[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 73 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19110-19112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7115]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21624; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-17-AD; 
Amendment 39-15028; AD 2005-13-25R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B Turboshaft 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft engines with Modification TU62A 
incorporated. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive 
inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and checks for proper operation of 
the HMU acceleration controller axle. This AD requires the same 
actions, but removes engines incorporating TU132 from the applicability 
and adds an optional terminating action for the repetitive actions 
required in AD 2005-13-25. This AD results from the engine manufacturer 
releasing a service bulletin to introduce modification TU132. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent loss of control of engine fuel flow in 
manual control mode or mixed control mode, which can lead to engine 
overspeed, and in-flight engine shutdown resulting in a forced 
autorotation landing or accident.

DATES: Effective May 22, 2007. The Director of the Federal Register 
previously approved the incorporation by reference of Alert Mandatory 
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, dated January 
11, 2005, on July 11, 2005 (70 FR 36480, June 24, 2005). The Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of ASB 
No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 2, dated December 15, 2006, as of May 22, 
2007.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by June 18, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone 33 05 59 74 40 
00, fax 33 05 59 74 45 15, for the service information identified in 
this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; 
telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 16, 2005, the FAA issued AD 2005-13-
25, Amendment 39-14162 (70 FR 36480, June 24, 2005). That AD requires 
initial and repetitive inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and checks 
for proper operation of the hydromechanical unit (HMU) acceleration 
controller axle on engines that incorporate modification TU62A. That AD 
was the result of several reports of the HMU acceleration controller 
axle sticking that resulted in engine overspeed and in-flight engine 
shutdown or uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown. That condition, if 
not corrected, could result in loss of control of engine fuel flow in 
manual control mode or mixed control mode, which can lead to engine 
overspeed, and in-flight engine shutdown resulting in a forced 
autorotation landing or accident.

Actions Since We Issued AD 2005-13-25

    Since we issued that AD, the manufacturer introduced modification 
TU132, which includes a new P3 cover with a self-lubricating coating 
and a reduced centering length in the P3 cover. The European Aviation 
Safety Authority (EASA) which is the airworthiness authority for the 
European Union, recently notified us that Turbomeca S.A. has introduced 
modification TU132 to eliminate the cause of an unsafe condition on 
Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft engines. This AD requires 
inspecting and lubricating the P3 cover and HMU acceleration control 
axle on HMUs that are not modified to TU132. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent loss of control of engine fuel flow in the manual control mode 
or mixed control mode, which can lead to engine overspeed, and in-
flight engine shutdown resulting in a forced autorotation landing or 
accident.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Turbomeca 
Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 2, 
dated December 15, 2006. That ASB describes procedures for inspecting, 
lubricating, and checking for proper operation of the HMU acceleration 
controller axle. The EASA issued AD 2007-0026, dated February 1, 2007, 
in order to ensure the airworthiness of these Arriel 2B turboshaft 
engines in the European Union.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This engine model is manufactured in France, and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the findings of the EASA, 
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft engines of the 
same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of control of 
engine fuel flow in the manual control mode or

[[Page 19111]]

mixed control mode, which can lead to engine overspeed, and in-flight 
engine shutdown resulting in a forced autorotation landing or accident. 
This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections, cleaning, 
lubrication, and checks for proper operation of the HMU acceleration 
controller axle. You must use the service information described 
previously to perform the actions required by this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since we are reducing the applicability of this AD, a situation 
exists that allows the immediate adoption of this AD. We have found 
that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD 
are unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2005-21624; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-17-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments 
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management 
Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is 
located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif 
Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

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

    We have determined that 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. 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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal 
Aviation Administration 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 Amendment 39-14162 70 FR 
36480, June 24, 2005, and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-15028, to read as follows:

2005-13-25R1 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-15028. Docket No. FAA-
2005-21624; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-17-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 22, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD revises AD 2005-13-25, Amendment 39-14162.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B turboshaft 
engines with Modification TU62A incorporated, but do not have 
Modification TU132. These engines are installed on, but not limited 
to, Eurocopter AS350B3 helicopters.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from the engine manufacturer releasing a 
service bulletin to introduce modification TU132. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent loss of control of engine fuel flow in manual 
control mode or mixed control mode, which can lead to engine 
overspeed, and in-flight engine shutdown resulting in a forced 
autorotation landing or accident.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Hydromechanical Units (HMUs) Without Modification TU132

    (f) Within 20 operating hours after July 11, 2005, the AD's 
original effective date, inspect, clean, lubricate, and check for 
proper operation of the HMU acceleration controller axle. Use 
paragraph 2 of Instructions to be Incorporated of Turbomeca Alert 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, dated 
January 11, 2005, or Update No. 2, dated December 15, 2006, to do 
these actions.
    (g) Thereafter, repeat the actions specified in paragraph (f) of 
this AD within every 210 operating hours.

Optional Terminating Action

    (h) Modifying the HMU to Modification TU132, terminates the 
repetitive inspection requirements specified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD. Turbomeca Service Bulletin No. 292 73 2132, dated May 31, 
2006, contains information on modifying the HMU to Modification 
TU132.

[[Page 19112]]

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (j) The EASA airworthiness directive 2007-0026, dated February 
1, 2007, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Turbomeca Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, dated January 11, 2005; or ASB 
No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 2, dated December 15, 2006, to perform 
the actions required by this AD. The Director of the Federal 
Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of ASB 
No. A292 73 2814, Update No. 1, dated January 11, 2005, on July 11, 
2005 (70 FR 36480; June 24, 2005). The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of ASB No. A292 73 
2814, Update No. 2, dated December 15, 2006, in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220 
Tarnos, France; telephone 33 05 59 74 40 00, fax 33 05 59 74 45 15, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 9, 2007.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-7115 Filed 4-16-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P