[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 91 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31737-31739]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-11667]


 ========================================================================
 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 91 / Friday, May 10, 2002 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 31737]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NE-33-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Artouste III Series 
Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to 
supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to 
Turbomeca Artouste III series turboshaft engines with injection wheels 
part numbers (P/N's) 218.25.700.0, 218.25.704.0, 243.25.709.0, 
243.25.713.0, 0.218.27.705.0, 0.218.27.709.0, and 0.218.27.713.0 
installed. That AD currently requires smoke emission checks after every 
ground engine shutdown. If smoke is detected, that AD requires 
inspecting for fuel flow. If fuel flow is not detected, the engine may 
have injection wheel cracks, which requires removing the engine from 
service for repair. If fuel flow is detected, the engine may have a 
malfunctioning electric fuel cock, which requires removing the electric 
fuel cock from service and replacing with a serviceable part. That AD 
was prompted by reports of cracked injection wheels. This proposal 
would, in addition to the requirements in the existing AD, require the 
smoke emissions to be checked after the last flight of the day as 
opposed to after every flight as required by the original AD. This 
proposal would also require inspection of central labyrinths not 
previously inspected or not replaced after the engine logged 1,500 
operating hours, and, replacement if necessary. This proposal would 
also require the removal of injection wheels at a new lower life limit. 
This proposal is prompted by reports and analyses of in-flight 
shutdowns (IFSD's) occurring since the issuance of AD 2000-06-12. The 
actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent injection 
wheel cracks and excessive central labyrinth wear, which could result 
in an IFSD.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 9, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-33-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8 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 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, 
by appointment, 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 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 99-NE-33-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. 99-NE-33-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On March 21, 2000, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued 
airworthiness directive (AD) 2000-06-12, Amendment 39-11653 (65 FR 
19300, April 11, 2000), to require smoke emission checks after every 
ground engine shutdown. If smoke is detected, that AD requires 
inspecting for fuel flow. If fuel flow is not detected, the engine may 
have injection wheel cracks, which requires removing the engine from 
service for repair. If fuel flow is detected, the engine may have a 
malfunctioning electric fuel cock, which requires removing the electric 
fuel cock from service and replacing with a serviceable part. The 
Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on Turbomeca Artouste III B-B1-D series turboshaft 
engines. The DGAC advises that cracks have been reported on the rear 
face of the injection wheels, which can lead to fuel leakage into the 
turbine shaft tube during operation. When the engine is shut down, fuel 
flows into the combustion chamber, which could result in a slight 
increase of rundown time and/or emission of smoke through the exhaust 
pipe, the air intake, or the turbine casing drain after the rotating 
assembly has stopped. This condition

[[Page 31738]]

may be caused by the thermal stresses to which the injection wheel is 
subjected or a malfunctioning electric fuel cock. These conditions, if 
not corrected, could result in injection wheel cracks, which could 
result in an IFSD.
    Since AD 2000-06-12 was issued, further analyses of the IFSD that 
prompted that AD, and a subsequent IFSD have concluded that the root 
cause of those IFSD's was excessive wear of the central labyrinth. The 
injection wheel crack could still cause an IFSD but the labyrinth had 
caused the IFSD, that prompted this proposed AD. The wear or 
deterioration of the bronze lips of the central labyrinth may result in 
overheating and damage through creeping of the turbine shaft and lead 
to an uncommanded engine shutdown. Therefore, this proposal would 
require smoke emission checks, inspection of central labyrinth, and 
removal of injection wheel at a new lower life limit.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    Turbomeca has issued Artouste III Service Bulletin (SB) No A218 72 
0099, Update 1, dated June 6, 2001, that specifies procedures for smoke 
emission checks, and fuel flow inspections if smoke is detected. 
Turbomeca has also issued Artouste III SB No. A218 72 0100, Update 1, 
dated March 13, 2001, that specifies procedures for inspection of 
central labyrinths not previously inspected or not replaced after the 
engine logged 1,500 operating hours, and, replacement if necessary. The 
DGAC classified these SB's as mandatory and issued AD 2001-235(A) in 
order to assure the airworthiness of these Turbomeca Artouste III 
series engines in France.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service 
Information

    Although the manufacturer calls for a check for smoke emission 
through the exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during 
rundown and after every engine shutdown, this proposal will require the 
same check, except after the last flight of the day. Also, although the 
manufacturer calls for inspection of the central labyrinth based on 
several cycle/hours ratios, within certain hours or months from the 
published date of the SB, this proposal will require inspection using 
the same criteria, except from the effective date of this AD.

Bilateral Agreement Information

    This engine model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 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 Requirements of This AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Turbomeca Artouste III series turboshaft 
engines of the same type design that are used on helicopters registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require:
     Smoke emission checks after each last flight of the day.
     If smoke is detected, then inspection for fuel flow.
     If fuel flow is not detected, the engine may have 
injection wheel cracks, which would require removing the engine from 
service for repair.
     If fuel flow is detected, the engine may have a 
malfunctioning electric fuel cock, which would require removing the 
electric fuel cock from service and replacing with a serviceable part.
     Inspection of central labyrinths not previously inspected 
or not replaced after the engine logged 1,500 operating hours, and, 
replacement if necessary.
     Removal of injection wheel part number 0.218.27.713.0 at a 
new lower life limit.
    The actions would be required to be done in accordance with the 
service bulletins described previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 2,279 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 184 engines installed on 
helicopters of U.S. registry would be affected by this AD, that it 
would take approximately one work hour per engine to accomplish the 
proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Required parts would cost approximately $3,500 per engine. Based on 
these figures, the total cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $655,040.

Regulatory Analysis

    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 removing Amendment 39-11653, (65 FR 
19300, April 11, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive:

Turbomeca: Docket No. 99-NE-33-AD. Supersedes AD 2000-06-12, 
Amendment 39-11653.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Turbomeca 
Artouste III B-B1-D series turboshaft engines with injection wheels 
part numbers (P/N's) 218.25.700.0, 218.25.704.0, 243.25.709.0, 
243.25.713.0, 0.218.27.705.0, 0.218.27.709.0, and 0.218.27.713.0. 
These engines are installed on, but not limited to Eurocopter SA 315 
LAMA and SA 316 Alouette III helicopters.

    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

[[Page 31739]]

alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (f) 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 injection wheel cracks and excessive central 
labyrinth wear, which could result in an in-flight shutdown (IFSD), 
do the following:

Smoke Check

    (a) Do the following in accordance with Turbomeca Artouste III 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 218 72 0099, Update 1, dated June 6, 2001:
    (1) After the last flight of every day, check for smoke emission 
through the exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during 
rundown.
    (2) If smoke is detected, inspect for fuel flow in accordance 
with paragraph 2.B.(1) and 2.B.(2) of the SB.
    (i) If fuel flow is not detected, remove the engine from service 
and replace with a serviceable engine before further flight.
    (ii) If fuel flow is detected, remove the electric fuel cock 
from service and replace with a serviceable part in accordance with 
section 2.B.(4) and 2.B.(5) of the referenced SB.
    (iii) Before entry into service, perform an engine ground run 
and check the fuel system again for smoke emission through the 
exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during engine 
rundown and after shutdown. If smoke emission still remains after 
replacement of the electric fuel cock, before further flight, remove 
the engine from service and replace with a serviceable engine.

Central Labyrinth Inspection

    (b) If the central labyrinth has not been inspected or replaced 
since engine accumulation of 1,500 flight hours (FH) or more time-
since-new (TSN) or time-since-last-overhaul (TSO), perform the 
checks and inspections, and replace if necessary the central 
labyrinth, in accordance with paragraph 2 of the Instructions of 
Turbomeca Artouste III SB No. 218 72 0100, Update 1, dated March 13, 
2001 and the following Table 1:

                      Table 1.--Inspection Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For engine hours TSN, or TSO   And cycles/FH ratio  Then inspect central
          that are:                    is:               labyrinth:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) More than 1,500 but       (i) Above 2 cycles..  Within 250 FH time-
 fewer than 2,000.                                   in-service (TIS)
                                                     after the effective
                                                     date of this AD.
                              (ii) Below or equal   Within 500 FH TIS
                               to 2 cycles.          after the effective
                                                     date of this AD.
(2) 2,000 or more...........  Not applicable......  Within 50 FH TIS or
                                                     6 months after the
                                                     effective date of
                                                     this AD, whichever
                                                     occurs first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Injection Wheel New Life Limits

    (c) Injection wheels are now life-limited to no more than 3,000 
FH TSN or TSO, or 6,000 cycles-since-new (CSN) or cycles-since 
overhaul (CSO), whichever occurs first. Replace injection wheels 
that are over the life limits, before further flight, and replace 
all other injection wheels before reaching the new life limits.
    (d) Do not install any injection wheels that have accumulated 
3,000 FH TIS or TSO, or 6,000 CSN or CSO onto any engine.
    (e) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable engine is defined 
as an engine that does not exhibit smoke emission.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) 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 must 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (g) 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 done.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction 
Generale de L'Aviation Civile airworthiness directive 2001-235(A).


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 2, 2002.
Diane S. Romanosky,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-11667 Filed 5-9-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P