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 https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1180.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 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: wego.wang@faa.gov.
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-
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 https://www.regulations.gov 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
ACTION
|
LABOR COST
|
PARTS COST
|
COST PER PRODUCT
|
COST ON U.S. OPERATORS
|
Visual inspection of fuel filter by-pass indicator. |
1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85. |
$0
|
$85
|
$65,875
|
Operational test of the fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch. |
3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255. |
0
|
255
|
197,625
|
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
ACTION
|
LABOR COST
|
PARTS COST
|
COST PER PRODUCT
|
Replace fuel filter pre-blockage pressure switch. |
2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170. |
$225
|
$395
|
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.
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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
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