Rules and Regulations. Final rule

Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT
Action: Final rule
Citation: FR Doc. 2016-26184 · RIN 2120-AA64 · 14 CFR 39

Summary

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1, 1A, 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1B2, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. This AD requires removing the centrifugal impeller and replacing with a part eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by an anomaly that occurred during the grinding operation required by modification TU376, which increases the clearance between the rear curvic coupling of the centrifugal impeller and the fuel injection manifold. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the centrifugal impeller, uncontained centrifugal impeller release, damage to the engine, and damage to the helicopter.

Dates

This AD becomes effective December 6, 2016.

Supplementary Information

Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 28, 2016 (81 FR 49575). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Turbomeca reported an anomaly that was generated during the grinding operation associated to the application of modification TU376, which increases the clearance between the rear curvic coupling of the centrifugal impeller and the fuel injection manifold. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to crack initiation and propagation in the centrifugal impeller bore area, possibly resulting in centrifugal impeller failure, with consequent damage to, and reduced control of, the helicopter. To address this potential unsafe condition, the life of the affected centrifugal impellers was reduced and Turbomeca published Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 292 72 0848 to inform operators about the life reduction and to provide instructions for the replacement of the affected centrifugal impellers. For the reasons described above, this AD requires replacement of each affected centrifugal impeller before it exceeds the applicable reduced life limit. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-6990. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (81 FR 49575, July 28, 2016) or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed. Related Service Information Turbomeca S.A. has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 292 72 0848, Version B, dated April 13, 2016. The MSB describes procedures for reducing the life limit of the centrifugal impellers affected by an anomaly that occurred during the grinding operation required by modification TU376. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 3 engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 22 hours per engine to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. Required parts cost about $96,518 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be $295,164. 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), (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. Adoption of the Amendment 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2016-22-10 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-186990; Docket No. FAA-2016-6990; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-14-AD. (a) Effective Date This AD becomes effective December 6, 2016. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to certain Arriel 1, 1A, 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1B2, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines, with modification TU376 installed. (d) Reason This AD was prompted by an anomaly that occurred during the grinding operation required by modification TU376, which increases the clearance between the rear curvic coupling of the centrifugal impeller and the fuel injection manifold. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the centrifugal impeller, uncontained centrifugal impeller release, damage to the engine, and damage to the helicopter. (e) Actions and Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) Remove from service, any centrifugal impeller listed in Table 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD, before exceeding the applicable cycles since new (CSN) and replace with a centrifugal impeller not listed in Table 1 to paragraph (e) of this AD. Table 1 to Paragraph ( e )—Centrifugal Impeller CSNs Part No. Serial No. CSN 0292254040 44 5,129 0292254040 1762FT 11,476 0292254050 1676CAR 6,281 0292254050 5333OTT 5,495 0292254050 5017OTT 5,491 0292254050 1136CAR 8,734 0292254050 3655OTT 4,600 0292254050 1757CAR 7,913 0292254050 1738CAR 10,640 0292254050 1149CAR 12,273 0292254050 2677OTT 11,145 0292254050 3109OTT 10,662 0292254050 3496OTT 5,562 0292254050 2074CAR 7,423 729225293A 290CAR 6,326 729225293A 1227FT 8,139 729225293A 504FB 4,600 729225293A 2517OTT 9,732 729225293A 2165OTT 6,163 729225293A 2194FT 11,461 729225293A 1331OTT 12,513 729225293A 1301FT 7,262 729225293A 1567FT 6,305 729225293A 783FB 8,307 729225293A 98OTT 9,492 (2) Reserved. (f) 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. (g) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Philip Haberlen, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7770; fax: 781-238-7199; email: philip.haberlen@faa.gov. (2) Refer to MCAI, European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2016-0090, dated May 10, 2016, for more 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-2016-6990. (h) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 24, 2016. Colleen M. D'Alessandro, Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016-26184 Filed 10-31-16; 8:45 am]