[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 24, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 77614-77615]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30488]



[[Page 77614]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27009; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-02-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2007-19-
09R1 that applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B1 turboshaft engines that 
do not have modification TU157 incorporated. AD 2007-19-09R1 requires 
replacement of the hydromechanical metering unit (HMU) with a 
serviceable HMU. Since we issued AD 2007-19-09R1, we received reports 
of ruptures on HMU constant delta pressure valves that have less than 
2,000 hours in service. This proposed AD would continue to require HMU 
replacement; reduce the compliance interval; and include the power 
turbine (C2) cycle consumption rate when determining compliance times. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the HMU, which could 
lead to damage to the engine, and damage to the aircraft.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 24, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Turbomeca, 
S.A., 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2007-
27009; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this proposed AD, the MCAI, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frederick Zink, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7779; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
27009; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-02-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On May 24, 2010, we issued AD 2007-19-09R1, Amendment 39-16322 (75 
FR 30687, June 2, 2010). That AD applies to all Turbomeca S.A. 2B1 
turboshaft engines that do not incorporate modification TU157. That AD 
requires replacement of the HMU with a serviceable HMU. AD 2007-19-09R1 
resulted from reports of HMU valve rupture. We issued AD 2007-19-09R1 
to prevent failure of the HMU, which could lead to damage to the engine 
and damage to the aircraft.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2007-19-09R1, Amendment 39-16322 (75 FR 30687, 
June 2, 2010), we received reports of ruptures on HMU constant delta 
pressure valves that have less than 2,000 hours in service. Also since 
we issued AD 2007-19-09R1, the European Aviation Safety Agency has 
issued AD 2013-0171, dated July 30, 2013, which reintroduces a 
requirement for periodic replacement of the HMU.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2007-19-
09R1, Amendment 39-16322 (75 FR 30687, June 2, 2010) but would reduce 
the compliance interval and include the C2 cycle consumption rate when 
determining compliance times.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 264 engines installed on 
aircraft of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 
hour per engine to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per hour. Parts cost about $5,000 per engine. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $1,342,440.

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 proposed 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 would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not

[[Page 77615]]

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 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),
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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) 
2007-19-09R1, Amendment 39-16322 (75 FR 30687, June 2, 2010), and 
adding the following new AD:

Turbomeca S.A.: Docket No. FAA-2007-27009; Directorate Identifier 
2007-NE-02-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 24, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2007-19-09R1, Amendment 39-16322 (75 FR 
30687, June 2, 2010).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B1 turboshaft engines 
that do not have modification TU157 incorporated.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of ruptures on hydromechanical 
metering unit (HMU) constant delta pressure valves that have less 
than 2,000 hours in service. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the HMU, which could lead to damage to the engine and 
damage to the aircraft.

(e) Compliance

    Within the compliance times specified, replace the HMU with a 
part eligible for installation, unless already done.
    (1) HMU Operating Hours and Power Turbine (C2) Cycles Are Known.
    (i) If on the effective date of this AD, the HMU C2 cycles are 
less than 900, then replace the HMU before the HMU accumulates 1,000 
C2 cycles or 1,500 HMU operating hours, whichever occurs first;
    (ii) If on the effective date of this AD, the HMU C2 cycles are 
900 or more, then replace the HMU within 100 HMU C2 cycles after the 
effective date of this AD;
    (iii) Thereafter, replace the HMU at every 1,000 HMU C2 cycles 
or 1,500 HMU operating hours, whichever comes first.
    (2) HMU Operating Hours Are Known and C2 Cycles Are Not Known.
    (i) If on the effective date of this AD, the HMU operating hours 
are less than 1,100, then replace the HMU before accumulating 1,200 
HMU operating hours;
    (ii) If on the effective date of this AD, the HMU operating 
hours are 1,100 or more, then replace the HMU within 100 HMU 
operating hours after the effective date of this AD;
    (iii) Thereafter, replace HMUs at every 1,200 HMU operating 
hours.

(f) Definition

    For the purposes of this AD, ``HMU operating hours'' or ``C2 
cycles'' are defined as operating hours or C2 cycles since new, 
since overhaul, or since application of Turbomeca S.A. Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. 292 73 2105, Version B, dated December 16, 2010, 
or earlier version, or of Turbomeca S.A. Mandatory SB (MSB) No. 292 
73 2818, Version D, dated June 24, 2013, or earlier version, 
whichever occurs later.

(g) Optional Terminating Action

    Incorporation of Turbomeca S.A. SB No. 292 73 2157, Version C, 
dated July 17, 2013, or earlier version, is terminating action to 
the replacement and repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    If you performed the actions required by paragraphs (e)(1) or 
(e)(2) of this AD using an earlier version of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 
292 73 2818, Version D, dated June 24, 2013, you met the 
requirements of this AD. However, you must still repetitively 
replace the HMU as required by paragraphs (e)(1)(iii) and 
(e)(2)(iii) of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Frederick Zink, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7779; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2013-0171, dated July 30, 2013. You may examine the AD on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating it in Docket No. FAA-2007-27009.
    (3) Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 73 2818, Version D, dated June 
24, 2013 and Turbomeca S.A. SB No. 292 73 2157, Version C, dated 
July 17, 2013, and Turbomeca S.A. SB No. 292 73 2105, Version B, 
dated December 16, 2010, pertain to the subject of this AD and can 
be obtained from Turbomeca S.A. using the contact information in 
paragraph (j)(4) of this AD.
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Turbomeca, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; 
telex: 570 042; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 1.
    (5) 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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 11, 2013.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-30488 Filed 12-23-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P