Proposed Rule2023-10251
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Engines
Primary source
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Published
May 15, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Model Arrius 2B2 engines. This proposed AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine maintenance manual (EMM), introducing new and more restrictive tasks and limitations for certain life-limited parts. This proposed AD would require revising the ALS of the existing EMM or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, 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 88 Issue 93 (Monday, May 15, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 93 (Monday, May 15, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30911-30914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-10251]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1043; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01295-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) Model Arrius 2B2
engines. This proposed AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine
maintenance manual (EMM), introducing new and more restrictive tasks
and limitations for certain life-limited parts. This proposed AD would
require revising the ALS of the existing EMM or instructions for
continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions and
associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, 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.
[[Page 30912]]
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by June 29, 2023.
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-2023-1043; 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 service information that is proposed for IBR in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6e7e2d5e6c3c7d5c788c3d3d4c9d6c788c3d3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="39787d4a795c584a58175c4c4b564958175c4c">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available
at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1043.
<bullet> 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 (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7088; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#177c72617e79397a39747b76657c5771767639707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="422927342b2c6c2f6c212e233029022423236c252d34">[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-2023-1043; Project Identifier
MCAI-2022-01295-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
this 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 received 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, International Validation Branch, FAA,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022-0203, dated September 30, 2022
(EASA AD 2022-0203) (referred to after this as the MCAI), to address an
unsafe condition for all Safran Model Arrius 2B2 engines. The MCAI
states that the manufacturer published a revised ALS introducing new
and more restrictive tasks and limitations for certain life-limited
parts. The more restrictive tasks and limitations include replacing
life-limited parts before exceeding the applicable life limit,
performing applicable maintenance tasks, and revising the approved
aircraft maintenance program.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1043.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0203, which specifies instructions
for accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable ALS,
including replacing life-limited parts, performing maintenance tasks,
and revising the existing approved aircraft maintenance program by
incorporating the limitations, tasks, and associated thresholds and
intervals described in the ALS.
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.
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. 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 require accomplishing the actions specified
in the MCAI described previously, except for any differences as
discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the MCAI.''
The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate
may revise the ALS of the existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable for the engine, and
must enter compliance with the applicable paragraphs of the AD into the
engine maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. This action could be performed equally
well by a pilot or a mechanic. 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
[[Page 30913]]
use this process. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate by
reference EASA AD 2022-0203 in the FAA final rule. Service information
required by the EASA AD for compliance will be available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-1043
after the FAA final rule is published.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0203 requires replacing each
component before exceeding the applicable life limit and, within the
thresholds and intervals, accomplishing all applicable maintenance
tasks after its effective date, this proposed AD would require revising
the ALS of the existing EMM or ICA and the existing approved
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating the
actions specified in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0203, within 90 days
after the effective date of this AD. This proposed AD would not require
compliance with paragraphs (2) through (5) of EASA AD 2022-0203.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 185 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...................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $15,725
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A.: Docket No. FAA-2023-1043; Project
Identifier MCAI-2022-01295-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by June 29, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. Model
Arrius 2B2 engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine
(Turbine/Turboprop).
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer revising the
airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing engine
maintenance manual (EMM), introducing new and more restrictive tasks
and limitations for certain life-limited parts. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent failure of life-limited parts. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more
engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the ALS of the existing EMM or instructions for continued
airworthiness and the existing approved maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, by incorporating the actions specified in
paragraph (1) of European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2022-0203, dated September 30, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0203).
(2) The action 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 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14
CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(h) Provisions for Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD have been
done, 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. Publication''
section of EASA AD 2022-0203.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, nternational Validation 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
[[Page 30914]]
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 (j) of this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95d4dbd0b8d4d1b8d4d8dad6d5f3f4f4bbf2fae3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a3e2ede68ee2e78ee2eeece0e3c5c2c28dc4ccd5">[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.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Clark,
Aviation Safety Engineer, International Validation Branch, FAA, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-
7088; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#deb5bba8b7b0f0b3f0bdb2bfacb59eb8bfbff0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c57594a55521251125f505d4e577c5a5d5d125b534a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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) European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022-0203, dated
September 30, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0203, contact EASA, Konrad Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d69792a596b3b7a5b7f8b3a3a4b9a6b7f8b3a3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e5a4a196a580849684cb8090978a9584cb8090">[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 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.
(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#fd9b8fd394938e8d989e89949293bd939c8f9cd39a928b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0167732f686f7271646275686e6f416f6073602f666e77">[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 May 9, 2023.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-10251 Filed 5-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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