Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4090 and PW4090-3 Turbofan Engines, 7304-7306 [E9-3041]

Download as PDF 7304 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 17, 2009 / Rules and Regulations paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall be increased by the percent difference between the price index as defined at 11 CFR 110.17(d), as certified to the Commission by the Secretary of Labor, for the 12 months preceding the beginning of the calendar year and the price index for the base period. (2) Each contribution bundling threshold so increased shall be the threshold in effect for that calendar year. (3) For purposes of this paragraph (g), the term base period means calendar year 2006. (4) If any amount after the increases under this paragraph (g) is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100. Authority: 2 U.S.C. 431(8), 431(9), 432(c)(2), 434(i)(3), 438(a)(8), 441a, 441b, 441d, 441e, 441f, 441g, 441h and 36 U.S.C. 510. 4. In section 110.17, paragraph (e) is revised and paragraph (f) is added to read as follows: ■ Price index increase. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES * * * * (e) Publication of price index increases. (1) Expenditure and Contribution Limitations. In every odd-numbered year, the Commission will publish in the Federal Register the amount of the expenditure and contribution limitations in effect and place such information on the Commission’s Web site. (2) Lobbyist/registrant and lobbyist/ registrant PAC contribution bundling disclosure threshold. In every calendar year, the Commission will publish in the Federal Register the amount of the lobbyist/registrant and lobbyist/ registrant PAC contribution bundling disclosure threshold in effect and place such information on the Commission’s Web site. (f) Price index increases for lobbyist/ registrant and lobbyist/registrant PAC contribution bundling threshold. The threshold for disclosure of lobbyists/ registrants and lobbyist/registrant PACs that bundle contributions shall be indexed for each calendar year in accordance with 11 CFR 104.22(g). VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:58 Feb 13, 2009 Jkt 217001 12 CFR Part 1250 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Dated: February 10, 2009. James B. Lockhart III, Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency. [FR Doc. E9–3243 Filed 2–13–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8070–01–P Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 12 CFR Part 1773 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–29110; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–35–AD; Amendment 39– 15808; AD 2009–04–02] AGENCIES: Federal Housing Finance Agency; Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. ACTION: Final Regulation; correction. 3. The authority citation for part 110 is revised to read as follows: Dated: February 5, 2009. FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY 1. On page 2350, in the first column, in CHAPTER XII—FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY, in amendment 1, the instruction ‘‘Add Subchapter C, consisting of part 1250 to read as follows:’’ is corrected to read ‘‘Add part 1250 to read as follows:’’. ■ Flood Insurance ■ * BILLING CODE 6715–01–P CHAPTER XII—FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY [Corrected] RIN 2590–AA09 PART 110—CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS AND PROHIBITIONS § 110.17 On behalf of the Commission, Steven T. Walther, Chairman, Federal Election Commission. [FR Doc. E9–2838 Filed 2–13–09; 8:45 am] SUMMARY: The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is correcting the final Flood Insurance Regulation, published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2009 (74 FR 2347), by deleting the addition of a subchapter. DATES: Effective February 17, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andra Grossman, Counsel, telephone (202) 343–1313 (not a toll-free number); Federal Housing Finance Agency, Fourth Floor, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20552. The telephone number for the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf is (800) 877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHFA is correcting the final Flood Insurance Regulation that was published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2009 (74 FR 2347). The final Flood Insurance Regulation (effective on February 17, 2009) amends Chapter XII of Title 12, of the Code of Federal Regulations and when effective would establish a new ‘‘Subchapter C—Enterprises’’. On January 30, 2009, before the effective date of the final Flood Insurance Regulation, FHFA issued another regulation which established Subchapter C (74 FR 5609). This correction to the final Flood Insurance Regulation deletes the addition of Subchapter C because it has already been added. In FR Doc. E9–809, appearing on page 2350 in the Federal Register of Thursday, January 15, 2009, the following correction is made: PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4090 and PW4090–3 Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW4090 and PW4090–3 turbofan engines with front turbine hub, part number (P/N) 53L601, installed. This AD reduces the published life limit of those front turbine hubs, from 12,000 cycles-since-new (CSN) to 9,370 CSN. This AD also removes from service those front turbine hubs using a drawdown schedule. This AD results from PW updating the low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) life analysis for front turbine hubs, P/N 53L601. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the front turbine hub, resulting in an inflight engine shutdown and possible damage to the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 24, 2009. ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Riley, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; E:\FR\FM\17FER1.SGM 17FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 17, 2009 / Rules and Regulations e-mail: mark.riley@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7758; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to PW4090 and PW4090–3 turbofan engines with front turbine hub, P/N 53L601, installed. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on October 10, 2007 (72 FR 57502). That action proposed to reduce the published life limit of those front turbine hubs, from 12,000 CSN to 9,370 CSN. That action also proposed to remove from service those front turbine hubs using a drawdown schedule. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. Comments We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the comments received. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES Request To Clarify the Compliance Japan Air Lines requests that we clarify that ‘‘last-high-pressure-turbine overhaul’’ in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of the proposed AD, would also include the last-fluorescent-penetrant inspection of the front turbine hub, P/N 53L601, which would be a more accurate reference point for them to count 16:58 Feb 13, 2009 Jkt 217001 Request To Remove 3,370 CSN References From Paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) One commenter, Pratt & Whitney, requests that we remove the references to front turbine hubs with fewer than 3,370 CSN, and hubs with 3,370 CSN or more, from compliance paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2), as they are not needed. The commenter states that there is no need to drive removal of parts before they have reached the new published life limit of 9,370 CSN. We partially agree. We agree there is no need to remove front turbine hubs from service before they reached the new published life limit of 9,370 CSN. However, the purpose of the 3,370 CSN threshold is to identify those parts that can be removed per the specified drawdown schedule. We did not change the AD. Request To Revise Definition of Engine Shop Visit Front Turbine Support P/N 53L601 Not Procurable United Airlines and the Air Transport Association state that the front turbine hub, P/N 53L601, has a P/N that is only an internal Pratt & Whitney P/N, and the part is not procurable. The procurable part is the next higher assembly, P/N 53L121. They suggest that both the detail and the assembly part numbers be listed in the applicability section to cover both identification methods. We do not agree. The PW4000 engine manual does not specify a life limit for the front turbine hub assembly, P/N 53L121. However, in order to provide additional clarification, we will add a reference to the front turbine hub assembly, P/N 53L121, similar to what is shown in the PW4000 engine manual. VerDate Nov<24>2008 compliance cycles. The commenter believes this is what we intended to state. We agree. We changed paragraph (f)(2)(ii) to state that operators are to remove the front turbine hub from service at the next engine shop visit (ESV), or before the hub accumulates an additional 6,000 cycles-since-lastfluorescent-penetrant inspection of the front turbine hub, whichever occurs first, but not to exceed 12,000 CSN. Pratt & Whitney, the ATA, and United Airlines request that we revise the definition of ‘‘engine shop visit.’’ Pratt & Whitney recommends compliance during shop visit at front turbine hub exposure, and states that their analysis supports this. The ATA and United Airlines recommend compliance during shop visit when either the ‘‘E’’ or ‘‘N’’ flange of the engine is separated. They state that compliance at all shop visits will cause unnecessary engine teardowns for ‘‘quick change’’ engines (fan case module refurbishments) and will result in a significant cost impact. We partially agree. We reviewed Pratt & Whitney’s risk analysis and agree that we can manage the risk within acceptable levels if we change the definition of shop visit to ‘‘The induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the separation of any major mating engine flange aft of the ‘‘B’’ flange, except that the separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop visit’’. We changed the shop visit definition in paragraph (h) of the AD. PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 7305 Conclusion We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 94 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 101 work-hours per engine to perform the actions, and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. The prorated cost due to a life reduction from 12,000 CSN to 9,370 CSN for the front turbine hub is about $66,460 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $6,247,240. 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 AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD: (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, E:\FR\FM\17FER1.SGM 17FER1 7306 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 17, 2009 / Rules and Regulations on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the address listed under ADDRESSES. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2009–04–02 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39–15808. Docket No. FAA–2007–29110; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–35–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 24, 2009. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW4090 and PW4090–3 turbofan engines with front turbine hub part number (P/N) 53L601, (part of assembly P/N 53L121), installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 777–200 series and 777–300 series airplanes. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from PW updating the low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) life analysis for front turbine hub, P/N 53L601. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the front turbine hub, resulting in an in-flight engine shutdown and possible damage to the airplane. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. (f) Remove front turbine hub, P/N 53L601 (part of assembly P/N 53L121), from service and install a serviceable front turbine hub, as follows: (1) For front turbine hubs that have accumulated fewer than 3,370 cycles-sincenew (CSN) on the effective date of this AD, remove from service before the hub accumulates 9,370 CSN. VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:58 Feb 13, 2009 Jkt 217001 (2) For front turbine hubs that have accumulated 3,370 or more CSN, but fewer than 9,370 CSN on the effective date of this AD, do the following: (i) For engines that have an engine shop visit (ESV) after the effective date of this AD before the front turbine hub accumulates 9,370 CSN, remove the front turbine hub from service before the front turbine hub accumulates 9,370 CSN. (ii) For engines that do not have an ESV after the effective date of this AD before the front turbine hub accumulates 9,370 CSN, remove the front turbine hub from service at the next ESV, or before the hub accumulates an additional 6,000 cycles-since-lastfluorescent-penetrant inspection of the front turbine hub, whichever occurs first, but not to exceed 12,000 CSN. (3) For front turbine hubs that have accumulated 9,370 or more CSN on the effective date of this AD, remove the front turbine hub from service at the next ESV, or before the hub accumulates 12,000 CSN, whichever occurs first. (g) This AD establishes a new reduced published life limit for the PW4090 turbine front hub, P/N 53L601, of 9,370 CSN. The following conditions also apply: (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(2)(ii) and (f)(3) of this AD, no alternative retirement lives may be approved for the PW4090 front turbine hub, P/N 53L601. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install or reinstall any PW4090 front turbine hub, P/N 53L601, on any engine if the hub has accumulated 9,370 CSN or more than 9,370 CSN. Any PW4090 front turbine hub, P/N 53L601, that is installed or reinstalled in any engine after the effective date of this AD must be removed from service before the hub accumulates 9,370 CSN. Definition (h) For the purposes of this AD, an ‘‘engine shop visit’’ is the induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the separation of any major mating engine flange aft of the ‘‘B’’ flange, except that the separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop visit. 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) Information on an approved front turbine hub rework procedure for increased life is available from the manufacturer. See Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G–112– 72–290, dated July 2, 2007. The reworked front turbine hub, P/N 53L601–001, (part of assembly 53L121–001) is not affected by this AD. Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108; telephone (860) 565–7700; fax (860) 565–1605, for the service information identified in this AD. (k) Contact Mark Riley, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 01803; e-mail: mark.riley@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7758; fax (781) 238–7199, for more information about this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 2, 2009. Peter A. White, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–3041 Filed 2–13–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–1068; Directorate Identifier 2008–NE–33–AD; Amendment 39– 15807; AD 2009–04–01] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Wytwornia Sprzetu Komunikacyjnego ‘‘PZLRzeszow’’ S.A. PZL–10W Turboshaft Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: The review of manufacturing process and service experience has shown that the ALRP– 5 fuel metering pump units released to service between May 2006 and April 2007 can be vulnerable for seizing. This vulnerability is demonstrated by occurrence of aluminum and bronze chips at the filter. This condition, if not corrected might lead to seizing of the pump and engine RPM decrease. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI, which could result in low-time pump seizure, loss of engine fuel flow and engine power, possibly leading to an autorotation landing. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 24, 2009. We must receive comments on this AD by April 20, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow E:\FR\FM\17FER1.SGM 17FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 17, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7304-7306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-3041]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29110; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-35-AD; 
Amendment 39-15808; AD 2009-04-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW4090 and PW4090-3 turbofan engines with front 
turbine hub, part number (P/N) 53L601, installed. This AD reduces the 
published life limit of those front turbine hubs, from 12,000 cycles-
since-new (CSN) to 9,370 CSN. This AD also removes from service those 
front turbine hubs using a drawdown schedule. This AD results from PW 
updating the low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) life analysis for front turbine 
hubs, P/N 53L601. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncontained 
failure of the front turbine hub, resulting in an in-flight engine 
shutdown and possible damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 24, 2009.

ADDRESSES: The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, 
SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-
0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Riley, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;

[[Page 7305]]

e-mail: mark.riley@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7758; fax (781) 238-
7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to PW4090 and PW4090-3 
turbofan engines with front turbine hub, P/N 53L601, installed. We 
published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on October 10, 2007 
(72 FR 57502). That action proposed to reduce the published life limit 
of those front turbine hubs, from 12,000 CSN to 9,370 CSN. That action 
also proposed to remove from service those front turbine hubs using a 
drawdown schedule.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is provided in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Front Turbine Support P/N 53L601 Not Procurable

    United Airlines and the Air Transport Association state that the 
front turbine hub, P/N 53L601, has a P/N that is only an internal Pratt 
& Whitney P/N, and the part is not procurable. The procurable part is 
the next higher assembly, P/N 53L121. They suggest that both the detail 
and the assembly part numbers be listed in the applicability section to 
cover both identification methods.
    We do not agree. The PW4000 engine manual does not specify a life 
limit for the front turbine hub assembly, P/N 53L121. However, in order 
to provide additional clarification, we will add a reference to the 
front turbine hub assembly, P/N 53L121, similar to what is shown in the 
PW4000 engine manual.

Request To Clarify the Compliance

    Japan Air Lines requests that we clarify that ``last-high-pressure-
turbine overhaul'' in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of the proposed AD, would 
also include the last-fluorescent-penetrant inspection of the front 
turbine hub, P/N 53L601, which would be a more accurate reference point 
for them to count compliance cycles. The commenter believes this is 
what we intended to state.
    We agree. We changed paragraph (f)(2)(ii) to state that operators 
are to remove the front turbine hub from service at the next engine 
shop visit (ESV), or before the hub accumulates an additional 6,000 
cycles-since-last-fluorescent-penetrant inspection of the front turbine 
hub, whichever occurs first, but not to exceed 12,000 CSN.

Request To Remove 3,370 CSN References From Paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2)

    One commenter, Pratt & Whitney, requests that we remove the 
references to front turbine hubs with fewer than 3,370 CSN, and hubs 
with 3,370 CSN or more, from compliance paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2), 
as they are not needed. The commenter states that there is no need to 
drive removal of parts before they have reached the new published life 
limit of 9,370 CSN.
    We partially agree. We agree there is no need to remove front 
turbine hubs from service before they reached the new published life 
limit of 9,370 CSN. However, the purpose of the 3,370 CSN threshold is 
to identify those parts that can be removed per the specified drawdown 
schedule. We did not change the AD.

Request To Revise Definition of Engine Shop Visit

    Pratt & Whitney, the ATA, and United Airlines request that we 
revise the definition of ``engine shop visit.'' Pratt & Whitney 
recommends compliance during shop visit at front turbine hub exposure, 
and states that their analysis supports this. The ATA and United 
Airlines recommend compliance during shop visit when either the ``E'' 
or ``N'' flange of the engine is separated. They state that compliance 
at all shop visits will cause unnecessary engine teardowns for ``quick 
change'' engines (fan case module refurbishments) and will result in a 
significant cost impact.
    We partially agree. We reviewed Pratt & Whitney's risk analysis and 
agree that we can manage the risk within acceptable levels if we change 
the definition of shop visit to ``The induction of an engine into the 
shop for maintenance involving the separation of any major mating 
engine flange aft of the ``B'' flange, except that the separation of 
engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation without 
subsequent engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop 
visit''. We changed the shop visit definition in paragraph (h) of the 
AD.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 94 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 
101 work-hours per engine to perform the actions, and that the average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. The prorated cost due to a life 
reduction from 12,000 CSN to 9,370 CSN for the front turbine hub is 
about $66,460 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of the AD on U.S. operators to be $6,247,240.

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 AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
    (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,

[[Page 7306]]

on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2009-04-02 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39-15808. Docket No. FAA-2007-
29110; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-35-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
24, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW4090 and PW4090-3 
turbofan engines with front turbine hub part number (P/N) 53L601, 
(part of assembly P/N 53L121), installed. These engines are 
installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 777-200 series and 777-300 
series airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from PW updating the low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) 
life analysis for front turbine hub, P/N 53L601. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the front turbine hub, 
resulting in an in-flight engine shutdown and possible damage to the 
airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.
    (f) Remove front turbine hub, P/N 53L601 (part of assembly P/N 
53L121), from service and install a serviceable front turbine hub, 
as follows:
    (1) For front turbine hubs that have accumulated fewer than 
3,370 cycles-since-new (CSN) on the effective date of this AD, 
remove from service before the hub accumulates 9,370 CSN.
    (2) For front turbine hubs that have accumulated 3,370 or more 
CSN, but fewer than 9,370 CSN on the effective date of this AD, do 
the following:
    (i) For engines that have an engine shop visit (ESV) after the 
effective date of this AD before the front turbine hub accumulates 
9,370 CSN, remove the front turbine hub from service before the 
front turbine hub accumulates 9,370 CSN.
    (ii) For engines that do not have an ESV after the effective 
date of this AD before the front turbine hub accumulates 9,370 CSN, 
remove the front turbine hub from service at the next ESV, or before 
the hub accumulates an additional 6,000 cycles-since-last-
fluorescent-penetrant inspection of the front turbine hub, whichever 
occurs first, but not to exceed 12,000 CSN.
    (3) For front turbine hubs that have accumulated 9,370 or more 
CSN on the effective date of this AD, remove the front turbine hub 
from service at the next ESV, or before the hub accumulates 12,000 
CSN, whichever occurs first.
    (g) This AD establishes a new reduced published life limit for 
the PW4090 turbine front hub, P/N 53L601, of 9,370 CSN. The 
following conditions also apply:
    (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(2)(ii) and (f)(3) of 
this AD, no alternative retirement lives may be approved for the 
PW4090 front turbine hub, P/N 53L601.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install or 
reinstall any PW4090 front turbine hub, P/N 53L601, on any engine if 
the hub has accumulated 9,370 CSN or more than 9,370 CSN. Any PW4090 
front turbine hub, P/N 53L601, that is installed or re-installed in 
any engine after the effective date of this AD must be removed from 
service before the hub accumulates 9,370 CSN.

Definition

    (h) For the purposes of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of any major mating engine flange aft of the ``B'' 
flange, except that the separation of engine flanges solely for the 
purposes of transportation without subsequent engine maintenance 
does not constitute an engine shop visit.

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) Information on an approved front turbine hub rework 
procedure for increased life is available from the manufacturer. See 
Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW4G-112-72-290, dated July 2, 
2007. The reworked front turbine hub, P/N 53L601-001, (part of 
assembly 53L121-001) is not affected by this AD. Contact Pratt & 
Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108; telephone (860) 565-
7700; fax (860) 565-1605, for the service information identified in 
this AD.
    (k) Contact Mark Riley, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification 
Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: mark.riley@faa.gov; 
telephone (781) 238-7758; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information 
about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 2, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E9-3041 Filed 2-13-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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