Rule2021-14520
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Turboshaft Engines
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 9, 2021
Effective
August 13, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran Helicopter Engines) Arriel 2B, 2B1, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1 and 2S2 model turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by reports of non-conforming fuel filter pre- blockage pressure switches. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the fuel filter by-pass indicator pop-up, a one-time operational test of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch and, depending on the findings, replacement of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 129 (Friday, July 9, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 129 (Friday, July 9, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36205-36207]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14520]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1180; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00517-E;
Amendment 39-21608; AD 2021-13-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Turboshaft Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran Helicopter Engines)
Arriel 2B, 2B1, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1 and 2S2 model turboshaft engines.
This AD was prompted by reports of non-conforming fuel filter pre-
blockage pressure switches. This AD requires repetitive visual
inspections of the fuel filter by-pass indicator pop-up, a one-time
operational test of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch and,
depending on the findings, replacement of the fuel filter pre-blockage
pressure switch with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 13, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 13,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Avenue du 1er Mai, Tarnos,
France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 45 11. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (781)
238-7759. It is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1180.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1180; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is
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, Aviation Safety Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238-7134; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b7c6e6c64257c6a656c4b6d6a6a256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="087f6d6f67267f69666f486e6969266f677e">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Safran
Helicopter Engines Arriel 2B, 2B1, 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1 and 2S2 model
turboshaft engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
February 22, 2021 (86 FR 10501). The NPRM was prompted by reports of
non-conforming fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switches. In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to require repetitive visual inspections of the fuel
filter by-pass indicator pop-up, a one-time operational test of the
fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch and, depending on the
findings, replacement of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch
with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has
issued EASA AD 2019-0180, dated July 25, 2019 (referred to after this
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products.
The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported of non-conforming fuel filter
pre-blockage pressure switches, manufactured before December 2016.
The non-conformity of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch
can cause its non-activation in case of fuel system contamination,
with consequent opening of the by-pass without indication in the
cockpit.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, and in case of
fuel contamination, could lead to an uncommanded in-flight shut-
down, possibly resulting in an emergency autorotation landing on a
single engine helicopter, or to a double uncommanded in-flight shut-
down on a twin engine helicopter.
To address this potential unsafe condition, SAFRAN issued the
MSB, providing inspection instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA AD] requires
repetitive daily visual checks of the fuel filter by-pass indicator
pop-up. This [EASA] AD also requires a one-
[[Page 36206]]
time operational check of the affected part and, depending on
findings, replacement of that part, which constitutes terminating
action for the repetitive daily checks as required by this [EASA]
AD.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2020-1180.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Task 73-23-01-750-801-A01--Pre-Blockage Pressure
Switch of the Fuel Filter Tests (Electrical), dated November 30, 2012,
from the Turbomeca Arriel 2 S1 Maintenance Manual. Task 73-23-01-750-
801-A01 provides instructions for performing an operational test of the
fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch. 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
ADDRESSES.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Safran Helicopter Engines Mandatory Service
Bulletin (MSB) No. 292 73 2869, Version B, dated December 2018. The MSB
describes procedures for identifying and securing pre-blockage pressure
switches of fuel filter part number P/N 9 550 17 200 0, which are
potentially non-conforming.
Justification for Allowing Pilot To Perform Visual Inspection
This final rule allows the visual inspections required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD to be performed by an aircrew member holding at least
a private pilot certificate. Performing a visual inspection to
determine if the fuel filter by-pass indicator pop-up has been
activated is not considered an action that must be performed by a
certified person under 14 CFR 43.3. This authorization is an exception
to our standard maintenance regulations.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 775 engines installed on
helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Visual inspection of fuel filter by- 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $65,875
pass indicator. hour = $85.
Operational test of the fuel filter 3 work-hours x $85 per 0 255 197,625
pre-blockage pressure switch. hour = $255.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacement that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace fuel filter pre-blockage pressure 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $225 $395
switch. $170.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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.
The FAA is 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
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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
[[Page 36207]]
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:
2021-13-03 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate
previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.): Amendment 39-21608; Docket No.
FAA-2020-1180; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00517-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 13, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type
Certificate previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Arriel 2B, 2B1, 2C,
2C1, 2C2, 2S1 and 2S2 model turboshaft engines with a fuel filter
pre-blockage pressure switch, part number 9 550 17 200 0, and serial
number (S/N) 00001 to 12753, inclusive, and S/N A0001 to A0247,
inclusive, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7321, Fuel Control/
Turbine Engines.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports from the manufacturer of non-
conforming fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switches manufactured
before December 2016. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the non-
conformity of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch, which
can cause its non-activation in case of fuel system contamination,
with consequent opening of the by-pass without indication in the
cockpit. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
uncommanded in-flight shut-down of the engine, an emergency
autorotation landing on a single engine helicopter, or an
uncommanded in-flight shut-down of both engines on a twin engine
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) After the effective date of this AD, during the pre-flight
inspection for the first flight of each day the engine is operated,
perform a visual inspection of the fuel filter by-pass indicator to
determine if the fuel filter by-pass indicator pop-up has been
activated.
(2) Within the next 300 hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU)
operating hours or 180 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, perform an operational test of the fuel
filter pre-blockage pressure switch in accordance with Task 73-23-
01-750-801-A01--Pre-Blockage Pressure Switch of the Fuel Filter
Tests (Electrical), dated November 30, 2012, (the Task) from the
Turbomeca Arriel 2 S1 Maintenance Manual.
(3) During any visual inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, if the fuel filter by-pass indicator pop-up has been
activated or, during the operational test required by paragraph
(g)(2) of this AD, any discrepancy is detected as described by the
Task, before next flight, replace the fuel filter pre-blockage
pressure switch with a part eligible for installation.
(4) The actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private
pilot certificate, and must be entered into the aircraft records
showing compliance with this AD, in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9
(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The records must be
maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) Terminating Action
Passing the operational test (no failure detected) of the fuel
filter pre-blockage pressure switch, as required by paragraph (g)(2)
of this AD, or replacement of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure
switch with a part eligible for installation, constitutes a
terminating action for the repetitive visual inspections required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for that engine.
(i) Definition
A part eligible for installation is a fuel filter pre-blockage
pressure switch that is not listed in the Applicability, paragraph
(c), of this AD, or a fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch that
has passed the operational test (no discrepancies detected) required
by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, 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
ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in
Related Information. You may email your request to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f7b6b9b2dab6b3dab6bab8b4b7919696d9909881"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="91d0dfd4bcd0d5bcd0dcded2d1f7f0f0bff6fee7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Wego Wang,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7134; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#691e0c0e06471e08070e290f0808470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f18694969edf86909f96b1979090df969e87">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to EASA AD 2019-0180, dated July 25, 2019, for more
information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2020-1180.
(l) 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) Task 73-23-01-750-801-A01--Pre-Blockage Pressure Switch of
the Fuel Filter Tests (Electrical), dated November 30, 2012, from
the Turbomeca Arriel 2 S1 Maintenance Manual.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Turbomeca service information identified in this AD,
contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Avenue du 1er Mai, Tarnos,
France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 40 00.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759.
(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, email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1a7c7f7e687f7d34767f7d7b765a747b687b347d756c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="056360617760622b6960626469456b6477642b626a73">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on July 1, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14520 Filed 7-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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