Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. Turboprop and Turboshaft Engines, 18402-18406 [2017-07779]

Download as PDF 18402 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 74 Wednesday, April 19, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Examining the AD Docket [Docket No. FAA–2016–9418; Directorate Identifier 2016–NE–23–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. Turboprop and Turboshaft Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) TPE331 turboprop and TSE331 turboshaft engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that combustion chamber case assemblies have cracked and ruptured. This proposed AD would require inspection of the affected combustion chamber case assembly, replacement of those assemblies found cracked, and removal of affected assemblies on certain TPE331 engines. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 5, 2017. 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. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:41 Apr 18, 2017 For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Honeywell International Inc., 111 S 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034–2802; phone: 800– 601–3099; Internet: https:// myaerospace.honeywell.com/wps/ portal/!ut/. 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. Jkt 241001 You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9418; 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: Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5246; fax: 562–627–5210; email: joseph.costa@ faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2016–9418; Directorate Identifier 2016– NE–23–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We have received reports of three accidents involving combustion chamber case assembly ruptures. Investigations have shown numerous cracked combustion chamber case assemblies resulting from high stresses in the as-designed weld joints and contributing factors due to repair weld quality, poor maintenance and inspection practices, and cycles-inservice. From 1979 to 2016, twenty-four of these cracked combustion chamber case assemblies have propagated to rupture. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the combustion chamber case assembly, in-flight shutdown, and reduced control of the airplane. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Honeywell Service Bulletin (SB) TPE331–72–2178, Revision 0, dated May 3, 2011. The SB describes procedures for inspection and removal of the affected combustion chamber case assemblies. 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. Other Related Service Information Honeywell has also issued SBs TPE331–72–2228, Revision 0, dated June 12, 2014; TPE331–72–2230, Revision 0, dated June 19, 2014; TPE331–72–2218, Revision 1, dated July 13, 2016; TPE331–72–2244, Revision 1, dated July 20, 2016; TPE331–72–2235, Revision 1, dated July 21, 2016; TPE331–72–2281, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016; TPE331–72–2294, Revision 0, dated December 22, 2016; and TSE331– 72–2245, Revision 0, dated November 11, 2016. These SBs provide guidance on replacement of the affected combustion chamber case assemblies. 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 other products of the same type design. E:\FR\FM\19APP1.SGM 19APP1 18403 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require inspection, replacement of the affected combustion chamber case assemblies, and removal of affected assemblies on certain TPE331 turboprop engines. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information This AD proposes inspection and replacement of high-stressed combustion chamber case assemblies and those chamber case assemblies found cracked at scheduled routine inspections. Honeywell SBs TPE331– 72–2228, Revision 0, dated June 12, 2014; TPE331–72–2230, Revision 0, dated June 19, 2014; TPE331–72–2218, Revision 1, dated July 13, 2016; TPE331–72–2244, Revision 1, dated July 20, 2016; TPE331–72–2235, Revision 1, dated July 21, 2016; TPE331–72–2281, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016; TPE331–72–2294, Revision 0, dated December 22, 2016; and TSE331–72– 2245, Revision 0, dated November 11, 2016, recommend the removal and replacement of the combustion chamber case assembly at next removal from the engine, but no later than March 31, 2021 or December 31, 2021, depending on the respective engine. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 5,644 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Cost on U.S. operators Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product On-wing inspection ................. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85. $0 $85 per inspection ................. We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We estimate that $479,740 per inspection. 158 engines will need this replacement during the first year of inspection. ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Replacement of the combustion chamber assembly ... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... $15,000 $15,085 Authority for This Rulemaking jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:41 Apr 18, 2017 Jkt 241001 responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this 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 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. 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 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Honeywell International Inc. (Type Certificate previously held by AlliedSignal Inc., Garrett Engine Division; Garrett Turbine Engine Company; and AiResearch Manufacturing Company of Arizona): Docket No. FAA–2016–9418; Directorate Identifier 2016–NE–23–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by June 5, 2017. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) TPE331–1, –2, –2UA, –3U, –3UW, –5, –5A, –5AB, –5B, –6, –6A, –8, –10, –10AV, –10GP, –10GT, –10N, –10P, –10R, –10T, –10U, –10UA, –10UF, –10UG, –10UGR, –10UR, and –11U, –12JR, –12UA, –12UAR, –12UHR, –25AA, –25AB, –25DA, –25DB, –25FA, –43A, –43BL, –47A, –55B, and –61A model turboprop engines, and TSE331–3U model turboshaft engines. (d) Subject 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7240, Turbine Engine Combustion Section. E:\FR\FM\19APP1.SGM 19APP1 18404 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports that combustion chamber case assemblies have cracked and ruptured. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the combustion chamber case assembly, in-flight shutdown, and reduced control of the airplane. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (1) For all affected engines: (i) Inspect all accessible areas, of the combustion chamber case assembly, focusing on the weld joints, at the next scheduled fuel nozzle inspection or replacement, before accumulating 400 hours since last fuel nozzle inspection, or within 50 hours in service after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (ii) Thereafter, repeat this inspection before accumulating an additional 400 hours since VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:41 Apr 18, 2017 Jkt 241001 last inspection of the combustion chamber case assembly. (iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(2), in Honeywell Service Bulletin TPE331–72– 2178, Revision 0, dated May 3, 2011, to do the inspection. (2) For TPE331–3U, –3UW, –5, –5A, –5AB, –5B, –6, –6A engines with combustion chamber case assemblies, part numbers (P/ Ns) 869728–1, 869728–3, or 893973–5, installed, and without the one–piece bleed pad with P3 boss, and for TPE331–1, –2, and –2UA engines modified with increased P3 pressures, including, but not limited to, engines modified by supplemental type certificate (STC) SE383CH, remove the combustion chamber case assembly from service at the next removal of the combustion chamber case from the engine. (3) For TPE331–1, –2, –2UA, –3U, –3UW, –5, –5A, –5AB, –5B, –6, –6A, –8, –10, –10AV, –10GP, –10GT, –10N, –10P, –10R, –10T, PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 –10U, –10UA, –10UF, –10UG, –10UGR, –10UR, –11U, –12JR, –12UA, –12UAR, –12UHR model turboprop and TSE331–3U model turboshaft engines, after the effective date of this AD do not weld repair the combustion chamber case assembly using procedures dated before the effective date of this AD. (g) Definitions (1) ‘‘Modified with increased P3 pressures’’ is defined as an engine modification including, but not limited to, TPE331 model engines modified by STC SE383CH (commonly referred to as the ‘‘Super 1’’ and ‘‘Super 2’’ for the compressor modification of the TPE331–1 and the TPE331–2, –2U, and –2UA engines, respectively). (2) Figures 1 and 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD illustrate the appearance of combustion chamber case assembly, P/N 893973–5, without and with, respectively, the one-piece bleed pad with the P3 boss. E:\FR\FM\19APP1.SGM 19APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules 18405 Figure 1 to Paragraph (g) of this AD. Combustion Chamber Case Assembly Without the One-Piece Bleed Pad with P3 Boss Figure 2 to Paragraph (g) of this AD. Combustion Chamber Case Assembly with (h) Installation Prohibition After the effective date of this AD, do not install a combustion chamber case assembly, P/N 869728–1, 869728–3, or 893973–5, in an engine, unless the combustion chamber case assembly has a one-piece bleed pad with P3 boss. VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:41 Apr 18, 2017 Jkt 241001 (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this proposed AD, contact Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627– E:\FR\FM\19APP1.SGM 19APP1 EP19AP17.000</GPH> jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS One-Piece Bleed Pad with P3 Boss 18406 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 19, 2017 / Proposed Rules 5246; fax: 562–627–5210; email: joseph.costa@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Honeywell International Inc., 111 S 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034– 2802; phone: 800–601–3099; Internet: https:// myaerospace.honeywell.com/wps/portal/!ut/. (3) 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. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 6, 2017. Carlos A. Pestana, Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017–07779 Filed 4–18–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2017–0185; Airspace Docket No. 17–ASW–6] Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace for the Following Texas Towns; Pampa, TX, and Seminole, TX Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to modify Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Perry Lefors Field, Pampa, TX and Gaines County Airport, Seminole, TX. Decommissioning of non-directional radio beacons (NDB), cancellation of NDB approaches, and implementation of area navigation (RNAV) procedures have made this action necessary for the safe management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the above airports. SUMMARY: Comments must be received on or before June 5, 2017. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202) 366–9826, or 1–800–647–5527. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA– 2017–0185; Airspace Docket No. 17– ASW–6, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 12:41 Apr 18, 2017 Jkt 241001 Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647–5527), is on the ground floor of the building at the above address. FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: 202–267–8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11A at NARA, call 202–741– 6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/ federal_register/code_of_federalregulations/ibr_locations.html. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Laster, Federal Aviation Administration, Contract Support, Operations Support Group, Central Service Center, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5879. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part, A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would modify Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface area at Perry Lefors Field, Pampa, TX and Gaines County Airport, Seminole, TX. Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2017–0185/Airspace Docket No. 17–ASW–6.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s Web page at https:// www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ airspace_amendments/. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see the ADDRESSES section for the address and phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic Organization, Central Service Center, Operations Support Group, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. All communications received before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability and Summary of Documents Proposed for Incorporation by Reference This document proposes to amend FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016, and effective September 15, 2016. FAA Order 7400.11A is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11A lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points. E:\FR\FM\19APP1.SGM 19APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 74 (Wednesday, April 19, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18402-18406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07779]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 74 / Wednesday, April 19, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 18402]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9418; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-23-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. Turboprop 
and Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) TPE331 turboprop and 
TSE331 turboshaft engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports 
that combustion chamber case assemblies have cracked and ruptured. This 
proposed AD would require inspection of the affected combustion chamber 
case assembly, replacement of those assemblies found cracked, and 
removal of affected assemblies on certain TPE331 engines. We are 
proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 5, 2017.

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 NPRM, contact Honeywell 
International Inc., 111 S 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034-2802; phone: 
800-601-3099; Internet: https://myaerospace.honeywell.com/wps/portal/!ut/. 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.

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-2016-
9418; 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: Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5246; fax: 562-627-5210; email: joseph.costa@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9418; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-23-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
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

    We have received reports of three accidents involving combustion 
chamber case assembly ruptures. Investigations have shown numerous 
cracked combustion chamber case assemblies resulting from high stresses 
in the as-designed weld joints and contributing factors due to repair 
weld quality, poor maintenance and inspection practices, and cycles-in-
service. From 1979 to 2016, twenty-four of these cracked combustion 
chamber case assemblies have propagated to rupture. This condition, if 
not corrected, could result in failure of the combustion chamber case 
assembly, in-flight shutdown, and reduced control of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Honeywell Service Bulletin (SB) TPE331-72-2178, 
Revision 0, dated May 3, 2011. The SB describes procedures for 
inspection and removal of the affected combustion chamber case 
assemblies. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    Honeywell has also issued SBs TPE331-72-2228, Revision 0, dated 
June 12, 2014; TPE331-72-2230, Revision 0, dated June 19, 2014; TPE331-
72-2218, Revision 1, dated July 13, 2016; TPE331-72-2244, Revision 1, 
dated July 20, 2016; TPE331-72-2235, Revision 1, dated July 21, 2016; 
TPE331-72-2281, Revision 0, dated July 22, 2016; TPE331-72-2294, 
Revision 0, dated December 22, 2016; and TSE331-72-2245, Revision 0, 
dated November 11, 2016. These SBs provide guidance on replacement of 
the affected combustion chamber case assemblies.

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 other products of the same type design.

[[Page 18403]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require inspection, replacement of the 
affected combustion chamber case assemblies, and removal of affected 
assemblies on certain TPE331 turboprop engines.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This AD proposes inspection and replacement of high-stressed 
combustion chamber case assemblies and those chamber case assemblies 
found cracked at scheduled routine inspections. Honeywell SBs TPE331-
72-2228, Revision 0, dated June 12, 2014; TPE331-72-2230, Revision 0, 
dated June 19, 2014; TPE331-72-2218, Revision 1, dated July 13, 2016; 
TPE331-72-2244, Revision 1, dated July 20, 2016; TPE331-72-2235, 
Revision 1, dated July 21, 2016; TPE331-72-2281, Revision 0, dated July 
22, 2016; TPE331-72-2294, Revision 0, dated December 22, 2016; and 
TSE331-72-2245, Revision 0, dated November 11, 2016, recommend the 
removal and replacement of the combustion chamber case assembly at next 
removal from the engine, but no later than March 31, 2021 or December 
31, 2021, depending on the respective engine.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 5,644 engines installed 
on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost         Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-wing inspection..............  1 work-hour x $85                $0   $85 per inspection.  $479,740 per
                                   per hour = $85.                                            inspection.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We estimate that 158 engines will need this replacement during the 
first year of inspection.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of the combustion chamber          1 work-hour x $85 per hour =            $15,000          $15,085
 assembly.                                      $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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 this 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 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.

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

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):

Honeywell International Inc. (Type Certificate previously held by 
AlliedSignal Inc., Garrett Engine Division; Garrett Turbine Engine 
Company; and AiResearch Manufacturing Company of Arizona): Docket 
No. FAA-2016-9418; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-23-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 5, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) 
TPE331-1, -2, -2UA, -3U, -3UW, -5, -5A, -5AB, -5B, -6, -6A, -8, -10, 
-10AV, -10GP, -10GT, -10N, -10P, -10R, -10T, -10U, -10UA, -10UF, -
10UG, -10UGR, -10UR, and -11U, -12JR, -12UA, -12UAR, -12UHR, -25AA, 
-25AB, -25DA, -25DB, -25FA, -43A, -43BL, -47A, -55B, and -61A model 
turboprop engines, and TSE331-3U model turboshaft engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7240, Turbine Engine 
Combustion Section.

[[Page 18404]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that combustion chamber case 
assemblies have cracked and ruptured. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the combustion chamber case assembly, in-flight 
shutdown, and reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) For all affected engines:
    (i) Inspect all accessible areas, of the combustion chamber case 
assembly, focusing on the weld joints, at the next scheduled fuel 
nozzle inspection or replacement, before accumulating 400 hours 
since last fuel nozzle inspection, or within 50 hours in service 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Thereafter, repeat this inspection before accumulating an 
additional 400 hours since last inspection of the combustion chamber 
case assembly.
    (iii) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(1) 
through 3.B.(2), in Honeywell Service Bulletin TPE331-72-2178, 
Revision 0, dated May 3, 2011, to do the inspection.
    (2) For TPE331-3U, -3UW, -5, -5A, -5AB, -5B, -6, -6A engines 
with combustion chamber case assemblies, part numbers (P/Ns) 869728-
1, 869728-3, or 893973-5, installed, and without the one-piece bleed 
pad with P3 boss, and for TPE331-1, -2, and -2UA engines modified 
with increased P3 pressures, including, but not limited to, engines 
modified by supplemental type certificate (STC) SE383CH, remove the 
combustion chamber case assembly from service at the next removal of 
the combustion chamber case from the engine.
    (3) For TPE331-1, -2, -2UA, -3U, -3UW, -5, -5A, -5AB, -5B, -6, -
6A, -8, -10, -10AV, -10GP, -10GT, -10N, -10P, -10R, -10T, -10U, -
10UA, -10UF, -10UG, -10UGR, -10UR, -11U, -12JR, -12UA, -12UAR, -
12UHR model turboprop and TSE331-3U model turboshaft engines, after 
the effective date of this AD do not weld repair the combustion 
chamber case assembly using procedures dated before the effective 
date of this AD.

(g) Definitions

    (1) ``Modified with increased P3 pressures'' is defined as an 
engine modification including, but not limited to, TPE331 model 
engines modified by STC SE383CH (commonly referred to as the ``Super 
1'' and ``Super 2'' for the compressor modification of the TPE331-1 
and the TPE331-2, -2U, and -2UA engines, respectively).
    (2) Figures 1 and 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD illustrate the 
appearance of combustion chamber case assembly, P/N 893973-5, 
without and with, respectively, the one-piece bleed pad with the P3 
boss.

[[Page 18405]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP19AP17.000

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install a combustion 
chamber case assembly, P/N 869728-1, 869728-3, or 893973-5, in an 
engine, unless the combustion chamber case assembly has a one-piece 
bleed pad with P3 boss.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this proposed AD, contact Joseph 
Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., 
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-

[[Page 18406]]

5246; fax: 562-627-5210; email: joseph.costa@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Honeywell International Inc., 111 S 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034-
2802; phone: 800-601-3099; Internet: https://myaerospace.honeywell.com/wps/portal/!ut/.
    (3) 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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 6, 2017.
Carlos A. Pestana,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-07779 Filed 4-18-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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