[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 55 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13089-13091]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-6502]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-14-AD; Amendment 39-12676; AD 2002-03-09 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), that is applicable to Honeywell International Inc. (formerly 
AlliedSignal Inc. and Textron Lycoming) LTS101 series turboshaft and 
LTP101 series turboprop engines. The existing AD will become effective 
on March 27, 2002, and requires a one-time visual inspection for 
surface finish and a one-time fluorescent penetrant inspection for 
cracks of certain impellers installed on LTS101 series turboshaft and 
LTP101 series turboprop engines. This amendment requires the same 
inspections, and in addition, allows installation of impellers that 
pass those inspections. This revision to the existing AD is prompted by 
an inadvertent omission in the existing AD to include allowance of 
installation of impellers that pass inspections required by the AD. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent impeller failure 
from cracks in the impeller back face area, which could result in an 
uncontained engine failure.

DATES: Effective March 27, 2002. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule was approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of March 27, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before May 20, 2002.

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-14-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Honeywell International Inc. Aerospace Services 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, by appointment, 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.

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: On February 5, 2002, the FAA issued AD 2002-
03-09, Amendment 39-12650 (67 FR 7609, February 20, 2002), to require a 
one-time visual inspection for surface finish and a one-time 
fluorescent penetrant inspection for cracks of certain impellers 
installed on LTS101 series turboshaft and LTP101 series turboprop 
engines. That action was prompted by a report of a machining 
discrepancy that may have occurred during manufacture of the affected 
impellers. That AD will become effective on March 27, 2002.
    In this revision the FAA has added to paragraph (c) the authority 
to allow the reinstallation of impellers P/N's 4-101-052-57 or 4-101-
052-62 that pass the required inspections. In all other respects, the 
AD remains the same as currently published. The FAA is therefore making 
this revision effective on March 27, 2002, in order to reduce the 
paperwork burden on operators.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    Honeywell International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal Inc. and 
Textron Lycoming) has issued AlliedSignal Service Bulletin (SB) LT 101-
72-30-0186, dated October 1, 1999, and Honeywell International SB LT 
101-72-30-0186, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2000, that specify a one-
time visual inspection for surface finish and a one-time fluorescent 
penetrant inspection for cracks of certain impellers.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service 
Bulletins

    To assure that the unsafe condition is addressed in a timely 
fashion, this amendment will require a one-time visual inspection for 
surface finish and a one-time fluorescent penetrant inspection for 
cracks of impellers part numbers (P/N's) 4-101-052-57/-62 within 900 
gas generator (Ng) cycles after the effective date of this AD.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Honeywell International Inc. (formerly 
AlliedSignal Inc. and Textron Lycoming) LTS101 series turboshaft and 
LTP101 series turboprop engines of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent impeller failure from cracks in the impeller 
back face area, which could result in an uncontained engine failure.

Immediate Adoption of This AD

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are unnecessary, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before

[[Page 13090]]

and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for 
examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-
public contact concerned with the substance of this AD 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-14-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final 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 final rule.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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 39-12650 (67 FR 
7609, February 20, 2002) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-12676, to read as follows:

2002-03-09 R1  Honeywell International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal 
Inc. and Textron Lycoming): Amendment 39-12676. Docket No. 2000-NE-
14-AD. Revises AD 2002-03-09, Amendment 39-12650.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Honeywell 
International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal Inc. and Textron Lycoming) 
LTS101 series turboshaft and LTP101 series turboprop engines with 
the following centrifugal compressor impeller part numbers (P/N's) 
installed: 4-101-052-57 and 4-101-052-62, except those with a P/N or 
serial number (SN) listed in paragraphs 1.A.(1) through 1.A.(3) of 
AlliedSignal Service Bulletin (SB) LT 101-72-30-0186, dated October 
1, 1999, or Honeywell International Inc. SB LT 101-72-30-0186, 
Revision 1, dated April 25, 2000. These engines are installed on, 
but not limited to Aerospatiale AS350, Eurocopter MBB-BK117 and HH-
65A, Bell 222, Air Tractor AT-302, Piaggio P.166-DL3, Riley 
International R421, and Pacific Aero 08-600 aircraft.

    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 (d) 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 already 
done.
    To prevent impeller failure from cracks in the impeller back 
face area, which could result in an uncontained engine failure, do 
the following:
    (a) Within 900 gas generator (Ng) cycles after the effective 
date of this AD, conduct a one-time visual inspection for surface 
finish and fluorescent penetrant inspection of impellers P/N 4-101-
052-57 and 4-101-052-62 for cracks in accordance with paragraphs 3.A 
through 3.F. of the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal SB 
LT 101-72-30-0186, dated October 1, 1999, or Honeywell International 
Inc. SB LT 101-72-30-0186, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2000.
    (b) Replace all impellers that exceed the acceptable limits of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Service Bulletin 
(SB) LT 101-72-30-0186, dated October 1, 1999, or Honeywell 
International Inc. SB LT 101-72-30-0186, Revision 1, dated April 25, 
2000, with a serviceable impeller.
    (c) After the effective date of this AD, do not install impeller 
P/N's 4-101-052-57 or 4-101-052-62, except those with an impeller P/
N or SN listed in paragraphs 1. A.(1) through 1. A.(3) of 
AlliedSignal SB LT 101-72-30-0186, dated October 1, 1999, or 
Honeywell International Inc. SB LT 101-72-30-0186, Revision 1, dated 
April 25, 2000, and except those impellers that pass the inspection 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 Angles Aircraft Certification 
Office (LAACO). Operators must submit their request through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, LAACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the LAACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) 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 aircraft to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference

    (f) The inspections must be done in accordance with the 
following SB's:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Document No.                       Pages                   Revision                   Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AlliedSignal SB LT 101-72-30-0186...  All....................  Original...............  Oct. 1, 1999.
  Total pages: 7
Honeywell International Inc., SB LT   1......................  Original...............  Oct. 1, 1999.
 101-72-30-0186.
                                      2......................  1......................  Apr. 25, 2000.
                                      3-6....................  Original...............  Oct. 1, 1999.
                                      7......................  1......................  Apr. 25, 2000.
  Total pages: 7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 13091]]

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 Honeywell International Inc. 
Aerospace Services 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, by appointment, 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.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 27, 2002.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 8, 2002.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-6502 Filed 3-20-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P