The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (UK), notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain SN Olympus 593 Mk. 610-14-28 turbojet engines, installed in SN BAe/SNIAS Concorde Type 1 airplanes. The CAA advises that some Lucas second stage fuel pumps that were not endurance bench-tested after having the bearing assembly and or the rotating assembly removed or re-fitted, were installed on engines in service. The manufacturer states that a fuel leak can occur within the first 10 hours of pump operation after having the bearing assembly and or the rotating assembly removed or re-fitted, and that endurance bench-testing is required on those pumps that have not yet accumulated 50 flight hours. That condition, if not corrected, could cause a fuel leak resulting in a sustained engine fire.
Manufacturer's Service Information
RR has issued Olympus 593 Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. OL.593-73-9075-103, dated November 17, 2000, that specifies instructions for endurance bench-testing of Lucas second stage pumps Types 105, 105M, 106, and 106M that are installed on Olympus 593 Mk. 610-14-28 turbojet engines, SN's CBE . 021 to CBE . 094 inclusive, and CBX . 101 and above. The endurance bench-testing is to be done if the second stage pump bearing assembly and or the rotating assembly were removed or re-fitted and the pump has not yet accumulated 50 flight hours-since-last-installed. The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued AD 005-11-2000 in order to ensure the airworthiness of these RR engines in the UK.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
This engine model is manufactured in the UK and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAhas kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions
Although none of these affected engines are used on any airplanes that are registered in the United States, the possibility exists that these engines could be used on airplanes that are registered in the United States in the future. Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other RR Olympus 593 Mk. 610-14-28 turbojet engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent a fuel leak, resulting in a sustained engine fire. This AD requires endurance bench-testing if the pump has not yet accumulated 50 flight hours since last installed and the second stage pump bearing assembly and or the rotating assembly was removed or re-fitted during last pump removal. The actions must be done in accordance with the service bulletin described previously.
Immediate Adoption of This AD
Since there are currently no domestic operators of this engine model, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary. Therefore, a situation exists that allows the immediate adoption of this regulation.
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 beconsidered, 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 filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 2002-NE-29-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
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.
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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: