[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 140 (Monday, July 24, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34259-34261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15434]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0115; Directorate Identifier 2017-NE-04-AD; 
Amendment 39-18967; AD 2017-15-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 
Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2017-04-51 for 
all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 
1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. AD 2017-04-51 
required inspecting, wrapping, and replacing the affected drain valve 
assembly (DV) installed on these Arriel 1 engines. This AD requires 
inspecting and wrapping affected DVs and replacing those DVs found to 
be defective. This AD eliminates the terminating action that existed 
under AD 2017-04-51 and reduces the population of affected parts. This 
AD was prompted by reports of additional fuel leaks originating from 
the DV on certain Arriel engines. We are issuing this AD to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 8, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 8, 
2017.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by September 7, 2017.

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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Safran 
Helicopter Engines, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: (33) 05 59 74 40 
00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0115.

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-2017-
0115; 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 AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The address for the Docket Office (phone:

[[Page 34260]]

800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781-
238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
``Docket No. FAA-2017-0115; Directorate Identifier 2017-NE-04-AD'' at 
the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the 
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend this 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 AD.

Discussion

    On March 8, 2017, we issued AD 2017-04-51, Amendment 39-18824 (82 
FR 13753, March 15, 2017), for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 
Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 
turboshaft engines. AD 2017-04-51 resulted from reports of fuel leaks 
originating from the DV on certain Arriel engines. We issued AD 2017-
04-51 to prevent an engine compartment fire, in-flight shutdown, and 
damage to the helicopter.

Actions Since AD 2017-04-51 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-04-51, we received reports of additional 
fuel leaks on DVs with compliant diaphragm hole positions. Also since 
we issued AD 2017-04-51, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has 
issued AD 2017-0064R1, dated June 27, 2017, which requires initial and 
repetitive inspections and replacement of any DVs that do not pass 
inspection.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Safran Helicopter Engines Alert Mandatory Service 
Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 73 0853, Version A, dated April 7, 2017. The 
Alert MSB describes procedures for inspecting, wrapping, and replacing 
the DV. This service information is available by the means identified 
in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires inspecting and wrapping affected DVs and replacing 
those DVs found to be defective. This AD requires operators to continue 
to perform repetitive inspections even if the defective DV is replaced 
with an affected DV that is eligible for installation.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the 
compliance requirements are within 10 flight hours or 7 days. 
Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 200 engines installed on 
helicopters of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspecting, wrapping, and replacing  4.5 work-hours x $85 per                $70         $452.50         $90,500
 the DV.                              hour = $382.50.
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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

    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,

[[Page 34261]]

the FAA 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2017-04-51, Amendment 39-18824 (82 FR 13753, March 15, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-15-07 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A.: Amendment 39-18967; 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0115; Directorate Identifier 2017-NE-04-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 8, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-04-51, Amendment 39-18824 (82 FR 13753, 
March 15, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Arriel 
1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 
turboshaft engines equipped with a drain valve assembly (DV) 
manufactured, repaired, or overhauled after December 31, 2015; with 
a diaphragm, part number 9 164 95 002 0, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7321, Fuel Control/
Turbine Engines.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of fuel leaks originating from 
the DV on certain Arriel engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
an engine compartment fire, in-flight shutdown, and damage to the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Within 10 flight hours or 7 days, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD, visually inspect the affected 
DV for fuel leakage:
    (i) If a fuel leak is detected, replace the affected DV with a 
DV eligible for installation, before the next flight.
    (ii) If no fuel leak is detected, before the next flight, wrap 
the affected DV with a self-amalgamate tape or heat shrinkable 
tubing using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.4, in 
Safran Helicopter Engines Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 
A292 73 0853, Version A, dated April 7, 2017.
    (2) After wrapping an affected DV, as specified in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD, inspect the DV for fuel leakage before each first 
flight of the day. If a fuel leak is detected, replace the affected 
DV with a DV eligible for installation before the next flight.
    (3) If, during any inspection required by this AD, the wrapping 
is found defective (loose, missing, or damaged), before the next 
flight, remove the wrap and re-wrap the affected DV using the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2.4, of Safran Helicopter 
Engines Alert MSB No. A292 73 0853, Version A, dated April 7, 2017.
    (4) If you replace the affected DV with another affected DV 
eligible for installation, you must still continue to perform the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.

(g) Installation Prohibition

    From the effective date of this AD, do not install any engine 
with an affected DV on any helicopter unless the DV has been wrapped 
and is leak-free in accordance with the instructions in paragraph 
2.4 of Safran Helicopter Engines Alert MSB No. A292 73 0853, Version 
A, dated April 7, 2017.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a DV eligible for installation is:
    (1) A DV that is not affected by this AD; or
    (2) a DV that is affected by this AD, is leak-free, and is 
wrapped in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 2.4, of Safran Helicopter Engines Alert MSB No. A292 73 
0853, Version A, dated April 7, 2017.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial inspection and corrective 
actions (including wrapping of a DV) accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD using the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 2, of Safran Helicopter Engines Alert MSB No. A292 73 
0851, Version A, dated January 31, 2017.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request. You may email your request to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For further information about this AD, contact: Robert 
Green, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine 
& Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2017-
0064R1, dated June 27, 2017, for more information.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Safran Helicopter Engines Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin 
No. A292 73 0853, Version A, dated April 7, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Safran Helicopter Engines service information identified 
in this AD, contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, 
France; phone: (33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.
    (5) You may view this service information at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 13, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-15434 Filed 7-21-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P