AD 2000-06-09

Effective June 12, 2000. The incorporation by reference of certain publications in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 12, 2000.

The service information referenced in the rule may be obtained from Turbomeca, 40220 Tarnos, France; telephone (33) 05 59 64 40 00, fax (33) 05 59 64 60 80. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

Glorianne Niebuhr, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-7132, fax (781) 238-7199.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Turbomeca Turboshaft Arrius 1A series turboshaft engines was published in the Federal Register on December 1, 1999 (64 FR 67206). That action proposed to require installation of module TU63, which provides a separate supply of fuel for one of the 10 main injectors of the fuel injection system. That action was prompted by reports of cracked injection wheels. That condition, if not corrected, could result in an unexpected power loss, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown, autorotation, and a forced landing.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received.

There are approximately 100 engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that nine engines installed on aircraft of US registry would be affected by this AD, that it would take approximately 1 work hour per engine to accomplish the actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $5,500 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on US operators is estimated to be $50,040. The manufacturer has advised the DGAC that they may provide module TU63 at no cost to the operator, thereby substantially reducing the cost impact of this rule.

This 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 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 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.

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:

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: