[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 187 (Tuesday, September 26, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57753-57755]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-24629]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-38-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. (formerly 
AlliedSignal Inc. and Textron Lycoming Inc.) LTS101 Series Turboshaft 
and LTP101 Series Turboprop Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Honeywell 
International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal Inc. and Textron Lycoming 
Inc.) LTS101 series turboshaft and LTP101 series turboprop engines. The 
existing airworthiness directive (AD) superseded priority letter AD 94-
19-01 and currently requires initial and repetitive inspections of the 
engine fuel pump internal drive splines for wear, and replacement of 
engine fuel pumps that exhibit wear beyond specified limits.
    This proposal would require a reduction in inspection intervals for 
the engine fuel pump internal drive splines. This proposal is prompted 
by a report from the engine manufacturer that 13 percent of the pumps 
installed on aircraft that were returned from the field for the 
required 900-hour interval inspection revealed excessive internal drive 
spline wear. The actions specified by this proposal are intended to 
prevent worn splines in fuel pumps that could cause engine fuel pump 
failure, which can result in total engine power loss and possible loss 
of the aircraft.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 27, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-38-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet 
using the following address: ``[email protected]''. Comments sent 
via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line. 
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 Honeywell International, Inc, Attn: Data Distribution, M/
S 64-3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003, telephone: 
(602) 365-2493, fax: (602) 365-5577. This information may be examined 
at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 
(562) 627-5245, fax (562) 627-5210.

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 94-ANE-38-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRM's

    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. 94-ANE-38-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On April 17, 1995, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued 
airworthiness directive (AD) 95-09-02, Amendment 39-9206 (60 FR 20189, 
April 25, 1995), applicable to Textron Lycoming LTS101 series 
turboshaft and LTP101 series turboprop engines incorporating Chandler 
Evans (CECO) engine fuel pumps, Part Numbers 4-301-128-01, -02, -03, -
04, -05, -06, -07, -08, -09, -10. This AD superseded Priority Letter AD 
94-19-01, issued on September 2, 1994. The current AD requires initial 
and repetitive inspections for wear of LTS101 and LTP101 engine fuel 
pump internal drive splines installed on single-engine aircraft and 
replacement with a serviceable part of engine fuel pumps that exhibit 
wear beyond the limits specified in the incorporated service bulletin. 
That action was prompted by a report of a helicopter accident that 
resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent autorotation of 
a helicopter powered by a Textron Lycoming Model LTS101-600A-3 
turboshaft engine. Investigation of that accident and other engine 
failures showed that CECO Model MFP261 engine fuel pump internal drive 
spline teeth were worn away and failed to engage, resulting in loss of 
fuel delivery to the engine. That condition, if not corrected, could 
result in engine fuel pump failure, which can result in total engine 
power loss and possible loss of the aircraft.

Recent Analysis

    Since the issuance of AD 95-09-02, a number of removed fuel pumps 
have been returned to CECO. The FAA has learned that 13 percent of the 
pumps that were returned from the field for the required 900-hour 
interval inspection revealed excessive internal drive spline wear. 
Accordingly, the FAA has determined that the inspection interval must 
be reduced to 600-hour intervals.

Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the contents of AlliedSignal 
Service Bulletin (SB) LT 101-73-20-0203, dated August 18, 1999, that 
informs operators of the new inspection intervals and the drawdown 
schedule for in-service

[[Page 57754]]

pumps. This AD is applicable to pumps installed on single-engine 
aircraft only.

Proposed Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other engines of this same type design, this 
proposed AD would supersede AD 95-09-02 to require initial and 
repetitive inspections for wear of the engine fuel pump internal drive 
splines, and replacement of engine fuel pumps that exhibit wear beyond 
the limits specified in AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0203 
dated August 18, 1999, with a serviceable part. Fuel pumps removed in 
accordance with this AD must be returned to CECO for disassembly, 
inspection, and repair because of the specialized tools and procedures 
required. These actions must be done in accordance with the SB 
described previously.

Economic Analysis

    Because initial removal and replacement activities are scheduled at 
intervals compatible with existing AD 95-09-02, no additional impact on 
part and labor cost is anticipated.

Regulatory Impact

    This proposal does not have federalism implications, as defined in 
Executive Order 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 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 removing Amendment 39-9206 (60 FR 
20189, April 25, 1995) and by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

Honeywell International Inc.: Docket No. 94-ANE-38-AD. Supersedes AD 
95-09-02, Amendment 39-9206.

    Applicability: Honeywell International Inc. (formerly 
AlliedSignal Inc. and Textron Lycoming Inc.) LTS101-600A-2, -600A-3 
series turboshaft and LTP101-600A-1A, -700A-1A series turboprop 
engines incorporating Chandler Evans (CECO) engine fuel pumps, part 
numbers (P/N) 4-301-128-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -07, -08, -09, 
and -10. These engines are installed on but not limited to the 
following single-engine aircraft: Eurocopter France (formerly 
Aerospatiale) AS350D series helicopters and Airtractor AT302, PAC 
Aero Cresco, and Page (Ayres S-2R) Thrush airplanes. This proposed 
AD is not applicable to engines installed on twin-engine aircraft.

    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 (g) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
unsafe condition.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent engine fuel pump failure, which can result in total 
engine power loss and possible loss of the aircraft, accomplish the 
following:

Initial Inspection

    (a) Remove from service and return to CECO for inspection, 
engine fuel pumps with greater than 751 hours time in service (TIS) 
since new or overhaul on the effective date of this airworthiness 
directive (AD), within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective 
date of this AD but prior to reaching 900 hours TIS since new or 
overhaul. All pumps must be inspected before 900 hours TIS since 
new, overhaul, time between inspection, or time since last 
inspection in accordance with AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-
20-0203, dated August 18, 1999.
    (b) Remove from service and return to CECO for inspection, 
engine fuel pumps with greater than 451 hours TIS since new or 
overhaul, but less than or equal to 750 hours TIS since new or 
overhaul on the effective date of this AD, within the next 150 hours 
TIS after the effective date of this AD, in accordance with 
AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0203, dated August 18, 1999.
    (c) Remove from service and return to CECO for inspection, 
engine fuel pumps with less than or equal to 450 hours TIS since new 
or overhaul on the effective date of this AD, within the next 150 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, or before 
accumulating 600 hours TIS since new, overhaul, time between 
inspection, or time since last inspection, whichever occurs first, 
in accordance with AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0203, 
dated August 18, 1999.

Repetitive Inspections

    (d) Thereafter, remove from service and return to CECO for 
inspection, engine fuel pump at intervals not to exceed 600 hours 
TIS since the last inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0203, dated 
August 18, 1999.
    (e) Engine fuel pumps that exhibit wear beyond the limits 
specified in AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0203, dated 
August 18, may not be returned to service.

Definition

    (f) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable part is defined 
as a new part, or a part that has been inspected by CECO in 
accordance with AlliedSignal Engines SB LT101-73-20-0203, dated 
August 18, 1999, and that has not accumulated 600 hours TIS since 
new, or since inspection by CECO.

Alternative Method of Compliance

    (g) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO). Operators shall submit their request through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the ACO. The request should be 
forwarded through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

Ferry Flights

    (h) 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 aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.


[[Page 57755]]


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 19, 2000.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-24629 Filed 9-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P