[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10617-10619]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03013]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 36 / Tuesday, February 25, 2025 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 10617]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0209; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00636-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.) 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) Model ARRIUS 2B2
engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a manufacturer review of
collected data from in-service engines that indicated the preference
injector may clog over time caused by fuel coking, which decreases the
permeability of the preference injector. This proposed AD would require
initial and repetitive non-extinguishing tests for engine flameout and
replacement of the preference injector if necessary, a one-time
modification (software upgrade) of the electronic engine control unit
(EECU) and, for certain engines, repetitive replacements of the
preference injector, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 11, 2025.
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 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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0209; 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 information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For EASA material identified in this proposed AD, contact
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221
8999 000; email: [email protected]. You may find this material on the
EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this material at the FAA, Operational Safety
Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Bergeron, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (860) 386-1805; 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-2025-0209; Project Identifier
MCAI-2024-00636-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
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 David
Bergeron, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024-0195, dated October 18, 2024
(EASA AD 2024-0195), to correct an unsafe condition on all Safran Model
ARRIUS 2B2 engines. EASA AD 2024-0195 states that a manufacturer review
of collected data from in-service engines indicated that the preference
injector may clog over time caused by fuel coking, which could decrease
the permeability of the preference injector. EASA AD 2024-0195 also
specifies non-extinguishing tests and replacements of the preference
injector at reduced intervals, and upgrade of the EECU software based
on two manufacturer design changes which, in combination, reduce the
clogging rate, but do not mitigate the potential of the unsafe
condition. The manufacturer also issued service information that
provided instructions for a non-extinguishing test
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and replacement of the preference injector at shorter intervals than
specified in the Engine Maintenance Manual. The manufacturer then
developed an EECU software upgrade (modification TU 173) for certain
engines installed on certain helicopters, which allows automatic
accomplishment of the non-extinguishing test, and published service
information providing instructions to embody the software upgrade on
in-service engines. Based on this, EASA revised EASA AD-2024-0195 and
issued EASA AD 2024-0195R1, dated October 22, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-
0195R1) (also referred to as the MCAI), to retain all actions from EASA
AD 2024-0195 and amend the applicable groups, because modification TU
173 is applicable only to engines installed on AHD EC135T2, EC135T2+,
EC635T2, or EC635T2+ helicopters.
Clogging of the preference injector, if not detected and corrected,
and if combined with a sharp reduction in the fuel flow during the
flight after a pilot command, could lead to a flame out in the
combustion chamber, which could result in an uncommanded in-flight
shut-down of the engine and reduced control of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0209.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0195R1, which specifies procedures
for initial and repetitive non-extinguishing tests, a one-time
modification (software upgrade) of the EECU, and repetitive
replacements of the preference injector. This material is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. 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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the material already described, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers and CAAs to use this process. As a
result, the FAA proposes to incorporate by reference EASA AD 2024-
0195R1, in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore,
require compliance with EASA AD 2024-0195R1, in its entirety through
that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are
the same as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD does not
mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example,
where the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions within the
compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited
to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in
EASA AD 2024-0195R1. Service information required by the EASA AD for
compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-
2025-0209 after the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 186 engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Initial non-extinguishing test (186 1 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $85 $15,810
engines). = $85.
Repetitive non-extinguishing test (54 1 work-hours x $85 per hour 0 85 4,590
engines). = $85.
Injector replacement (186 engines)....... 1 work-hours x $85 per hour 1,819 1,904 354,144
= $85.
EECU software upgrade (132 engines)...... 7 work-hours x $85 per hour 0 595 78,540
= $595.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacement that would be required based on the results of
any required tests. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition replacement:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Injector replacement......................... 1 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,819 $1,904
$85.
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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.
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
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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(f), 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-2025-0209; Project Identifier MCAI-
2024-00636-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 11, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (type
certificate previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Model ARRIUS 2B2
engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7300, Engine Fuel
and Control.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a manufacturer review of collected data
from in-service engines that indicated the preference injector may
clog over time caused by fuel coking, which could decrease the
permeability of the preference injector. The FAA is issuing this AD
to detect and correct clogging and decreased permeability of the
preference injector due to fuel coking. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, when combined with a sharp reduction in fuel flow, could
result in a flame out in the combustion chamber, which could result
in an uncommanded in-flight shut-down of the engine and reduced
control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2024-0195R1, dated October 22, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0195R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0195R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0195R1 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0195R1.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0195R1
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of
this AD and email 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) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact David Bergeron,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (860) 386-1805; email:
[email protected].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0195R1,
dated October 22, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]. You may find this material on the
EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Operational Safety
Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-
5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on February 18, 2025.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-03013 Filed 2-24-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P