Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit Diesel Allison) 250-B and 250-C Series Turboprop and Turboshaft Engines, 68381-68384 [05-22437]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 217 / Thursday, November 10, 2005 / Proposed Rules 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. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2005–22918; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–172–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 12, 2005. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319– 111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, and –133, and Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Airbus Service Bulletins A320–57–1117, dated July 16, 2002, and A320–28–1102, Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from several incidents of detached plastic identification labels found floating in the wing fuel tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent plastic identification labels being ingested into the fuel pumps and consequently entering the engine fuel feed system, which could result in an engine shutdown. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions of Four Wing-Tank Fuel Pumps and Canisters (f) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Perform a detailed VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:31 Nov 09, 2005 Jkt 208001 inspection for detached identification labels in the four wing-tank fuel pumps and canisters, and do any applicable corrective actions, by doing all the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320– 28–1102, Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005; except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. Do any applicable corrective action before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours. (g) For any wing-tank fuel pump failure that occurs after the effective date of this AD: Before further flight, perform a detailed inspection of the failed pump, the pump located in the same half wing, and the associated canister, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1102, Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005. Do any applicable corrective action, including replacing the failed pump, before further flight. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: ‘‘An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.’’ Inspections and Corrective Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (h) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD according to Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1102, dated August 20, 2002; are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD. Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions of the Collector Cells, Wing Fuel Tank and Vent Box (i) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection for detached identification labels in the collector cells between ribs 1 and 2, the surge tank between ribs 22 and 26, and the wing fuel tank and vent box, and do any applicable corrective actions, by doing all the applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–57–1117, dated July 16, 2002. Do any applicable corrective action before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 72 months. No Reporting Required (j) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320– 28–1102, Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005, specifies submitting an inspection report to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 68381 for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (l) French airworthiness directive F–2005– 121, dated July 20, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 31, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–22444 Filed 11–9–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2005–22594; Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–28–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit Diesel Allison) 250–B and 250–C Series Turboprop and Turboshaft Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Rolls-Royce Corporation 250–B and 250–C series turboprop and turboshaft engines with certain part numbers (P/Ns) of gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts manufactured by EXTEX Ltd., Pacific Sky Supply Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC), and Superior Air Parts Inc. This proposed AD would require operators to remove from service affected gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts. This proposed AD results from eleven reports of RRC tie bolt failure due to high cycle fatigue. We are proposing this AD to prevent tie bolt failure that could cause loss of engine power, resulting in a first stage turbine wheel overspeed and an uncontained engine failure. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by January 9, 2006. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD. E:\FR\FM\10NOP1.SGM 10NOP1 68382 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 217 / Thursday, November 10, 2005 / Proposed Rules • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may examine the comments on this proposed AD in the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: • Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; telephone: (562) 627–5245, fax: (562) 627–5210, for questions about, EXTEX Ltd., or Pacific Sky Supply Inc. gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts. • John Tallarovic, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018–4696; telephone (847) 294–8180; fax (847) 294–7834, for questions about RRC gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts. • Jurgen Priester, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas, 76137–4298, telephone (817) 222–5159, fax (817) 222–5785, for questions about Superior Air Part Inc. gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2005–22594; Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–28–AD’’ in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:31 Nov 09, 2005 Jkt 208001 post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the DOT Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78) or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments received and, any final disposition in person at the DOT Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647– 5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management Facility receives them. Discussion The FAA has received eleven reports of failures of RRC manufactured tie bolts due to high cycle fatigue. The FAA believes that all of these failures are due to the inherent design of the part, which is also common to all of the PMA parts. Therefore, this AD requires removal of all RR and PMA tie-bolts. RRC has redesigned the tie bolt to minimize the risk of failure by high cycle fatigue. RRC manufactured these tie bolts under type and production certificate authority. EXTEX Ltd., Pacific Sky Supply Inc., and Superior Air Parts Inc. each independently manufactured replacement gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts under Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) authority. There have been no reported failures of PMA parts. The engines are installed in single-engine helicopters, along with several turboprop airplanes. This condition, if not corrected, could cause loss of engine power, resulting in a first stage turbine wheel overspeed and an uncontained engine failure. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information from the four manufacturers’ safety assessments and have identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop in other RRC 250–B17, –B17B, –B17C, –B17D, –B17E, –B17F, –B17F/1, –B17F/2, 250–C18, PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 –C20, –C20B, –C20F, –C20J, –C20R, –C20R/1, –C20R/2, –C20R/4, –C20S, and –C20W series turboprop and turboshaft engines that have any of the following gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts installed: • EXTEX Ltd.: P/N A23008020, and E23008020 • Pacific Sky Supply Inc.: P/N 23008020P • Rolls-Royce Corporation: P/Ns 23008020, 6843388 and 6876991 • Superior Air Parts Inc.: P/N A23008020 We are proposing this AD, which would remove these P/N gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts as specified in the compliance section of this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance About 4,000 RRC 250–B and 250–C Series turboprop and turboshaft engines with affected P/Ns of gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts manufactured by EXTEX Ltd., Pacific Sky Supply Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC), and Superior Air Parts Inc. are in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 700 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate that it would take about 20 work hours per engine to perform the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $421 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $1,204,700. 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. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism E:\FR\FM\10NOP1.SGM 10NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 217 / Thursday, November 10, 2005 / Proposed Rules 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); and 3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 68383 Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit Diesel Allison): Docket No. FAA–2005–22594; Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–28–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by January 9, 2006. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit Diesel Allison) 250–B17, –B17B, –B17C, –B17D, –B17E, –B17F, –B17F/1, –B17F/2, 250–C18, –C20, –C20B, –C20F, –C20J, –C20R, –C20R/1, –C20R/2, –C20R/4, –C20S, and –C20W series turboprop and turboshaft engines with the gas producer rotor assembly tie bolt part numbers (P/Ns) listed in the following Table 1, installed: TABLE 1.—AFFECTED GAS PRODUCER ROTOR ASSEMBLY TIE BOLTS Manufacturer Affected part Nos. EXTEX Ltd. (EXTEX) ............................................................................... Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) ............................................................... Superior Air Parts Inc. (SAP) ................................................................... Pacific Sky Supply Inc .............................................................................. A23008020 and E23008020. 23008020, 6843388 and 6876991. A23008020. 23008020P. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, aircraft in the following Table 2: TABLE 2.—APPLICABLE AIRCRAFT Helicopter Models Agusta ....................................................................................................... Arrow Falcon Exporters ............................................................................ Bell Textron .............................................................................................. Enstrom .................................................................................................... Eurocopter France .................................................................................... Eurocopter Deutschland ........................................................................... FH–1100 Manufacturing Corp .................................................................. Garlick ....................................................................................................... McDonnell Douglas Company .................................................................. San Joaquin .............................................................................................. Schweizer ................................................................................................. A109, A109A, A109A II, A109C. OH–58A+ and OH–58C. 206A, 206B, 206L. TH–28, 480, 480B. AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2. BO–105A, BO–105C, BO–105S. FH–1100. OH–58A+ and OH–58C. 369D, 369E, 369F, 369H, 369HM, 369HS, 369HE, 500N. OH–58A+ and OH–58C. 269D. Aircraft Models B–N Group Ltd ......................................................................................... SIAI Marchetti s.r.l .................................................................................... Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from eleven reports of RRC tie bolt failure due to high cycle fatigue. We are issuing this AD to prevent tie bolt failure that could cause loss of engine power, resulting in a first stage turbine wheel overspeed and an uncontained engine failure. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:31 Nov 09, 2005 Jkt 208001 BN–2T and BN–2T–4R. SF600, SF600A. the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. Remove Gas Producer Rotor Assembly Tie Bolts tie bolt P/Ns listed in Table 1 of this AD in any RRC 250–B and 250–C Series turboprop and turboshaft engines. Alternative Methods of Compliance (f) Remove the P/N gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts listed in Table 1 of this AD from service the next time they are disassembled for any reason, or by October 31, 2011, whichever occurs first. (g) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any gas producer rotor assembly PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (h) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for EXTEX, and Pacific Sky Supply Inc. gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts addressed in this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. The Manager, E:\FR\FM\10NOP1.SGM 10NOP1 68384 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 217 / Thursday, November 10, 2005 / Proposed Rules Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for RRC gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts addressed in this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. The Manager, Southwest Special Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for SAP gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts addressed in this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) RRC Commercial Engine Bulletin (CEB) CEB A–304, CEB A–1371, CEB A–72–4076, TP CEB A–176, TP CEB A–1319, TP CEB A– 72–2027, Revision N/C dated May 23, 2005, and EXTEX Service Bulletin T–090, Revision N/C, dated May 23, 2005, pertain to the subject of this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 4, 2005. Peter A. White, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–22437 Filed 11–9–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2005–22919; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–087–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319–100, A320–200, A321–100, and A321–200 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319–100, A320– 200, A321–100, and A321–200 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for corrosion in the inside and outside lower walls of each type A, D, E, and F lavatory wall that has at least one wallmounted cabin attendant seat, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The repetitive inspections may be terminated by repairing the wall with composite material, or replacing the entire wall with a new wall made of composite material. This proposed AD results from reports of corrosion in the lower part of the lavatory walls due to water ingress. We are proposing this AD to detect and 15:31 Nov 09, 2005 Jkt 208001 Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • By fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at https:// dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA–2005– 22919; the directorate identifier for this docket is 2005–NM–087–AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2141; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Material Incorporated by Reference (i) None. VerDate Aug<31>2005 correct corrosion and damage on the lower part of the lavatory walls, which could compromise the structural integrity of the cabin attendant seat attachments, and cause injury to the cabin attendants during a crash landing. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 12, 2005. Comments Invited We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2005–22919; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–087–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You can review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you can visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System (DMS) receives them. Discussion ´ ´ The Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A319– 100, A320–200, A321–100, and A321– 200 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that an operator reported cracks in the lavatory floor pans of the affected airplanes in its fleet. Further investigation showed that the cracks resulted from corrosion in the lower part of the lavatory wall, possibly caused by liquid that entered during cleaning and operation, and by rain entering through the main entry door. Extensive corrosion of the lower part of the lavatory wall could compromise the structural integrity of the cabin attendant seat (CAS) attachments. This condition, if not corrected, could result in injury to the cabin attendants during a crash landing. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320–25–1365, dated February 18, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for doing a repetitive detailed visual inspection for corrosion E:\FR\FM\10NOP1.SGM 10NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 217 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68381-68384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-22437]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22594; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-28-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly 
Allison Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit 
Diesel Allison) 250-B and 250-C Series Turboprop and Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Rolls-Royce Corporation 250-B and 250-C series turboprop and 
turboshaft engines with certain part numbers (P/Ns) of gas producer 
rotor assembly tie bolts manufactured by EXTEX Ltd., Pacific Sky Supply 
Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC), and Superior Air Parts Inc. This 
proposed AD would require operators to remove from service affected gas 
producer rotor assembly tie bolts. This proposed AD results from eleven 
reports of RRC tie bolt failure due to high cycle fatigue. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent tie bolt failure that could cause loss of 
engine power, resulting in a first stage turbine wheel overspeed and an 
uncontained engine failure.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by January 9, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.

[[Page 68382]]

     DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may examine the comments on this proposed AD in the AD docket 
on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
     Robert Baitoo, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 
Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone: (562) 627-5245, 
fax: (562) 627-5210, for questions about, EXTEX Ltd., or Pacific Sky 
Supply Inc. gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts.
     John Tallarovic, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 
60018-4696; telephone (847) 294-8180; fax (847) 294-7834, for questions 
about RRC gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts.
     Jurgen Priester, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft 
Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas, 76137-4298, 
telephone (817) 222-5159, fax (817) 222-5785, for questions about 
Superior Air Part Inc. gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-22594; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-28-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the 
DOT Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments 
received and, any final disposition in person at the DOT Docket Offices 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on 
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at 
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management Facility receives 
them.

Discussion

    The FAA has received eleven reports of failures of RRC manufactured 
tie bolts due to high cycle fatigue. The FAA believes that all of these 
failures are due to the inherent design of the part, which is also 
common to all of the PMA parts. Therefore, this AD requires removal of 
all RR and PMA tie-bolts. RRC has redesigned the tie bolt to minimize 
the risk of failure by high cycle fatigue. RRC manufactured these tie 
bolts under type and production certificate authority. EXTEX Ltd., 
Pacific Sky Supply Inc., and Superior Air Parts Inc. each independently 
manufactured replacement gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts under 
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) authority. There have been no 
reported failures of PMA parts. The engines are installed in single-
engine helicopters, along with several turboprop airplanes. This 
condition, if not corrected, could cause loss of engine power, 
resulting in a first stage turbine wheel overspeed and an uncontained 
engine failure.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information from the four 
manufacturers' safety assessments and have identified an unsafe 
condition that is likely to exist or develop in other RRC 250-B17, -
B17B, -B17C, -B17D, -B17E, -B17F, -B17F/1, -B17F/2, 250-C18, -C20, -
C20B, -C20F, -C20J, -C20R, -C20R/1, -C20R/2, -C20R/4, -C20S, and -C20W 
series turboprop and turboshaft engines that have any of the following 
gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts installed:
     EXTEX Ltd.: P/N A23008020, and E23008020
     Pacific Sky Supply Inc.: P/N 23008020P
     Rolls-Royce Corporation: P/Ns 23008020, 6843388 and 
6876991
     Superior Air Parts Inc.: P/N A23008020
    We are proposing this AD, which would remove these P/N gas producer 
rotor assembly tie bolts as specified in the compliance section of this 
proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    About 4,000 RRC 250-B and 250-C Series turboprop and turboshaft 
engines with affected P/Ns of gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts 
manufactured by EXTEX Ltd., Pacific Sky Supply Inc., Rolls-Royce 
Corporation (RRC), and Superior Air Parts Inc. are in the worldwide 
fleet. We estimate that 700 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate that 
it would take about 20 work hours per engine to perform the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost about $421 per engine. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be 
$1,204,700.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism

[[Page 68383]]

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); and
    3. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the 
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company, Allison 
Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit Diesel Allison): Docket No. FAA-
2005-22594; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-28-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by January 9, 
2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison 
Engine Company, Allison Gas Turbine Division, and Detroit Diesel 
Allison) 250-B17, -B17B, -B17C, -B17D, -B17E, -B17F, -B17F/1, -B17F/
2, 250-C18, -C20, -C20B, -C20F, -C20J, -C20R, -C20R/1, -C20R/2, -
C20R/4, -C20S, and -C20W series turboprop and turboshaft engines 
with the gas producer rotor assembly tie bolt part numbers (P/Ns) 
listed in the following Table 1, installed:

        Table 1.--Affected Gas Producer Rotor Assembly Tie Bolts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Manufacturer                      Affected part Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXTEX Ltd. (EXTEX).....................  A23008020 and E23008020.
Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC)..........  23008020, 6843388 and 6876991.
Superior Air Parts Inc. (SAP)..........  A23008020.
Pacific Sky Supply Inc.................  23008020P.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These engines are installed on, but not limited to, aircraft in 
the following Table 2:

                      Table 2.--Applicable Aircraft
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Helicopter                             Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agusta.................................  A109, A109A, A109A II, A109C.
Arrow Falcon Exporters.................  OH-58A+ and OH-58C.
Bell Textron...........................  206A, 206B, 206L.
Enstrom................................  TH-28, 480, 480B.
Eurocopter France......................  AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1,
                                          AS355F2.
Eurocopter Deutschland.................  BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105S.
FH-1100 Manufacturing Corp.............  FH-1100.
Garlick................................  OH-58A+ and OH-58C.
McDonnell Douglas Company..............  369D, 369E, 369F, 369H, 369HM,
                                          369HS, 369HE, 500N.
San Joaquin............................  OH-58A+ and OH-58C.
Schweizer..............................  269D.
----------------------------------------
                Aircraft                              Models
----------------------------------------
B-N Group Ltd..........................  BN-2T and BN-2T-4R.
SIAI Marchetti s.r.l...................  SF600, SF600A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from eleven reports of RRC tie bolt failure 
due to high cycle fatigue. We are issuing this AD to prevent tie 
bolt failure that could cause loss of engine power, resulting in a 
first stage turbine wheel overspeed and an uncontained engine 
failure.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Remove Gas Producer Rotor Assembly Tie Bolts

    (f) Remove the P/N gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts listed 
in Table 1 of this AD from service the next time they are 
disassembled for any reason, or by October 31, 2011, whichever 
occurs first.
    (g) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any gas 
producer rotor assembly tie bolt P/Ns listed in Table 1 of this AD 
in any RRC 250-B and 250-C Series turboprop and turboshaft engines.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (h) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, has 
the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for 
EXTEX, and Pacific Sky Supply Inc. gas producer rotor assembly tie 
bolts addressed in this AD, if requested, using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. The Manager,

[[Page 68384]]

Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, has the authority to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for RRC gas producer rotor 
assembly tie bolts addressed in this AD, if requested, using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. The Manager, Southwest Special 
Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative 
methods of compliance for SAP gas producer rotor assembly tie bolts 
addressed in this AD, if requested, using the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) None.

Related Information

    (j) RRC Commercial Engine Bulletin (CEB) CEB A-304, CEB A-1371, 
CEB A-72-4076, TP CEB A-176, TP CEB A-1319, TP CEB A-72-2027, 
Revision N/C dated May 23, 2005, and EXTEX Service Bulletin T-090, 
Revision N/C, dated May 23, 2005, pertain to the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 4, 2005.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-22437 Filed 11-9-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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