Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. PW617F-E Turbofan Engines, 27491-27493 [2010-11645]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 94 / Monday, May 17, 2010 / Proposed Rules evaluation by Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. has confirmed similar dormant failure of worn through poppets of the subject valve on some 615F–A engine installations, which could affect both engines at the same time on an aircraft and may result in an unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded power reduction, which could result in the inability to continue safe flight and safe landing. Actions and Compliance (e) Unless already done, replace the FOHE fuel filter bypass poppet valve with a larger fuel filter bypass poppet valve within 25 hours of the effective date of the AD. Use paragraph 3.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. ASB No. PW600–72–A63071, Revision 1, dated January 7, 2010, to do the replacement. Previous Credit (f) A fuel filter bypass poppet valve replacement performed before the effective date of this AD using Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. ASB No. PW600–72–A63071, dated December 9, 2009, satisfies the replacement requirement of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD CF–2010–03, dated January 20, 2010, and Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. ASB No. PW600–72–A63071, Revision 1, dated January 7, 2010, for related information. Contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, J4G 1A1; telephone 800–268–8000; fax 450– 647–2888; Web site: https://www.pwc.ca, for a copy of this service information. (i) Contact Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park; Burlington, MA 01803; email: ian.dargin@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7178; fax (781) 238–7199, for more information about this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 10, 2010. Peter A. White, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS [FR Doc. 2010–11644 Filed 5–14–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:12 May 14, 2010 Jkt 220001 27491 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0246; Directorate Identifier 2010–NE–16–AD] Contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, J4G 1A1; telephone 800–268–8000; fax 450–647–2888; Web site: https://www.pwc.ca; for the service information identified in this proposed AD. RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. PW617F–E Turbofan Engines 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed 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: A PW617F–E engine powered twin engined aircraft had recently experienced an uncommanded power reduction on one of its engines. Investigation showed that the Fuel Filter Bypass Valve poppet in the Fuel Oil Heat Exchanger (FOHE) on that engine had worn through the housing seat, allowing unfiltered fuel and debris to contaminate the Fuel Metering Unit (FMU), resulting in fuel flow drop and subsequent power reduction. Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. issued an Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW600–72– A66019 to inspect and replace any discrepant valve with the same type new valve. The inspection results confirmed that failure of a worn through poppet is dormant and it can affect both engines at the same time that could result in an unsafe condition on PW617F–E powered aircraft. We are proposing this AD to prevent uncommanded power reduction, which could result in the inability to continue safe flight and safe landing. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 1, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park; Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: ian.dargin@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7178; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2010–0246; Directorate Identifier 2010–NE–16–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.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 Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including, if provided, 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). E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM 17MYP1 27492 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 94 / Monday, May 17, 2010 / Proposed Rules Discussion Costs of Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canada AD CF–2010–02, dated January 20, 2010 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 77 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 3.5 work-hours per engine to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $22,582 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,761,722. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. A PW617F–E engine powered twin engined aircraft had recently experienced an uncommanded power reduction on one of its engines. Investigation showed that the Fuel Filter Bypass Valve poppet in the FOHE on that engine had worn through the housing seat, allowing unfiltered fuel and debris to contaminate the FMU, resulting in fuel flow drop and subsequent power reduction. Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. issued an ASB No. PW600–72–A66019 to inspect and replace any discrepant valve with the same type new valve. The inspection results confirmed that failure of a worn through poppet is dormant and it can affect both engines at the same time that could result in an unsafe condition on PW617F–E powered aircraft. On November 23, 2009, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. issued an ASB No. PW600–72– A66021 that introduced a new fuel Filter Bypass Valve Assembly with an improved design poppet to help alleviate the subject poppet wear problem. This AD is issued to mandate replacement of the FOHE fuel filter bypass valve on all PW617F–E engines as per Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. ASB No. PW600–72–A66021 instructions. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. has issued ASB No. PW600–72–A66021, Revision 1, dated January 7, 2010. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of Canada and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Canada, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by Transport Canada and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require replacing the FOHE fuel filter bypass poppet valve with a larger fuel filter bypass poppet valve within 25 hours of the effective date of the proposed AD. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:12 May 14, 2010 Jkt 220001 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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA 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 adding the following new AD: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (formerly Pratt & Whitney Canada, Inc.): Docket No. FAA–2010–0246; Directorate Identifier 2010–NE–16–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by July 1, 2010. Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs) (b) None. Applicability Regulatory Findings (c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. PW617F–E turbofan engines with fuel/oil heat exchanger (FOHE) part number (P/N) 35C4540–01 installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to, ´ Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMB) 500 airplanes. We 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 this 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. 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. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. Reason (d) 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: A PW617F–E engine powered twin engined aircraft had recently experienced an uncommanded power reduction on one of its engines. Investigation showed that the Fuel Filter Bypass Valve poppet in the FOHE on that engine had worn through the housing seat, allowing unfiltered fuel and debris to contaminate the Fuel Metering Unit, resulting in fuel flow drop and subsequent power reduction. Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. issued an Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW600–72– A66019 to inspect and replace any discrepant valve with the same type new valve. The inspection results confirmed that failure of a worn through poppet is dormant and it can affect both engines at the same time that could result in an unsafe condition on PW617F–E powered aircraft. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded power reduction, which could result in the inability to continue safe flight and safe landing. PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM 17MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 94 / Monday, May 17, 2010 / Proposed Rules Actions and Compliance (e) Unless already done, replace the FOHE fuel filter bypass poppet valve with a larger fuel filter bypass poppet valve within 25 hours of the effective date of the AD. Use paragraph 3.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. ASB No. PW600–72–A66021, Revision 1, dated January 7, 2010, to do the replacement. Previous Credit (f) A fuel filter bypass poppet valve replacement performed before the effective date of this AD using Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. ASB No. PW600–72–A66021, dated November 23, 2009, satisfies the replacement requirement of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF–2010–02, dated January 20, 2010, and Pratt & Whitney Canada ASB No. PW600–72–A66021, Revision 1, dated January 7, 2010, for related information. Contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, J4G 1A1; telephone 800– 268–8000; fax 450–647–2888; Web site: https://www.pwc.ca, for a copy of this service information. (i) Contact Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; email: ian.dargin@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7178; fax (781) 238–7199, for more information about this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 10, 2010. Peter A. White, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0181; Airspace Docket No. 10–ASW–3] mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Center, TX AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:12 May 14, 2010 Jkt 220001 DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 1, 2010. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. You must identify the docket number FAA–2010– 0181/Airspace Docket No. 10–ASW–3, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647– 5527), is on the ground floor of the building at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Enander, Central Service Center, Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone: 817–321– 7716. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited [FR Doc. 2010–11645 Filed 5–14–10; 8:45 am] SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Center, TX adding additional controlled airspace necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Center Municipal Airport, Center, TX. Adjustments also would be made to the geographic coordinates of the Amason nondirectional beacon (NDB). The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2010–0181/Airspace Docket No. 10–ASW–3.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 27493 Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s Web page at https://www.faa. gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/ publications/airspace_amendments/. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Central Service Center, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRM’s should contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking 202–267–9677, to request a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11–2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application procedure. The Proposal This action proposes to amend Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), Part 71 by adding additional Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for SIAPs at Center Municipal Airport, Center, TX. Adjustments to the geographic coordinates of the 9 NDB would be made in accordance with the FAA’s National Aerospace Charting Office. Controlled airspace is needed for the safety and management of IFR operations at the airport. Class E airspace areas are published in Paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 7400.9T, dated August 27, 2009, and effective September 15, 2009, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document would be published subsequently in the Order. The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. It, therefore, (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) does not warrant preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air E:\FR\FM\17MYP1.SGM 17MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 94 (Monday, May 17, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27491-27493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11645]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0246; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-16-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. PW617F-E 
Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed 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:

    A PW617F-E engine powered twin engined aircraft had recently 
experienced an uncommanded power reduction on one of its engines. 
Investigation showed that the Fuel Filter Bypass Valve poppet in the 
Fuel Oil Heat Exchanger (FOHE) on that engine had worn through the 
housing seat, allowing unfiltered fuel and debris to contaminate the 
Fuel Metering Unit (FMU), resulting in fuel flow drop and subsequent 
power reduction.
    Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. issued an Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. PW600-72-A66019 to inspect and replace any discrepant 
valve with the same type new valve. The inspection results confirmed 
that failure of a worn through poppet is dormant and it can affect 
both engines at the same time that could result in an unsafe 
condition on PW617F-E powered aircraft.

    We are proposing this AD to prevent uncommanded power reduction, 
which could result in the inability to continue safe flight and safe 
landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 1, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    Contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, 
Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, J4G 1A1; telephone 800-268-8000; fax 450-
647-2888; Web site: https://www.pwc.ca; for the service information 
identified in this proposed AD.

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 proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park; Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
ian.dargin@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7178; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0246; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-16-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.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 Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any 
of our dockets, including, if provided, 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).

[[Page 27492]]

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Canada AD CF-2010-02, dated January 20, 2010 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    A PW617F-E engine powered twin engined aircraft had recently 
experienced an uncommanded power reduction on one of its engines. 
Investigation showed that the Fuel Filter Bypass Valve poppet in the 
FOHE on that engine had worn through the housing seat, allowing 
unfiltered fuel and debris to contaminate the FMU, resulting in fuel 
flow drop and subsequent power reduction.
    Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. issued an ASB No. PW600-72-A66019 
to inspect and replace any discrepant valve with the same type new 
valve. The inspection results confirmed that failure of a worn 
through poppet is dormant and it can affect both engines at the same 
time that could result in an unsafe condition on PW617F-E powered 
aircraft.
    On November 23, 2009, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. issued an ASB 
No. PW600-72-A66021 that introduced a new fuel Filter Bypass Valve 
Assembly with an improved design poppet to help alleviate the 
subject poppet wear problem. This AD is issued to mandate 
replacement of the FOHE fuel filter bypass valve on all PW617F-E 
engines as per Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. ASB No. PW600-72-A66021 
instructions.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. has issued ASB No. PW600-72-A66021, 
Revision 1, dated January 7, 2010. The actions described in this 
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of Canada 
and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our 
bilateral agreement with Canada, they have notified us of the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced 
above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information 
provided by Transport Canada and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design. This proposed AD would require replacing the FOHE fuel filter 
bypass poppet valve with a larger fuel filter bypass poppet valve 
within 25 hours of the effective date of the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 77 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 3.5 work-hours per engine to 
comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-
hour. Required parts would cost about $22,582 per engine. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators to be $1,761,722.

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 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 this 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA 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 adding the following new AD:

Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (formerly Pratt & Whitney Canada, 
Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2010-0246; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-16-
AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by July 1, 2010.

Affected Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. PW617F-E 
turbofan engines with fuel/oil heat exchanger (FOHE) part number (P/
N) 35C4540-01 installed. These engines are installed on, but not 
limited to, Empresa Brasileira de Aeron[aacute]utica S.A. (EMB) 500 
airplanes.

Reason

    (d) 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:
    A PW617F-E engine powered twin engined aircraft had recently 
experienced an uncommanded power reduction on one of its engines. 
Investigation showed that the Fuel Filter Bypass Valve poppet in the 
FOHE on that engine had worn through the housing seat, allowing 
unfiltered fuel and debris to contaminate the Fuel Metering Unit, 
resulting in fuel flow drop and subsequent power reduction.
    Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. issued an Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. PW600-72-A66019 to inspect and replace any discrepant 
valve with the same type new valve. The inspection results confirmed 
that failure of a worn through poppet is dormant and it can affect 
both engines at the same time that could result in an unsafe 
condition on PW617F-E powered aircraft.
    We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded power reduction, 
which could result in the inability to continue safe flight and safe 
landing.

[[Page 27493]]

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, replace the FOHE fuel filter bypass 
poppet valve with a larger fuel filter bypass poppet valve within 25 
hours of the effective date of the AD. Use paragraph 3.A. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. ASB No. 
PW600-72-A66021, Revision 1, dated January 7, 2010, to do the 
replacement.

Previous Credit

    (f) A fuel filter bypass poppet valve replacement performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Pratt & Whitney Canada 
Corp. ASB No. PW600-72-A66021, dated November 23, 2009, satisfies 
the replacement requirement of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive CF-
2010-02, dated January 20, 2010, and Pratt & Whitney Canada ASB No. 
PW600-72-A66021, Revision 1, dated January 7, 2010, for related 
information. Contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-
Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, J4G 1A1; telephone 800-268-
8000; fax 450-647-2888; Web site: https://www.pwc.ca, for a copy of 
this service information.
    (i) Contact Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification 
Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: ian.dargin@faa.gov; 
telephone (781) 238-7178; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information 
about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 10, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-11645 Filed 5-14-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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