Document ID: FAA-2014-0164-0007
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
Posted Date: 2015-02-04T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6017-6019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02082]

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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 supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-19-
05 that 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. AD 2014-19-05 requires an initial one-time 
vibration check of the engine accessory gearbox (AGB) on certain higher 
risk Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 model engines and repetitive vibration 
checks for all Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engines. Since we issued AD 2014-
19-05, we determined that a Technical Instruction (TI) number and a 
Test Bed Acceptance Test Specifications number in the Actions and 
Compliance and the Related Information sections are incorrect. This 
proposed AD would correct these numbers. 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 April 6, 2015.

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 http://www.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.
    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 Management Facility 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, regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for the Docket 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 because of 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 we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On September 15, 2014, we issued AD 2014-19-05, Amendment 39-17973 
(79 FR 59091, October 1, 2014), 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. AD 2014-19-05 requires an initial one-
time vibration check of the engine AGB on certain higher risk Arriel 1 
and Arriel 2 model engines. AD 2014-19-05 also requires repetitive 
vibration checks of the engine AGB for all Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 
engines

[[Page 6018]]

at every engine shop visit. AD 2014-19-05 resulted from 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 AGB. We issued AD 2014-19-05 
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.

Actions Since AD 2014-19-05 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2014-19-05, Amendment 39-17973 (79 FR 59091, 
October 1, 2014), we determined that a TI number and a Test Bed 
Acceptance Test Specifications number in the Actions and Compliance and 
the Related Information sections are incorrect. This proposed AD would 
correct these numbers.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Turbomeca S.A. 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 performing vibration checks of the engine AGB.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    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 AD also requires repetitive vibration checks of the 
engine AGB for all Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engines at every engine shop 
visit.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 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 have 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 that the 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2014-19-05, Amendment 39-17973 (79 FR 59091, October 1, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

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

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 6, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2014-19-05, Amendment 39-17973 (79 FR 
59091, October 1, 2014).

(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) Unsafe Condition

    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 part of 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) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (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. 
Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 0839 refers to Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 
Technical Instruction (TI) No. 292 72 0839, Version E, dated 
February 20, 2014, and Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1 TI No. 292 72 0840, 
Version A, dated November 29, 2013, which you must also use to do 
the vibration check.
    (ii) 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.
    (iii) For all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B and 2B1engines, except 
those engines with an AGB installed with an S/N listed in Figure 1 
of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849, Version B, dated November 25, 
2013, use paragraphs 6.A. through 6.C. of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 
72 2849, Version B, dated November 25, 2013, to perform the 
vibration

[[Page 6019]]

check. Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 72 2849 refers to Turbomeca S.A. 
Arriel 2 TI No. 292 72 2849, Version E, dated February 20, 2014, and 
Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2 TI No. 292 72 2850, Version A, dated 
November 29, 2013, which you must also use to do the vibration 
check.
    (iv) 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.
    (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 purpose 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 
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.

(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/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0164-0003.
    (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 TI No. 292 72 0839, Version E, dated 
February 2014; Arriel 1 TI No. 292 72 0840, Version A, 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, Version A, dated 
November 29, 2013, provide detailed instructions on performing the 
one-time vibration check for Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engines as 
indicated. Turbomeca Engine Test Bed Acceptance Test Specifications 
CCT No. 0292009400, Version T; CCT No. 0292019400, Version R; CCT 
No. 0292019690, Version I; CCT No. 0292019530, 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, which are not incorporated by 
reference in this AD, 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 January 26, 2015.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2015-02082 Filed 2-3-15; 8:45 am]
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