Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arrius 2 F Turboshaft Engines, 1947-1949 [E7-494]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules performed at the time of scheduled engine overhaul. The financial burden to the operators (prorate) is about $140,080 per engine due to the reduction in the life limit. Based on these figures, and on the prorating for the usage of the combustor cases, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $5,886,720. 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. mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:17 Jan 16, 2007 Jkt 211001 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: General Electric Company: Docket No. FAA– 2006–26585; Directorate Identifier 2006– NE–44–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by March 19, 2007. Applicability (c) This AD applies to General Electric Company (GE) CF34–10E2A1, CF34–10E5, CF34–10E5A1, CF34–10E6, CF34–10E6A1, and CF34–10E7 turbofan engines. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Embraer ERJ–190 and –195 airplanes. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from GE’s evaluation of the effects to the combustor case due to installing version 5.10 software in the fullauthority digital electronic control (FADEC), and revising the combustor case published life limit. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained combustor case failure resulting in an in-flight engine shutdown and possible damage to the airplane. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, unless the actions have already been done. (f) Revise the published life limit in the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the CF34–10E Engine Manual, for combustor cases, part number (P/N) 2070M47G02 and P/N 2070M47G03, from 39,600 cycles-sincenew (CSN) to 24,600 CSN. (g) Remove from service combustor cases, P/N 2070M47G02 and P/N 2070M47G03, before reaching 24,600 CSN. (h) The requirements of this AD have been met when the engine manual changes are made and operators have modified their continuous airworthiness maintenance plans to reflect the Engine Maintenance Program requirements specified in the GE CF34–10E Engine Manual. Alternative Methods of Compliance (i) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this Frm 00002 AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) Contact Tara Chaidez, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238–7773, fax (781) 238–7199; e-mail: tara.chaidez@faa.gov for more information about this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 10, 2007. Francis A. Favara, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–499 Filed 1–16–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Affected ADs (b) None. PO 00000 1947 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 [Docket No. FAA–2005–22430; Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–34–AD] Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arrius 2 F Turboshaft Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines. That AD currently requires removing from service certain serial number (SN) fuel control units (FCUs) or replacing the constant delta pressure diaphragm in those FCUs. This proposed AD would require replacing all FCUs not incorporating modification Tf 55 with FCUs that incorporate modification Tf 55. This proposed AD results from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Turbomeca expanding the applicability to the full population of FCUs installed on Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines. FCUs not incorporating modification Tf 55 are susceptible to having an improperly assembled constant delta pressure (delta P) diaphragm. We are proposing this AD to prevent an uncommanded engine inflight shutdown on a single-engine helicopter, resulting in a forced autorotation landing or an accident. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 19, 2007. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD. E:\FR\FM\17JAP1.SGM 17JAP1 1948 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / 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. Contact Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone +33 05 59 74 40 00, fax +33 05 59 74 45 15, for the service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238–7175; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2005–22430; Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–34–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 DMS 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:17 Jan 16, 2007 Jkt 211001 Examining the AD Docket You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Office 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 DMS receives them. Discussion On September 9, 2005, the FAA issued AD 2005–19–10, Amendment 39–14275 (70 FR 54622, September 16, 2005). That AD requires removing from service certain SN FCUs or replacing the constant delta P diaphragm in those FCUs. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on Turbomeca Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines. EASA advises that the Arrius 2 F engine fleet is susceptible to having an improperly assembled constant delta pressure (delta P) diaphragm (premodification Tf 55) in the FCU. Actions Since AD 2005–19–10 Was Issued Since AD 2005–19–10 was issued, EASA issued AD No. 2006–0237, dated August 9, 2006, which expands the applicability to the full population of FCUs installed on Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines that have not incorporated modification Tf 55. Also, Turbomeca issued Mandatory Service Bulletin No. 319 73 4055, Update No. 1, dated March 17, 2006, to introduce modification Tf 55 to all Arrius 2 F FCUs. Modification Tf 55 upgrades the FCU with a constant delta P diaphragm that cannot be improperly assembled. Bilateral Agreement Information This engine model is manufactured in France and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, EASA kept us informed of the situation described above. We have examined the findings of EASA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would require replacing FCUs that do not incorporate modification Tf 55, with FCUs that do. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 46 Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per engine to perform the proposed FCU replacement and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $25,480 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $1,183,120. 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 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 E:\FR\FM\17JAP1.SGM 17JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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 Accordingly, 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 removing Amendment 39–14275 (70 FR 54622, September 16, 2005) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to read as follows: Turbomeca: Docket No. FAA–2005–22430; Directorate Identifier 2005–NE–34–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by March 19, 2007. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005–19–10, Amendment 39–14275. mstockstill on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS Applicability (c) This AD applies to Turbomeca Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines with fuel control units (FCUs) not incorporating modification Tf 55. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Eurocopter EC120B helicopters. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Turbomeca expanding the applicability to the full population of FCUs installed on Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines. FCUs not incorporating modification Tf 55 are susceptible to having an improperly assembled constant delta pressure (delta P) diaphragm. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded engine in-flight shutdown on a single-engine helicopter, resulting in a forced autorotation landing or an accident. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed as soon as practicable after the effective date of VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:17 Jan 16, 2007 Jkt 211001 this AD but no later than July 31, 2007, unless the actions have already been done. (f) Replace all FCUs not incorporating modification Tf 55 with FCUs that incorporate modification Tf 55. Alternative Methods of Compliance (g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (h) Contact Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238– 7175, fax (781) 238–7199; e-mail: christopher.spinney@faa.gov for more information about this AD. (i) EASA AD No. 2006–0237, dated August 9, 2006, addresses the subject of this AD. (j) Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin, Update No. 1, dated March 17, 2006, pertains to the subject of this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 10, 2007. Francis A. Favara, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–494 Filed 1–16–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 [Docket No. FAA–2006–25896; Directorate Identifier 2006–NE–33–AD] Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Company CF34–10E Series Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF34–10E series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires removing the fuel inlet strainer from main fuel pump (MFP) part number (P/N) 2043M12P03, installing a certain replacement flange as an interim repair, remarking the MFP to P/N 2043M12P04, and performing initial and repetitive visual inspections of the main fuel filter. This proposed AD would require removing MFPs, P/N 2043M12P03 and 2043M12P04 from service and installing an improved MFP with a different P/N. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 1949 This proposed AD results from GE determining that the cause of MFP fuel strainer failure is a design problem with the strainer. We are proposing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown due to MFP malfunctions. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 19, 2007. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment 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– 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. Contact General Electric Company via Lockheed Martin Technology Services, 10525 Chester Road, Suite C, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215, telephone (513) 672–8400, fax (513) 672–8422, for the service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Fitzgerald, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone: (781) 238–7130, fax: (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2006–25896; Directorate Identifier 2006–NE–33–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 E:\FR\FM\17JAP1.SGM 17JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 17, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1947-1949]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-494]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

RIN 2120-AA64
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22430; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-34-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arrius 2 F Turboshaft Engines

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for Turbomeca Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines. That AD 
currently requires removing from service certain serial number (SN) 
fuel control units (FCUs) or replacing the constant delta pressure 
diaphragm in those FCUs. This proposed AD would require replacing all 
FCUs not incorporating modification Tf 55 with FCUs that incorporate 
modification Tf 55. This proposed AD results from the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) and Turbomeca expanding the applicability to the 
full population of FCUs installed on Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines. 
FCUs not incorporating modification Tf 55 are susceptible to having an 
improperly assembled constant delta pressure (delta P) diaphragm. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent an uncommanded engine in-flight 
shutdown on a single-engine helicopter, resulting in a forced 
autorotation landing or an accident.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 19, 
2007.

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

[[Page 1948]]

     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.
    Contact Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone +33 05 59 74 40 
00, fax +33 05 59 74 45 15, for the service information identified in 
this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Spinney, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; 
telephone (781) 238-7175; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-22430; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-34-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 
DMS 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 DMS Docket Office 
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 DMS receives them.

Discussion

    On September 9, 2005, the FAA issued AD 2005-19-10, Amendment 39-
14275 (70 FR 54622, September 16, 2005). That AD requires removing from 
service certain SN FCUs or replacing the constant delta P diaphragm in 
those FCUs. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, 
notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on Turbomeca Arrius 2 F 
turboshaft engines. EASA advises that the Arrius 2 F engine fleet is 
susceptible to having an improperly assembled constant delta pressure 
(delta P) diaphragm (pre-modification Tf 55) in the FCU.

Actions Since AD 2005-19-10 Was Issued

    Since AD 2005-19-10 was issued, EASA issued AD No. 2006-0237, dated 
August 9, 2006, which expands the applicability to the full population 
of FCUs installed on Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines that have not 
incorporated modification Tf 55. Also, Turbomeca issued Mandatory 
Service Bulletin No. 319 73 4055, Update No. 1, dated March 17, 2006, 
to introduce modification Tf 55 to all Arrius 2 F FCUs. Modification Tf 
55 upgrades the FCU with a constant delta P diaphragm that cannot be 
improperly assembled.

Bilateral Agreement Information

    This engine model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, EASA kept us informed of the situation 
described above. We have examined the findings of EASA, reviewed all 
available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for 
products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the 
United States.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would require 
replacing FCUs that do not incorporate modification Tf 55, with FCUs 
that do.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 46 Arrius 2 F 
turboshaft engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. We also 
estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per engine to perform 
the proposed FCU replacement and that the average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $25,480 per engine. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. 
operators to be $1,183,120.

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 
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

[[Page 1949]]

    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

    Accordingly, 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 removing Amendment 39-14275 (70 FR 
54622, September 16, 2005) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
to read as follows:

Turbomeca: Docket No. FAA-2005-22430; Directorate Identifier 2005-
NE-34-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by March 19, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-19-10, Amendment 39-14275.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Turbomeca Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines 
with fuel control units (FCUs) not incorporating modification Tf 55. 
These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Eurocopter 
EC120B helicopters.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) and Turbomeca expanding the applicability to the full 
population of FCUs installed on Arrius 2 F turboshaft engines. FCUs 
not incorporating modification Tf 55 are susceptible to having an 
improperly assembled constant delta pressure (delta P) diaphragm. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded engine in-flight 
shutdown on a single-engine helicopter, resulting in a forced 
autorotation landing or an accident.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed as soon as practicable after the effective date of this 
AD but no later than July 31, 2007, unless the actions have already 
been done.
    (f) Replace all FCUs not incorporating modification Tf 55 with 
FCUs that incorporate modification Tf 55.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (h) Contact Christopher Spinney, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-
7175, fax (781) 238-7199; e-mail: christopher.spinney@faa.gov for 
more information about this AD.
    (i) EASA AD No. 2006-0237, dated August 9, 2006, addresses the 
subject of this AD.
    (j) Turbomeca Mandatory Service Bulletin, Update No. 1, dated 
March 17, 2006, pertains to the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 10, 2007.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-494 Filed 1-16-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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