Rule2021-15041
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 15, 2021
Effective
August 19, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Arriel 2C and Arriel 2S1 model turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by reports of error messages on the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) B digital engine control unit (DECU), caused by blistering of the varnish on the DECU circuit board. This AD requires the replacement of certain FADEC B DECUs. 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 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37229-37231]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15041]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0100; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00309-E;
Amendment 39-21613; AD 2021-13-08]
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 all
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Arriel 2C and Arriel 2S1 model
turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by reports of error messages
on the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) B digital engine
control unit (DECU), caused by blistering of the varnish on the DECU
circuit board. This AD requires the replacement of certain FADEC B
DECUs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 19, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 19,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A., Avenue du 1er Mai, 40220
Tarnos, France; phone: +33 (0) 5 59 74 40 00. 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-2021-0100.
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-2021-0100; 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#7a0d1f1d15540d1b141d3a1c1b1b541d150c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="780f1d1f17560f19161f381e1919561f170e">[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 all Safran Helicopter
Engines, S.A. Arriel 2C and Arriel 2S1 model turboshaft engines. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2021 (86 FR
11662). The NPRM was prompted by reports of error messages on the FADEC
B DECU, caused by blistering of the varnish on the DECU circuit board.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require the replacement of certain
FADEC B DECUs. 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 2020-0046, dated March 4, 2020 (referred to after this
as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on these products.
The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported of FADEC B DECU error messages,
which were found to be caused by blistering of the varnish on the
DECU circuit board. Subsequent investigation determined that the use
of a non-compliant primer is related to the blistering effect which,
in wet conditions, can cause malfunction of the stepper motor.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of
automatic control on both engines concurrently, possibly resulting
in reduced control of the helicopter.
To address this potentially unsafe condition, SAFRAN issued the
MSB, as defined in this [EASA] AD, to provide instructions for
identification and replacement of affected parts. For the reason
described above, this [EASA] AD requires replacement of affected
parts with serviceable parts. This [EASA] AD also prohibits (re-
installation of affected parts.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket on at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0100.
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
requires adopting this AD 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 Safran Helicopter Engines Note Technique AA187866,
Version A, dated 18 Octobre 2019 [October 18, 2019]. This service
information identifies the serial numbers (S/Ns) of certain FADEC B
DECUs installed on Arriel 2C and Arriel 2S1 model turboshaft engines.
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 2872, Version A, dated October 17, 2019. This
MSB describes procedures for identifying the S/Ns of certain FADEC B
DECUs and replacing certain FADEC B DECUs on Arriel 2C and Arriel 2S1
model turboshaft engines.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 148 engines installed on
helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 37230]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replace the FADEC B DECU.............. 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $12,580
hour = $85.
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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 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.
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:
2021-13-08 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.): Amendment 39-21613; Docket No.
FAA-2021-0100; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00309-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 19, 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 2C and Arriel
2S1 model turboshaft engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7321, Fuel Control/
Turbine Engines.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of error messages of the full
authority digital engine control (FADEC) B digital engine control
unit (DECU), caused by blistering of the varnish on the DECU circuit
board. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the FADEC B
DECU. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss
of engine thrust control and reduced control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
For affected engines having an installed FADEC B DECU with a
serial number (S/N) identified in Safran Helicopter Engines Note
Technique AA187866, Version A, dated 18 Octobre 2019 [Octobre 18,
2019] (the Note Technique), within 1,400 engine operating hours
after the effective date of this AD, replace the FADEC B DECU with a
part eligible for installation.
(h) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install onto any
engine a FADEC B DECU having an S/N listed in the Note Technique.
(i) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation is
a FADEC B DECU that does not have an S/N listed in the Note
Technique.
(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#fbbab5bed6babfd6bab6b4b8bb9d9a9ad59c948d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c988878ce4888de48884868a89afa8a8e7aea6bf">[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#344351535b1a43555a53745255551a535b42"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c1b090b03421b0d020b2c0a0d0d420b031a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0046, dated March 4, 2020, 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-2021-0100.
(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) Safran Helicopter Engines Note Technique AA187866, Version
A, dated 18 Octobre 2019 [October 18, 2019].
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. service information
identified in this AD, contact Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A.,
Avenue du 1er Mai, 40220 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,
[[Page 37231]]
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#93f5f6f7e1f6f4bdfff6f4f2ffd3fdf2e1f2bdf4fce5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a6c6f6e786f6d24666f6d6b664a646b786b246d657c">[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 9, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15041 Filed 7-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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