[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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  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:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Document No.                 Pages               Revision                          Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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