[Federal Register: January 3, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 1)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 2-5]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03ja07-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26138; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-38-AD;
Amendment 39-14865; AD 2006-26-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Model Arrius 2B1, 2B1A, and
2B2 Turboshaft Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
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an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the
unsafe condition as:
A simultaneous interruption of the lubrication on both engines
may lead to a double non-commanded in-flight shutdown.
The condition described in the MCAI can lead to a forced
autorotation landing or an accident. This AD requires actions that are
intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective January 18, 2007. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
service bulletins, listed in the AD as of January 18, 2007. We must
receive comments on this AD by February 2, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
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.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain language principles.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the aviation
authority for European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive
2006-0142, dated May 29, 2006 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''),
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
Investigations of incidents which occurred on ARRIUS 2
turboshaft engines have revealed the interruption of engine
lubrication further [due] to oil passage blockage within the
lubrication unit check valve. This blockage comes from the excessive
swelling of the check valve piston o-ring. The level of swelling of
the o-ring depends on the class of the oil used (Standard (STD) or
High-Thermal Stability (HTS)) and the engine operating time. This
phenomenon only affects ARRIUS 2 engines which do not embody
modification Tu122 (i.e.: check-valve piston without o-ring). A
simultaneous interruption of the lubrication on both engines may
lead to a double non-commanded in-flight shutdown. The oil usually
being the same on both engines, available data put into evidence
that this risk has to be considered and that measures to restore the
level of safety have to be imposed on ARRIUS 2 engines without
modification Tu122 embodied.
The condition described in the MCAI can lead to a forced
autorotation landing or an accident. You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Turbomeca has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A319 79 2832,
Update 1, dated April 3, 2006. The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in
the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all the information provided by the State of Design Authority
and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same type design.
Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements take
precedence over the actions copied from the MCAI.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the
compliance time required to correct the unsafe condition, as low as 50
hours in service, is shorter than the time required to collect and
respond to comments. Therefore, we determined that notice and
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable
and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer
than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-26138; Directorate
Identifier 2006-NE-38-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments
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received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those
comments.
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 we
receive about this AD.
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 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 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2006-26-07 Turbomeca: Amendment 39-14865; Docket No. FAA-2006-26138;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-38-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January
18, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Turbomeca Model Arrius 2B1, 2B1A, and 2B2
turboshaft engines that do not embody modification TU122. These
engines are used on, but not limited to Eurocopter EC135 T1 and T2
helicopters.
Reason
(d) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, 2006-0142, dated
May 29, 2006 states:
Investigations of incidents which occurred on ARRIUS 2
turboshaft engines have revealed the interruption of engine
lubrication further [due] to oil passage blockage within the
lubrication unit check valve. This blockage comes from the excessive
swelling of the check valve piston o-ring. The level of swelling of
the o-ring depends on the class of the oil used (Standard (STD) or
High-Thermal Stability (HTS)) and the engine operating time. This
phenomenon only affects ARRIUS 2 engines which do not embody
modification Tu122 (i.e.: check-valve piston without o-ring). A
simultaneous interruption of the lubrication on both engines may
lead to a double non-commanded in-flight shutdown. The oil usually
being the same on both engines, available data put into evidence
that this risk has to be considered and that measures to restore the
level of safety have to be imposed on ARRIUS 2 engines without
modification Tu122 embodied.
The condition described in the EASA AD can lead to a forced
autorotation landing or an accident.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Replace the check-valve piston o-ring according to paragraph
2 of Turbomeca Alert Service Bulletin No A319 79 2832, Update 1,
dated April 3, 2006, within the next 50 operating hours when the
number of operating hours is greater than:
(i) 300 hours for engines operating with HTS-class oil and
engines for which the history of the oils used is not available or
engines which used to operate with HTS-class oil and which no longer
do so.
(ii) 450 hours for engines operating with STD class-oil since
their introduction into service.
(2) Repeat operation of paragraph (1):
(i) Every 300 hours for engines operating with HTS-class oil and
engines for which the history of the oils used is not available or
engines which used to operate with HTS-class oil and which no longer
do so.
(ii) Every 500 hours for engines operating with STD class-oil
since their introduction into service.
FAA AD Differences
(f) None.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Contact Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7175; fax (781) 238-7199 for more information about this AD.
(i) Refer to the EASA Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information (MCAI) Airworthiness Directive 2006-0142, dated May 29,
2006, and Turbomeca Service Bulletin A319 79 2122, dated March 14,
2006, for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Turbomeca Alert Service Bulletin A319 79 2832,
Update 1, dated April 3, 2006, to do the actions required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; Telephone (33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax
(33) 05 59 74 45 15.
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(3) You may review copies 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/
[fxsp0]/federal-register/[fxsp0]cfr/ibr-
locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 21, 2006.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-22272 Filed 12-29-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P