Airworthiness directives: Allison Engine Co.,

[Federal Register: June 9, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 110)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 31338-31340]

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

[DOCID:fr09jn98-3]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-ANE-14-AD; Amendment 39-10568; AD 98-12-12]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Allison Engine Company Model AE 3007A Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Allison Engine Company Model AE 3007A turbofan engines. This action requires reprogramming the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) to the latest, improved software version. This amendment is prompted by reports of inflight engine shutdowns due to inadequate fault accommodation logic. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent inflight engine shutdowns due to inadequate fault accommodation logic.

DATES: Effective June 24, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 24, 1998.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before August 10, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-ANE-14-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.dot.gov''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Allison Engine Company, P.O. Box 420, Speed Code U-15, Indianapolis, IN 46206-0420; telephone (317) 230-6674. This information may be examined 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kyri Zaroyiannis, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294- 7836, fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received reports of 5 inflight engine shutdowns on Allison Engine Company AE 3007 series turbofan engines due to inadequate fault accommodation logic. The current version of software has an error which leads to large fan speed transients during Main Metering Valve (MMV) fault accommodation of an in range failure. Also, the current version of software does not include modifications to the fault accommodation logic for an ITT sensor fault, to prevent a single failure in the ITT indication system from causing an in flight shutdown. This condition, if not corrected, may result in inflight engine shutdowns due to inadequate fault accommodation logic.

The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Allison Engine Company Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AE 3007A-A-73-014, Revision 3, dated May 21, 1998, that describes procedures for reprogramming the FADEC software to the latest, improved version VI.2

[Allison Software Part Number 23068660; Allison FADEC assembly (with Software VI.2 installed) Part Number 23068661] .

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent inflight engine shutdowns. This AD requires, at 200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, reprogramming the FADEC software to the latest, improved version VI.2. The requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD have been coordinated with the Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the SB described previously.

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

[[Page 31339]]

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the 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 that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD 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 98-ANE-14-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

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.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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.

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 adding the following new airworthiness directive:

   98-12-12 Allison Engine Company: Amendment 39-10568. Docket 98-ANE- 14-AD.

   Applicability: Allison Engine Company Model AE 3007A turbofan engines, installed on but not limited to Embraer EMB-145 series aircraft.

   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 inflight engine shutdowns due to inadequate fault accommodation logic, accomplish the following:

   (a) Within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, reprogram the FADEC software to version VI.2, [Allison Software Part Number 23068660; Allison FADEC assembly (with Software VI.2 installed) Part Number 23068661] in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Allison Engine Company Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. AE 3007A-A-73-014, Revision 3, dated May 21, 1998.

   (b) After completing the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD, and then prior to further flight, revise the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual by incorporating Embraer Flight Manual AFM- 145/1153, Revision 14, dated May 7, 1998.

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

   (e) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following Allison Engine Company SB:

   Document No.

   Revision Pages

   Date

   AE 3007A-A-73-014.............

   3 1-6 May 21, 1998.

   Total pages: 6.

   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 Allison Engine Company, P.O. Box 420, Speed Code U-15, Indianapolis, IN 46206-0420; telephone (317) 230-6674. 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.

   (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 24, 1998.

   [[Page 31340]]

   Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1998. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 98-15088Filed6-8-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P