[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 249 (Wednesday, December 29, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72918-72919]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-33565]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NE-30-AD; Amendment 39-11485; AD 99-27-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Limited Dart Series 
Turboprop Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Rolls-Royce Limited Dart series turboprop 
engines. This amendment requires a one-time visual inspection of the 
interior of the switch to determine the type of low torque switch, and 
removal from service of unapproved Klixon low torque switches and 
replacement with serviceable parts. This amendment is prompted by the 
discovery of unapproved low torque switches in fleet operation. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent possible low 
torque switch failure, which could result in failure of a propeller to 
auto-feather following an engine power loss, resulting in possible loss 
of control of the airplane due to high asymmetric drag.

DATES: Effective February 28, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 28, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Rolls-Royce Limited, Attn: Dart Engine Service Manager, 
East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 4PY, Scotland; telephone: +44 1355-220-200, 
fax: +44 1141-778-432. 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, suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 
238-7176, fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to Rolls-Royce Limited (R-R) Dart 
506, 510, 511, 514, 525, 526, 529, 530, 531, 532, 535, 542, and 552 
series turboprop engines was published in the Federal Register on 
August 26, 1999 (64 FR 46609). That action proposed to require a one-
time visual inspection of the interior of the switch to determine the 
type of low torque switch within 3 months after the effective date of 
the AD, and removal from service of unapproved Klixon low torque 
switches and replacement with approved low torque switches. That action 
was prompted by AD 002-12-96, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of 
the United Kingdom. That condition, if not corrected, could result in 
possible low torque switch failure, which could result in failure of a 
propeller to auto-feather following an engine power loss, resulting in 
possible loss of control of the airplane due to high asymmetric drag.

No Comments Received

    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.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 890 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 139 engines installed on 
aircraft of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 2 work hours per engine to accomplish the required 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts will cost approximately $12,500 per engine. Based on these 
figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $1,754,180.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order (EO) 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under EO 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-27-04 Rolls-Royce Limited: Amendment 39-11485. Docket 99-NE-30-
AD.

    Applicability: Rolls-Royce Limited (R-R) Dart 506, 510, 511, 
514, 525, 526, 529, 530, 531, 532, 535, 542, and 552 series 
turboprop engines, installed on but not limited to Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corp. G-159, British Aerospace HS 748, Fokker Aircraft 
F.27, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries YS-11, General Dynamics (Convair) 
640 and 600 series, and Vickers Armstrongs (Aircraft Limited) 
Viscount.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
identified in the

[[Page 72919]]

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 failure of a propeller to auto-feather following an 
engine power loss, resulting in possible loss of control of the 
airplane due to high asymmetric drag, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the following in accordance with the Action section of R-
R Service Bulletin (SB) No. Da61-13, dated December 1996:
    (1) Remove the switch cover, visually inspect the interior of 
the switch and replace the switch cover, all in accordance with the 
accomplishment instructions of the SB.
    (2) If a Klixon low torque switch, part number (P/N) 6PS-25-1, 
is installed, prior to further flight remove the Klixon low torque 
switch from service and replace with an approved low torque switch.

Alternative Methods 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 (ECO). 
Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, ECO.
    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the ECO.

Ferry Flights

    (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 airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin No. Da61-13, dated December 1996. 
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 Rolls-Royce Limited, Attn: Dart 
Engine Service Manager, East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 4PY, Scotland; 
telephone: +44 1355-220-200, fax: +44 1141-778-432. 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 28, 2000.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 21, 1999.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-33565 Filed 12-28-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U