Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines, 43552-43554 [2012-18050]

Download as PDF 43552 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 143 / Wednesday, July 25, 2012 / Proposed Rules (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 24, 2012. (b) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2003–12–14, Amendment 39–13199 (68 FR 36900, June 20, 2003). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A, 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines that have not incorporated Turbomeca S.A. Modification TU360. (d) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by in-service experience showing that dust inside the gas generator hollow shaft may be found when the axial compressor wheel has less erosion than initially assessed. We are issuing this AD to prevent an unbalance of the gas generator rotating assembly, which may lead to deterioration of the gas generator rear bearing and uncommanded engine shutdown. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (e) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) Within 50 engine hours after the effective date of this AD, determine the engine history and perform the maintenance actions at the specified schedules. Use paragraphs 1.A. and 2.A. through 2.C. of Turbomeca S.A. Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. A292 72 0230 Version C, dated February 29, 2012 to perform the maintenance actions and to establish the cleaning schedule. (2) If during any of the cleanings, the dust weight collected inside the gas generator hollow shaft is more than 8 grams, replace the gas generator rear bearing before further flight. (3) After the effective date of this AD, if there are any changes in accordance with paragraph 1.A.(1)(a)1.3 of Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No. A292 72 0230, Version C, dated February 29, 2012, within 50 engine hours time-in-service after such a change, accomplish the actions as specified in paragraph (e)(1) and (e)(2) in this AD. (4) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any gas generator (module M03) on an engine unless it is in compliance with this AD. (5) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any gas generator rear bearing that has operated on an engine with a hollow shaft that has been found to have a dust weight more than 8 grams. (f) Optional Terminating Action As optional terminating action to the repetitive actions in this AD, modify the engine by incorporating Turbomeca S.A. Modification TU360. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:35 Jul 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 (h) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Rose Len, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7772; fax: 781–238–7199; email: rose.len@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2012–0071, dated April 26, 2012, and Turbomeca S.A. Alert MSB No. A292 72 0230, Version C, dated February 29, 2012, for related information. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 05 59 74 40 00; fax: 33 05 59 74 45 15. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 20, 2012. Peter A. White, Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–18155 Filed 7–24–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–0681; Directorate Identifier 2008–NE–13–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. The existing AD currently requires a one time inspection and torque check of a certain 3-way union plug installed on all fuel control units (FCUs). Since we issued that AD, the applicability has been reduced to certain FCUs and the referenced service bulletin has been updated with additional detailed information to identify the noncompliant ‘‘red disk’’ plug. This proposed AD would still require a one time inspection and torque check of the 3-way union plug, would require replacement of the plug before further flight if it is found to be non-compliant, and would prohibit installation of FCUs that have not passed the 3-way union plug inspection and torque check. We SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 are proposing this AD to prevent fuel leaks, which could result in a fire and damage to the helicopter. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 24, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this AD, contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 05 59 74 40 00; fax: 33 05 59 74 45 15. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rose Len, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7772; fax: 781–238– 7199; email: rose.len@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2008–0681; Directorate Identifier 2008–NE–13–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, E:\FR\FM\25JYP1.SGM 25JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 143 / Wednesday, July 25, 2012 / Proposed Rules economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion On January 21, 2009, we issued AD 2009–03–04, Amendment 39–15805 (74 FR 7796, February 20, 2009), for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. That AD requires a one time inspection and torque check of a certain 3-way union plug installed on all FCUs. That AD resulted from Turbomeca S.A. informing the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) of a case of a ‘‘red disk’’ plug, adapted for bench testing, which was installed on the FCU on an engine and released for service operation. That engine experienced an in-service high pressure leak event (at the fuel pump outlet) due to cracking of this ‘‘red disk’’ plug. That leak could lead to in-flight flame-out and/or possibly a fire. We issued that AD to prevent fuel leaks, which could result in a fire and damage to the helicopter. Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued Since we issued AD 2009–03–04, Turbomeca S.A. has identified FCUs that are not affected, which are FCUs that have a manufacturing date indicated on the identification plate later than March 31, 2008 and/or that have a latest repair/overhaul date recorded on the FCU log card later than March 31, 2008. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Relevant Service Information We reviewed Turbomeca S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 73 0817, Version D, dated February 29, 2012. The MSB describes procedures for performing a one time inspection and torque check of a certain 3-way union plug installed on certain FCUs. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in a smaller population of products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2009–03–04, (74 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:35 Jul 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 FR 7796, February 20, 2009), including those requirements related to a one time inspection and torque check. However, this proposed AD would reduce the affected population of FCU 3-way union plugs, require plug replacement before further flight if it fails the inspection, and would prohibit installation of FCUs that have not passed the 3-way union plug inspection and torque check. Costs of Compliance Based on updated service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 179 engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 0.5 work-hour per product to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $14 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $10,114. Our cost estimate is exclusive of possible warranty coverage. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 43553 Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, 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 FAA amends § 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2009–03–04, Amendment 39–15805 (74 FR 7796, February 20, 2009), and adding the following new AD: Turbomeca S.A.: Docket No. FAA–2008– 0681; Directorate Identifier 2008–NE– 13–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 24, 2012. (b) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2009–03–04, Amendment 39–15805 (74 FR 7796, February 20, 2009). This AD was prompted by Turbomeca S.A. informing us that FCUs manufactured, repaired, or overhauled after March 31, 2008, do not require inspection. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. models Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines with fuel control units (FCUs) manufactured, repaired, or overhauled on or before March 31, 2008. (d) Unsafe Condition Turbomeca S.A. informed the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) of a case of a ‘‘red disk’’ plug, adapted for bench testing, which was installed on the FCU on an engine and released for service operation. An engine experienced an in-service high pressure leak event (at the fuel pump outlet) due to cracking of this ‘‘red disk’’ plug. This leak could lead to in-flight flame-out and/or possibly a fire. This AD was prompted by Turbomeca S.A. informing us that FCUs manufactured, repaired, or overhauled after March 31, 2008, do not require inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks, which could result in a fire and damage to the helicopter. E:\FR\FM\25JYP1.SGM 25JYP1 43554 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 143 / Wednesday, July 25, 2012 / Proposed Rules (e) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Within 100 operating hours from the effective date of this AD, perform a one time inspection of the plug installed in the FCU 3-way union, part number 9 932 30 706 0. (1) If the FCU 3-way union plug is unpainted, verify the plug is torqued to between 1.3 and 1.5 daN.m, in accordance with Turbomeca S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 73 0817, Version D, dated February 29, 2012, before further flight. (2) If the FCU 3-way union plug has any red paint on it, replace it with a serviceable plug and torque the plug to between 1.3 and 1.5 daN.m, in accordance with Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 73 0817, Version D, dated February 29, 2012, before further flight. (f) Installation Prohibition After the effective date of this AD, do not install any FCU manufactured, repaired, or overhauled on or before March 31, 2008, onto any Turbomeca S.A. model Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engine, unless the FCU 3way union plug has passed the one time inspection and torque check required by this AD. (g) Credit for Previous Actions If you performed the inspections and corrective actions required by this AD using the original issue or any version up to and including Version D of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 73 0817 before the effective date of this AD, you have met the requirements of this AD. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Rose Len, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7772; fax: 781–238–7199; email: rose.len@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 05 59 74 40 00; fax: 33 05 59 74 45 15. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 5, 2012. Peter A. White, Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–18050 Filed 7–24–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:35 Jul 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket No. USCG–2012–0191] RIN 1625–AA11 Regulated Navigation Area; Columbus Day Weekend, Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a regulated navigation area on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida. The regulated navigation area will be enforced annually from Saturday of the second week through Monday of the third week in October (Columbus Day weekend). The regulated navigation area will include certain waters of Biscayne Bay between Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge and Coon Point on Elliot Key. All vessels within the regulated navigation area would be: required to transit the regulated navigation area at no more than 15 knots; subject to control by the Coast Guard; and required to follow the instructions of all law enforcement vessels in the area. This regulated navigation area is necessary to ensure the safe transit of vessels and to protect persons, vessels, and the marine environment within the regulated navigation area during the Columbus Day weekend. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before August 24, 2012. Requests for public meetings must be received by the Coast Guard August 14, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2012–0191 using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: (202) 493–2251. (3) Mail or Delivery: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. Deliveries accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is (202) 366–9329. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for further instructions on submitting comments. To avoid SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 duplication, please use only one of these three methods. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or email Lieutenant Jennifer S. Makowski, Sector Miami Prevention Department, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone (305) 535–8724, email Jennifer.S.Makowski@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Acronyms DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking A. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. 1. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG–2012–0191), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online at https:// www.regulations.gov, or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number (USCG–2012–0191) in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ on the line associated with this rulemaking. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and E:\FR\FM\25JYP1.SGM 25JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 143 (Wednesday, July 25, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43552-43554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-18050]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0681; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-13-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 
turboshaft engines. The existing AD currently requires a one time 
inspection and torque check of a certain 3-way union plug installed on 
all fuel control units (FCUs). Since we issued that AD, the 
applicability has been reduced to certain FCUs and the referenced 
service bulletin has been updated with additional detailed information 
to identify the non-compliant ``red disk'' plug. This proposed AD would 
still require a one time inspection and torque check of the 3-way union 
plug, would require replacement of the plug before further flight if it 
is found to be non-compliant, and would prohibit installation of FCUs 
that have not passed the 3-way union plug inspection and torque check. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent fuel leaks, which could result in a 
fire and damage to the helicopter.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 24, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Turbomeca 
S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 05 59 74 40 00; fax: 33 05 59 74 
45 15. You may review copies of the referenced service information at 
the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rose Len, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7772; fax: 
781-238-7199; email: rose.len@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0681; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-13-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,

[[Page 43553]]

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On January 21, 2009, we issued AD 2009-03-04, Amendment 39-15805 
(74 FR 7796, February 20, 2009), for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1E2, 1S, 
and 1S1 turboshaft engines. That AD requires a one time inspection and 
torque check of a certain 3-way union plug installed on all FCUs. That 
AD resulted from Turbomeca S.A. informing the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) of a case of a ``red disk'' plug, adapted for bench 
testing, which was installed on the FCU on an engine and released for 
service operation. That engine experienced an in-service high pressure 
leak event (at the fuel pump outlet) due to cracking of this ``red 
disk'' plug. That leak could lead to in-flight flame-out and/or 
possibly a fire. We issued that AD to prevent fuel leaks, which could 
result in a fire and damage to the helicopter.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2009-03-04, Turbomeca S.A. has identified FCUs 
that are not affected, which are FCUs that have a manufacturing date 
indicated on the identification plate later than March 31, 2008 and/or 
that have a latest repair/overhaul date recorded on the FCU log card 
later than March 31, 2008.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Turbomeca S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 
73 0817, Version D, dated February 29, 2012. The MSB describes 
procedures for performing a one time inspection and torque check of a 
certain 3-way union plug installed on certain FCUs.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in a smaller population of products of the 
same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2009-
03-04, (74 FR 7796, February 20, 2009), including those requirements 
related to a one time inspection and torque check. However, this 
proposed AD would reduce the affected population of FCU 3-way union 
plugs, require plug replacement before further flight if it fails the 
inspection, and would prohibit installation of FCUs that have not 
passed the 3-way union plug inspection and torque check.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on updated service information, we estimate that this 
proposed AD would affect about 179 engines installed on helicopters of 
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 0.5 work-hour 
per product to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $14 per engine. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators to be $10,114. Our cost estimate is exclusive of possible 
warranty coverage.

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2009-03-04, Amendment 39-15805 (74 FR 7796, February 20, 2009), 
and adding the following new AD:

Turbomeca S.A.: Docket No. FAA-2008-0681; Directorate Identifier 
2008-NE-13-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 24, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2009-03-04, Amendment 39-15805 (74 FR 
7796, February 20, 2009). This AD was prompted by Turbomeca S.A. 
informing us that FCUs manufactured, repaired, or overhauled after 
March 31, 2008, do not require inspection.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Turbomeca S.A. models Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 
turboshaft engines with fuel control units (FCUs) manufactured, 
repaired, or overhauled on or before March 31, 2008.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    Turbomeca S.A. informed the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) of a case of a ``red disk'' plug, adapted for bench testing, 
which was installed on the FCU on an engine and released for service 
operation. An engine experienced an in-service high pressure leak 
event (at the fuel pump outlet) due to cracking of this ``red disk'' 
plug. This leak could lead to in-flight flame-out and/or possibly a 
fire. This AD was prompted by Turbomeca S.A. informing us that FCUs 
manufactured, repaired, or overhauled after March 31, 2008, do not 
require inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks, 
which could result in a fire and damage to the helicopter.

[[Page 43554]]

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done. Within 100 operating hours from the effective 
date of this AD, perform a one time inspection of the plug installed 
in the FCU 3-way union, part number 9 932 30 706 0.
    (1) If the FCU 3-way union plug is unpainted, verify the plug is 
torqued to between 1.3 and 1.5 daN.m, in accordance with Turbomeca 
S.A. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 73 0817, Version D, 
dated February 29, 2012, before further flight.
    (2) If the FCU 3-way union plug has any red paint on it, replace 
it with a serviceable plug and torque the plug to between 1.3 and 
1.5 daN.m, in accordance with Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 73 0817, 
Version D, dated February 29, 2012, before further flight.

(f) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install any FCU 
manufactured, repaired, or overhauled on or before March 31, 2008, 
onto any Turbomeca S.A. model Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft 
engine, unless the FCU 3-way union plug has passed the one time 
inspection and torque check required by this AD.

(g) Credit for Previous Actions

    If you performed the inspections and corrective actions required 
by this AD using the original issue or any version up to and 
including Version D of Turbomeca S.A. MSB No. 292 73 0817 before the 
effective date of this AD, you have met the requirements of this AD.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for 
this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Rose Len, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: 781-238-7772; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
rose.len@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 05 59 74 40 00; fax: 
33 05 59 74 45 15. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 5, 2012.
Peter A. White,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2012-18050 Filed 7-24-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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