[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 164 (Friday, August 25, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40503-40505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-17829]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0024; Product Identifier 2000-NE-12-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2013-11-
09 that applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Arrius 2B1 and 
2F turboshaft engines. Depending on the engine model, AD 2013-11-09 
requires the repetitive replacement of the fuel injector manifolds and 
privilege injector, or only the privilege injector. Since we issued AD 
2013-11-09, we received reports of engine flameouts as a result of 
reduced fuel flow due to the presence of coking. This proposed AD would 
retain the repetitive hardware replacement requirements of AD 2013-11-
09, but only allow replacement pipe injector preferred assembly, part 
number (P/N) 0 319 73 044 0, on the Arrius 2F engines. We are proposing 
this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 10, 
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: 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 NPRM, 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 and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation 
Division, 1200 District Avenue, 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-2013-
0024; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information, regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The 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: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
ECO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7754; 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.

[[Page 40504]]

FAA-2013-0024; Product Identifier 2000-NE-12-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 23, 2013, we issued AD 2013-11-09, Amendment 39-17469 (78 FR 
32551, May 31, 2013), ``AD 2013-11-09'' for all Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 
2B, 2B1, and 2F turboshaft engines. Depending on the engine model, AD 
2013-11-09 requires the repetitive replacement of the fuel injector 
manifolds and privilege injector, or only the privilege injector. AD 
2013-11-09 resulted from a report that the corrective actions of AD 
2001-08-14, R1, Amendment 39-14423 (71 FR 2993, January 19, 2006) were 
insufficient to eliminate the unsafe condition. We issued AD 2013-11-09 
to prevent an engine flameout of Arrius 2B1 and 2F turboshaft engines 
and damage to the helicopter.

Actions Since AD 2013-11-09 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2013-11-09, we received reports of engine 
flameouts as a result of reduced fuel flow due to the presence of 
coking. Also since we issued AD 2013-11-09, the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2017-0070, dated April 25, 2017, 
which requires replacement of pipe injector preferred assemblies, P/N 0 
319 73 835 0, with improved assembly, P/N 0 319 73 044 0, on Arrius 2F 
engines.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. 319 73 4839, Version A, dated December 13, 2016. The SB describes 
procedures for replacing pipe injector preferred assemblies.

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 require, for Arrius 2B1 turboshaft engines, 
initial and repetitive replacement of the main fuel injector half-
manifolds and preferred injector with a part eligible for installation 
within the compliance times specified. This proposed AD would also 
require, for Arrius 2F turboshaft engines, initial and repetitive 
replacement of the preferred injector and replacing pipe injector 
preferred assemblies, P/N 0 319 73 835 0, with assembly, P/N 0 319 73 
044 0.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 50 Arrius 2B1 and 105 
Arrius 2F turboshaft engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrius 2B1 fuel injector manifolds and  3 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $255         $12,750
 injector replacement.                   hour = $255.
Arrius 2F pipe injector preferred       3 work-hours x $85 per             3,154           3,409         357,945
 assembly replacement.                   hour = $255.
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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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    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.

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:

[[Page 40505]]

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) 
2013-11-09, Amendment 39-17469 (78 FR 32551, May 31, 2013), and adding 
the following new AD:

Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate previously held by 
Turbomeca S.A): Docket No. FAA-2013-0024; Product Identifier 2000-
NE-12-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 10, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-11-09, Amendment 39-17469 (78 FR 
32551, May 31, 2013).

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7320, Fuel 
Controlling System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by several reports of engine flameouts as a 
result of reduced fuel flow due to the presence of coking. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent an engine flameout of Arrius 2B1 and 2F 
turboshaft engines and damage to the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For Arrius 2B1 turboshaft engines, do the following:
    (i) Replace each main fuel injector half-manifold and preferred 
injector with a part eligible for installation before exceeding the 
operating hours (hours accumulated by the part since installation on 
an engine) specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.

                 Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)--Replacement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Operating
                          Part                                 hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Main fuel injector half-manifold--post-mod TU117........             600
Main fuel injector half-manifold--pre-mod TU117.........             200
Preferred injector pre/post-mod TU117...................             200
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Borescope-inspect (BSI) the flame tube and the high-
pressure turbine (HPT) area for turbine distress, when replacing the 
fuel injector manifolds and preferred injector for the first time.
    (iii) Thereafter, replace the fuel injector manifolds and 
preferred injector with a part eligible for installation before 
exceeding the operating hours (hours accumulated by the part since 
installation on an engine) specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of 
this AD.
    (2) For Arrius 2F turboshaft engines, do the following:
    (i) Replace each pipe injector preferred assembly, part number 
(P/N) 0 319 73 835 0 and P/N 0 319 73 044 0, with a part eligible 
for installation before exceeding 400 operating hours (hours 
accumulated by the part since installation on an engine).
    (ii) BSI the flame tube and the HPT area for turbine distress, 
when replacing the privilege injector for the first time.
    (iii) Unless already accomplished as required by paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) of this AD, within 16 months after the effective date of 
this AD, replace the pipe injector preferred assembly, P/N 0 319 73 
835 0, with a part eligible for installation before the next flight.
    (iv) Thereafter, replace the pipe injector preferred assembly 
with a part eligible for installation within 400 operating hours 
since the last pipe injector preferred assembly replacement.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For Arrius 2B1 turboshaft engines, a main fuel injector 
half-manifold or preferred injector is eligible for installation if 
it has not exceeded the operating hours specified in Figure 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD since first installation on an engine or 
since last cleaning.
    (2) For Arrius 2F turboshaft engines, a pipe injector preferred 
assembly, P/N 0 319 73 044 0, is eligible for installation if it has 
not exceeded 400 operating hours since first installation on an 
engine or since last cleaning.

(i) Installation Prohibition

    (1) For Arrius 2B1 turboshaft engines, after the effective date 
of this AD, do not install a main fuel injector half-manifold or 
preferred injector onto any engine, or any engine onto a helicopter, 
unless the main fuel injector half-manifold and preferred injector 
are eligible for installation.
    (2) For Arrius 2F turboshaft engines, after the effective date 
of this AD, do not install a pipe injector preferred assembly onto 
any engine, or any engine onto a helicopter, unless the pipe 
injector preferred assembly is eligible for installation.
    (3) For Arrius 2F turboshaft engines, after the effective date 
of this AD, do not install a pipe injector preferred assembly, P/N 0 
319 73 835 0, onto any engine.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, FAA, ECO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance 
with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or 
local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ECO Branch, send it to 
the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this 
AD. 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 more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, ECO Branch, Compliance and Airworthiness 
Division, 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 (EASA) AD 
2017-0070, dated April 25, 2017, for more information. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2013-0024.
    (3) Safran Helicopter Engines S.A., SB No. 319 73 4839, Version 
A, dated December 13, 2016, can be obtained from Safran Helicopter 
Engines S.A., using the contact information in paragraph (k)(4) of 
this AD.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 18, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-17829 Filed 8-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P