Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines, 26675-26677 [2016-10279]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 4, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
717–55A0012, dated June 12, 2015, except as
required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD. Do all
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions before further flight.
Repeat the applicable inspection thereafter at
the intervals specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 717–55A0012, dated June 12, 2015.
(1) Do detailed inspections for any loose
and missing fasteners of the vertical stabilizer
leading edge as specified in ‘‘Part 4’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–55A0012,
dated June 12, 2015.
(2) Do eddy current testing high frequency
(ETHF) and radiographic testing (RT)
inspections for any crack of the vertical
stabilizer spar cap as specified in ‘‘Part 2’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–55A0012,
dated June 12, 2015; or do ETHF inspections
for any crack of the vertical stabilizer spar
cap as specified in ‘‘Part 3’’ of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 717–55A0012, dated June
12, 2015.
(i) Exceptions to the Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
717–55A0012, dated June 12, 2015 specifies
a compliance time ‘‘after the original issue
date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD
requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after the effective date of
this AD.
(2) If any crack is found during any
inspection required by this AD, and Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 717–55A0012, dated
June 12, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for
appropriate action: Before further flight,
repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (k) of this AD.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
initial inspection specified in paragraph (g)
of this AD, if that inspection was performed
before the effective date of this AD using
Boeing MOM–MOM–14–0437–01B(R1),
dated July 3, 2014, which is not incorporated
by reference in this AD.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in
paragraph (l) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
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17:12 May 03, 2016
Jkt 238001
ACO, to make those findings. To be
approved, the repair method, modification
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
26675
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Turbomeca S.A. Astazou XIV B and H
turboshaft engines. This AD requires a
one-time inspection of the front surface
(l) Related Information
of the 3rd stage turbine for a groove.
This AD was prompted by a report of a
For more information about this AD,
contact Eric Schrieber, Aerospace Engineer,
crack on the 3rd stage turbine wheel.
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks
Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
in the 3rd stage turbine wheel, failure of
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
the engine, in-flight shutdown, and loss
5348; fax: 562–627–5210; email:
of control of the helicopter.
Eric.Schrieber@faa.gov.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
8, 2016.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
of a certain publication listed in this AD
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
as of June 8, 2016.
part 51.
ADDRESSES: For service information
(2) You must use this service information
identified in this final rule, contact
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France;
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–
phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40 00; fax: 33 (0)5
55A0012, dated June 12, 2015.
59 74 45 15. You may view this service
(ii) Reserved.
information at the FAA, Engine &
(3) For Boeing service information
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &
information on the availability of this
Services Management, 3855 Lakewood
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
Boulevard, MC D800–0019, Long Beach, CA
90846–0001; telephone: 206–544–5000,
It is also available on the Internet at
extension 2; fax: 206–766–5683; Internet:
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
(4) You may view this service information
7490.
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 20,
2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–10160 Filed 5–3–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–7490; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NE–40–AD; Amendment 39–
18500; AD 2016–09–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca
S.A. Turboshaft Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
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SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
7490; 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 AD, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for the Docket
Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Document Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wego Wang, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine
& Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7134; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: wego.wang@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to the specified products. The
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04MYR1
26676
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 4, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on February 2, 2016 (81 FR
5395). The NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
During the overhaul of an ASTAZOU XIV
engine, a crack was detected on the front face
of the third stage turbine wheel between two
balancing lugs. The cause of the crack is
probably linked to a geometric singularity,
likely caused by the transformation operation
aimed at introducing expansion slots
between the blades during embodiment of
Turbomeca mod AB 173. Although there is
only one known case of this type of crack,
and although it was detected, the possibility
exists that additional parts have the same
geometric singularity.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, may lead to failure of a turbine
blade and its associated piece of rim,
possibly resulting in an uncommanded inflight shut-down and/or release of high
energy debris.
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
7490.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM (81
FR 5395, February 2, 2016).
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Turbomeca S.A. has issued Service
Bulletin (SB) No. 283 72 0811, Version
A, dated August 25, 2015. The SB
describes procedures for inspection of
the 3rd stage turbine wheel. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 9
engines installed on helicopters of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will
take about 5 hours per engine to comply
with this AD. The average labor rate is
$85 per hour. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $3,825.
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 determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 this AD:
(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 to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction, 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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.
Authority for This Rulemaking
§ 39.13
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
■
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:12 May 03, 2016
Jkt 238001
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
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2016–09–02 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment
39–18500; Docket No. FAA–2015–7490;
Directorate Identifier 2015–NE–40–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective June 8, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Astazou XIV B and
XIV H turboshaft engines with 3rd stage
turbine wheel, part number (P/N) 0 265 25
700 0 or P/N 0 265 25 706 0, installed, if the
engine incorporates Turbomeca modification
AB–173 or AB–208.
(d) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a
crack on the 3rd stage turbine wheel. We are
issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the 3rd
stage turbine wheel, failure of the engine, inflight shutdown, and loss of control of the
helicopter.
(e) Actions and Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(1) At the next piece part exposure of the
3rd stage turbine wheel or within 1,000
engine hours after the effective date of this
AD whichever comes first, perform a onetime inspection for a groove on the front
surface of the 3rd stage turbine wheel. Use
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
4.4.2, of Turbomeca S.A. Service Bulletin
(SB) No. 283 72 0811, Version A, dated
August 25, 2015 to perform the inspection.
(2) If the 3rd stage turbine wheel passes
inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of
this AD, no further action is required.
(3) If the 3rd stage turbine wheel fails
inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of
this AD, remove the part and replace with a
part eligible for installation.
(f) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not
install any 3rd stage turbine wheel, P/N 0 265
25 700 0 or P/N 0 265 25 706 0, unless it was
inspected per the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 4.4.2, of Turbomeca
S.A. SB No. 283 72 0811, Version A, dated
August 25, 2015.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office,
FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to
make your request. You may email your
request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
(h) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Wego Wang, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–
7134; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
wego.wang@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency AD 2015–0223, dated
November 16, 2015, for more information.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD
E:\FR\FM\04MYR1.SGM
04MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 4, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-7490-0001.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Turbomeca S.A. Service Bulletin No.
283 72 0811, Version A, dated August 25,
2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Turbomeca S.A. service information
identified in this AD, contact Turbomeca
S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59
74 40 00; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
(5) You may view this service information
at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
April 21, 2016.
Colleen M. D’Alessandro,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–10279 Filed 5–3–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–5811; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–158–AD; Amendment
39–18489; AD 2016–08–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004–19–
11 for certain Airbus Model A320 series
airplanes. AD 2004–19–11 required
modification of the inner rear spar web
of the wing, cold expansion of the
attachment holes of the forward pintle
fitting and the actuating cylinder
anchorage of the main landing gear
(MLG), repetitive ultrasonic inspections
for cracking of the rear spar of the wing,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:12 May 03, 2016
Jkt 238001
and corrective action if necessary. AD
2004–19–11 also provided optional
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. This new AD retains the
requirements of AD 2004–19–11, and
requires the previously optional
terminating action. This AD was
prompted by a determination that the
previously optional terminating action
is necessary to address the unsafe
condition. We are issuing this AD to
prevent fatigue cracking of the inner
rear spar, which may lead to reduced
structural integrity of the wing and the
MLG.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June
8, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of June 8, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of November 5, 2004 (69 FR 58828,
October 1, 2004).
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain other publications listed in
this AD as of June 30, 2000 (65 FR
34069, May 26, 2000).
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of February 14, 1994 (59 FR 1903,
January 13, 1994).
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
this AD as of June 11, 1993 (58 FR
27923, May 12, 1993).
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5
61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
5811.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
5811; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
26677
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527)
is Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2004–19–11,
Amendment 39–13805 (69 FR 58828,
October 1, 2004) (‘‘AD 2004–19–11’’).
AD 2004–19–11 applied to certain
Airbus Model 320 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 27, 2015 (80 FR
74058) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The NPRM was
prompted by a determination that the
previously optional terminating action
is necessary to address the unsafe
condition. The NPRM proposed to
retain the requirements of AD 2004–19–
11, and requires the previously optional
terminating action. We are issuing this
AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the
inner rear spar, which may lead to
reduced structural integrity of the wing
and the MLG.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2014–0169, dated July 17,
2014, corrected July 22, 2014 (referred
to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition on certain Airbus Model 320
series airplanes. The MCAI states:
During centre fuselage certification full
scale fatigue test, cracks were found on the
inner rear spar at holes position 52 on the
right hand wing due to fatigue aspects.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could affect the structural integrity
of the aeroplane.
To prevent such cracks, Airbus developed
modifications, which were introduced in
production and in service through several
Airbus Service Bulletins (SB).
DGAC France issued * * * [an earlier AD],
which was subsequently superseded by
[DGAC] AD 2001–249 [which corresponds
with FAA AD 2004–19–11, Amendment 39–
13805 (69 FR 58828, October 1, 2004)], to
require modification of the rear spar on some
E:\FR\FM\04MYR1.SGM
04MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26675-26677]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10279]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-7490; Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-40-AD;
Amendment 39-18500; AD 2016-09-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Turbomeca S.A. Astazou XIV B and H turboshaft engines. This AD requires
a one-time inspection of the front surface of the 3rd stage turbine for
a groove. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack on the 3rd stage
turbine wheel. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the 3rd
stage turbine wheel, failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and
loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 8, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 8,
2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59 74 40
00; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15. You may view this service information at
the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 781-238-7125. It is also available on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2015-7490.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
7490; 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 AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is
Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wego Wang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7134; fax: 781-
238-7199; email: wego.wang@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The
[[Page 26676]]
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 2, 2016 (81 FR
5395). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During the overhaul of an ASTAZOU XIV engine, a crack was
detected on the front face of the third stage turbine wheel between
two balancing lugs. The cause of the crack is probably linked to a
geometric singularity, likely caused by the transformation operation
aimed at introducing expansion slots between the blades during
embodiment of Turbomeca mod AB 173. Although there is only one known
case of this type of crack, and although it was detected, the
possibility exists that additional parts have the same geometric
singularity.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to
failure of a turbine blade and its associated piece of rim, possibly
resulting in an uncommanded in-flight shut-down and/or release of
high energy debris.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-7490.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (81 FR 5395, February 2,
2016).
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Turbomeca S.A. has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 283 72 0811,
Version A, dated August 25, 2015. The SB describes procedures for
inspection of the 3rd stage turbine wheel. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 9 engines installed on helicopters
of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 5 hours per
engine to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $3,825.
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 determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(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 to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2016-09-02 Turbomeca S.A.: Amendment 39-18500; Docket No. FAA-2015-
7490; Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-40-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective June 8, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Astazou XIV B and XIV H turboshaft
engines with 3rd stage turbine wheel, part number (P/N) 0 265 25 700
0 or P/N 0 265 25 706 0, installed, if the engine incorporates
Turbomeca modification AB-173 or AB-208.
(d) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a crack on the 3rd stage
turbine wheel. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the 3rd
stage turbine wheel, failure of the engine, in-flight shutdown, and
loss of control of the helicopter.
(e) Actions and Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(1) At the next piece part exposure of the 3rd stage turbine
wheel or within 1,000 engine hours after the effective date of this
AD whichever comes first, perform a one-time inspection for a groove
on the front surface of the 3rd stage turbine wheel. Use
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 4.4.2, of Turbomeca S.A.
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 283 72 0811, Version A, dated August 25,
2015 to perform the inspection.
(2) If the 3rd stage turbine wheel passes inspection required by
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, no further action is required.
(3) If the 3rd stage turbine wheel fails inspection required by
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, remove the part and replace with a part
eligible for installation.
(f) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 3rd
stage turbine wheel, P/N 0 265 25 700 0 or P/N 0 265 25 706 0,
unless it was inspected per the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraph 4.4.2, of Turbomeca S.A. SB No. 283 72 0811, Version A,
dated August 25, 2015.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
(h) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Wego Wang,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7134; fax: 781-238-7199; email: wego.wang@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2015-0223,
dated November 16, 2015, for more information. You may examine the
MCAI in the AD
[[Page 26677]]
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-7490-0001.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Turbomeca S.A. Service Bulletin No. 283 72 0811, Version A,
dated August 25, 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Turbomeca S.A. service information identified in this
AD, contact Turbomeca S.A., 40220 Tarnos, France; phone: 33 (0)5 59
74 40 00; fax: 33 (0)5 59 74 45 15.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7125.
(5) You may view this service information at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 21, 2016.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-10279 Filed 5-3-16; 8:45 am]
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