Document ID: FAA-2014-0164-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
Posted Date: 2014-06-04T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 4, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32195-32197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12974]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0164; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-02-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 
1S, 1S1, 2B, 2B1, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1, and 2S2 turboshaft engines. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded in-flight shutdowns 
on Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engines following rupture of 
the 41-tooth gear forming part of the 41/23-tooth bevel gear located in 
the engine accessory gearbox (AGB). This proposed AD would require an 
initial one-time vibration check of the engine AGB on certain higher 
risk Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 model engines. This proposed AD would also 
require repetitive vibration checks of the engine AGB for all Arriel 1 
and Arriel 2 engines at every engine shop visit. We are proposing this 
AD to prevent failure of the engine AGB, which could lead to in-flight 
shutdown and damage to the engine, which may result in damage to the 
aircraft.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 4, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Turbomeca, 
S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; telex: 570 042; 
fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0164; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations 
office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Riley, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7758; 
fax: (781) 238-7199; email: mark.riley@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0164; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-02-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD 2014-0036, dated February 11, 2014 (referred

[[Page 32196]]

to herein after as ``MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Several cases of uncommanded in-flight shut-down (IFSD) have 
been reported on ARRIEL 1 or ARRIEL 2 engines following rupture of 
the 41-tooth gear forming part of the 41/23 tooth bevel gear located 
in the accessory gearbox (AGB) within engine module M01.
    Results of subsequent investigations showed that the meshing 
quality of the bevel gear may have contributed to tooth rupture.
    The rupture of the AGB 41-tooth gear may lead to loss of driving 
of equipment essential to engine operation.
    This condition if not detected and corrected, could lead to an 
uncommanded engine in-flight shut-down and may ultimately lead to an 
emergency landing.

We are proposing an initial one-time vibration check of the engine AGB 
on certain higher risk Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 model engines. We are also 
proposing repetitive vibration checks of the engine AGB for all Arriel 
1 and Arriel 2 engines at every engine shop visit. You may examine the 
MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0164.

Relevant Service Information

    Turbomeca S.A. has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 
72 0839, Version B, dated November 25, 2013, and MSB No. 292 72 2849, 
Version B, dated November 25, 2013. The service information describes 
procedures for correcting the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of France 
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our 
bilateral agreement with the European Community, EASA has notified us 
of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information 
referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all 
information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design. This proposed AD would require vibration checks of the 41/23-
tooth bevel gear assembly of the AGB on certain Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 
and Arriel 2 model turboshaft engines and, if a discrepancy is found, 
replacement of the AGB with a part eligible for installation.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,268 engines installed 
on aircraft of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 
4 hours per engine to comply with the inspection requirement in this 
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $431,120.

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 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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.

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 (AD):

Turbomeca S.A.: Docket No. FAA-2014-0164; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NE-02-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 4, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 
1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, 1S1, 2B, 2B1, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1, 
and 2S2 turboshaft engines.

(d) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded in-flight 
shutdowns on Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engines following 
rupture of the 41-tooth gear forming the 41/23-tooth bevel gear 
located in the engine accessory gearbox (AGB). We are issuing this 
AD to prevent failure of the engine AGB, which could lead to in-
flight shutdown and damage to the engine, which may result in damage 
to the aircraft.

(e) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following.
    (1) For all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1B, 1D, 1D1, 2B, and 2B1 
turboshaft engines, perform a one-time vibration check of the AGB 
41/23-tooth bevel gear meshing within 32 months of the effective 
date of this AD, as follows:
    (i) For all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1B, 1D, and 1D1 engines, 
except those engines with an AGB installed with a serial number (S/
N) listed in Figure 1 of Turbomeca S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(MSB) No. 292 72 0839, Version B, dated November 25, 2013, use 
paragraphs 6.A. through 6.C. of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 0839, 
Version B, dated November 25, 2013, to perform the vibration check. 
The reporting requirements in paragraphs 6.A.(1)(c), 6.A.(2)(b), and 
6.B.(1)(c) and the requirement to return module M01 in paragraph 
6.B.(2)(b)2, of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 0839, Version B, dated 
November 25, 2013, are not required by this AD.
    (ii) For all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B and 2B1engines, except 
those engines with an AGB installed with a S/N listed in Figure 1 of 
Turbomeca MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version B, dated November 25, 2013, 
use paragraphs

[[Page 32197]]

6.A. through 6.C. of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version B, 
dated November 25, 2013, to perform the vibration check. The 
reporting requirements in paragraphs 6.A.(1)(c), 6.A.(2)(b), and 
6.B.(1)(c), and the requirement to return module M01 in paragraph 
6.B.(2)(b)2, of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version B, dated 
November 25, 2013, are not required by this AD.
    (2) For all affected Turbomeca S.A. engines, during each engine 
shop visit after the effective date of this AD, perform a vibration 
check of the AGB 41/23-tooth bevel gear meshing. Guidance on 
performing the vibration check during an engine shop visit can be 
found in the service information listed in paragraph (i)(3) in the 
Related Information section.
    (3) If the AGB does not pass the vibration check required by 
paragraphs (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this AD, replace the AGB with a part 
eligible for installation.

(f) Credit for Previous Action

    If you performed a vibration check of the AGB before the 
effective date of this AD using Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 0839, 
Version A, dated September 9, 2013; or MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version 
A, dated September 9, 2013, or during an engine shop visit per 
paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, you met the initial inspection 
requirement of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.

(g) Definition

    For the purposes of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges. The separation 
of engine flanges solely for the purpose of transportation without 
subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop 
visit.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mark Riley, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: (781) 238-7758; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: 
mark.riley@faa.gov.
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2014-0036, 
dated February 11, 2014, for related information. You may examine 
the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0164.
    (3) Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 0839, Version B, dated 
November 25, 2013; and MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version B, dated 
November 25, 2013, provide guidance on performing the one-time 
vibration check. Arriel 1 Technical Instruction (TI) No. 292 72 
0839, Version E, dated February 20, 2014; Arriel 1 TI No. 292 72 
0840, dated November 29, 2013; Arriel 2 TI No. 292 72 2849, Version 
E, dated February 20, 2014; and Arriel 2 TI No. 292 72 2850, dated 
November 29, 2013, provide detailed instructions on performing the 
one-time vibration check for Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engines, 
respectively. Turbomeca Engine Test Bed Acceptance Test 
Specifications CCT No. 0292009400, Version T; CCT No. 0292019400, 
Version R; CCT No. 0292019690, Version I; CCT No. 029201530, Version 
K; CCT No. 0292019610, Version K; CCT No. 0292029450, Version J; CCT 
No. 0292029490, Version I; CCT No. 0292029440, Version I; CCT No. 
0292029480, Version K; CCT No. 0292029520, Version H; CCT No. 
0292029410, Version L; CCT No. 0292029530, Version H; or Turbomeca 
ID No. 383952; or Turbomeca RTD No. X 292 65 327 2, provide 
information on performing a vibration check during an engine shop 
visit. These service documents can be obtained from Turbomeca S.A. 
using the contact information in paragraph (i)(4) of this proposed 
AD.
    (4) For service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Turbomeca, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 
40 00; telex: 570 042; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 28, 2014.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-12974 Filed 6-3-14; 8:45 am]
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