Airworthiness directives: AlliedSignal Inc.,

[Federal Register: April 19, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 74)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 19096-19097]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr19ap99-18]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-51-AD]

Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731 series turbofan engines, that currently requires the installation of an improved flexible (flex) fuel tube. This action would clarify that installation of the improved flex fuel tube and that the use of a clamp on the original rigid fuel tube are optional for engines installed on Learjet 35, 36, and 55 series airplanes. This proposal is prompted by confusion from operators regarding the applicability of these Learjet engine installations. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent cracking of the fuel tube and the subsequent leakage of fuel on or around electrical components, which can cause an engine fire.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 19, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-51-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad- engineprop@faa.gov.'' Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line. Comments may be inspected at this location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be obtained from AlliedSignal Aerospace, Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64- 3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-2493, fax (602) 365-5577. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712; telephone (562) 627-5246, fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filedin the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 97-ANE-51-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRM's

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-51-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

On August 3, 1998, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued AD 98-17-01, Amendment 39-10703 (63 FR 42691, August 11, 1998), to require installation of an improved flexible (flex) fuel tube. That action was prompted by reports of fuel leaks from a cracked fuel tube in engines that have already installed a clamp assembly in accordance with a superseded AD. That condition, if not corrected, could result in cracking of the fuel tube and the subsequent leakage of fuel on or around electrical components, which can cause an engine fire.

Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received reports from operators expressing confusion as to the applicability of engines installed on Learjet 35, 36, and 55 series airplanes. That AD did not affect the AlliedSignal engine Model TFE731-2-2B and engine series TFE731-3A and -3AR installed on Learjet Models 35, 36, and 55 because starter generators are not used on these airplanes. In addition, for this application, there have been no reported fuel line failures.

The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. TFE731-A73-3128, dated February 26, 1997, and AlliedSignal Inc. ASB No. TFE731-A73-3132, dated April 9, 1997, that describe procedures for installing an improved flex fuel tube, and AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. TFE731-73-3107, Revision 4, dated April 20, 1994, that describes procedures for installing a clamp assembly on the rigid fuel tube.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the proposed AD would revise AD 98-17-01 to clarify that the installation of the improved flex fuel tube and the use of a clamp on the original rigid fuel tube are optional for engines installed on Learjet 35, 36, and 55 series airplanes.

As this revision is merely a clarification, there would be no additional economic impact on operators. In addition, this revision corrects the docket number for this AD, which appears as ``98-ANE-36- AD'' in the current AD. The correct docket number for this AD is ``97- ANE-51-AD.''

The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this

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action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-10703 (63 FR 42691, August 11, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to read as follows:

   AlliedSignal Inc.: Docket 97-ANE-51-AD. Revises AD 98-17-01, Amendment 39-10703.

   Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly Allied-Signal Aerospace Company, Garrett Engine Division and Garrett Turbine Engine Co.) TFE731-2, -3, and -4 series turbofan engines with fuel tubes, part numbers (P/Ns) 3071051-1, 3073729-1, or 3072886-1, installed. These engines are installed on but not limited to the following airplanes: Avions Marcel Dassault Falcon 10, 50, and 100 series; Cessna Model 650, Citation III, VI, and VII; Learjet 31 (M31) 35, 36 and 55 series, Raytheon British Aerospace HS-125 series; and Sabreliner NA-265-65.

   Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

   Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

   To prevent cracked fuel tubes and the subsequent leakage of fuel on and around electrical components, which can cause an engine fire, accomplish the following:

   (a) Except for engines installed on Learjet 35, 36, and 55 airplanes, within 160 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, or prior to December 20, 1999, whichever occurs first, install an improved flexible fuel tube, as follows:

   (1) For engines installed on Cessna airplanes, install in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. TFE731-A73-3132, dated April 9, 1997.

   (2) For engines installed on all other airplanes except for the Learjet 35, 36 and 55 series, install in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Inc. ASB No. TFE731-A73- 3128, dated February 26, 1997.

   (b) For engines installed on Learjet 35, 36, and 55, the improved flex tube and the clamp assembly installed on the original rigid fuel tube are optional. If the clamp assembly is used, install the clamp assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. TFE731-73-3107, Revision 4, dated April 20, 1994.

   (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the initial compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

   Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

   (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

   Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 12, 1999. Ronald L. Vavruska, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 99-9657Filed4-16-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P