[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 105 (Friday, May 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32551-32553]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-12696]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0024; Directorate Identifier 2000-NE-12-AD; 
Amendment 39-17469; AD 2013-11-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2B, 2B1, and 2F turboshaft engines. That AD 
currently requires replacement of injector manifolds and borescope-
inspection of the flame tube and the high-pressure (HP) turbine area 
for possible damage. This new AD requires, depending on the engine 
model, repetitive replacements of fuel injection manifolds and the 
privilege injector, or, repetitive replacements of the privilege 
injector. This AD was prompted by a report that the corrective actions 
of the existing AD were insufficient to eliminate the unsafe condition. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of 
Arrius 2B1 and 2F turboshaft engines and damage to the helicopter.

DATES: This AD is effective July 5, 2013.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; telex: 570 
042; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800 647 5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M 30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12 140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7176; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2001-08-14R1, Amendment 39 14423 (71 FR 2993, 
January 19, 2006). That AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2B, 2B1, 
and 2F turboshaft engines. The Arrius 2B engine model is no longer 
listed because it is no longer in service and has been removed from the 
engine Type Certificate Data Sheet No. E34NE, as requested by the 
manufacturer. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 7, 
2013 (78 FR 9007). That NPRM proposed to require, depending on the 
engine model, repetitive replacements of fuel injection manifolds and 
the privilege injector, or, repetitive replacements of the privilege 
injector.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Change Paragraphs (f)(1) and (g)(1)

    Turbomeca USA requested that we change compliance paragraph (f)(1) 
by deleting ``or since last inspection of the fuel injection manifolds 
and privilege injector, whichever comes first.'' The commenter also 
requested that we change paragraph (g)(1) by deleting ``or since last 
inspection of the privilege injector, whichever comes first.'' The 
commenter stated that paragraphs (f)(1) and (g)(1) speak to initial 
replacement where subsequent replacements are addressed in paragraphs 
(f)(3) and (g)(3). There is no required inspection for this reason 
prior to reaching the allocated hours of operation time-since-new (TSN) 
so there will be no ``last inspection'' at this point. The fuel 
injection manifolds and privilege injector (Arrius 2B1 engines) and, 
the privilege injector (Arrius 2F engines) will not have been in 
service long enough to have an inspection performed. Also, an 
inspection (unless leading to a replacement) if done for whatever 
reason, will not ``reset'' the allocated hours (200 or 400) of 
operation TSN counter. Only a replacement will, which is why the 
commenter thinks the allocated hours (200 or 400) of operation TSN 
limit is sufficient.
    We agree. Because there is no specific inspection requirement, fuel 
injection manifolds and privilege injectors (Arrius 2B1 enignes) and, 
privilege injectors (Arrius 2F engines) can be removed from one Arrius 
2B1 engine and installed in another Arrius 2B1engine or from one Arrius 
2F engine and installed in another Arrius 2F engine as noted in their 
respective service bulletins (SBs). We anticipated that those used 
components would undergo an inspection and flow check, prior to 
reinstallation. However, the fuel injection manifolds and privilege 
injectors are limited to the allocated hours (200 or 400) of operation 
TSN regardless of reuse. We changed paragraphs (f)(1) and (g)(1) of the 
AD as requested above.

Request To Change Compliance Paragraphs (f)(2) and (g)(2)

    Turbomeca USA requested that we change compliance paragraph (f)(2) 
by adding ``when replacing the fuel injection manifolds and privilege 
injector for the first time.'' The commenter also requested that we 
change paragraph (g)(2) by adding ``when replacing the privilege 
injector for the first time.'' The commenter stated that without adding 
these words, these paragraphs would require a borescope inspection each 
time the

[[Page 32552]]

manifolds and privilege injector (Arrius 2B1 engines) and, privilege 
injectors (Arrius 2F engines) are replaced. Turbomeca SB No. A319 73 
2012 (Arrius 2B1) and SB No. A319 73 4001 (Arrius 2F) specifically 
state to perform the borescope inspection when the components are 
replaced for the first time.
    The commenter also stated that the purpose of borescope inspection 
is to identify the internal condition before initial replacement and to 
verify there is no distress caused by a partially blocked or totally 
blocked condition. It is intended to verify there was no collateral 
damage downstream (flame tube, HP turbine). The replacement interval is 
an interval that would prevent any distress being created, should a 
blocked condition occur, thus eliminating the need for borescope checks 
at each replacement. Also, borescope inspection of the combustion 
chamber and the gas generator turbine is called for at certain 
intervals by the engine maintenance manual, which will allow sufficient 
periodic monitoring for collateral damage.
    We agree with the commenter's technical explanation and rationale. 
We changed paragraphs (f)(2) and (g)(2) of the AD as requested above.

Request To Change Compliance Paragraphs (f)(3)

    Turbomeca USA requested that we change compliance paragraph (f)(3) 
which states, ``Thereafter, within every 200 operating hours time-in-
service (TIS) since last fuel injector manifolds and privilege injector 
replacement, replace the fuel injector manifolds and the privilege 
injector with parts eligible for installation'' to ``Thereafter, within 
every 200 operating hours TIS since last fuel injector manifolds and 
privilege injector replacement, or sooner if a power check performed 
per flight manual EC T135-T1 indicates a negative T45 margin, replace 
the fuel injector manifolds and the privilege injector with parts 
eligible for installation.'' The commenter stated that T45 margin is 
monitored as part of existing scheduled maintenance and, as it is known 
as being a possible consequence of manifolds or privilege injector 
blockage, it is inserted as an additional ``trigger'' point for 
replacement prior to the hard hours TSN replacement limit. The engine 
is not serviceable with a negative T45 margin and engine repair is 
needed before further flight. The need for borescope inspection only 
with first replacement is not modified in case of an early replacement 
triggered by detection of negative T45 margin.
    We agree with the commenter's technical explanation and rationale, 
which applies only to the Arrius 2B1 engines. We changed paragraph 
(f)(3) of the AD as requested above.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects about 38 Arrius 2B1 engines and 
about 93 Arrius 2F engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about two hours per engine to 
replace the injector manifolds and about one hour per engine to replace 
the privilege injector. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to 
be $663,615.

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 AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2001-08-14R1, Amendment 39 14423 (71 FR 2993, January 19, 2006), and 
adding the following new AD:
* * * * *
2013-11-09 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39 17469; Docket No. FAA-2013-
0024; Directorate Identifier 2000-NE-12-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 5, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2001-08-14R1, Amendment 39 14423 (71 FR 
2993, January 19, 2006).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2B1 and 2F 
turboshaft engines.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that the corrective actions of 
AD 2001-08-14R1, Amendment 39 14423 (71 FR 2993, January 19, 2006) 
were insufficient to eliminate the unsafe condition. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of Arrius 2B1 
and 2F turboshaft engines and damage to the helicopter.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(f) Arrius 2B1 Turboshaft Engines

    (1) Replace the fuel injector manifolds and privilege injector 
with parts eligible for

[[Page 32553]]

installation before exceeding 200 operating hours, time-since-new 
(TSN).
    (2) Borescope-inspect the flame tube and the high-pressure 
turbine area for turbine distress, when replacing the fuel injection 
manifolds and privilege injector for the first time.
    (3) Thereafter, within every 200 operating hours, time-in-
service (TIS) since last fuel injector manifolds and privilege 
injector replacement, or sooner if a power check performed per 
flight manual EC T135-T1 indicates a negative T45 margin, replace 
the fuel injector manifolds and the privilege injector with parts 
eligible for installation.

(g) Arrius 2F Turboshaft Engines

    (1) Replace the privilege injector with a privilege injector 
eligible for installation before exceeding 400 operating hours TSN.
    (2) Borescope-inspect the flame tube and the high-pressure 
turbine area for turbine distress, when replacing the privilege 
injector for the first time.
    (3) Thereafter, within every 400 operating hours TIS since last 
privilege injector replacement, replace the privilege injector with 
parts eligible for installation.

(h) Definition

    For the purposes of this AD, TIS is defined as:
    (1) The number of engine operating hours on the manifolds since 
the manifolds were new or since the manifolds were last cleaned, 
whichever is more.
    (2) The number of engine operating hours on the privilege 
injector since the privilege injector was new or since the privilege 
injector was last cleaned, whichever is more.

(i) Installation Prohibitions

    (1) For Arrius 2B1 turboshaft engines, after the effective date 
of this AD, do not install fuel injector manifolds or a privilege 
injector on an engine, or an engine on a helicopter, unless the fuel 
injection manifold and privilege injector have accumulated fewer 
than 200 operating hours since new, or since last inspection.
    (2) For Arrius 2F turboshaft engines, after the effective date 
of this AD, do not install a privilege injector on an engine, or an 
engine on a helicopter, unless the privilege injector has 
accumulated fewer than 400 operating hours since new, or since last 
inspection.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact James Lawrence, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7176; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) See European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2012-0150, dated 
August 8, 2012, and AD 2012-0249, dated November 21, 2012, Turbomeca 
S.A. Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A319 73 2012, 
Version I, dated November 12, 2012, and Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No. 
A319 73 4001, Version L, dated January 17, 2013, for related 
information.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; telex: 
570 042; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 23, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-12696 Filed 5-30-13; 8:45 am]
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