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 conditionaddressed 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. 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 ofthe 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 stageturbine 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 ofthe 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: