Rule2023-27257
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca S.A.) 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
December 13, 2023
Effective
January 17, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Safran) (type certificate previously held by Turbomeca S.A.) Model Arrius 2R engines. This AD is prompted by reports of inconsistencies between the torque (TQ) and measured gas temperature (MGT) conformation values recorded in the avionics and the TQ and MGT conformation values recorded on the engine log cards following replacement of the M01 and M02 modules installed on the engine. This AD requires a one-time check of the consistency between the TQ and MGT conformation values recorded in the avionics and the values recorded on the engine log cards, and, if necessary, recalibrating the values and updating the engine logs, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 238 (Wednesday, December 13, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 13, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 86263-86266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27257]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1397; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00014-E;
Amendment 39-22626; AD 2023-24-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type
Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca S.A.) 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. (Safran) (type certificate previously
held by Turbomeca S.A.) Model Arrius 2R engines. This AD is prompted by
reports of inconsistencies between the torque (TQ) and measured gas
temperature (MGT) conformation values recorded in the avionics and the
TQ and MGT conformation values recorded on the engine log cards
following replacement of the M01 and M02 modules installed on the
engine. This AD requires a one-time check of the consistency between
the TQ and MGT conformation values recorded in the avionics and the
values recorded on the engine log cards, and, if necessary,
recalibrating the values and updating the engine logs, as specified in
a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 17, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 17,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1397; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
contact EASA, Konrad-
[[Page 86264]]
Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5110152211343022307f3424233e21307f3424"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f7b6b384b792968496d9928285988796d99282">[email protected]</span></a>; website: ad.easa.europa.eu.
<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. It is
also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1397.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Clark, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781)
238-7088; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#731816051a1d5d1e5d101f120118331512125d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0c67697a65622261226f606d7e674c6a6d6d226b637a">[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. Model Arrius 2R engines. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on July 12, 2023 (88 FR 44232). The NPRM was prompted
by EASA AD 2022-0265R1, dated January 6, 2023 (EASA AD 2022-0265R1)
(also referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states that
inconsistencies were reported between the TQ and MGT conformation
values recorded in the avionics and the values recorded on the engine
log cards following replacement of the M01 or M02 modules installed on
the engine. This condition, if not corrected, could affect the engine
power assurance check and lead to underestimated or overestimated TQ
and MGT conformation values. Underestimated MGT conformation values
could lead to an exceedance of the certified thermal limit of the high-
pressure (HP) blades, possibly resulting in HP blade rupture with
consequent sudden power loss and release of low-energy debris.
Underestimated TQ conformation values could lead to overpassing the
helicopter transmission limit. Overestimated TQ and MGT conformation
values could lead to an electronic engine control unit embedded value
that could result in power non-availability. Each of the above
conditions could result in reduced control of the helicopter.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require accomplishing the actions
specified in the MCAI, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1397.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
The FAA received a comment from one commenter, Summit Helicopters,
Inc (Summit). The following presents the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Not Incorporate the EASA AD by Reference
Summit objected to incorporating the foreign government's AD by
reference in FAA ADs, including this one. Summit mentioned that the
work of revising the EASA AD to match the exceptions in the AD
significantly increases the paperwork and hours needed to complete the
requirements of the AD. Summit also objected to requiring U.S.-based
mechanics to access foreign government websites to comply with the AD.
Summit pointed out that accessing the foreign government website to
retrieve and, further, modify the EASA AD with the exceptions contained
in the FAA AD, specifically to comply, has the potential for confusion,
especially with to the differing effective dates of the EASA AD and the
FAA AD. Summit suggested that the FAA instead copy the required actions
from the foreign AD into the FAA AD. The FAA also infers that Summit is
requesting that the FAA discontinue the incorporation by reference of
foreign ADs in all FAA ADs.
The FAA disagrees with the request. While this newer type of AD
format results in another document needing to be reviewed by the
mechanic, there is a benefit to operators that is not readily apparent.
Most MCAIs permit using future approved revisions of required and
related material without the need for an operator to request an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC). The FAA is not permitted to
include ``or future approved revisions'' directly in an AD. When an
MCAI is not incorporated by reference, the FAA would require operators
to be issued an AMOC allowing future, alleviating revisions of required
material. Therefore, this method minimizes the need for AMOCs. Finally,
since the MCAI is made available within the docket on <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
when the NPRM is published, it is unnecessary for a U.S.-based person
to access a foreign website to obtain a copy.
Conclusion
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 this State of Design
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, 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. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2022-0265R1, which specifies instructions
for a one-time check of the consistency between the TQ and MGT
conformation values recorded in the avionics and the values recorded in
the engine log cards, and, if necessary, recalibrating the values and
updating the engine logs.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 145 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 on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Perform consistency check........ 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85 $12,325
per hour = $85.
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[[Page 86265]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
recalibration that would be required based on the results of the
consistency check. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need recalibration:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Recalibrate conformation values and update 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $85
records. $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 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.
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:
2023-24-09 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Turbomeca, S.A.): Amendment 39-22626; Docket No.
FAA-2023-1397; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00014-E.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 17, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (type
certificate previously held by Turbomeca S.A.) Model Arrius 2R
engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7700, Engine
Indicating System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of inconsistencies between the
torque (TQ) and measured gas temperature (MGT) conformation values
recorded in the avionics and the TQ and MGT conformation values
recorded on the engine log cards following replacement of the M01 or
M02 modules installed on the engine. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address inconsistencies between the TQ and MGT conformation values
recorded. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced control of the helicopter due to one or more of the
following: a power non-availability; a high-pressure blade rupture
with consequent power loss and release of low-energy debris; or an
overpassing of the helicopter transmission limit.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraphs (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
(EASA) AD 2022-0265R1, dated January 6, 2023 (EASA AD 2022-0265R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022-0265R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0265R1 refers to January 4, 2023 (the
effective date of the original issue of EASA AD 2022-0265), this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD
2022-0265R1.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-
0265R1 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International 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 request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, 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#acede2e981ede881ede1e3efeccacdcd82cbc3da"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3f7e717a127e7b127e72707c7f595e5e11585049">[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) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Clark,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7088; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e48f81928d8aca89ca878885968fa4828585ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="79121c0f10175714571a15180b12391f1818571e160f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 (EASA) AD 2022-0265R1,
dated January 6, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2022-0265R1, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668
[[Page 86266]]
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1150556251747062703f7464637e61703f7464"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b3a3f083b1e1a081a551e0e09140b1a551e0e">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA
AD 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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0462762a6d6a77746167706d6b6a446a6576652a636b72"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="badcc894d3d4c9cadfd9ced3d5d4fad4dbc8db94ddd5cc">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 30, 2023.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-27257 Filed 12-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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