[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6380-6381]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-2996]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-38-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -
1D1 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 Turbomeca S.A. 
Arriel -1B, -1D, and -1D1 series turboshaft engines. This proposal 
would require replacement of modules M03 modified to TU 204 standard 
with modules M03 not modified to TU 204 standard. This proposal is 
prompted by several reports of 2nd stage gas generator turbine blade 
failures. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent 2nd stage gas generator turbine blade failure resulting in 
uncommanded engine in-flight shutdown.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 8, 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-38-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., 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-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. 2002-NE-38-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. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -1D1 
series turboshaft engines. The DGAC advises that at least five 
incidents of 2nd stage gas generator turbine blade failure have 
occurred since the introduction of the TU 204 standard to modules M03. 
Although the TU 204 standard was introduced to provide improved gas 
generator turbine blade thermal protection, the manufacturer has 
determined that due to the increased mass of the 2nd stage gas 
generator turbine blades introduced by the TU 204 standard, the blade 
root stress level is too high and can lead to blade failure.

[[Page 6381]]

Manufacturer's Service Information

    Turbomeca S.A. has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 292 72 0258, 
Update No. 1, dated April 4, 2002, for Arriel -1B engines, and SB No. 
292 72 0265, Update No. 1, dated August 18, 2000, for Arriel -1D and -
1D1 engines, that specify the cancellation of Modification TU 204 by 
replacing modules M03 modified to TU 204 standard with modules M03 not 
modified to TU 204 standard. The DGAC has issued AD 2002-258(A), dated 
May 15, 2002, in order to ensure the airworthiness of these Turbomeca 
S.A. 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. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -1D1 
series turboshaft engines of the same type design that are used on 
helicopters registered in the United States, the proposed AD would 
require replacing modules M03 modified to TU 204 standard with modules 
M03 not modified to TU 204 standard at the next engine shop visit, but 
no later than August 31, 2003. The actions would be required to be done 
in accordance with the service bulletins described previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 1,319 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 48 engines installed on 
helicopters of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. The 
FAA also estimates that it would take approximately 12 work hours per 
engine to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately 
$160,000 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost of the 
proposed AD to U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,714,560. Turbomeca 
has advised the FAA that material and tooling may be provided 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-38-AD.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -1D1 series turboshaft 
engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to 
Eurocopter AS-350B ``Astar'' 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 
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 at the next 
engine shop visit, but no later than August 31, 2003, unless already 
done.
    To prevent 2nd stage gas generator turbine blade failure 
resulting in uncommanded engine in-flight shutdown, do the 
following:
    (a) For Arriel -1B engines, replace TU 204 Standard modules M03 
with modules M03 not modified to TU 204 standard, in accordance with 
Paragraphs 2.A. through 2.C. of Turbomeca S.A. Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. 292 72 0258, Update No. 1, dated April 4, 2002.
    (b) For Arriel -1D and -1D1 engines, replace TU 204 Standard 
modules M03 with modules M03 not modified to TU 204 standard, in 
accordance with Paragraphs 2.A. through 2.C. of Turbomeca S.A. SB 
No. 292 72 0265, Update No. 1, dated August 18, 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 airworthiness directive 2002-258(A), 
dated May 15, 2002.


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 31, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-2996 Filed 2-6-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P