[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 200 (Tuesday, October 18, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60453-60456]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20779]


 ========================================================================
 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. 70, No. 200 / Tuesday, October 18, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 60453]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-NE-10-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (Formerly 
Allison Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit 
Diesel Allison) (RRC) 250-B and 250-C Series Turboshaft and Turboprop 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for certain RRC 250-B and 250-C series turboshaft and 
turboprop engines. That AD currently requires a onetime inspection of 
the fuel nozzle screen for contamination, and if contamination is 
found, inspection and cleaning of the entire aircraft fuel system 
before further flight. That AD also requires replacing the fuel nozzle 
with a new design fuel nozzle, at the next fuel nozzle overhaul or by 
June 30, 2006, whichever occurs first. This proposed AD would require 
the same actions, but would add additional part numbers (P/Ns) to the 
list of affected fuel nozzles. This proposed AD would also explain that 
the existing AD, as worded, allows certain part number (P/N) fuel 
nozzles back into service. Those fuel nozzles must not be allowed back 
into service. This proposed AD results from the discovery that several 
P/Ns of fuel nozzles were inadvertently left out of AD 2004-24-09. We 
are proposing this AD to minimize the risk of sudden loss of engine 
power and uncommanded shutdown of the engine due to fuel contamination 
and collapse of the screen in the fuel nozzle.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by December 19, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD:
     By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 2004-NE-10-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
     By fax: (781) 238-7055.
     By e-mail: [email protected].
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Rolls-Royce Corporation, P.O. Box 420, Indianapolis, IN 46206-
0420; telephone (317) 230-6400; fax (317) 230-4243.
    You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Tallarovic, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des 
Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847) 294-8180; fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2004-NE-10-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a 
substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and 
place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received 
by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those 
comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service 
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the 
location.

Discussion

    On November 22, 2004, we issued AD 2004-24-09, Amendment 39-13885 
(69 FR 69807, December 1, 2004). That AD requires a onetime inspection 
of the fuel nozzle screen for contamination, and if contamination is 
found, inspection and cleaning of the entire aircraft fuel system 
before further flight. That AD also requires replacing the fuel nozzle 
with a new design fuel nozzle, at the next fuel nozzle overhaul or by 
June 30, 2006, whichever occurs first. That AD was the result of 10 
reports of engine power loss with accompanying collapse of the fuel 
nozzle screen, due to fuel contamination. That condition, if not 
corrected, could result in sudden loss of engine power and uncommanded 
shutdown of the engine due to fuel contamination and collapse of the 
screen in the fuel nozzle.

Actions Since AD 2004-24-09 Was Issued

    Since AD 2004-24-09 was issued, we discovered that several RRC and 
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) fuel nozzle part numbers were 
inadvertently left out of the AD. Additionally, we discovered that 
certain RRC fuel nozzles are only identified by their vendor part 
number. Because AD 2004-24-09 defined a serviceable fuel nozzle as a 
nozzle that has a P/N not specified in, or addressed by, that AD, it is 
possible that operators could return to service fuel nozzles, P/Ns 
6874959, 6894610, and 6898531, and then record being in compliance with 
AD 2004-24-09. In those cases, the minimizing of the risk of sudden 
loss of engine power and uncommanded shutdown of the engine due to fuel 
contamination and collapse of the screen in the fuel nozzle, has not 
been achieved. We have added these additional RRC, PMA, and vendor part 
numbers to this proposed AD.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would 
minimize the risk of sudden loss of engine power and uncommanded 
shutdown of the engine due to fuel contamination and collapse of the 
screen in the fuel nozzle. This proposed AD requires:

[[Page 60454]]

     A onetime inspection of the screens in certain P/N fuel 
nozzles for contamination within 50 operating hours after the effective 
date of the proposed AD; or
     A onetime inspection of the screens in certain P/N fuel 
nozzles for contamination within 150 operating hours after January 5, 
2005, unless already done using AD 2004-24-09; and
     If contamination is found, inspecting and cleaning the 
entire aircraft fuel system, before further flight; and
     Replacing the fuel nozzles listed in this AD with a new 
design fuel nozzle, at the next fuel nozzle overhaul or by June 30, 
2006, whichever occurs first.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 15,000 RRC 250-B and 250-C series turboshaft and 
turboprop engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We 
estimate that 10,000 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate that it would 
take about one work hour per engine to perform the proposed actions, 
and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. In addition, 
operators can either replace the fuel nozzle with a new one at a cost 
of about $2,595 or have the existing nozzle overhauled at a cost of 
about $850. We estimate that about 80% of the fuel nozzles will be 
overhauled and 20% will be replaced with a new nozzle. Therefore, we 
estimate that the required parts would cost, on average, about $1,200 
per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the 
proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $12,650,000.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD will 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD 
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2004-NE-10-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the 
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-13885 (69 FR 
69807, December 1, 2004), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

Rolls-Royce Corporation: Docket No. 2004-NE-10-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments 
on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by December 19, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-24-09.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison 
Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit Diesel 
Allison) (RRC) 250-B and 250-C series turboshaft and turboprop engines 
in the following Table 1:

    Table 1.--250-B and 250-C Series Turboshaft and Turboprop Engines
                                Affected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-B15A
-B15E
-B15G
-B17
-B17B
-B17C
-B17D
-B17E
-B17F
-B17F/1
-B17F/2
-C18
-C18A
-C18B
-C18C
-C20
-C20B
-C20C
-C20F
-C20J
-C20R
-C20R/1
-C20R/2
-C20R/4
-C20S
-C20W
-C28
-C28B
-C28C
-C30
-C30G
-C30G/2
-C30M
-C30P
-C30R
-C30R/1
-C30R/3
-C30R/3M
-C30S
-C30U
-C40B
-C47B
-C47M
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These engines are installed on, but not limited to, the aircraft 
listed in the following Table 2:

[[Page 60455]]



           Table 2.--Engines Installed On, But Not Limited To
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Manufacturer                            Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agusta.................................  A109, A109A, A109AII, and
                                          A109C.
Bell Helicopter Textron................  47, 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1,
                                          206L-3, 206L-4, 407, and 430.
B-N Group..............................  BN-2T and BN-2T-4R.
Enstrom................................  TH28, 480; and 480B.
Eurocopter Canada Limited..............  BO 105 LS A-3.
Eurocopter France......................  AS355E, AS355F, AS355I, and
                                          AS355F2.
Eurocopter Deutschland.................  BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, and
                                          BO-105LS A-1.
Hiller Aviation........................  FH-1100.
McDonnell Douglas......................  369D, 369E, 369F, 369H, 369HE,
                                          369HM, 369HS, 369FF, and 500N.
Schweizer..............................  TH269D.
SIAI Marchetti s.r.l...................  SF600 and SF600A.
Sikorsky...............................  S-76A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from the discovery that several part numbers 
(P/Ns) of fuel nozzles were inadvertently left out of AD 2004-24-09. 
That AD, as worded, allows certain P/N fuel nozzles back into service. 
Those fuel nozzles must not be allowed back into service. We are 
issuing this AD to minimize the risk of sudden loss of engine power and 
uncommanded shutdown of the engine due to fuel contamination and 
collapse of the screen in the fuel nozzle.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have 
already been done.
    (f) Perform a onetime inspection of the screens in fuel nozzles as 
follows:
    (1) For fuel nozzles with a P/N listed in Table 3 of this AD, 
inspect the screen for contamination within 50 operating hours after 
the effective date of this AD.

    Table 3.--Fuel Nozzles To Be Inspected Within 50 Operating Hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Corresponding
              Manufacturer                      P/N       RRC vendor P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RRC.....................................         6874959         5232815
                                                 6894610         5233465
                                                 6898531         5233585
Delevan Inc. (PMA)......................           49445             N/A
                                                   47069             N/A
                                                   47101             N/A
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) For fuel nozzles with a P/N listed in Table 4 of this AD, 
inspect the screen for contamination within 150 operating hours after 
January 5, 2005.

    Table 4.--Fuel Nozzles To Be Inspected Within 150 Operating Hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Corresponding
              Manufacturer                      P/N       RRC vendor P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RRC.....................................         6852020         5232480
                                                 6890917         5233333
                                                 6899001         5233600
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Before further flight, inspect and clean the entire aircraft 
fuel system if you find any contamination on the screen.
    (h) At the next fuel nozzle overhaul after the effective date of 
this AD, or by June 30, 2006, whichever occurs first, do the 
following:
    (1) Remove from service fuel nozzles listed in Table 3 and Table 
4 of this AD.
    (2) Replace with a serviceable fuel nozzle.

Definition

    (i) For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable fuel nozzle is 
defined as a nozzle that has a P/N not specified in, or addressed 
by, this AD.

Previous Credit

    (j) Previous credit is given for onetime inspections of fuel 
nozzles, RRC P/Ns 6852020, 6890917, and 6899001 using AD 2004-24-09.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (k) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (l) Information related to the subject of this AD can be found 
in Rolls-Royce Corporation Alert Commercial Engine Bulletins (CEBs), 
all at Revision 1, and all dated August 30, 2004, listed in the 
following Table 5:

[[Page 60456]]



           Table 5.--Related Alert Commercial Engine Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CEB-A-313..............................  CEB-A-73-5029.
CEB-A-73-2075..........................  CEB-A-73-6041.
CEB-A-1394.............................  TP CEB-A-183.
CEB-A-73-3118..........................  TP CEB-A-1336.
CEB-A-73-4056..........................  TP CEB-A-73-2032.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 11, 2005.
Ann C. Mollica,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-20779 Filed 10-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P