[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5856-5857]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-2633]


 ========================================================================
 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. 68, No. 24 / Wednesday, February 5, 2003 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 5856]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-39-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arrius-2F Turboshaft 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a 
new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Turbomeca S.A. 
Arrius-2F turboshaft engines with certain serial number (SN) Fuel 
Control Units (FCU's). This proposal would require adjusting the FCU 
maximum fuel flow mechanical stop position to a higher fuel flow 
setting. This proposal is prompted by an FCU discovered to have a 
maximum fuel flow limit adjusted below the maximum required setting. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent 
reduced maximum available power during takeoff, landing, or an 
emergency, which could significantly affect helicopter performance and 
result in loss of the helicopter.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-39-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 S.A., Turbomeca S.A., 64511 Bordes Cedex, 
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: Antonio Cancelliere, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; 
telephone (781) 238-7751; 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 2002-NE-39-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. 2002-NE-39-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale de L'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, recently notified the FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on Turbomeca S.A. Arrius-2F turboshaft 
engines. The DGAC advises that during shop visit for repair, an FCU was 
discovered to have a maximum fuel flow limit adjusted below the maximum 
required setting. Upon investigation, the manufacturer has identified 
67 Fuel Control Units by serial number as having maximum fuel flow 
mechanical stops set too low.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    Turbomeca S.A has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A319 73 
4808, dated September 1, 2000, that specifies for FCU's part numbers 
(P/N's) 0 319 92 832 0, 0 319 92 830 0, and 0 319 92 825 0, with the 
SN's listed in the SB, adjustment of the FCU maximum fuel flow 
mechanical stop position to the correct fuel flow setting.
    The DGAC classified this alert service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued AD 2000-482(A), dated November 29, 2000, in order to assure the 
airworthiness of these Turbomeca S.A. Arrius-2F turboshaft engines in 
France.

Bilateral Agreement Information

    This engine model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Section 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 S.A. Arrius-2F turboshaft engines 
of the same type design that are used on helicopters registered in the 
United States, the proposed AD would require within 120

[[Page 5857]]

days after the effective date of the proposal, on the serial number 
FCU's listed in the proposal, adjusting the maximum fuel flow 
mechanical stop position to the correct fuel flow setting which, if not 
adjusted could significantly affect helicopter performance. The actions 
would be required to be done in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin described previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 334 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that of the 63 engines installed on 
aircraft of U.S. registry, four engines would be affected by this 
proposed AD. The FAA also estimates that it would take approximately 3 
work hours per engine to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required tooling would cost 
approximately $300 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost 
of the proposed AD to U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,920. The 
manufacturer has advised the FAA and DGAC that the operator may be 
provided with material and tooling at no cost to the operator, thereby 
substantially reducing the cost of the proposed rule.

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

    Turbomeca S.A.: Docket No. 2002-NE-39-AD.
    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Turbomeca S.A. Arrius -2F turboshaft engines with Fuel Control 
Units (FCU's) part numbers (P/N's) 0 319 92 832 0, 0 319 92 830 0, 
and 0 319 92 825 0, with FCU serial numbers (SN's) in the following 
Table 1:

                  Table 1.--Affected FCU Serial Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
102B                     135B                     166B
103B                     136B                     167B
104B                     137B                     168B
105B                     138B                     169B
106B                     139B                     171B
107B                     140B                     173B
108B                     141B                     174B
110B                     142B                     175B
111B                     143B                     176B
112B                     144B                     177B
113B                     145B                     178B
114B                     146B                     180B
115B                     148B                     181B
116B                     149B                     182B
118B                     150B                     183B
120B                     153B                     185B
122B                     155B                     186B
123B                     156B                     190B
124B                     158B                     191B
126B                     159B                     193B
129B                     161B                     199B
132B                     164B                     N/A
133B                     165B                     N/A
------------------------------------------------------------------------

These engines are installed on, but not limited to Eurocopter 120B 
``Colibri'' helicopters.

    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 (c) 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 within 120 days 
after the effective date of this AD, unless already done.
    To prevent reduced maximum available power during takeoff, 
landing, or an emergency, which could significantly affect 
helicopter performance, and result in loss of the helicopter, do the 
following:
    (a) For FCU's listed in the applicability of this AD, adjust the 
maximum fuel flow mechanical stop position to a higher fuel flow 
setting, in accordance with paragraphs 2.A.(1) and 2.B.(1) of 
Turbomeca S.A Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A319 73 4808, dated 
September 1, 2000.
    (b) Perform a ground run check and a check flight in accordance 
with paragraph 2.C.(1) of Turbomeca S.A ASB No. A319 73 4808, dated 
September 1, 2000.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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 AD 2000-482(A), dated November 29, 
2000.


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 29, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-2633 Filed 2-4-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P