AD NUMBER: 2018-17-15

PRODUCT: Certain Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) TPE331 turboprop and TSE331 turboshaft engines. AD 2018-02-14 required inspection of the affected combustion chamber case assembly, replacement of those assemblies found cracked, and removal of affected assemblies on certain TPE331 and TSE331 engines.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-02-14 for the engines listed above.

This AD retains the inspection and replacement requirements in AD 2018-02-04; revises the Applicability to add the TPE331-12 engine model and the related inspection action, correct references to certain engine models; and revises compliance to allow certain weld repair procedures.

This AD was prompted by comments to revise the applicability and required actions of AD 2018-02- 14 to include the TPE331-12B engine model, correct certain TPE engine model typographical errors, and to allow certain weld repair procedures.

DATES: This AD is effective October 22, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates  that this AD affects 5,644 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The cost of compliance is estimated as follows:

• On-wing inspection - 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per inspection
• Replacement of the combustion chamber case assembly (if necessary) - 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85. Parts - $15,000. Total cost per operator $15,085 per aircraft.

FMI: AD