[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 78 (Monday, April 24, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20017-20019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-9472]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-ANE-58; Amendment 39-9203; AD 95-08-14]
Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal, Inc. (Formerly Textron
Lycoming) LTS101 Series Turboshaft Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) LTS101
series turboshaft engines. This action requires a one-time replacement
of magnetic speed pickups in the engine electronic overspeed protection
system, or inspection, and replacement, if necessary, of pickups with
incorrect polarity. This amendment is prompted by reports of a
manufacturing error that resulted in improper sensor polarity of
magnetic speed pickups. The actions specified in this AD are intended
to prevent the engine electronic overspeed protection system from
failing to function as designed, which can result in the inability to
arrest an uncontrolled power turbine (PT) rotor overspeed and damage to
the aircraft.
DATES: Effective May 9, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 9, 1995.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before June 23, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-58, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
AlliedSignal Engines, 550 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06497; telephone
(203) 385-1470, fax (203) 385-2256. This information may be examined at
the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eugene Triozzi, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (617)
238-7148, fax (617) 238-7199.
[[Page 20018]] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has received reports of a manufacturing error that
resulted in improper sensor polarity of magnetic speed pickups on
certain AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) Models LTS101-
650B1, -750B1, -650C3/3A, and -750C1 turboshaft engines. These engines
incorporate an engine electronic overspeed protection system installed
in production or retrofitted in accordance with Textron Lycoming
Service Bulletin (SB) No. LTS101B-73-10-0127, Revision 2, dated August
14, 1992, or previous revisions; or SB No. LTS101C-73-10-0129, Revision
3, dated August 14, 1992, or previous revisions. The engine electronic
overspeed protection system utilizes signals from two magnetic pickups
to sense and arrest power turbine (PT) rotor overspeed. The improper
sensor polarity induced by the manufacturing error can result in a
malfunctioning engine electronic overspeed protection system although
the system self-test indicates normal operation. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in the engine electronic overspeed protection
system failing to function as designed, which can result in the
inability to arrest an uncontrolled PT rotor overspeed and damage to
the aircraft.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of
AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LTS101-73-10-0169, dated December 12, 1994,
that describes procedures for a one-time replacement of magnetic speed
pickups in the engine electronic overspeed protection system, or
inspection, and replacement, if necessary, of pickups with incorrect
polarity.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other AlliedSignal, Inc. LTS101 series engines of
the same type design, this airworthiness directive (AD) is being issued
to prevent the engine electronic overspeed protection system from
failing to function as designed. This AD requires a one-time
replacement of magnetic speed pickups in the engine electronic
overspeed protection system, or inspection, and replacement, if
necessary, of pickups with incorrect polarity. The actions are required
to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described
previously.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD 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 94-ANE-58.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
95-08-14 AlliedSignal, Inc.: Amendment 39-9203. Docket 94-ANE-58.
Applicability: AlliedSignal, Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming)
Models LTS101-650B1, -750B1, -650C3/3A, and -750C1 turboshaft
engines incorporating engine electronic overspeed protection system
installed in production prior to the effective date of this
airworthiness directive (AD), or retrofitted in accordance with
Textron Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. LTS101B-73-10-0127,
Revision 2, dated August 14, 1992, or previous revisions; or SB No.
LTS101C-73-10-0129, Revision 3, dated August 14, 1992, or previous
revisions. These engines are installed on but not limited to
Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK117 series and Bell Helicopter Textron
222 series helicopters.
Note: This 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (c) to
request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no
action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe
condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe
condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an
assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the
[[Page 20019]] unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case
does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove
any engine from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent the engine electronic overspeed protection system
from failing to function as designed, which can result in the
inability to arrest an uncontrolled power turbine (PT) rotor
overspeed and damage to the aircraft, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 150 hours time in service after the effective date of
this AD, accomplish either paragraph (a)(1) or paragraph (a)(2) of
this AD.
(1) Replace magnetic speed pickups, P/N 4-301-356-01, in the
engine electronic overspeed protection system, with a serviceable
part in accordance with Allied Signal Engines SB No. LTS101-73-10-
0169, dated December 12, 1994.
(2) Inspect magnetic speed pickups, P/N 4-301-356-01, in the
engine electronic overspeed protection system, for polarity in
accordance with AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LTS101-73-10-0169, dated
December 12, 1994, and prior to further flight, remove magnetic
speed pickups with incorrect polarity, and replace with a
serviceable part, in accordance with AlliedSignal Engines SB No.
LTS101-73-10-0169, dated December 12, 1994.
(b) Prior to installation, inspect all uninstalled magnetic
speed pickups, P/N 4-301-356-01, for polarity, and replace pickups
with incorrect polarity with a serviceable part, in accordance with
AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LTS101-73-10-0169, dated December 12,
1994.
(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. The
request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager,
Engine Certification Office.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Engine Certification Office.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) The inspection, and replacement, of the magnetic speed
pickups shall be done in accordance with the following AlliedSignal
Engines service document:
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Document No. Pages Date
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SB No. LTS101-73-10-0169................. 1-3 Dec. 12, 1994.
Total pages: 3
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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 AlliedSignal Engines, 550 Main
Street, Stratford, CT 06497; telephone (203) 385-1470, fax (203)
385-2256. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region,
Office of the Assistant Chief 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 May 9, 1995.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 11, 1995.
James C. Jones,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 95-9472 Filed 4-19-95; 2:14 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
