Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 89 / Friday, May 8, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 25389

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 979

Marketing agreements, Melons,

Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements.

For the reasons set forth in the

preamble, 7 CFR part 979 is amended as

follows:

PART 979—MELONS GROWN IN

SOUTH TEXAS

Accordingly, the interim final rule

amending 7 CFR part 979 which was

published at 63 FR 4366 on January 29,

1998, is adopted as a final rule without

change.

Dated: May 4, 1998.

Robert C. Keeney,

Deputy Administrator, Fruit and Vegetable

Programs.

[FR Doc. 98–12291 Filed 5–7–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410–02–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97–ANE–40–AD; Amendment

39–10514; AD 98–10–03]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Allison

Engine Company Model 250–C47B

Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for

comments.

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes

an existing airworthiness directive (AD)

97–21–09, applicable to Allison Engine

Company Model 250–C47B turboshaft

engines, that currently requires

replacing the engine main electrical

harness assembly with an improved

assembly, installing a new

hydromechanical unit (HMU) and

electronic control unit (ECU), removing

the placard notifying the pilot that the

overspeed protection system is disabled,

and revising the Bell Helicopter

Textron, A Division of Textron Canada

Ltd. (BHTC), Model 407 Rotorcraft

Flight Manual (RFM). This amendment

continues the requirements of the

current AD, but adds the requirement to

install ECUs with improved resistance

to corrosion. This amendment is

prompted by reports of ECUs with

annunciated hard faults due to

corrosion on internal connectors. The

actions specified by this AD are

intended to prevent uncommanded

inflight engine shutdowns, which can

result in autorotation, forced landing,

and possible loss of the helicopter.

DATES: Effective May 26, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of

Allison Engine Company Alert

Commercial Engine Bulletin (CEB) CEB–

A–73–6010, dated October 15, 1996,

CEB A–73–6015, Revision 1, dated July

30, 1997, and Revision 2, dated October

31, 1997, and BHTC Flight Manual

BHT–407–FM–1, Revision 5, dated June

24, 1997, as listed in the regulations,

was approved previously by the Director

of the Federal Register as of December

3, 1997 (62 FR 61438, November 18,

1997).

The incorporation by reference of

Allison Engine Company Alert CEB–A–

73–6017, Revision 1, dated February 18,

1998, and Revision 2, dated April 9,

1998, is approved by the Director of the

Federal Register as of May 26, 1998.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules

Docket must be received on or before

July 7, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), New England

Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 97–ANE–

40–AD, 12 New England Executive Park,

Burlington, MA 01803–5299. Comments

may also be sent via the Internet using

the following address: ‘‘9-adengineprop@faa.dot.gov’’. Comments

sent via the Internet must contain the

docket number in the subject line.

The service information referenced in

this AD may be obtained from Allison

Engine Company, P.O. Box 420, Speed

Code P–40A, Indianapolis, IN 46206–

0420; telephone (317) 230–2720, fax

(317) 230–3381. This information may

be examined at the FAA, New England

Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,

Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the

Federal Register, 800 North Capitol

Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Patricia Bonnen, Aerospace Engineer,

Chicago Aircraft Certification Office,

FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300

East Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018;

telephone (847) 294–7134, fax (847)

294–7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On

November 10, 1997, the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA) issued

airworthiness directive (AD) 97–21–09,

Amendment 39–10162 (62 FR 61438,

November 18, 1997), to require

replacing the engine main electrical

harness assembly with an improved

assembly, installing a new

hydromechanical unit (HMU) and

electronic control unit (ECU), removing

the placard notifying the pilot that the

overspeed protection system is disabled,

and revising the Bell Helicopter

Textron, A Division of Textron Canada

Ltd. (BHTC) Model 407 Rotorcraft Flight

Manual (RFM). That action was

prompted by development of overspeed

protection system modifications to

reactivate the overspeed solenoid

(which had been disabled in accordance

with AD 96–24–09 to prevent engine

shutdown due to zero fuel flow when

tripped) in conjunction with raising the

power turbine overspeed trip point and

revising the overspeed system to default

to a minimum fuel flow in the event of

its activation. That condition, if not

corrected, could result in

uncommanded inflight engine

shutdowns, which can result in

autorotation, forced landing, and

possible loss of the helicopter.

Since the issuance of that AD, the

FAA received reports of two BHTC 407

rotorcraft involved in incidents where

there was an annunicated hard fault

with the ECU. In each case, the result

was a failed fixed event in which the

pilot transitioned to manual mode

without incident. The hard faults have

been attributed to corrosion on internal

connectors. Subsequent to the incidents,

the manufacturer conducted an initial

investigation on returned ECUs and

found two additional units with

corrosion on internal connectors.

The FAA has reviewed and approved

the technical contents of Allison Engine

Company Alert CEB–A–73–6017,

Revision 1, dated February 18, 1998,

and Revision 2, dated April 9, 1998, that

describes procedures for installing ECUs

with improved resistance to corrosion.

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other engines of this same

type design, this AD supersedes AD 97–

21–09 and continues to require

replacement of the engine main

electrical harness assembly with an

improved assembly, and, after replacing

the ECU and HMU, removing the

‘‘OVRSPD SYSTEM INOP’’ placard

required by paragraph (d) of AD 96–24–

09, revising the BHTC Model 407 RFM.

These actions are now required prior to

further flight, if not already

accomplished. In addition, this AD adds

a requirement to install an ECU with

improved resistance to corrosion within

45 days after the effective date of this

AD, based upon the need to protect the

affected engines against effects of

corrosion. Installation of the improved,

corrosion resistant ECU will meet the

requirement to install a new ECU. The

requirements of paragraph (c) of this AD

have been coordinated with the

Rotorcraft Directorate. The actions are

required to be accomplished in
25390 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 89 / Friday, May 8, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

accordance with the service documents

described previously.

Since a situation exists that requires

the immediate adoption of this

regulation, it is found that notice and

opportunity for prior public comment

hereon are impracticable, and that good

cause exists for making this amendment

effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of

a final rule that involves requirements

affecting flight safety and, thus, was not

preceded by notice and an opportunity

for public comment, comments are

invited on this rule. Interested persons

are invited to comment on this rule by

submitting such written data, views, or

arguments as they may desire.

Communications should identify the

Rules Docket number and be submitted

in triplicate to the address specified

under the caption ADDRESSES. All

communications received on or before

the closing date for comments will be

considered, and this rule may be

amended in light of the comments

received. Factual information that

supports the commenter’s ideas and

suggestions is extremely helpful in

evaluating the effectiveness of the AD

action and determining whether

additional rulemaking action would be

needed.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the rule that might suggest a need to

modify the rule. All comments

submitted will be available, both before

and after the closing date for comments,

in the Rules Docket for examination by

interested persons. A report that

summarizes each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this AD

will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 97–ANE–40–AD.’’ The

postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

The regulations adopted herein will

not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612,

it is determined that this final rule does

not have sufficient federalism

implications to warrant the preparation

of a Federalism Assessment.

The FAA has determined that this

regulation is an emergency regulation

that must be issued immediately to

correct an unsafe condition in aircraft,

and is not a ‘‘significant regulatory

action’’ under Executive Order 12866. It

has been determined further that this

action involves an emergency regulation

under DOT Regulatory Policies and

Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,

1979). If it is determined that this

emergency regulation otherwise would

be significant under DOT Regulatory

Policies and Procedures, a final

regulatory evaluation will be prepared

and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy

of it, if filed, may be obtained from the

Rules Docket at the location provided

under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation

safety, Incorporation by reference,

Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to 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

1. The authority citation for part 39

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

removing Amendment 39–10162, (62 FR

61438, November 18, 1997), and by

adding a new airworthiness directive,

Amendment 39–10514, to read as

follows:

98–10–03 Allison Engine Company:

Amendment 39–10514. Docket 97–ANE–

40–AD. Supersedes AD 97–21–09,

Amendment 39–10162.

Applicability: Allison Engine Company

Model 250–C47B turboshaft engines,

installed on but not limited to Bell Helicopter

Textron, A Division of Textron Canada Ltd.

(BHTC) Model 407 helicopters.

Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD)

applies to each engine identified in the

preceding applicability provision, regardless

of whether it has been modified, altered, or

repaired in the area subject to the

requirements of this AD. For engines that

have been modified, altered, or repaired so

that the performance of the requirements of

this AD is affected, the owner/operator must

request approval for an alternative method of

compliance in accordance with paragraph (e)

of this AD. The request should include an

assessment of the effect of the modification,

alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition

addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe

condition has not been eliminated, the

request should include specific proposed

actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless

accomplished previously. To prevent

uncommanded inflight engine shutdowns,

which can result in autorotation, forced

landing, and possible loss of the helicopter,

accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to further flight, replace the engine

main electrical harness assembly, part

number (P/N) 23062796, with an improved

assembly, P/N 23065805, in accordance with

Allison Engine Company Alert Commercial

Engine Bulletin (CEB) CEB–A–73–6010,

dated October 15, 1996.

(b) Prior to May 20, 1998, install a new

hydromechanical control unit (HMU) and

electronic control unit (ECU) in accordance

with Allison Engine Company Alert CEB–A–

73–6015, Revision 1, dated July 30, 1997, or

Revision 2, dated October 31, 1997.

(c) After completing the requirements of

paragraph (b) of this AD, and prior to further

flight:

(1) Remove the ‘‘OVRSPD SYSTEM INOP’’

placard required by paragraph (d) of AD 96–

24–09, and

(2) Revise the FAA-approved Rotorcraft

Flight Manual (RFM) by removing the pages

added by paragraph (f) of AD 96–24–09, and

incorporate BHTC RFM BHT–407–FM–1,

Revision 5, dated June 24, 1997.

(d) Within 45 days after the effective date

of this AD, install a corrosion resistant

electronic control unit (ECU) in accordance

with Allison Engine Company Alert CEB–A–

73–6017, Revision 1, dated February 18,

1998, or Revision 2, dated April 9, 1998.

Installation of a corrosion resistant ECU in

accordance with this paragraph will satisfy

the requirement in paragraph (b) of this AD

to install a new ECU.

(e) An alternative method of compliance or

adjustment of the compliance time that

provides an acceptable level of safety may be

used if approved by the Manager, Chicago

Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall

submit their requests through an appropriate

FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who

may add comments and then send it to the

Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification

Office.

Note 2: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this airworthiness directive,

if any, may be obtained from the Chicago

Aircraft Certification Office.

(f) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199

of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to

a location where the requirements of this AD

can be accomplished.

(g) The actions required by this AD shall

be done in accordance with the following

service documents:
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 89 / Friday, May 8, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 25391

Document No. Pages Revision Date

Allison Engine Company Alert, CEB–A–73–6010 .......................................................... 1–7 ................... Original ............. October 15, 1996.

Total pages: 7.

BHTC Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT–407–FM–1 ........................................................... Cover ................ 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

NP .................... 3 ....................... July 30, 1996.

A,B .................... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

C/D ................... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

1–3 ................... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

1–4–1–7 ........... 4 ....................... November 4, 1996.

1–8 ................... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

1–13 ................. 4 ....................... November 4, 1996.

1–14 ................. 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

1–14A/14B ........ 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

1–19/1–20 ........ 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

2–3 ................... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

2–4 ................... 1 ....................... March 8, 1996.

2–7–2–10 ......... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

2–13, 2–14 ....... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

3–3–3–5 ........... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

3–6 ................... 2 ....................... May 9, 1996.

3–7, 3–8 ........... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

3–15 ................. 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

3–16 ................. 2 ....................... May 9, 1996.

3–17–3–22 ....... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

4–5, 4–6 ........... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

4–9 ................... Original ............. February 9, 1996.

4–10–4–12 ....... 5 ....................... June 24, 1997.

Total pages: 40.

Allison Engine Company Alert, CEB–A–73–6015 .......................................................... 1–4 ................... 1 ....................... July 30, 1997.

Total pages: 4.

Allison Engine Company Alert, CEB–A–73–6015 .......................................................... 1–4 ................... 2 ....................... October 31, 1997.

Total pages: 4.

Allison Engine Company Alert, CEB–A–73–6017 .......................................................... 1–5 ................... 1 ....................... February 18, 1998.

Total pages: 5

Allison Engine Company Alert, CEB–A–73–6017 .......................................................... 1–5 ................... 2 ....................... April 9, 1998.

Total pages: 5

(h) The incorporation by reference of

Allison Engine Company Alert CEB–A–73–

6010, dated October 15, 1996, CEB A–73–

6015, Revision 1, dated July 30, 1997, and

Revision 2, dated October 31, 1997, and

BHTC RFM BHT–407–FM–1, Revision 5,

dated June 24, 1997, was approved

previously by the Director of the Federal

Register as of December 3, 1997 (62 FR

61438, November 18, 1997).

(i) The incorporation by reference of

Allison Engine Company Alert CEB–A–73–

6017, Revision 1, dated February 18, 1998,

and Revision 2, dated April 9, 1998, is

approved by the Director of the Federal

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)

and 1 CFR part 51 as of May 26, 1998.

(j) Copies of these service documents may

be obtained from Allison Engine Company,

P.O. Box 420, Speed Code P–40A,

Indianapolis, IN 46206–0420; telephone (317)

230–2720, fax (317) 230–3381. Copies may be

inspected at the FAA, New England Region,

Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New

England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or

at the Office of the Federal Register, 800

North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,

Washington, DC.

(k) This amendment becomes effective on

May 26, 1998.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on

April 29, 1998.

Thomas A. Boudreau,

Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–12063 Filed 5–7–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation

and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 918

[SPATS No. LA–017–FOR]

Louisiana Regulatory Program

AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining

Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM),

Interior.

ACTION: Final rule; approval of

amendment.

SUMMARY: OSM is approving a proposed

amendment to the Louisiana regulatory

program (hereinafter referred to as the

‘‘Louisiana program’’) under the Surface

Mining Control and Reclamation Act of

1977 (SMCRA). Louisiana proposed

revisions to and additions of regulations

pertaining to definitions, request for