Airworthiness directives: Royce Corp.,

[Federal Register: March 22, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 56)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 13262-13264]

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

[DOCID:fr22mr02-4]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-31-AD; Amendment 39-12685; AD 2002-06-08]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation (Formerly Allison Engine Company) 250-C28 Series Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), that is applicable to certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company) 250-C28 series engines. This amendment requires removal of third stage turbine wheels, part number (P/N) 6899383, with certain serial numbers (SN's), from service before exceeding new, reduced life limits. This amendment also establishes a drawdown program to require the removal of those turbine wheels that exceed the new lower limits. This amendment is prompted by the potential to experience uncommanded shutdown caused by fractures of third stage turbine blade tips and shrouds. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded shutdown of the engine due to fractures of third stage turbine blade tips and shrouds.

DATES: Effective date April 26, 2002.

ADDRESSES: The information contained in this AD may be examined, by appointment, at the Federal Aviation Administration (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: John Tallarovic, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294- 8180; fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that is applicable to Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company) 250-C28, -C28B, and -C28C model engines with third stage turbine wheels part number (P/N) 6899383, listed by serial number (SN) in the proposal, was published in the Federal Register on November 8, 2001 (66 FR 56493). That action proposed to require removal of third stage turbine wheels, part number (P/N) 6899383, with SN's, from service before exceeding new, reduced life limits. That action also proposed to establish a drawdown program to require the removal of those turbine wheels that exceed the new lower limit.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comments received.

Change Life Limits References

One commenter requests that all references to ``new, reduced life'', and ``new lower'' limits be removed and replaced with ``specified hour and cycle'' limits and ``acceptable hour and cycle'' limits.

The FAA does not agree. The preamble of the AD provides background information as to why the AD is being issued. The FAA has only one means of mandating lower life limits on a life limited part, and that is with an AD. The sole purpose of this AD is to mandate lower life limits. Removing references to ``new, reduced life'', and ``new lower'' limits in the preamble adds to confusion because those references explain why this AD is being issued.

Remove References to Reports of Five Uncommanded Shutdowns

The manufacturer requests that references to reports of five uncommanded shutdowns occurring as a result of the out-of-print condition addressed by this AD, be removed. At the time this AD action was first being considered, it was preliminarily reported that there were five uncommanded shutdowns occurring as a result of the out-of- print condition addressed by this AD. It has since been determined that those shutdowns did not have the out-of-print condition and are unrelated to the actions required by this AD. The manufacturer still supports the issuance of this AD because of the potential safety issue that remains.

The FAA agrees. Therefore, the summary in the preamble of this final rule is changed to read: ``This amendment is prompted by the potential to experience uncommanded shutdown caused by third stage turbine blade tip fractures, and turbine shroud fractures.''

Eliminate Potential Nomenclature Confusion

The manufacturer requests that the phrase ``third stage turbine shrouds'' be replaced with the word ``shrouds'' and remove reference to turbine shroud fractures, to eliminate potential nomenclature confusion. The reason for the request is that on the model 250-C28 series third stage turbine wheels, the blades and shrouds are cast together with the hub, creating a one piece unit.

The FAA agrees. Therefore, the summary in the preamble of this final rule is changed to read: ``This amendment is prompted by the potential to experience uncommanded shutdown caused by fractures of third stage turbine blade tips and shrouds.

[[Page 13263]]

The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded shutdown of the engine due to fractures of third stage turbine blade tips and shrouds.''

Change Unsafe Condition Wording

One commenter requests that the NPRM preamble wording found in the FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions paragraph be changed from: ``Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist. * * *'', to ``Since an unsafe condition has been identified that may exist. * * *'' No justification was given for this change.

The FAA does not agree. AD's are issued under Part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, 14 CFR part 39. The FAA must make a finding that an unsafe condition prompting the AD ``is likely to'' exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Incorporate Additional Information

The manufacturer requests that a phrase be added to the Economic Analysis that states that not all affected third stage turbine wheels may be installed in engines.

The FAA agrees that additional information should be added to the Economic Analysis. Therefore, the Economic Analysis is modified to include the sentence: ``There are approximately 84 engines worldwide that may have an affected third stage turbine wheel installed, however, it is not known how many of those third stage turbine wheels are installed in engines.''

Add Reference to Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin

The manufacturer requests a clarification to the AD to include a reference to the Rolls-Royce Corporation service bulletin associated with this life limit change.

The FAA does not agree. There is no reason to reference the service bulletin because all the pertinent information regarding the new reduced life limits of the affected third stage turbine wheels, which includes part number, serial numbers, and drawdown schedule, are included in the AD.

Reword Discussion Information

One commenter requests changing in the discussion section the phrase `` to life limits of 1,500 hours TSN and 3,000 CSN'' to ``to life limits of 1,500 hours TSN or 3,000 CSN, whichever occurs first.'' This change request by the commenter would be appropriate if the intent of this section was to describe how to comply with the new reduced life limits. However, the intent of the discussion section is to provide background information on the various life limits and how they are changing relative to each other. Details on compliance are explained in Table 2 of the compliance section of the AD, in which the phrase ``whichever occurs earlier'' is used where appropriate, consistent with the commenter's intent.

Restructure Contents of Table 2

One commenter requests the restructuring of the contents of Table 2 in the AD.

The FAA does not agree. The information in Table 2 as published in the NPRM is accurate and concise, and therefore remains unchanged in this AD.

After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Economic Analysis

There are approximately 84 third stage turbine wheels of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 42 engines installed on helicopters of U.S. registry would be affected by this AD. However, it is not known how many of those third stage turbine wheels are installed in engines. It would take approximately 44 work hours per engine to remove and replace an affected turbine wheel. The average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The cost of a new third stage turbine wheel is approximately $4,371. The FAA estimates that approximately $2,929 per wheel has been lost due to life reduction. However, the manufacturer has stated it may reduce the new wheel cost to the customer. Based on these figures, the total cost of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $294,462.

Regulatory Analysis

This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132, because it would 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. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this final rule.

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 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it 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.

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:

   2002-06-08 Rolls-Royce Corporation: Amendment 39-12685. Docket No. 2001-NE-31-AD.

   Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Rolls-Royce Corporation (formerly Allison Engine Company) 250- C28, -C28B, and -C28C model engines with third stage turbine wheels part number (P/N) 6899383, listed by serial number (SN) in the following Table 1:

   Table 1.--SN's of Affected Third Stage Turbine Wheels

   HX91428R

   HX91489R

   HX91707R HX91456R

   HX91490R

   HX91708R HX91457R

   HX91492R

   HX91709R HX91458R

   HX91493R

   HX91710R HX91459R

   HX91494R

   HX91711R HX91461R

   HX91500R

   HX91712R HX91462R

   HX91501R

   HX91713R HX91464R

   HX91503R

   HX91714R HX914659

   HX91504R

   HX91715R HX91465R

   HX91506R

   HX91721R HX91466R

   HX91507R

   HX91722R HX91467R

   HX91508R

   HX91726R HX91468R

   HX91510R

   HX91733R HX91469R

   HX91511R

   HX91735R HX91471R

   HX91512R

   HX91736R HX91472R

   HX91513R

   HX91738R HX91473R

   HX91519R

   HX91742R HX91474R

   HX91520R

   HX91744R HX91475R

   HX91522R

   HX91748R HX91477R

   HX91523R

   HX91749R HX91478R

   HX91524R

   HX91750R HX91480R

   HX91525R

   HX91754R HX91482R

   HX91526R

   HX91764R

   [[Page 13264]]

   HX91483R

   HX91527R

   HX91765R HX91485R

   HX91528R

   HX91766R HX91486R

   HX91529R

   HX91767R HX91487R

   HX91530R

   HX91768R HX91488R

   HX91706R

   HX91769R

   Note.--These engines are installed on, but not limited to Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 helicopters.

   Note 1: This 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: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done.

   To prevent an uncommanded shutdown of the engine due to fractures of third stage turbine blade tips and third stage turbine shrouds, do the following:

   (a) Remove from service the third stage turbine wheels, P/N 6899383, listed by SN in Table 1 of this AD, in accordance with the following Table 2:

   Table 2.--Removal Schedule

   For third stage turbine wheels on the effective date of this AD

   Remove by

   (1) With fewer than 3,000 cycles-since- 3,000 CSN or 1,500 hours TSN, new (CSN), and fewer than 1,500 hours whichever occurs earlier. time-since-new (TSN). (2) With between 3,000 and 6,000 CSN, 200 additional cycles, after and fewer than 1,500 hours TSN.

   the effective date of this AD. (3) With fewer than 3,000 CSN, and 100 additional hours, after the between 1,500 and 3,000 hours TSN. effective date of this AD. (4) With between 3,000 and 6,000 CSN 200 additional cycles or 100 and between 1,500 and 3,000 hours TSN. additional hours, after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier. (5) With more than 6,000 CSN, or more Before further flight. than 3,000 hours TSN.

   (b) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any third stage turbine wheels listed by SN in Table 1 of this AD. Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this AD, no alternative cyclic life limits may be approved for the turbine wheels listed in Table 1 of this AD.

   Alternative Methods of Compliance

   (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 (ACO). Operators must submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago ACO.

   Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Chicago ACO.

   Special Flight Permits

   (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 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 done.

   Effective Date

   (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 26, 2002.

   Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 14, 2002. Francis A. Favara, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 02-6913Filed3-21-02; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P