[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 12, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31566-31569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-14672]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 113 / Tuesday, June 12, 2001 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 31566]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-32-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International, Inc. (formerly 
AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron Lycoming), T5313B, T5317 Series, and T53 
Series Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a 
new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Honeywell 
International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc., and Textron 
Lycoming) T5313B series, T5317 series, and former military T53 series, 
turboshaft engines having certain serial number centrifugal compressor 
impellers, installed. This proposal would require for T5313B series and 
T5317 series engines, initial and repetitive inspections of those 
compressor impellers, if installed. This proposal would also require 
for T53 series engines, a revised operating cycle count (prorate) for 
those compressor impellers if installed, and initial and repetitive 
inspections, with eventual compressor impeller replacement. In 
addition, this proposal would require the marking of those compressor 
impellers. This proposal is prompted by a report from the supplier that 
four centrifugal compressor impellers may have been inadvertently 
misidentified. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent premature failure of the impellers from being operated beyond 
their design service life, which could result in an uncontained engine 
failure, in-flight shutdown, or damage to the helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 13, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-32-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 this proposed 
rule may be obtained from Honeywell International, Inc. (formerly 
AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron Lycoming), 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 Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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 in triplicate 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 action 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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NE-32-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. 2000-NE-32-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    The manufacturer recently notified the FAA of four centrifugal 
compressor impellers, serial numbers 83317, 83327, 83328, and 83330, 
that may have been inadvertently misidentified. These impellers are 
installed in Honeywell International, Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal, 
Inc., and Textron Lycoming) T5313B series, T5317 series, and T53 series 
turboshaft engines. This misidentification allows these impellers to be 
operated beyond their design service life. This proposal would require 
for T5313B series and T5317 series engines, initial and repetitive 
inspections of those compressor impellers, if installed. This proposal 
would also require for T53 series engines, a revised operating cycle 
count (prorate) for those four centrifugal compressor impellers if 
installed, and initial and repetitive inspections, with replacement 
within 300 operating hours or six calendar months, whichever occurs 
first, after the effective date of this AD. In addition, this proposal 
would require the marking of those four compressor impellers. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent premature failure 
of the impellers from being operated beyond their design service life, 
which could result in an uncontained engine failure, in-flight 
shutdown, or damage to the helicopter.

[[Page 31567]]

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
Honeywell International, Inc. Service Bulletins (SB's) T5313B/17-0020, 
Revision 5, dated March 31, 2001, T53-L-13B-0020, Revision 2, dated 
April 25, 2001, T53-L-13B/D-0020, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2001, and 
T53-L-703-0020, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2001, that describe 
procedures for conducting a revised centrifugal compressor impeller 
operating cycle count (prorate). The FAA has also reviewed and approved 
the technical contents of Textron Lycoming SB T5313B/17-0052, Revision 
2, dated December 16, 1993, AlliedSignal, Inc. SB's T53-L-13B-0108, 
Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, T53-L-13B/D-0108, Revision 1, 
dated November 22, 1999, and T53-L-703-0108, Revision 1, dated November 
22, 1999, that describe procedures for visual and fluorescent penetrant 
inspections of centrifugal compressor impellers.

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, this AD is being issued to prevent premature failure 
of the impellers from being operated beyond their design service life, 
which could result in an uncontained engine failure, in-flight 
shutdown, or damage to the helicopter. The actions would be required to 
be accomplished in accordance with compliance requirements contained in 
this proposed rule.

Economic Impact

    The FAA estimates there are approximately four Honeywell 
International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc., and Textron 
Lycoming) T5313B series, T5317 series, and former military T53 series 
turboshaft engines having the misidentified centrifugal compressor 
impellers, that are installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA 
also estimates that it would take approximately eight work hours per 
engine to accomplish the inspection, and that the average labor rate is 
$60 per work hour. No additional work hour cost would be incurred if 
the centrifugal compressor impeller is replaced during normal engine 
disassembly. The prorated cost of a replacement compressor impeller is 
estimated to be $20,000. Based on these figures, the total labor cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $21,920.

Regulatory Impact

    This proposed rule 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 proposed rule.
    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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Honeywell International, Inc. Docket 2000-NE-32-AD.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Honeywell 
International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc., and Textron 
Lycoming) T5313B series, T5317 series, and former military T53 
series, turboshaft engines with centrifugal compressor impellers 
having serial numbers (SN's) 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330 
installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Bell 
Helicopter Textron 204, 205, and 209 series, and Kaman K-1200 series 
helicopters, and the following surplus military helicopters that 
have been certified in accordance with sections 21.25 or 21.27 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.25 or 21.27): Bell 
Helicopter Textron manufactured AH-1, UH-1, and SW-204/205 (UH-1) 
series.

    Note 1: This 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 (i) 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

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless 
accomplished previously.

Life limits

    (a) When conducting a revised centrifugal compressor impeller 
operating cycle count on impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, 
or 83330, consider these impellers to be centrifugal compressor 
impeller P/N 1-100-078-07. The life limit must use the value as if 
these centrifugal compressor impellers are P/N 1-100-078-07.

Revised Operating Cycle Count (Prorate) for T53 engines

    (b) For former military T53 series engines, within 25 operating 
cycles or 7 calendar days, whichever occurs first, after the 
effective date of this airworthiness directive (AD), perform the 
following:
    (1) Conduct a revised centrifugal compressor impeller operating 
cycle count (prorate) in accordance with paragraph 2.E.of the 
Honeywell International, Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) that applies to 
the engine, from the following list:
    (i) For T53-L-13B series engines, use SB T53-L-13B-0020, 
Revision 2, dated April 25, 2001.
    (ii) For T53-L-13B/D engines, use SB T53-L-13B/D-0020, Revision 
1, dated April 25, 2001.
    (iii) For T53-L-703 engines, use SB T53-L-703-0020, Revision 1, 
dated April 25, 2001.
    (2) Remove from service centrifugal compressor impellers with 
SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, that exceed their new life limit 
as calculated in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this AD.

Impeller Marking

    (c) At the next access to the centrifugal compressor impeller, 
mark the impeller by vibropeening a line over the -14 suffix, and 
vibropeen a -07 suffix immediately following the -14. Use the 
following vibropeening parameters:

[[Page 31568]]

    (1) Vibropeen to a depth of 0.001-0.006 inch.
    (2) Do not vibropeen within 0.30 inch of corners, fillets, or 
sharp edges.

Definition

    (d) For the purpose of this AD, access to the centrifugal 
compressor impeller is defined as whenever the turboshaft engine is 
disassembled sufficiently as specified by the applicable maintenance 
manual, to expose the compressor impeller for marking in accordance 
with paragraph (c) of this AD.

Inspection of Impellers on T5313B and T5317 Series Engines

    (e) For T5313B and T5317 series engines, inspect centrifugal 
compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, for 
cracks in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Textron 
Lycoming SB No. T5313B/17-0052, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993, 
as follows:
    (1) For those centrifugal compressor impellers installed on 
AlliedSignal, Inc. Model T5313B engines, accomplish the following:
    (i) For centrifugal compressor impellers with equal to or 
greater than 4,600 cycles in service (CIS) on the effective date of 
this AD, initially inspect within 200 CIS after the effective date 
of this AD.
    (ii) For those centrifugal compressor impellers with less than 
4,600 CIS on the effective date of this AD, initially inspect no 
later than 4,800 CIS.
    (2) For those centrifugal compressor impellers installed on 
AlliedSignal, Inc. T5317 series engines, accomplish the following:
    (i) For those centrifugal compressor impellers with equal to or 
greater than 3,500 CIS on the effective date of this AD, initially 
inspect within 200 CIS after the effective date of this AD.
    (ii) For those centrifugal compressor impellers with less than 
3,500 CIS on the effective date of this AD, initially inspect no 
later than 3,700 CIS.
    (3) Centrifugal compressor impellers found cracked in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Textron Lycoming SB No. 
T5313B/17-0052, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993, must be removed 
from service and replaced with a serviceable part that does not 
exceed the life limit.
    (4) If no cracks are detected, perform repetitive inspections of 
the centrifugal compressor impellers at intervals not to exceed 500 
CIS since last inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Textron Lycoming SB No. T5313B/17-0052, Revision 2, 
dated December 16, 1993.

Inspection of Impellers on T53-L-13B Series Engines

    (f) For T53-L-13B/D series engines with centrifugal compressor 
impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, perform the 
following:
    (1) Within 25 operating hours from the effective date of this 
AD, inspect the centrifugal compressor impeller for cracks using the 
revised cycle count (prorate) required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
AD, in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, 
Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999.
    (2) If cracks are detected, then prior to further flight, 
replace centrifugal compressor impellers found cracked in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. 
T53-L-13B-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, and replace 
with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14.
    (3) If no cracks are detected, perform repetitive inspections of 
the centrifugal compressor impellers at intervals not to exceed 100 
operating hours since last inspection in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B-
0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999.
    (4) Within 300 operating hours or 6 calendar months, whichever 
occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, replace 
centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 
83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14. 
Replacement of centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 
83327, 83328, or 83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 
1-100-078-13/-14 constitutes terminating action for the inspection 
requirements of paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(3) of this AD.

Inspection of Impellers on T53-L-13B/D Series Engines

    (g) For T53-L-13B/D series engines with centrifugal compressor 
impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, perform the 
following:
    (1) Within 25 operating hours from the effective date of this 
AD, inspect the centrifugal compressor impeller for cracks using the 
revised cycle count (prorate) required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
AD, in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, 
Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B/D-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999.
    (2) If cracks are detected, then prior to further flight, 
replace centrifugal compressor impellers found cracked in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. 
T53-L-13B/D-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, and replace 
with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14.
    (3) If no cracks are detected, perform repetitive inspections of 
the centrifugal compressor impellers at intervals not to exceed 100 
operating hours since last inspection in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B/
D-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999.
    (4) Within 300 operating hours or 6 calendar months, whichever 
occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, replace 
centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 
83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14. 
Replacement of centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 
83327, 83328, or 83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 
1-100-078-13/-14 constitutes terminating action for the inspection 
requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD.

Inspection of Impellers on T53-L-703 Engines

    (h) For T53-L-703 series engines with centrifugal compressor 
impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, perform the 
following:
    (1) Within 25 operating hours from the effective date of this 
AD, inspect the centrifugal compressor impeller for cracks using the 
revised cycle count (prorate) required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
AD, in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, 
Inc. SB No. T53-L-703-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999.
    (2) If cracks are detected, then prior to further flight, 
replace centrifugal compressor impellers found cracked in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. 
T53-L-703-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, and replace 
with a centrifugal compressor impeller part number (P/N) 1-100-078-
13/-14.
    (3) If no cracks are detected, perform repetitive inspections of 
the centrifugal compressor impellers at intervals not to exceed 100 
operating hours since last inspection in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-703-
0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999.
    (4) Within 300 operating hours or 6 calendar months, whichever 
occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, replace 
centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 
83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14. 
Replacement of centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 
83327, 83328, or 83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 
1-100-078-13/-14 constitutes terminating action for the inspection 
requirements of paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(3) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) 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 requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (j) 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 helicopter to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.


[[Page 31569]]


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 4, 2001.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-14672 Filed 6-11-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P