Airworthiness directives: AlliedSignal, Inc.,

[Federal Register: August 11, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 154)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 42691-42692]

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

[DOCID:fr11au98-4]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-51-AD; Amendment 39-10703; AD 98-17-01]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731 Series Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731 series turbofan engines, that currently requires the installation of a clamp assembly to support the rigid fuel tube. This action would require the installation of a clamp assembly to support the rigid fuel tube. This amendment requires installation of an improved flexible (flex) fuel tube. This amendment is prompted by reports of fuel leaks from a cracked fuel tube in engines that have already installed a clamp assembly in accordance with the current AD. The actions specified by this 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: Effective October 13, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 13, 1998.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 93-10-10, Amendment 39-8589 (58 FR 32835, June 14, 1993), applicable to Allied- Signal Aerospace Company, Garrett Engine Division (now AlliedSignal Inc.) TFE731 series turbofan engines, was published in the Federal Register on February 23, 1998 (63 FR 8885). That action proposed to require the installation of an improved flex fuel tube.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

There are approximately 3,325 series engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 2,319 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per engine to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $300 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $973,980.

The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air Transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

[[Page 42692]]

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 39-8589 (58 FR 32835, June 14, 1993) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-10703, to read as follows:

   98-17-01 AlliedSignal Inc.: Amendment 39-10703. Docket 98-ANE-36- AD. Supersedes AD 93-10-10, Amendment 39-8589.

   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 aircraft: 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 (b) 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) 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 aircraft, 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 aircraft 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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 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 airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

   (c) 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

   (d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following AlliedSignal Inc. ASBs:

   Document No.

   Pages

   Date

   TFE731-A73-3132...................... 1-12 April 9, 1997.

   Total pages: 12.

   TFE731-A73-3128...................... 1-14 February 26, 1997.

   Total pages: 14.

   This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies 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. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

   (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 13, 1998.

   Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 3, 1998. David A. Downey, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 98-21398Filed8-10-98; 8:45 am]

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