00-7762. Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Artouste III Series Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Turbomeca Artouste III series turboshaft engines, that requires smoke emissions checks after every ground engine shutdown. If smoke is detected, this AD would require inspecting for fuel flow. If fuel flow is not detected, the engine may have injection wheel cracks, which would require removing the engine from service for repair. If fuel flow is detected, the engine may have a malfunctioning electric fuel cock, which would require removing the electric fuel cock from service and replacing it with a serviceable part. This action is prompted by reports of cracked injection wheels. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent injection wheel cracks, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown.

DATES:

Effective June 12, 2000. The incorporation by reference of certain publications in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 12, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

The service information referenced in the rule may be obtained from Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone [phone], fax [phone]. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Glorianne Niebuhr, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone [phone], fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Turbomeca Turboshaft Artouste III series turboshaft engines was published in the Federal Register December 8, 1999 (64 FR 68644). That action proposed to require smoke emissions checks after every ground engine shutdown. If smoke is detected, that action would require inspecting for fuel flow. If fuel flow is not detected, the engine may have injection wheel cracks, which would require removing the engine from service for repair. If fuel flow is detected, the engine may have a malfunctioning electric fuel cock, which would require removing the electric fuel cock from service and replacing it with a serviceable part. That action was prompted by reports of cracked injection wheels. That condition, if not corrected, could result in an in-flight engine shutdown.

Comments Received

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Economic Analysis

There are approximately 2,279 engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 184 engines installed on rotorcraft of U.S. registry would be affected by this AD, that it would take approximately 1 work hour per engine to accomplish the actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $3,500 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $655,040.

Regulatory Impact

This rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this rule.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2000-06-12 Turbomeca: Amendment 39-11653. Docket 99-NE-33-AD.

Applicability: Turbomeca Artouste III B-B1-D series turboshaft engines, installed on but not limited to Eurocopter SA 315 LAMA and SA 316 Alouette III helicopters.

Note 1:

This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent injection wheel cracks, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown, accomplish the following:

Smoke Check

(a) Following every engine ground shutdown, accomplish the following in accordance with Turbomeca Artouste III Service Bulletin (SB) No. 218 72 0099, dated September 14, 1998:

(1) After every flight, check for smoke emissions through the exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during rundown and after every engine shutdown. If a smoke emission has been noticed, check the fuel system before the next flight to identify the origin of the smoke emissions.

(2) If smoke is not detected, no action is required until the next engine ground shutdown.

(3) If smoke is detected, inspect for fuel flow in accordance with paragraph 2.B.(1) and 2.B.(2) of the referenced SB.

(i) If fuel flow is not detected, prior to further flight, remove the engine from service and replace with a serviceable engine.

(ii) If fuel flow is detected, remove the electric fuel cock from service and replace with a serviceable part in accordance with section 2.B.(4) and 2.B.(5) of the referenced SB .

(iii) Before entry into service, perform an engine ground run and check the fuel system again for smoke emissions through the exhaust pipe, air intake, or turbine casing drain during engine rundown and after shut-down; if smoke emissions still remain after replacement of the electric fuel cock, prior to further flight, remove the engine from service and replace with a serviceable engine.

(b) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable engine is defined as an engine that does not exhibit smoke emissions.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Engine Certification Office. Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Engine Certification Office.

Note 2:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.

Ferry Flights

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the rotorcraft to a location where the inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

(e) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Turbomeca Artouste III Service Bulletin (SB) No. 218 72 0099, dated September 14, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone [phone], fax [phone]. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on June 12, 2000.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 21, 2000.

David A. Downey,

Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.