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###### Department of Transportation

###### Federal Aviation Administration 

          - 14 CFR Part 39 
          - [Docket No. 2000-NE-32-AD] 
          - RIN 2120-AA64 

# AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. 

# ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 

# SUMMARY:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Honeywell International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc., and Textron Lycoming) T5313B series, T5317 series, and former military T53 series, turboshaft engines having certain serial number centrifugal compressor impellers, installed. This proposal would require for T5313B series and T5317 series engines, initial and repetitive inspections of those compressor impellers, if installed. This proposal would also require for T53 series engines, a revised operating cycle count (prorate) for those compressor impellers if installed, and initial and repetitive inspections, with eventual compressor impeller replacement. In addition, this proposal would require the marking of those compressor impellers. This proposal is prompted by a report from the supplier that four centrifugal compressor impellers may have been inadvertently misidentified. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent premature failure of the impellers from being operated beyond their design service life, which could result in an uncontained engine failure, in-flight shutdown, or damage to the helicopter. 

# DATES:

Comments must be received by August 13, 2001. 

# ADDRESSES:

Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-32-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov”. Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line. Comments may be inspected at this location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The service information referenced in this proposed rule may be obtained from Honeywell International, Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc. and Textron Lycoming), Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003, telephone: (602) 365-2493; fax: (602) 365-5577. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. 

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone: (562) 627-5245; fax: (562) 627-5210. 

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

## Comments Invited 

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed 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 above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in light of the comments received. 

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket. 

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: “Comments to Docket Number 2000-NE-32-AD.” The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. 

## Availability of NPRM's 

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-32-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. 

## Discussion 

                    The manufacturer recently notified the FAA of four centrifugal compressor impellers, serial numbers 83317, 83327, 83328, and 83330, that may have been inadvertently misidentified. These impellers are installed in Honeywell International, Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc., and Textron Lycoming) T5313B series, T5317 series, and T53 series turboshaft engines. This misidentification allows these impellers to be operated beyond their design service life. This proposal would require for T5313B series and T5317 series engines, initial and repetitive inspections of those compressor impellers, if installed. This proposal would also require for T53 series engines, a revised operating cycle count (prorate) for those four centrifugal compressor impellers if installed, and initial and repetitive inspections, with replacement within 300 operating hours or six calendar months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD. In addition, this proposal would require the marking of those four compressor impellers. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent premature failure of the impellers from being operated beyond their design service life, which could result in an uncontained engine failure, in-flight shutdown, or damage to the helicopter.                           ( print page 31567)    

## Manufacturer's Service Information 

The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Honeywell International, Inc. Service Bulletins (SB's) T5313B/17-0020, Revision 5, dated March 31, 2001, T53-L-13B-0020, Revision 2, dated April 25, 2001, T53-L-13B/D-0020, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2001, and T53-L-703-0020, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2001, that describe procedures for conducting a revised centrifugal compressor impeller operating cycle count (prorate). The FAA has also reviewed and approved the technical contents of Textron Lycoming SB T5313B/17-0052, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993, AlliedSignal, Inc. SB's T53-L-13B-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, T53-L-13B/D-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, and T53-L-703-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, that describe procedures for visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections of centrifugal compressor impellers. 

## Proposed Actions 

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other engines of the same type design registered in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent premature failure of the impellers from being operated beyond their design service life, which could result in an uncontained engine failure, in-flight shutdown, or damage to the helicopter. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with compliance requirements contained in this proposed rule. 

## Economic Impact 

The FAA estimates there are approximately four Honeywell International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc., and Textron Lycoming) T5313B series, T5317 series, and former military T53 series turboshaft engines having the misidentified centrifugal compressor impellers, that are installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA also estimates that it would take approximately eight work hours per engine to accomplish the inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. No additional work hour cost would be incurred if the centrifugal compressor impeller is replaced during normal engine disassembly. The prorated cost of a replacement compressor impeller is estimated to be $20,000. Based on these figures, the total labor cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $21,920. 

## Regulatory Impact 

This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this proposed rule. 

                    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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); and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption                     **ADDRESSES**                    .                 

# List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

      - Air transportation
      - Aircraft
      - Aviation safety
      - Safety

## The Proposed Amendment 

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 

**Honeywell International, Inc.**                                 Docket 2000-NE-32-AD.                             

## Applicability 

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Honeywell International, Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal, Inc., and Textron Lycoming) T5313B series, T5317 series, and former military T53 series, turboshaft engines with centrifugal compressor impellers having serial numbers (SN's) 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330 installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to Bell Helicopter Textron 204, 205, and 209 series, and Kaman K-1200 series helicopters, and the following surplus military helicopters that have been certified in accordance with sections 21.25 or 21.27 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.25 or 21.27): Bell Helicopter Textron manufactured AH-1, UH-1, and SW-204/205 (UH-1) series. 

# Note 1:

This 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 (i) 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 

Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. 

## Life limits 

(a) When conducting a revised centrifugal compressor impeller operating cycle count on impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, consider these impellers to be centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-07. The life limit must use the value as if these centrifugal compressor impellers are P/N 1-100-078-07. 

## Revised Operating Cycle Count (Prorate) for T53 engines 

(b) For former military T53 series engines, within 25 operating cycles or 7 calendar days, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this airworthiness directive (AD), perform the following: 

(1) Conduct a revised centrifugal compressor impeller operating cycle count (prorate) in accordance with paragraph 2.E.of the Honeywell International, Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) that applies to the engine, from the following list: 

(i) For T53-L-13B series engines, use SB T53-L-13B-0020, Revision 2, dated April 25, 2001. 

(ii) For T53-L-13B/D engines, use SB T53-L-13B/D-0020, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2001. 

(iii) For T53-L-703 engines, use SB T53-L-703-0020, Revision 1, dated April 25, 2001. 

(2) Remove from service centrifugal compressor impellers with SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, that exceed their new life limit as calculated in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this AD. 

## Impeller Marking 

                                (c) At the next access to the centrifugal compressor impeller, mark the impeller by vibropeening a line over the -14 suffix, and vibropeen a -07 suffix immediately following the -14. Use the following vibropeening parameters:                                       ( print page 31568)    

(1) Vibropeen to a depth of 0.001-0.006 inch. 

(2) Do not vibropeen within 0.30 inch of corners, fillets, or sharp edges. 

## Definition 

(d) For the purpose of this AD, access to the centrifugal compressor impeller is defined as whenever the turboshaft engine is disassembled sufficiently as specified by the applicable maintenance manual, to expose the compressor impeller for marking in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. 

## Inspection of Impellers on T5313B and T5317 Series Engines 

(e) For T5313B and T5317 series engines, inspect centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, for cracks in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Textron Lycoming SB No. T5313B/17-0052, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993, as follows: 

(1) For those centrifugal compressor impellers installed on AlliedSignal, Inc. Model T5313B engines, accomplish the following: 

(i) For centrifugal compressor impellers with equal to or greater than 4,600 cycles in service (CIS) on the effective date of this AD, initially inspect within 200 CIS after the effective date of this AD. 

(ii) For those centrifugal compressor impellers with less than 4,600 CIS on the effective date of this AD, initially inspect no later than 4,800 CIS. 

(2) For those centrifugal compressor impellers installed on AlliedSignal, Inc. T5317 series engines, accomplish the following: 

(i) For those centrifugal compressor impellers with equal to or greater than 3,500 CIS on the effective date of this AD, initially inspect within 200 CIS after the effective date of this AD. 

(ii) For those centrifugal compressor impellers with less than 3,500 CIS on the effective date of this AD, initially inspect no later than 3,700 CIS. 

(3) Centrifugal compressor impellers found cracked in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Textron Lycoming SB No. T5313B/17-0052, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993, must be removed from service and replaced with a serviceable part that does not exceed the life limit. 

(4) If no cracks are detected, perform repetitive inspections of the centrifugal compressor impellers at intervals not to exceed 500 CIS since last inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Textron Lycoming SB No. T5313B/17-0052, Revision 2, dated December 16, 1993. 

## Inspection of Impellers on T53-L-13B Series Engines 

(f) For T53-L-13B/D series engines with centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, perform the following: 

(1) Within 25 operating hours from the effective date of this AD, inspect the centrifugal compressor impeller for cracks using the revised cycle count (prorate) required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999. 

(2) If cracks are detected, then prior to further flight, replace centrifugal compressor impellers found cracked in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, and replace with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14. 

(3) If no cracks are detected, perform repetitive inspections of the centrifugal compressor impellers at intervals not to exceed 100 operating hours since last inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999. 

(4) Within 300 operating hours or 6 calendar months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, replace centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14. Replacement of centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14 constitutes terminating action for the inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(3) of this AD. 

## Inspection of Impellers on T53-L-13B/D Series Engines 

(g) For T53-L-13B/D series engines with centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, perform the following: 

(1) Within 25 operating hours from the effective date of this AD, inspect the centrifugal compressor impeller for cracks using the revised cycle count (prorate) required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B/D-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999. 

(2) If cracks are detected, then prior to further flight, replace centrifugal compressor impellers found cracked in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B/D-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, and replace with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14. 

(3) If no cracks are detected, perform repetitive inspections of the centrifugal compressor impellers at intervals not to exceed 100 operating hours since last inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-13B/D-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999. 

(4) Within 300 operating hours or 6 calendar months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, replace centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14. Replacement of centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14 constitutes terminating action for the inspection requirements of paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD. 

## Inspection of Impellers on T53-L-703 Engines 

(h) For T53-L-703 series engines with centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, perform the following: 

(1) Within 25 operating hours from the effective date of this AD, inspect the centrifugal compressor impeller for cracks using the revised cycle count (prorate) required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-703-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999. 

(2) If cracks are detected, then prior to further flight, replace centrifugal compressor impellers found cracked in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-703-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999, and replace with a centrifugal compressor impeller part number (P/N) 1-100-078-13/-14. 

(3) If no cracks are detected, perform repetitive inspections of the centrifugal compressor impellers at intervals not to exceed 100 operating hours since last inspection in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal, Inc. SB No. T53-L-703-0108, Revision 1, dated November 22, 1999. 

(4) Within 300 operating hours or 6 calendar months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, replace centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14. Replacement of centrifugal compressor impellers having SN's 83317, 83327, 83328, or 83330, with a centrifugal compressor impeller P/N 1-100-078-13/-14 constitutes terminating action for the inspection requirements of paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(3) of this AD. 

## Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(i) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. 

# Note 2:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

## Special Flight Permits 

(j) 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 helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

      ( print page 31569)    
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 4, 2001. 

Francis A. Favara, 

Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 01-14672 Filed 6-11-01; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P