Proposed Rule2022-23172
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Turboshaft Engines
Primary source
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Published
October 31, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-08-02, which applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Arriel 2D and Arriel 2E model turboshaft engines. AD 2021-08- 02 requires replacing certain critical parts before reaching their published in-service life limits, performing scheduled maintenance tasks before reaching their published periodicity, and performing unscheduled maintenance tasks when the engine meets certain conditions. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-08-02, Safran has revised the airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of the existing maintenance and overhaul manuals, introducing new and more restrictive instructions and maintenance tasks. This proposed AD would require revisions to the ALS of the operator's existing approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP), as applicable, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 209 (Monday, October 31, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 209 (Monday, October 31, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65535-65538]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-23172]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1311; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00624-E]
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: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2021-08-02, which applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A.
(Safran) Arriel 2D and Arriel 2E model turboshaft engines. AD 2021-08-
02 requires replacing certain critical parts before reaching their
published in-service life limits, performing scheduled maintenance
tasks before reaching their published periodicity, and performing
unscheduled maintenance tasks when the engine meets certain conditions.
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-08-02, Safran has revised the
airworthiness limitation section (ALS) of the existing maintenance and
overhaul manuals, introducing new and more restrictive instructions and
maintenance tasks. This proposed AD would require revisions to the ALS
of the operator's existing approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP),
as applicable, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by December
15, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1311; 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 NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For material identified in this NPRM, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4001043300252133216e2535322f30216e2535"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1c5d586f5c797d6f7d3279696e736c7d327969">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the EASA
website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material 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 (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
(781) 238-7088; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ce7e9fae5e2a2e1a2efe0edfee7cceaededa2ebe3fa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8b3bdaeb1b6f6b5f6bbb4b9aab398beb9b9f6bfb7ae">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-1311; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-00624-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact we receive about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Kevin
Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA
[[Page 65536]]
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2021-08-02, Amendment 39-21496 (86 FR 26651, May
17, 2021) (AD 2021-08-02), for all Safran Arriel 2D and Arriel 2E model
turboshaft engines. AD 2021-08-02 was prompted by the manufacturer
revising the maintenance and overhaul manuals to introduce new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks. AD 2021-
08-02 requires replacing certain critical parts before reaching their
published in-service life limits, performing scheduled maintenance
tasks before reaching their published periodicity, and performing
unscheduled maintenance tasks when the engine meets certain conditions.
As a terminating action, AD 2021-08-02 requires operators to revise the
ALS of their existing approved AMP by incorporating the revised
airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks. The FAA issued AD
2021-08-02 to prevent failure of the engine.
Actions Since AD 2021-08-02 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-08-02, EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, issued EASA AD 2022-
0083, dated May 11, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0083), which supersedes EASA AD
2018-0273, dated December 13, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0273). EASA AD 2022-
0083 states that the manufacturer published a revised ALS introducing
new and more restrictive tasks and limitations. These new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks include
initial and repetitive inspections for clogging of the power turbine
air pressurization pipe. The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent
failure of the engine. This unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in uncontained release of a critical part, damage to the engine,
and damage to the helicopter. See EASA AD 2022-0083 for additional
background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0083. EASA AD 2022-0083 specifies
instructions for accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable
ALS, including performing maintenance tasks, replacing life-limited
parts, and revising the existing approved AMP by incorporating the
limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and intervals described
in the ALS. This material 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 TASK 05-10-01-200-801-A01, Values of Authorized
In-Service Life Limits--Airworthiness Limitations, of the Safran
Helicopter Engines Arriel 2 Maintenance Manual, dated December 30,
2021, and TASK 05-10-10-200-801-A01, Airworthiness Limitations--
Temporary Update No. 05-3--Tables of Mandatory Maintenance Tasks, of
the Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2 Maintenance Manual, dated April
15, 2022.
The FAA reviewed Section 05-10-00, Airworthiness Limitations, of
Chapter 05, Airworthiness Limitations-Frequencies-Inspections, of the
Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2D and Arriel 2E Overhaul Manuals,
Volume 1, No. X 292 R1 500 2, Update No. 23, dated December 30, 2021.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country, and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI described above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2021-
08-02. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions
specified in EASA AD 2022-0083, described previously, except as
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the EASA
AD.'' An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least at least a private
pilot certificate may incorporate the actions and associated thresholds
and intervals, including life limits and maintenance tasks, into
existing approved maintenance or inspection program as applicable, and
performance of this incorporation must be entered into the aircraft
records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR
43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as
required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. This is an exception to
the FAA's standard maintenance regulations.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers and CAAs to use this process. As a
result, the FAA proposes to incorporate by reference EASA AD 2022-0083
in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require
compliance with EASA AD 2022-0083 in its entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in
the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are
the same as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD does not
mean that operators need comply only with that section. For example,
where the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and
compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited
to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in
EASA AD 2022-0083. Service information required by the EASA AD for
compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-
2022-1311 after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the EASA AD
EASA AD 2022-0083 applies to Arriel 2D, 2E, 2H, 2L2, and 2N model
turboshaft engines, whereas this proposed AD would only apply to Arriel
2D and Arriel 2E model turboshaft engines. Arriel 2H, 2L2, and 2N
engines are not U.S. type certificated.
EASA AD 2022-0083 defines the AMP as the approved Aircraft
Maintenance Programme on the basis of which the operator or the owner
ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated engine, this AD
defines the AMP as the Aircraft Maintenance Program on the basis of
which the operator or the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of
each operated helicopter.
EASA AD 2022-0083 requires revising the approved AMP within 12
months after its effective date, whereas this proposed AD would require
incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits and maintenance tasks, into the existing approved
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
[[Page 65537]]
within 90 days after the effective date of the AD.
This AD does not require compliance with paragraphs (1), (2), (4),
or (5) of EASA AD 2022-0083.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 426 engines installed on helicopters of U.S. Registry. The FAA
estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise the ALS and the operator's 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $36,210
existing approved AMP. 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
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2021-08-02, Amendment 39-21496 (86
FR 26651, May 17, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate previously held by
Turbomeca, S.A.): Docket No. FAA-2022-1311; Project Identifier MCAI-
2022-00624-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by December 15, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-08-02, Amendment 39-21496 (86 FR 26651,
May 17, 2021) (AD 2021-08-02).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran)
(Type Certificate previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.) Arriel 2D and
Arriel 2E model turboshaft engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the
maintenance and overhaul manuals to introduce new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the engine. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of
a critical part, damage to the engine, and damage to the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Except as specified in paragraph (h) and (i) of this AD:
Perform all required actions within the compliance times specified
in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD
2022-0083, dated May 11, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0083).
(2) 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)
and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as
required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0083
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0083 defines the AMP as the approved
Aircraft Maintenance Programme on the basis of which the operator or
the owner ensures the continuing airworthiness of each operated
engine, this AD defines the AMP as the Aircraft Maintenance Program
on the basis of which the operator or the owner ensures the
continuing airworthiness of each operated helicopter.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0083 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2022-0083.
(4) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (2) of
EASA AD 2022-0083.
(5) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0083 requires revising
the approved aircraft maintenance program (AMP) within 12 months
after the effective date of EASA AD 2021-0217, this AD requires
incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits and maintenance tasks, into the existing
approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, within 90
days after the effective date of this AD.
(6) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (4) of
EASA AD 2022-0083.
(7) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (5) of
EASA AD 2022-0083.
(8) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2022-0083 does not apply
to this AD.
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(i) Provisions for Alternative Actions, Thresholds, and Intervals,
Including Life Limits
After performing the action required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, no alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals,
including life limits, are allowed unless they are approved as
specified in the provisions of the ``Ref. Publications'' section of
EASA AD 2022-0083.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
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
certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#80c1cec5adc1c4adc1cdcfc3c0e6e1e1aee7eff6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7a3b343f573b3e573b3735393a1c1b1b541d150c">[email protected]</span></a>. 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) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Clark,
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7088; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e08b8596898ece8dce838c81928ba0868181ce878f96"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95fef0e3fcfbbbf8bbf6f9f4e7fed5f3f4f4bbf2fae3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022-0083, dated
May 11, 2022.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0083, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0140457241646072602f6474736e71602f6474"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="82c3c6f1c2e7e3f1e3ace7f7f0edf2e3ace7f7">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the EASA website
at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(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 (817) 222-5110.
(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#4c2a3e6225223f3c292f382523220c222d3e2d622b233a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99ffebb7f0f7eae9fcfaedf0f6f7d9f7f8ebf8b7fef6ef">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on October 20, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-23172 Filed 10-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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