[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 8, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68642-68644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-31815]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NE-11-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Makila 1 Series Turboshaft 
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 Turbomeca Makila 1 series 
turboshaft engines. This proposal would require a one-time visual 
inspection of the scavenge and lubrication systems for

[[Page 68643]]

obstruction due to coke deposits, then reconditioning of the engine oil 
system prior to return to service. This proposal is prompted by report 
of an in-flight engine shutdown due to roller bearings contaminated by 
certain types of detergent oil. The actions specified by the proposed 
AD are intended to prevent in-flight engine shutdown due to roller 
bearing failure following oil contamination.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 7, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 99-NE-11-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be submitted to the Rules 
Docket by using the following Internet address: ``9-ane-
[email protected]''. 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 Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone (33) 05 59 64 
40 00, fax (33) 05 59 64 60 80. This information may be examined at the 
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glorianne Niebuhr, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 
238-7132, fax (781) 238-7199.

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 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 99-NE-11-AD.'' 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 Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-11-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, recently notified the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA) that an unsafe condition may exist on 
Turbomeca Makila 1 series turboshaft engines. The DGAC advises that it 
has received a report of an in-flight engine shutdown due to roller 
bearings contaminated by 7.5 cSt oil followed by a more detergent 5 cSt 
oil. The investigation revealed coke accumulating in the rear bearing 
chamber. These coke deposits caused complete or partial obstruction of 
the scavenge and lubrication systems, causing the roller bearings of 
the M03 and M05 modules to be damaged. This condition, if not 
corrected, can result in in-flight engine shutdown due to roller 
bearing failure following oil contamination.

Service Information

    Turbomeca has issued Service Bulletin Makila 1 (SB) No. A298 71 
0137, dated December 22, 1997, that specifies procedures for visual 
inspection of the scavenge and lubrication systems for obstruction due 
to coke deposits, and reconditioning of the engine oil system. The DGAC 
classified this SB as mandatory and issued airworthiness directive (AD) 
98-075(A), dated February 11, 1998, in order to assure the 
airworthiness of these engines in France.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This engine model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Proposed Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other engines of the same type design registered in 
the United States, the proposed AD would require a one-time visual 
inspection of the scavenge and lubrication systems for obstruction due 
to coke deposits, then reconditioning of the engine oil system prior to 
return to service. The actions would be required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the SB described previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 1,076 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 5 engines installed on aircraft 
of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would 
take approximately 14 work hours per engine to accomplish the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $4,200.

Regulatory Impact

    This proposal does not have federalism implications, as defined in 
Executive Order No. 13132, because it would not have a substantial 
direct effect 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. Accordingly, 
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication 
of this proposal.
    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

[[Page 68644]]

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:

Turbomeca: Docket No. 99-NE-11-AD.

    Applicability: Turbomeca Makila 1A and 1A1 series turboshaft 
engines, installed on but not limited to Aerospatiale AS 332 Super 
Puma, AS 532 Cougar, and SA 330 Puma helicopters.

    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 (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 in-flight engine shutdown due to roller bearing 
failure following oil contamination, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Repair

    (a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, accomplish the following:
    (1) For engines that have been operated with 7.5 cSt oil for 
more than 100 hours TIS, and for engines whose operators can not 
show documentation that the engine has been operated with 7.5 cSt 
oil for 100 hours or less TIS, accomplish the following:
    (i) Perform a one-time visual inspection of the scavenge and 
lubrication systems for obstruction due to coke deposits and repair 
as required, in accordance with section 2.A. and 2.B. of the 
``Instructions for incorporation'' section of Turbomeca Makila 1 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. A298 71 0137, dated December 12, 1997.
    (ii) Replace the oil with approved oil other than 7.5 cSt and 
then recondition and check the engine oil system in accordance with 
section 2.C. and 2.D.(1) of Turbomeca Makila 1 SB No. A298 71 0137, 
dated December 12, 1997, prior to return to service.
    (2) For engines that have been operated with 7.5 cSt oil for 100 
hours or less TIS, replace the oil with approved oil other than 7.5 
cSt and then recondition the engine oil system prior to return to 
service, in accordance with section 1.A.(2)(b) of Turbomeca Makila 1 
SB No. A298 71 0137, dated December 12, 1997.

Alternative Method of Compliance

    (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, Engine 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.

Ferry Flights

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 1, 1999.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-31815 Filed 12-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U