Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 Turbofan Engines, 67073-67075 [E6-19536]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 223 / Monday, November 20, 2006 / Proposed Rules electronically via the NRC rulemaking Web site at https://ruleforum.llnl.gov. Publicly available documents created or received at the NRC after November 1, 1999, are available electronically at the NRC’s Electronic Reading Room at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/ adams.html. From this site, the public can gain entry into the NRC’s Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS), which provides text and image files of NRC’s public documents. If you do not have access to ADAMS or if there are problems in accessing the documents located in ADAMS, contact the PDR Reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, 301– 415–4737 or by e-mail to pdr@nrc.gov. A copy of the petition can be found in ADAMS under accession number ML061770056. A paper copy of the petition may be obtained by contacting Betty Golden, Office of Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington DC 20555–0001, telephone 301–415–6863, toll-free 1–800–368– 5642, or by e-mail bkg2@nrc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael T. Lesar, Chief, Rulemaking, Directives and Editing Branch, Division of Administrative Services, Office of Administration, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555– 0001, telephone: 301–415–7163 or tollfree: 1–800–368–5642. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS Background Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. (Entergy) submitted an application for renewal of Operating License No. DPR– 28 for an additional 20 years of operation at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station (VYNPS). The VYNPS is located in the town of Vernon, Vermont, in Windham County on the west shore of the Connecticut River immediately upstream of the Vernon Hydroelectric Station. The operating license for VYNPS expires on March 21, 2012. A notice of receipt and availability of the application, which included the environmental report, was published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2006 (71 FR 6102). Subsequently, the NRC published a ‘‘Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Conduct Scoping Process’’ on April 21, 2006 (71 FR 20733). The NRC will prepare an EIS related to the review of the license renewal application. The applicable NRC regulation, 10 CFR 51.95(c), required that the NRC, in determining whether to grant a renewal of a nuclear power plant operating license, prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). The regulation VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:07 Nov 17, 2006 Jkt 211001 provides that this EIS supplement the NRC’s baseline, generic EIS issued in 1996, NUREG–1437, ‘‘Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants’’ (May 1996)(GEIS). Petitioner’s Request The petitioner requests that the NRC prepare a rulemaking that would require that the NRC reconcile its GEIS for nuclear power plant operating license renewal applications with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Health Risks From Exposure to Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation: BEIR VII, Phase 2 which was released in 2005. The petitioner asserts that the GEIS relies upon an earlier NAS report, the BEIR V, with was released in 1990. According to the NAS Web site, the BEIR VII updates the information contained in the BEIR V and draws upon new data in both epidemiologic and experimental research. The petitioner requests that NRC consider the NAS BEIR VII report as new and significant information and recalculate certain conclusions set forth in the GEIS, including early fatalities, latent fatalities and any injury projections based on this information. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 14th day of November 2006. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. E6–19568 Filed 11–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–24034; Directorate Identifier 2006–NE–05–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–3 Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–3 turbofan engines that were reassembled with previously used high pressure compressor (HPC) exit brush seal packs and new or refurbished HPC PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 67073 exit diffuser air seal lands. That AD currently requires replacing the HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs with new brush seal packs, or replacing the HPC exit brush seal assembly with a new HPC exit brush seal assembly. This proposed AD would require replacing the HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs with new brush seal packs, using either original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts, or FAAapproved part manufacturer approval (PMA) equivalent parts. This proposed AD would also apply to engines reassembled with a PMA equivalent HPC exit inner and/or outer brush seal packs. This proposed AD results from a request to include PMA equivalent HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs and to include the engines with PMA equivalent parts already installed, in the AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent uncontained engine failure, damage to the airplane, and injury to passengers. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by January 19, 2007. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https:// dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108; telephone (860) 565–8770; fax (860) 565–4503 for the service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Antonio Cancelliere, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803–5213; telephone (781) 238–7751; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your E:\FR\FM\20NOP1.SGM 20NOP1 67074 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 223 / Monday, November 20, 2006 / Proposed Rules comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2006–24034; Directorate Identifier 2006–NE–05–AD’’ in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the DMS Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78) or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS Examining the AD Docket You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647– 5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them. Discussion On August 14, 2006, the FAA issued AD 2006–17–08, Amendment 39–14729 (71 FR 49335, August 23, 2006). That AD requires replacing the HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs with new brush seal packs, or replacing the HPC exit brush seal assembly with a new HPC exit brush seal assembly. That AD was the result of a report of oil leaking into the high pressure turbine (HPT) interstage cavity and igniting, leading to an engine case penetration and engine in-flight shutdown. That condition, if not corrected, could result in uncontained engine failure, damage to the airplane, and injury to passengers. Actions Since AD 2006–17–08 Was Issued Since AD 2006–17–08 was issued, an air carrier requested the use of PMA VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:07 Nov 17, 2006 Jkt 211001 equivalent parts to be included in the AD. We agree. The proposed AD now also applies to engines reassembled with PMA equivalent HPC exit inner and/or outer brush seal packs installed, and allows installation of PMA equivalent HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs for compliance to the requirements of the AD. Also since AD 2006–17–08 was issued, we determined that the requirement in paragraph (g) of that AD, of replacing the HPC exit brush seal assembly with a new HPC exit brush seal assembly, is an option for the operators to demonstrate compliance to this proposed AD. Replacing the HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs instead, is expected to be more economical for operators. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design. For that reason, we are proposing this AD, which would require replacing the OEM or PMA equivalent HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs, with OEM or PMA equivalent new brush seal packs. Instructions on replacing these parts can be found in Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin No. PW4G–112–A72–280, Revision 2, or Engine Overhaul Manual. Interim Action These actions are interim actions and we may take further rulemaking actions in the future. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 76 Pratt & Whitney PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–3 turbofan engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 9 work-hours per engine to perform the proposed parts replacement, and that the average labor rate is $80 per workhour. Required parts would cost about $99,990 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $7,653,950. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed regulation: 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. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing Amendment 39–14729 (71 FR 49335, August 23, 2006) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39–XXXXX, to read as follows: E:\FR\FM\20NOP1.SGM 20NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 223 / Monday, November 20, 2006 / Proposed Rules Pratt & Whitney: Docket No. FAA–2006– 24034; Directorate Identifier 2006–NE– 05–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by January 19, 2007. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006–17–08, Amendment 39–14729. Unsafe Condition (e) This AD results from a request to include PMA equivalent HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs and to include the engines with PMA equivalent parts already installed, in the AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained engine failure, damage to the airplane, and injury to passengers. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed at the following compliance times, unless the actions have already been done. (g) Replace the HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs with OEM or FAA-approved PMA equivalent new HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs as follows: (1) By 3,000 cycles-in-service (CIS) since a used HPC exit inner brush seal pack and a new or refurbished HPC exit diffuser air seal land were installed in the engine, or by March 31, 2007, whichever occurs later; however (2) If on March 31, 2007, the used HPC exit inner brush seal pack coupled with a new or refurbished HPC exit diffuser air seal inner land assembly has not accumulated 3,000 CIS, then by 3,000 CIS, or December 31, 2008, whichever occurs first. (h) Information on replacing HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs can be found in the Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin No. PW4G–112–A72–280, Revision 2, dated October 2, 2006, and in the engine overhaul manual. Alternative Methods of Compliance (i) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin No. PW4G–112–A72–280, Revision 2, dated 17:07 Nov 17, 2006 Jkt 211001 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 14, 2006. Mark Rumizen, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–19536 Filed 11–17–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Applicability (c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–3 turbofan engines that were: (1) Reassembled with a previously used original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or part manufacturer approval (PMA) equivalent high pressure compressor (HPC) exit inner brush seal pack; and (2) Reassembled with a new or refurbished OEM or PMA equivalent HPC exit diffuser air seal inner land. (d) These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 777 airplanes. VerDate Aug<31>2005 October 2, 2006, also pertains to the subject of this AD. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–26356; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–166–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for blockage of the pitot drain holes of certain air data smart probes (ADSPs), removing accumulated moisture from the pneumatic passages of the ADSPs, related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of erroneous air speed indications caused by blockage of the pitot sensors due to freezing of accumulated moisture in the ADSP pneumatic passages. We are proposing this AD to prevent an erroneous air speed indication, which could reduce flightcrew ability to control the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 20, 2006. Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https:// dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 67075 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343–CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos– SP, Brazil, for service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2006–26356; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–166–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT E:\FR\FM\20NOP1.SGM 20NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 223 (Monday, November 20, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67073-67075]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-19536]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24034; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-05-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4077D, PW4084D, 
PW4090, and PW4090-3 Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and 
PW4090-3 turbofan engines that were reassembled with previously used 
high pressure compressor (HPC) exit brush seal packs and new or 
refurbished HPC exit diffuser air seal lands. That AD currently 
requires replacing the HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs with 
new brush seal packs, or replacing the HPC exit brush seal assembly 
with a new HPC exit brush seal assembly. This proposed AD would require 
replacing the HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs with new brush 
seal packs, using either original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts, 
or FAA-approved part manufacturer approval (PMA) equivalent parts. This 
proposed AD would also apply to engines reassembled with a PMA 
equivalent HPC exit inner and/or outer brush seal packs. This proposed 
AD results from a request to include PMA equivalent HPC exit inner and 
outer brush seal packs and to include the engines with PMA equivalent 
parts already installed, in the AD. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
uncontained engine failure, damage to the airplane, and injury to 
passengers.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by January 19, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108; 
telephone (860) 565-8770; fax (860) 565-4503 for the service 
information identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Antonio Cancelliere, Aerospace 
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5213; 
telephone (781) 238-7751; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your

[[Page 67074]]

comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. 
FAA-2006-24034; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-05-AD'' in the subject 
line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may 
amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the 
DMS Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments 
received and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on 
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at 
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    On August 14, 2006, the FAA issued AD 2006-17-08, Amendment 39-
14729 (71 FR 49335, August 23, 2006). That AD requires replacing the 
HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs with new brush seal packs, or 
replacing the HPC exit brush seal assembly with a new HPC exit brush 
seal assembly. That AD was the result of a report of oil leaking into 
the high pressure turbine (HPT) interstage cavity and igniting, leading 
to an engine case penetration and engine in-flight shutdown. That 
condition, if not corrected, could result in uncontained engine 
failure, damage to the airplane, and injury to passengers.

Actions Since AD 2006-17-08 Was Issued

    Since AD 2006-17-08 was issued, an air carrier requested the use of 
PMA equivalent parts to be included in the AD. We agree. The proposed 
AD now also applies to engines reassembled with PMA equivalent HPC exit 
inner and/or outer brush seal packs installed, and allows installation 
of PMA equivalent HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs for 
compliance to the requirements of the AD.
    Also since AD 2006-17-08 was issued, we determined that the 
requirement in paragraph (g) of that AD, of replacing the HPC exit 
brush seal assembly with a new HPC exit brush seal assembly, is an 
option for the operators to demonstrate compliance to this proposed AD. 
Replacing the HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs instead, is 
expected to be more economical for operators.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. For that reason, we are proposing this AD, 
which would require replacing the OEM or PMA equivalent HPC exit inner 
and outer brush seal packs, with OEM or PMA equivalent new brush seal 
packs. Instructions on replacing these parts can be found in Pratt & 
Whitney Service Bulletin No. PW4G-112-A72-280, Revision 2, or Engine 
Overhaul Manual.

Interim Action

    These actions are interim actions and we may take further 
rulemaking actions in the future.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 76 Pratt & Whitney 
PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 turbofan engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 9 
work-hours per engine to perform the proposed parts replacement, and 
that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would 
cost about $99,990 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $7,653,950.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    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. Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the 
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-14729 (71 FR 
49335, August 23, 2006) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-XXXXX, to read as follows:


[[Page 67075]]


Pratt & Whitney: Docket No. FAA-2006-24034; Directorate Identifier 
2006-NE-05-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by January 19, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-17-08, Amendment 39-14729.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, 
and PW4090-3 turbofan engines that were:
    (1) Reassembled with a previously used original equipment 
manufacturer (OEM) or part manufacturer approval (PMA) equivalent 
high pressure compressor (HPC) exit inner brush seal pack; and
    (2) Reassembled with a new or refurbished OEM or PMA equivalent 
HPC exit diffuser air seal inner land.
    (d) These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 
777 airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from a request to include PMA equivalent HPC 
exit inner and outer brush seal packs and to include the engines 
with PMA equivalent parts already installed, in the AD. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent uncontained engine failure, damage to the 
airplane, and injury to passengers.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed at the following compliance times, unless the actions 
have already been done.
    (g) Replace the HPC exit inner and outer brush seal packs with 
OEM or FAA-approved PMA equivalent new HPC exit inner and outer 
brush seal packs as follows:
    (1) By 3,000 cycles-in-service (CIS) since a used HPC exit inner 
brush seal pack and a new or refurbished HPC exit diffuser air seal 
land were installed in the engine, or by March 31, 2007, whichever 
occurs later; however
    (2) If on March 31, 2007, the used HPC exit inner brush seal 
pack coupled with a new or refurbished HPC exit diffuser air seal 
inner land assembly has not accumulated 3,000 CIS, then by 3,000 
CIS, or December 31, 2008, whichever occurs first.
    (h) Information on replacing HPC exit inner and outer brush seal 
packs can be found in the Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin No. 
PW4G-112-A72-280, Revision 2, dated October 2, 2006, and in the 
engine overhaul manual.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (j) Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin No. PW4G-112-A72-280, 
Revision 2, dated October 2, 2006, also pertains to the subject of 
this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 14, 2006.
Mark Rumizen,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-19536 Filed 11-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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