[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 25, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20189-20191]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-10134]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-ANE-38; Amendment 39-9206, AD 95-09-02]
Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Engines (Formerly Textron
Lycoming) LTS101 Series Turboshaft and LTP101 Series Turboprop Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to AlliedSignal Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming)
LTS101 series turboshaft and LTP101 series turboprop engines. This
action supersedes priority letter AD 94-19-01 that currently requires
initial and repetitive inspections for wear of the engine fuel pump
internal drive splines, and replacement of engine fuel pumps that
exhibit wear beyond specified limits. This action clarifies the
original requirements of the current AD by providing additional
information to emphasize that the AD only applies to engines installed
on single-engine aircraft and to emphasize that removed fuel pumps must
be returned to the manufacturer for inspection. In addition, this
action defines a serviceable part. This amendment is prompted by
requests to clarify interpretations of the current priority letter AD.
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent engine fuel
pump failure, which can result in total engine power loss and possible
loss of the aircraft.
DATES: Effective May 10, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 10, 1995.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before June 26, 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-38, 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) 385-2000. 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 2, 1994, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive
(AD) 94-19-01, applicable to Textron Lycoming LTS101 series turboshaft
and LTP101 series turboprop engines, which requires initial and
repetitive inspections for wear of the engine fuel pump internal drive
splines, and replacement of engine fuel pumps that exhibit wear beyond
the limits specified in Textron Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No.
LT101-73-20-0165, dated September 1, 1994, with a serviceable part.
Fuel pumps removed in accordance with that AD must be returned to
Chandler Evans (CECO) for disassembly, inspection and repair. That
action was prompted by a report of a helicopter accident that resulted
in a total loss of engine power and subsequent autorotation of a
helicopter powered by a Textron Lycoming Model LTS101-600A-3 turboshaft
engine. Investigation of that accident and other recent engine failures
found that CECO Model MFP261 engine fuel pump internal drive spline
teeth were worn away and failed to engage, resulting in loss of fuel
delivery to the engine. The wear progressed to failure prior to the
specified overhaul interval of 2,400 hours time in service (TIS). The
FAA has determined that the present engine fuel pump overhaul interval
is insufficient to prevent excessive wear of internal drive splines
during service. That condition, if not corrected, could result in
engine fuel pump failure, which can result in total engine power loss
and possible loss of the aircraft. [[Page 20190]]
Since issuance of that priority letter AD, on October 28, 1994,
AlliedSignal Inc. purchased the turbine engine product line of Textron
Lycoming. In addition, the FAA has approved the technical contents of
AlliedSignal Engines Service Bulletin (SB) No. LT101-73-20-0165,
Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995, that adds fuel pump Part Number 4-
301-128-09 to the SB's effectivity. The FAA has accordingly revised the
applicability of this AD to include that additional part number.
In addition, the FAA has received requests to clarify
interpretations of the current priority letter AD. To begin, this AD is
applicable to single-engine aircraft only. Although other AlliedSignal
Engines LTS101 and LTP101 engine models, installed on multi-engine
aircraft, use the same fuel pump internal spline design, the FAA has
not determined that those other engine models face the same unsafe
condition. Should unsafe conditions develop in the future on other
engine models that incorporate fuel pumps with internal spline designs,
the FAA may consider additional AD actions. This finding has been
coordinated with the Small Aircraft and the Rotorcraft Directorates.
Second, the FAA has determined that the removed fuel pumps must be
returned to CECO due to CECO's specialized disassembly and inspection
capabilities. The manufacturer must also obtain data necessary to
further define the fuel pump failure characteristics, and to develop
design modifications to correct the unsafe condition.
Finally, for the purpose of this AD, a serviceable part is defined
as a new part, or a part that has been inspected by CECO in accordance
with AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated
January 3, 1995, and that has not yet accumulated 900 hours time in
service (TIS) since new, or since inspection by CECO.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other engines of this same type design, this AD
supersedes priority letter AD 94-19-01 to require initial and
repetitive inspections for wear of the engine fuel pump internal drive
splines, and replacement of engine fuel pumps that exhibit wear beyond
the limits specified in AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165,
Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995, with a serviceable part. Fuel pumps
removed in accordance with this AD must be returned to CECO for
disassembly, inspection and repair. 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-38.'' 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:
95-09-02 AlliedSignal Engines: Amendment 39-9206. Docket No. 94-
ANE-38.
Applicability: AlliedSignal Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming)
LTS101 series turboshaft and LTP101 series turboprop engines
incorporating Chandler Evans (CECO) engine fuel pumps, Part Numbers
4-301-128-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -07, -08, -09, and -10. These
engines are installed on but not limited to the following single-
engine aircraft: Eurocopter France (formerly Aerospatiale) AS350D
series helicopters and Airtractor AT302, PAC Aero Cresco, and Page
(Ayres S-2R) Thrush airplanes. This AD is not applicable to engines
installed on twin-engine aircraft.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent engine fuel pump failure, which can result in total
engine power loss and possible loss of the aircraft, remove CECO
engine fuel pumps, return to CECO for inspection, and replace with a
serviceable part, in accordance with the following schedule:
[[Page 20191]]
(a) Remove from service CECO engine fuel pumps with greater than
1,300 hours time in service (TIS) since new or overhaul on the
effective date of this airworthiness directive (AD), within the next
100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, in accordance
with AlliedSignal Engines Service Bulletin (SB) No. LT101-73-20-
0165, Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995, or previous revision.
(b) Remove from service CECO engine fuel pumps with greater than
850 hours TIS but less than or equal to 1,300 hours TIS since new or
overhaul on the effective date of this AD, within the next 150 hours
TIS after the effective date of this AD, in accordance with
AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated
January 3, 1995, or previous revision.
(c) Remove from service CECO engine fuel pumps with less than or
equal to 850 hours TIS since new or overhaul on the effective date
of this AD, within the next 300 hours TIS after the effective date
of this AD, or prior to accumulating 1,000 hours TIS since new or
overhaul, whichever occurs first, in accordance with AlliedSignal
Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995,
or previous revision.
(d) Thereafter, remove from service CECO engine fuel pump at
intervals not to exceed 900 hours TIS since the last inspection in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal
Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated January 3, 1995,
or previous revision.
(e) Engine fuel pumps that exhibit wear beyond the limits
specified in AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision
1, dated January 3, 1995, or previous revision, may not be returned
to service.
(f) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable part is defined as
a new part, or a part that has been inspected by CECO in accordance
with AlliedSignal Engines SB No. LT101-73-20-0165, Revision 1, dated
January 3, 1995, or previous revision, and that has not yet
accumulated 900 hours TIS since new, or since inspection by CECO.
(g) 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 Principal
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.
(h) 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.
(i) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with the following service bulletin:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document No. Revision Pages Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AlliedSignal Engines SB No. 1 1-3 January 3, 1995.
LT101-73-20-0165.
Total Pages: 3.
Chandler Evans SB No. 73-13. 1 1-5 January 3, 1995.
Total Pages: 5.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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) 385-2000. 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.
(j) This amendment supersedes priority letter AD 94-19-01, issued
September 2, 1994.
(k) This amendment becomes effective on May 10, 1995.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 17, 1995.
James C. Jones,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 95-10134 Filed 4-21-95; 11:19 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
