[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 230 (Monday, November 30, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76492-76495]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26337]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1038; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00569-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Arriel 2D and Arriel 
2E model turboshaft engines. This proposed AD was prompted by the 
manufacturer revising the maintenance and overhaul manuals to introduce 
new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance 
tasks. This proposed AD would require the replacement of certain 
critical parts before reaching their published in-service life limits, 
performing scheduled maintenance tasks before reaching their published 
periodicity, and performing unscheduled maintenance tasks when the 
engine meets certain conditions. As a terminating action, this proposed 
AD would require operators to revise the airworthiness limitation 
section (ALS) of their existing approved aircraft maintenance program 
(AMP) by incorporating the revised airworthiness limitations and 
maintenance tasks. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 14, 
2021.

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 https://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., 64511 Bordes--Cedex, France; phone: (33) 05 
59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 
238-7759.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1038; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments 
received, and other

[[Page 76493]]

information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wego Wang, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
(781) 238-7134; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-1038; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-00569-E'' at the beginning of your comments The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Wego 
Wang, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has 
issued EASA AD 2018-0273, dated December 13, 2018 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these 
products. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks for the 
SAFRAN ARRIEL 2D, ARRIEL 2E and ARRIEL 2N engines, which are 
approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the SAFRAN 
ARRIEL 2 Maintenance and Overhaul Manuals, as applicable. These 
instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued 
airworthiness.
    Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an 
unsafe condition.
    SAFRAN recently revised the applicable Maintenance and Overhaul 
Manuals (the applicable ALS), introducing new and/or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the applicable ALS.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2020-1038.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Chapter 05-10-00 of Safran Helicopter Engines 
ARRIEL 2D Maintenance Manual (MM) No. X292 R1 450 2, Update No. 20, 
dated June 15, 2020. Safran Helicopter Engines ARRIEL 2D MM X292 R1 450 
2 identifies the terms used in tables for limits and mandatory 
maintenance tasks, usage counters of the engine log book, life limits 
for life-limited parts, and mandatory inspection tasks to be carried 
out to reach the airworthiness objectives on Safran Arriel 2D model 
engines.
    The FAA reviewed Chapter 05-10-00 of Safran Helicopter Engines 
ARRIEL 2E MM No. X292 R2 300 2, Update No. 16, dated June 15, 2020. 
Safran Helicopter Engines ARRIEL 2E MM X292 R2 300 2 identifies the 
terms used in tables for limits and mandatory maintenance tasks, usage 
counters of the engine log book, life limits for life-limited parts, 
and mandatory inspection tasks to be carried out to reach the 
airworthiness objectives on Safran Arriel 2E model engines.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require the replacement of certain critical 
parts before reaching their published in-service life limits, 
performance of schedule maintenance tasks before reaching the published 
periodicity in the applicable Safran Arriel MM chapter, and performance 
of unscheduled maintenance tasks when the engine meets certain 
conditions specified in the applicable Safran Arriel MM chapter. As a 
terminating action, this proposed AD would require operators to revise 
the ALS of their existing approved AMP by incorporating the revised 
airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI is applicable to Safran Arriel 2D, Arriel 2E, and Arriel 
2N model turboshaft engines. This AD is only applicable to Safran 
Arriel 2D and 2E model turboshaft engines. Safran Arriel 2N model 
turboshaft engines are not type certificated in the U.S.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 426 engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Remove and replace critical parts.....  12 work-hours x $85 per           $1,152          $2,172        $925,272
                                         hour = $1,020.
Perform maintenance tasks.............  1 work-hour x $85 per              1,152           1,237         526,962
                                         hour = $85.
Revise the ALS and AMP................  1 work-hour x 85 per                   0              85          36,210
                                         hour = 85.
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[[Page 76494]]

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
corrective actions that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed maintenance tasks. The agency has no way of determining the 
number of aircraft that might need these actions.

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform corrective action.....................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85              $0             $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., (Type Certificate previously held 
by Turbomeca, S.A.): Docket No. FAA-2020-1038; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2020-00569-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by January 14, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) 
(Type Certificate previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Arriel 2D and 
Arriel 2E model turboshaft engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the 
maintenance and overhaul manuals to introduce new or more 
restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the engine. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of 
a critical part, damage to the engine, and damage to the helicopter.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Replace each critical part before reaching the in-service 
life limits specified in paragraph 1.C., ``Table of authorized in-
service life limits for the ARRIEL 2D,'' or ``Table of authorized 
in-service life limits for the ARRIEL 2E,'' Chapter 05-10-00 of the 
Safran ARRIEL Maintenance Manual (MM) for that engine.
    (2) Before reaching the periodicity specified in paragraph 1., 
``Tables of Mandatory Maintenance Tasks,'' table D., ``Scheduled 
inspection,'' Chapter 05-10-00 of the Safran ARRIEL MM for that 
engine, perform all maintenance tasks specified in table D.
    (3) When the engine meets the conditions specified in paragraph 
1., table E., ``Unscheduled inspection,'' Chapter 05-10-00 of the 
Safran ARRIEL MM for that engine, perform the maintenance tasks 
specified in table E.
    (4) If, during performance of the maintenance tasks required by 
paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD, a discrepancy is found, as 
defined in the applicable ALS, perform the corrective actions 
specified in paragraph 1., ``Tables of Mandatory Maintenance 
Tasks,'' table D., ``Scheduled inspection,'' or E. ``Unscheduled 
inspection,'' Chapter 05-10-00 of the Safran ARRIEL MM for the 
engine.
    (5) If no compliance time is identified in Chapter 05-10-00 of 
the Safran ARRIEL MM, perform the corrective action before further 
flight.

(h) Exception to Paragraphs (g)(2) and (3)

    Where the applicable Safran ARRIEL MM chapters provide 
instructions to send the Module 03 to a Safran Helicopter Engines-
approved repair center, the operator may choose to send the Module 
03 to any FAA-approved repair center capable of performing the 
required actions.

(i) Mandatory Terminating Action

    As terminating action to the requirements in paragraph (g) of 
this AD, within 365 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the ALS of the existing approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP) 
by incorporating:
    (i) Task 05-10-00-150-801-A01, ``Airworthiness Limitations--
General,'' from the applicable Safran ARRIEL MM chapter.
    (ii) Task 05-10-00-200-801-A01, ``Airworthiness Limitations--
Authorized In-Service Life Limits,'' from the applicable Safran 
ARRIEL MM chapter.
    (iii) Task 05-10-10-200-801-A01, ``Airworthiness Limitations--
Tables of Mandatory Maintenance Tasks,'' from the applicable Safran 
ARRIEL MM chapter.

(j) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``critical part'' is a part 
identified in paragraph 1.C., ``Table of authorized in-service life 
limits for the ARRIEL 2D,'' or ``Table of authorized in-service life 
limits for the ARRIEL 2E,''

[[Page 76495]]

Chapter 05-10-00 of the Safran ARRIEL MM for that engine.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, the ``Chapter 05-10-00 of the 
Safran ARRIEL MM'' is:
    (i) Chapter 05-10-00 of Safran Aircraft Engines ARRIEL 2D MM No. 
X292 R1 450 2, Update No. 20, dated June 15, 2020; or
    (ii) Chapter 05-10-00 of Safran Aircraft Engines ARRIEL 2E MM 
No. X292 R2 300 2, Update No. 16, dated June 15, 2020.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, the ``approved maintenance 
program'' is defined as the basis for which the operator ensures the 
continuing airworthiness of each operated helicopter.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) For affected Safran Arriel 2D model turboshaft engines, you 
may take credit for revising the ALS of the existing approved AMP 
that is required by paragraph (i) of this AD if you incorporated the 
tasks before the effective date of this AD using Chapter 05-10-00 of 
Safran ARRIEL 2D MM No. X292 R1 450 2, Update No. 19, dated December 
30, 2019.
    (2) For affected Safran Arriel 2E model turboshaft engines, you 
may take credit for revising the ALS of the existing approved AMP 
that is required by paragraph (i) of this AD if you incorporated the 
tasks before the effective date of this AD using Chapter 05-10-00 of 
Safran ARRIEL 2E MM No. X292 R2 300 2, Update No. 15, dated December 
30, 2019.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, 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 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in Related Information. 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Wego Wang, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7134; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2018-0273, dated December 13, 2018, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2020-1038.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 64511 Bordes--Cedex, France; phone: 
(33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products 
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759.

    Issued on November 24, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-26337 Filed 11-27-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P