82_FR_46920 82 FR 46727 - Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Turboshaft Engines

82 FR 46727 - Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Turboshaft Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 193 (October 6, 2017)

Page Range46727-46729
FR Document2017-21344

We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-03- 11 that applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Arriel 2B and 2B1 turboshaft engines. AD 2012-03-11 requires checking the transmissible torque between the low-pressure (LP) pump impeller and the high-pressure (HP) pump shaft on the HP/LP pump and metering valve assembly, hereafter referred to as the hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU). Since we issued AD 2012-03-11, the manufacturer determined that incorporating Modification TU 178 is a more effective method to reduce the risk of uncoupling between the LP fuel pump impeller and the HP fuel pump shaft than the prior Modification TU 147. This proposed AD would require inspection and possible replacement of the HMU. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 193 (Friday, October 6, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 193 (Friday, October 6, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46727-46729]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21344]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0889; Product Identifier 2009-NE-35-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 
Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-03-
11 that applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Arriel 2B and 
2B1 turboshaft engines. AD 2012-03-11 requires checking the 
transmissible torque between the low-pressure (LP) pump impeller and 
the high-pressure (HP) pump shaft on the HP/LP pump and metering valve 
assembly, hereafter referred to as the hydro-mechanical metering unit 
(HMU). Since we issued AD 2012-03-11, the manufacturer determined that 
incorporating Modification TU 178 is a more effective method to reduce 
the risk of uncoupling between the LP fuel pump impeller and the HP 
fuel pump shaft than the prior Modification TU 147. This proposed AD 
would require inspection and possible replacement of the HMU. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 
2017.

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 NPRM, contact Safran 
Helicopter Engines, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: (33) 05 59 74 40 
00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 781-238-7125. It is also available on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2009-0889.

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-2009-
0889; 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: Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, ECO 
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-
238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0889; 
Product Identifier 2009-NE-35-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    We issued AD 2012-03-11, Amendment 39-16953 (77 FR 8092, February 
14, 2012), ``AD 2012-03-11,'' for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B and 2B1 
turboshaft engines. AD 2012-03-11 requires checking the transmissible 
torque between the LP pump impeller and the HP pump shaft on the pre- 
and post-Modification TU 147 HMUs. AD 2012-03-11 resulted from 
instances of uncoupling between the LP fuel pump impeller and the HP 
fuel pump shaft. We issued AD 2012-03-11 to prevent an uncommanded in-
flight shutdown, which can result in a forced autorotation landing or 
accident.

Actions Since AD 2012-03-11 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2012-03-11, the manufacturer determined that 
modification of an engine to incorporate Modification TU 178 is a more 
effective method to reduce the risk of uncoupling between the LP fuel 
pump impeller and the HP fuel pump shaft than the prior Modification TU 
147. Also since we issued AD 2012-03-11, the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2017-0102, dated June 13, 2017, which 
requires inspection and possible replacement of the HMU.

[[Page 46728]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Turbomeca, S.A., has issued Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 
A292 73 2830, Version B, dated July 10, 2009, and Alert MSB A292 73 
2836, Version A, dated August 17, 2010. Turbomeca Alert MSB A292 73 
2830, Version B, is used to do the inspection for pre-Modification TU 
147 HMUs. Turbomeca Alert MSB A292 73 2836, Version A, is used to do 
the inspection for HMUs that have incorporated Modification TU 147. 
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.

Other Related Service Information

    Safran Helicopter Engines has issued MSB 292 73 2178, Version B, 
dated March 23, 2017, introducing an HMU with a reinforced drive link 
between the LP impeller and fuel pump drive shaft (Modification TU 
178). Safran Helicopter Engines has also issued MSB A292 73 2830, 
Version C; and A292 73 2836, Version B, both dated April 5, 2017, which 
exempt HMUs incorporating Modification TU 178 from the inspections 
previously recommended by Turbomeca.

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 inspection and, depending on the 
results of the inspection, possible replacement of the HMU. This 
proposed AD would further require replacement of pre-Modification TU 
178 HMUs with an HMU incorporating Modification TU 178 within 2,200 
engine flight hours or 72 months, whichever occurs later, after the 
effective date of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 417 engines installed on 
helicopters of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove and replace the HP/LP fuel pump  2 work-hours x $85 per           $17,400         $17,570      $7,326,690
 metering unit.                          hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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) 
2012-03-11, Amendment 39-16953 (77 FR 8092, February 14, 2012), and 
adding the following new AD:

Safran Helicopter Engines (Type Certificate previously held by 
Turbomeca, S.A.): Docket No. FAA-2009-0889; Product Identifier 2009-
NE-35-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 20, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-03-11, Amendment 39-16953 (77 FR 8092, 
February 14, 2012).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Arriel 2B 
and 2B1 turboshaft engines, except those incorporating Modification 
TU 178.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7300, Engine Fuel 
and Control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by analysis that indicated the modification 
of an engine to incorporate Modification TU 178 provides a

[[Page 46729]]

more effective method than Modification TU 147 to reduce the risk of 
uncoupling between the low-pressure (LP) fuel pump impeller and the 
high-pressure (HP) fuel pump shaft of the HP/LP pump and hydro-
mechanical metering unit (HMU). We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the HMU. The unsafe condition, if not corrected, could 
result in failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss of the 
helicopter.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Check the transmissible torque between the LP fuel pump 
impeller and the HP fuel pump shaft as follows:
    (i) For pre-Modification TU 147 HMUs, check the torque before 
accumulating 500 engine flight hours (FHs) since March 11, 2010 or 
before the next flight, whichever occurs later. Use Paragraph 2 of 
Turbomeca Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) A292 73 2830, 
Version B, dated July 10, 2009 to do the check.
    (ii) For HMUs that incorporated Modification TU 147 on or before 
March 31, 2010, and those HMUs not listed in Figures 2 or 3 of 
Turbomeca Alert MSB A292 73 2836, Version A, dated August 17, 2010, 
check the torque before the next flight. Use Paragraph 2 of 
Turbomeca Alert MSB A292 73 2836, Version A, to do the check.
    (2) If the HMU does not pass the torque check, replace the HMU 
with a post-Modification TU 178 HMU before the next flight.

(g) Mandatory Terminating Action

    Within 2,200 engine FHs or 72 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, replace any pre-Modification TU 178 
HMU with a post-Modification TU 178 configuration HMU.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install a pre-
Modification TU 178 HMU on engines incorporating a post-Modification 
TU 178 HMU.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD, 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In 
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal 
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
You may email your request to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Robert Green, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2017-0102, 
dated June 13, 2017, 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-2009-0889.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: (33) 
05 59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 29, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-21344 Filed 10-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 193 / Friday, October 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                        46727

                                                      provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii)       torque between the low-pressure (LP)                  available in the AD docket shortly after
                                                      of this AD apply.                                       pump impeller and the high-pressure                   receipt.
                                                         (i) The steps labeled as RC, including               (HP) pump shaft on the HP/LP pump
                                                      substeps under an RC step and any figures                                                                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                              and metering valve assembly, hereafter
                                                      identified in an RC step, must be done to                                                                     Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
                                                      comply with the AD. If a step or substep is
                                                                                                              referred to as the hydro-mechanical
                                                                                                                                                                    Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
                                                      labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC                      metering unit (HMU). Since we issued
                                                                                                                                                                    Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
                                                      requirement is removed from that step or                AD 2012–03–11, the manufacturer
                                                                                                                                                                    238–7754; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
                                                      substep. An AMOC is required for any                    determined that incorporating
                                                                                                                                                                    robert.green@faa.gov.
                                                      deviations to RC steps, including substeps              Modification TU 178 is a more effective
                                                      and identified figures.                                 method to reduce the risk of uncoupling               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                         (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be                  between the LP fuel pump impeller and
                                                      deviated from using accepted methods in                 the HP fuel pump shaft than the prior                 Comments Invited
                                                      accordance with the operator’s maintenance              Modification TU 147. This proposed AD
                                                      or inspection program without obtaining                                                                         We invite you to send any written
                                                      approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
                                                                                                              would require inspection and possible                 relevant data, views, or arguments about
                                                      including substeps and identified figures, can          replacement of the HMU. We are                        this proposal. Send your comments to
                                                      still be done as specified, and the airplane            proposing this AD to address the unsafe               an address listed under the ADDRESSES
                                                      can be put back in an airworthy condition.              condition on these products.                          section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
                                                      (j) Related Information                                 DATES: We must receive comments on                    2009–0889; Product Identifier 2009–
                                                                                                              this proposed AD by November 20,                      NE–35–AD’’ at the beginning of your
                                                         (1) For more information about this AD,
                                                      contact Lu Lu, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
                                                                                                              2017.                                                 comments. We specifically invite
                                                      Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601                  ADDRESSES:    You may send comments,                  comments on the overall regulatory,
                                                      Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;                 using the procedures found in 14 CFR                  economic, environmental, and energy
                                                      phone: 425–917–6478; fax: 425–917–6590;                 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following              aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
                                                      email: lu.lu@faa.gov.                                   methods:                                              all comments received by the closing
                                                         (2) For service information identified in               • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                date and may amend this NPRM
                                                      this AD, contact Aviation Partners Boeing,                                                                    because of those comments.
                                                      2811 South 102nd Street, Suite 200, Seattle,
                                                                                                              http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                      WA 98168; phone: 1–206–830–7699; fax: 1–                instructions for submitting comments.                    We will post all comments we
                                                      206–767–3355; email: leng@                                 • Fax: 202–493–2251.                               receive, without change, to http://
                                                      aviationpartners.com; Internet: http://                    • Mail: U.S. Department of                         www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                      www.aviationpartnersboeing.com. You may                 Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                 personal information you provide. We
                                                      view this referenced service information at             30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                  will also post a report summarizing each
                                                      the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601               W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                  substantive verbal contact we receive
                                                      Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For                        Washington, DC 20590.                                 about this NPRM.
                                                      information on the availability of this                    • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
                                                      material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.                 address above between 9 a.m. and 5                    Discussion
                                                        Issued in Renton, Washington, on                      p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                      September 25, 2017.                                     Federal holidays.                                       We issued AD 2012–03–11,
                                                      Dionne Palermo,                                            For service information identified in              Amendment 39–16953 (77 FR 8092,
                                                                                                              this NPRM, contact Safran Helicopter                  February 14, 2012), ‘‘AD 2012–03–11,’’
                                                      Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
                                                      Aircraft Certification Service.                         Engines, S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France;                  for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B and
                                                                                                              phone: (33) 05 59 74 40 00; fax: (33) 05              2B1 turboshaft engines. AD 2012–03–11
                                                      [FR Doc. 2017–21225 Filed 10–5–17; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                              59 74 45 15. You may view this service                requires checking the transmissible
                                                      BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                              information at the FAA, Engine and                    torque between the LP pump impeller
                                                                                                              Propeller Standards Branch, 1200                      and the HP pump shaft on the pre- and
                                                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For                  post-Modification TU 147 HMUs. AD
                                                                                                              information on the availability of this               2012–03–11 resulted from instances of
                                                      Federal Aviation Administration                         material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.               uncoupling between the LP fuel pump
                                                                                                              It is also available on the Internet at               impeller and the HP fuel pump shaft.
                                                      14 CFR Part 39                                          http://www.regulations.gov by searching               We issued AD 2012–03–11 to prevent an
                                                                                                              for and locating Docket No. FAA–2009–                 uncommanded in-flight shutdown,
                                                      [Docket No. FAA–2009–0889; Product                                                                            which can result in a forced
                                                      Identifier 2009–NE–35–AD]                               0889.
                                                                                                                                                                    autorotation landing or accident.
                                                      RIN 2120–AA64                                           Examining the AD Docket
                                                                                                                                                                    Actions Since AD 2012–03–11 Was
                                                                                                                You may examine the AD docket on                    Issued
                                                      Airworthiness Directives; Safran
                                                                                                              the Internet at http://
                                                      Helicopter Engines, S.A., Turboshaft
                                                                                                              www.regulations.gov by searching for                     Since we issued AD 2012–03–11, the
                                                      Engines
                                                                                                              and locating Docket No. FAA–2009–                     manufacturer determined that
                                                      AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                0889; or in person at the Docket                      modification of an engine to incorporate
                                                      Administration (FAA), DOT.                              Management Facility between 9 a.m.                    Modification TU 178 is a more effective
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    method to reduce the risk of uncoupling
                                                      (NPRM).                                                 except Federal holidays. The AD docket                between the LP fuel pump impeller and
                                                                                                              contains this proposed AD, the                        the HP fuel pump shaft than the prior
                                                      SUMMARY:  We propose to supersede                       mandatory continuing airworthiness                    Modification TU 147. Also since we
                                                      airworthiness directive (AD) 2012–03–                   information, regulatory evaluation, any               issued AD 2012–03–11, the European
                                                      11 that applies to all Safran Helicopter                comments received, and other                          Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has
                                                      Engines, S.A., Arriel 2B and 2B1                        information. The address for the Docket               issued AD 2017–0102, dated June 13,
                                                      turboshaft engines. AD 2012–03–11                       Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the                2017, which requires inspection and
                                                      requires checking the transmissible                     ADDRESSES section. Comments will be                   possible replacement of the HMU.


                                                 VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:27 Oct 05, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00012   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\06OCP1.SGM   06OCP1


                                                      46728                    Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 193 / Friday, October 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                      Related Service Information Under 1                     Other Related Service Information                     develop in other products of the same
                                                      CFR Part 51                                                                                                   type design.
                                                                                                                Safran Helicopter Engines has issued
                                                        Turbomeca, S.A., has issued Alert                     MSB 292 73 2178, Version B, dated                     Proposed AD Requirements
                                                      Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) A292                   March 23, 2017, introducing an HMU                      This proposed AD would require
                                                      73 2830, Version B, dated July 10, 2009,                with a reinforced drive link between the              inspection and, depending on the
                                                      and Alert MSB A292 73 2836, Version                     LP impeller and fuel pump drive shaft                 results of the inspection, possible
                                                      A, dated August 17, 2010. Turbomeca                     (Modification TU 178). Safran                         replacement of the HMU. This proposed
                                                      Alert MSB A292 73 2830, Version B, is                   Helicopter Engines has also issued MSB                AD would further require replacement
                                                      used to do the inspection for pre-                      A292 73 2830, Version C; and A292 73                  of pre-Modification TU 178 HMUs with
                                                      Modification TU 147 HMUs. Turbomeca                     2836, Version B, both dated April 5,                  an HMU incorporating Modification TU
                                                      Alert MSB A292 73 2836, Version A, is                   2017, which exempt HMUs                               178 within 2,200 engine flight hours or
                                                                                                              incorporating Modification TU 178 from                72 months, whichever occurs later, after
                                                      used to do the inspection for HMUs that
                                                                                                              the inspections previously                            the effective date of this AD.
                                                      have incorporated Modification TU 147.
                                                                                                              recommended by Turbomeca.
                                                      This service information is reasonably                                                                        Costs of Compliance
                                                      available because the interested parties                FAA’s Determination
                                                                                                                                                                       We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                      have access to it through their normal
                                                                                                                We are proposing this AD because we                 affects 417 engines installed on
                                                      course of business or by the means
                                                                                                              evaluated all the relevant information                helicopters of U.S. registry.
                                                      identified in the ADDRESSES section.                    and determined the unsafe condition                      We estimate the following costs to
                                                                                                              described previously is likely to exist or            comply with this proposed AD:

                                                                                                                            ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                       Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                                                                            Action                                               Labor cost                         Parts cost         product        operators

                                                      Remove and replace the HP/LP fuel pump                 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 .............            $17,400           $17,570      $7,326,690
                                                        metering unit.



                                                      Authority for This Rulemaking                           Regulatory Findings                                   PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
                                                         Title 49 of the United States Code                     We have determined that this                        DIRECTIVES
                                                      specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                  proposed AD would not have federalism
                                                                                                                                                                    ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                      rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                   implications under Executive Order
                                                                                                                                                                    continues to read as follows:
                                                      Section 106, describes the authority of                 13132. This proposed AD would not
                                                      the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,                    have a substantial direct effect on the                   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
                                                      Aviation Programs, describes in more                    States, on the relationship between the               § 39.13    [Amended]
                                                      detail the scope of the Agency’s                        national Government and the States, or
                                                      authority.                                                                                                    ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
                                                                                                              on the distribution of power and
                                                         We are issuing this rulemaking under                                                                       removing airworthiness directive (AD)
                                                                                                              responsibilities among the various
                                                      the authority described in Subtitle VII,                                                                      2012–03–11, Amendment 39–16953 (77
                                                                                                              levels of government.
                                                      Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,                                                                           FR 8092, February 14, 2012), and adding
                                                                                                                For the reasons discussed above, I
                                                      ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                                                                          the following new AD:
                                                                                                              certify that the proposed regulation:
                                                      section, Congress charges the FAA with                    (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory               Safran Helicopter Engines (Type Certificate
                                                      promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in              action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                     previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.):
                                                      air commerce by prescribing regulations                   (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under                 Docket No. FAA–2009–0889; Product
                                                      for practices, methods, and procedures                  the DOT Regulatory Policies and                           Identifier 2009–NE–35–AD.
                                                      the Administrator finds necessary for                   Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,                 (a) Comments Due Date
                                                      safety in air commerce. This regulation                 1979),                                                  We must receive comments by November
                                                      is within the scope of that authority                     (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation             20, 2017.
                                                      because it addresses an unsafe condition                in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
                                                      that is likely to exist or develop on                                                                         (b) Affected ADs
                                                                                                              making a regulatory distinction, and
                                                      products identified in this rulemaking                    (4) Will not have a significant                       This AD replaces AD 2012–03–11,
                                                      action.                                                 economic impact, positive or negative,                Amendment 39–16953 (77 FR 8092, February
                                                         This AD is issued in accordance with                                                                       14, 2012).
                                                                                                              on a substantial number of small entities
                                                      authority delegated by the Executive                    under the criteria of the Regulatory                  (c) Applicability
                                                      Director, Aircraft Certification Service,               Flexibility Act.                                         This AD applies to Safran Helicopter
                                                      as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.                                                                          Engines, S.A., Arriel 2B and 2B1 turboshaft
                                                      In accordance with that order, issuance                 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                                                                                    engines, except those incorporating
                                                      of ADs is normally a function of the                      Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation              Modification TU 178.
                                                      Compliance and Airworthiness                            safety, Incorporation by reference,                   (d) Subject
                                                      Division, but during this transition                    Safety.
                                                      period, the Executive Director has                                                                              Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
                                                      delegated the authority to issue ADs                    The Proposed Amendment                                Code 7300, Engine Fuel and Control.
                                                      applicable to engines, propellers, and                    Accordingly, under the authority                    (e) Unsafe Condition
                                                      associated appliances to the Manager,                   delegated to me by the Administrator,                    This AD was prompted by analysis that
                                                      Engine and Propeller Standards Branch,                  the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part                 indicated the modification of an engine to
                                                      Policy and Innovation Division.                         39 as follows:                                        incorporate Modification TU 178 provides a



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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 193 / Friday, October 6, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                        46729

                                                      more effective method than Modification TU              2017, for more information. You may                   ADDRESSES:   You may send comments,
                                                      147 to reduce the risk of uncoupling between            examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the              using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                                                      the low-pressure (LP) fuel pump impeller                Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by             11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
                                                      and the high-pressure (HP) fuel pump shaft              searching for and locating it in Docket No.
                                                                                                                                                                    methods:
                                                      of the HP/LP pump and hydro-mechanical                  FAA–2009–0889.
                                                      metering unit (HMU). We are issuing this AD               (3) For service information identified in             • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                                      to prevent failure of the HMU. The unsafe               this AD, contact Safran Helicopter Engines,           http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                      condition, if not corrected, could result in            S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: (33) 05 59         instructions for submitting comments.
                                                      failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and          74 40 00; fax: (33) 05 59 74 45 15. You may             • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                      loss of the helicopter.                                 view this referenced service information at             • Mail: U.S. Department of
                                                                                                              the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards               Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                                      (f) Compliance
                                                                                                              Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,             30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
                                                         Comply with this AD within the                       MA 01803. For information on the
                                                      compliance times specified, unless already                                                                    W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
                                                                                                              availability of this material at the FAA, call
                                                      done.                                                                                                         Washington, DC 20590.
                                                                                                              781–238–7125.
                                                         (1) Check the transmissible torque between                                                                   • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
                                                      the LP fuel pump impeller and the HP fuel                 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on             address above between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                      pump shaft as follows:                                  September 29, 2017.                                   p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                         (i) For pre-Modification TU 147 HMUs,                Robert J. Ganley,                                     Federal holidays.
                                                      check the torque before accumulating 500                Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards                 For service information identified in
                                                      engine flight hours (FHs) since March 11,               Branch, Aircraft Certification Service.               this NPRM, contact Airbus,
                                                      2010 or before the next flight, whichever
                                                      occurs later. Use Paragraph 2 of Turbomeca
                                                                                                              [FR Doc. 2017–21344 Filed 10–5–17; 8:45 am]           Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond
                                                      Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB)                  BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
                                                      A292 73 2830, Version B, dated July 10, 2009                                                                  Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
                                                      to do the check.                                                                                              96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
                                                         (ii) For HMUs that incorporated                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
                                                      Modification TU 147 on or before March 31,                                                                    Internet http://www.airbus.com. You
                                                      2010, and those HMUs not listed in Figures              Federal Aviation Administration                       may view this referenced service
                                                      2 or 3 of Turbomeca Alert MSB A292 73                                                                         information at the FAA, Transport
                                                      2836, Version A, dated August 17, 2010,                 14 CFR Part 39
                                                      check the torque before the next flight. Use                                                                  Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                                      Paragraph 2 of Turbomeca Alert MSB A292                 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0902; Product                    SW., Renton, WA. For information on
                                                      73 2836, Version A, to do the check.                    Identifier 2016–NM–188–AD]                            the availability of this material at the
                                                         (2) If the HMU does not pass the torque                                                                    FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                      check, replace the HMU with a post-                     RIN 2120–AA64
                                                      Modification TU 178 HMU before the next                                                                       Examining the AD Docket
                                                      flight.                                                 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                         You may examine the AD docket on
                                                                                                              Airplanes                                             the Internet at http://
                                                      (g) Mandatory Terminating Action
                                                         Within 2,200 engine FHs or 72 months                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation                              www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                      after the effective date of this AD, whichever          Administration (FAA), DOT.                            and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                      occurs first, replace any pre-Modification TU           ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                                                                                                                                    0902; or in person at the Docket
                                                      178 HMU with a post-Modification TU 178                 (NPRM).                                               Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                                      configuration HMU.                                                                                            and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                                      (h) Installation Prohibition                            SUMMARY:   We propose to supersede                    except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                                                                                              Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004–03–                 contains this proposed AD, the
                                                        After the effective date of this AD, do not
                                                      install a pre-Modification TU 178 HMU on                07, which applies to certain Airbus                   regulatory evaluation, any comments
                                                      engines incorporating a post-Modification TU            Model A320–111, –211, –212, and –231                  received, and other information. The
                                                      178 HMU.                                                series airplanes. AD 2004–03–07                       street address for the Docket Operations
                                                                                                              requires repetitive inspections for                   office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
                                                      (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance                                                                         the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
                                                      (AMOCs)
                                                                                                              fatigue cracking around the fasteners
                                                                                                              attaching the pressure panel to the                   be available in the AD docket shortly
                                                         (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, may                                                                      after receipt.
                                                                                                              flexible bracket at frame (FR) 36,
                                                      approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
                                                      using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.             adjacent to the longitudinal beams on                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                      In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your              the left and right sides of the airplane;             Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                      request to your principal inspector or local            and repair as necessary. Since we issued              International Section, Transport
                                                      Flight Standards District Office, as                    AD 2004–03–07, additional cracking has                Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
                                                      appropriate. You may email your request to:             been found under the longitudinal                     Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
                                                      ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.                                    beams in locations outside of the                     telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–
                                                         (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                  inspection areas required by AD 2004–                 1149.
                                                      notify your appropriate principal inspector,
                                                                                                              03–07. This proposed AD would retain                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                      or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                                                      of the local flight standards district office/          certain requirements of AD 2004–03–07,
                                                                                                              expand the applicability, and require an              Comments Invited
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      certificate holding district office.
                                                                                                              inspection of the fastener holes on the                 We invite you to send any written
                                                      (j) Related Information                                 pressure panel between FR 35 and FR                   relevant data, views, or arguments about
                                                         (1) For more information about this AD,              36 under the longitudinal beam and                    this proposal. Send your comments to
                                                      contact Robert Green, Aerospace Engineer,               modification or repair as applicable. We              an address listed under the ADDRESSES
                                                      ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,                  are proposing this AD to address the
                                                      Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–                                                                         section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
                                                                                                              unsafe condition on these products.                   2017–0902; Product Identifier 2016–
                                                      7754; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
                                                      robert.green@faa.gov.                                   DATES: We must receive comments on                    NM–188–AD at the beginning of your
                                                         (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation                  this proposed AD by November 20,                      comments. We specifically invite
                                                      Safety Agency AD 2017–0102, dated June 13,              2017.                                                 comments on the overall regulatory,


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Document Created: 2017-10-06 00:09:10
Document Modified: 2017-10-06 00:09:10
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 2017.
ContactRobert Green, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781- 238-7754; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 46727 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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