SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: “Comments to Docket Number 99-NE-47-AD.” The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-47-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received a report of a McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems 369D helicopter with an Allison Engine Company Model 250-C20B turboshaft engine that lost power at approximately 150 feet and autorotated to a forced landing. The subsequent investigation revealed contamination at the fuel pump filter, fuel control unit screen, and the fuel nozzle screen. Three additional loss of power events dating back to 1994 have been associated with some level of fuel system contamination. In each case, the fuel nozzle screen was contaminated. This condition, if not corrected, could result in an in-flight engine shutdown due to blockage of the fuel nozzle screen, which can result in autorotation and forced landing.

Proposed Actions

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the proposed AD would require a one-time visual inspection of the fuel nozzle screen for contamination at the next scheduled 300-hour inspection or after 300 hours time-in-service from the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first. If contamination is found, this proposal would require, prior to further flight, replacement of the fuel nozzle screen with a serviceable screen, visual inspection of the entire fuel system for contamination, and repair, if necessary. These proposed actions have been coordinated with the Rotorcraft Directorate of the FAA. In addition, this proposal would require reporting the results of the one-time inspection to the FAA to determine if repetitive inspections may be required by future rulemaking. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the service information described previously.

Economic Analysis

There are approximately 14,000 engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 6,000 engines installed on rotorcraft of US registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work hour per engine ( printed page 24136) to accomplish the visual inspection of the fuel nozzle screen, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $150 per engine. If the fuel nozzle screen is contaminated, it must be replaced and the entire fuel system must be inspected. The FAA estimates these actions to take 8 work hours, with a parts cost of $2,600 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on US operators is estimated to be $1,814,400.

Regulatory Impact

This proposal does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order No. 13132, because it 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. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this proposal.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed regulation (1) is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order No. 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES .

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: