[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 103 (Thursday, May 29, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31973-31974]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13113]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-38-AD; Amendment 39-13167; AD 2003-11-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -
1D1 Series Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -1D1 series 
turboshaft engines. This amendment requires replacement of modules M03 
modified to TU 204 standard with modules M03 not modified to TU 204 
standard. This amendment is prompted by several reports of 2nd stage 
gas generator turbine blade failures. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to prevent 2nd stage gas generator turbine blade failure 
resulting in uncommanded engine in-flight shutdown.

DATES: Effective July 3, 2003. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of July 3, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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 Federal Aviation Administration (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: 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that is 
applicable to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -1D1 series 
turboshaft engines was published in the Federal Register on February 7, 
2003 (68 FR 6380). That action proposed to require replacement of 
modules M03 modified to TU 204 standard with modules M03 not modified 
to TU 204 standard in accordance with Turbomeca S.A. Service Bulletin 
(SB) No. 292 72 0258, Update No. 1, dated April 4, 2002, and SB No. 292 
72 0265, Update No. 1, dated August 18, 2000.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Request To Expand Applicability

    One commenter requests that the applicability be expanded to 
include Turbomeca engine model -1S1. The -1S1 engine model powers the 
twin-engine S76 helicopter, and the commenter states that the -1S1 
engine model is the same type design as the -1B, -1D, and -1D1 model 
series turboshaft engines. The commenter states that the -1S1 engine 
model can incorporate the same high pressure turbine (HPT) blade 
modification TU 204, and is, therefore, affected by the same risk 
failure as the other engine models.
    The FAA does not agree. The FAA recognizes that the -1S1 engine 
model may have the same probability of failure as the other engine 
models installed on the single engine helicopter application if the HPT 
blade modification TU 204 is installed. However, the probability of a 
dual-engine failure on a twin-engine helicopter, and the risk of loss 
of the helicopter, is very low. Furthermore, the engine manufacturer 
issued instructions (Turbomeca S.A. mandatory SB No. 292 72 0288, dated 
October 21, 2002) to retire the HPT blades with modification TU 204 
installed on the -1S1 engine model. The FAA believes that no specific 
action is necessary at this time for the -1S1 engine model to increase 
safety on the twin-engine helicopter application. Therefore, the 
applicability in this AD is not changed.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

[[Page 31974]]

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 1,319 Turbomeca S.A. Arriel -1B, -1D, and -
1D1 series turboshaft engines of the affected design in the worldwide 
fleet. The FAA estimates that 48 engines installed on helicopters of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 12 work hours per engine to perform the required actions, 
and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts 
will cost approximately $160,000 per engine. Based on these figures, 
the total cost of the 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 final rule.

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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it 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, 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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to 
read as follows:

2003-11-08 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-13167. 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.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

    (e) The actions must be done in accordance with the following 
Turbomeca S.A. service bulletins (SBs):

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             Document No.                       Pages                   Revision                   Date
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SB No. 292 72 0258...................  All....................  Update No. 1...........  April 4, 2002.
    Total pages: 8
SB No. 292 72 0265...................  All....................  Update No. 1...........  August 18, 2000.
    Total pages: 6
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    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 Turbomeca S.A., 64511 Bordes 
Cedex, France; telephone 33 05 59 64 40 00; fax 33 05 59 64 60 80. 
Copies may be inspected 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.

    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.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on July 3, 2003.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 16, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-13113 Filed 5-28-03; 8:45 am]
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