because
starter generators are not used on these airplanes. In addition, for
this application, there have been no reported fuel line failures.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the
adoption of the rule as proposed.
As this revision is merely a clarification, there is no additional
economic impact on operators.
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.
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 removing Amendment 39-10703 (63 FR
42691, August 11, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
[[Page 52424]]
Amendment 39-11332, to read as follows:
98-17-01 R1 AlliedSignal Inc.: Amendment 39-11332. Docket 97-ANE-
51-AD. Revises AD 98-17-01, Amendment 39-10703.
Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly Allied-Signal
Aerospace Company, Garrett Engine Division and Garrett Turbine
Engine Co.) TFE731-2, -3, and -4 series turbofan engines with fuel
tubes, part numbers (P/Ns) 3071051-1, 3073729-1, or 3072886-1,
installed. These engines are installed on but not limited to the
following airplanes: Avions Marcel Dassault Falcon 10, 50, and 100
series; Cessna Model 650, Citation III, VI, and VII; Learjet 31
(M31) 35, 36 and 55 series, Raytheon British Aerospace HS-125
series; and Sabreliner NA-265-65.
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 (c) 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 cracked fuel tubes and the subsequent leakage of fuel
on and around electrical components, which can cause an engine fire,
accomplish the following:
(a) Except for engines installed on Learjet 35, 36, and 55
airplanes, within 160 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
effective date of this AD, or prior to December 20, 1999, whichever
occurs first, install an improved flexible fuel tube, as follows:
(1) For engines installed on Cessna airplanes, install in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Inc.
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. TFE731-A73-3132, dated April 9,
1997.
(2) For engines installed on all other airplanes except for the
Learjet 35, 36 and 55 series, install in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Inc. ASB No. TFE731-A73-
3128, dated February 26, 1997.
(b) For engines installed on Learjet 35, 36, and 55, the
improved flex tube and the clamp assembly installed on the original
rigid fuel tube are optional. If the clamp assembly is used, install
the clamp assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. TFE731-73-3107, Revision 4,
dated April 20, 1994.
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
initial compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety
may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests 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 AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
(d) 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 airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with the following AlliedSignal Inc. service documents:
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Document No. Pages Revision Date
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ASB TFE731-A73-3132................... 1-12 Original...................... Apr. 9, 1997.
Total pages: 12.
ASB TFE731-A73-3128................... 1-14 Original...................... Feb. 26, 1997.
Total pages: 14.
SB TFE731-73-3107..................... 1-8 4............................. Apr. 20, 1994.
Total pages: 8.
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(f) The incorporation by reference of AlliedSignal Inc. ASB
TFE731-A73-3132, dated April 9, 1997, and ASB TFE731-A73-3128, dated
February 26, 1997, was approved by the Director of the Federal
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of
May 19, 1999.
(g) The incorporation by reference of AlliedSignal Inc. SB
TFE731-73-3107, Revision 4, dated April 20, 1994, was approved by
the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(h) Copies of these service documents may be obtained from
AlliedSignal Aerospace, Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201,
PO Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-2493, fax
(602) 365-5577. 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.
(i) This amendment becomes effective on November 29, 1999.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 16, 1999.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-24700 Filed 9-28-99; 8:45 am]
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