Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Turbofan Engines, 31330-31332 [2010-13314]

Download as PDF 31330 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 106 / Thursday, June 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules 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. You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2010–0483; Directorate Identifier 2010– NM–065–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by July 19, 2010. Subject DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings. Federal Aviation Administration Unsafe Condition 14 CFR Part 39 (e) This AD results from reports of Model 757 airplanes in service that have drain holes and unsealed panel assemblies in the fixed leading edge adjacent to the inboard end of slats 4 and 7 that are too close to the hot portion of the engines. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaking onto an engine and a consequent fire. [Docket No. FAA–2010–0384; Directorate Identifier 2010–NE–18–AD] Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Action (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, change the lower fixed leading edge panel assemblies immediately outboard of the nacelles at slats 4 and 7, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757–57–0070, dated January 27, 2010. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to Attn: Tak Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6499; fax (425) 917–6590. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 25, 2010. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–13307 Filed 6–2–10; 8:45 am] Affected ADs (b) None. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Applicability (c) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757–200, –200PF, –200CB, and –300 series airplanes, certificated in any category. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:31 Jun 02, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Turbofan Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series turbofan engines. This proposed AD would require a one-time visual inspection of the No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube, part number (P/N) 51J041–01, P/N 50J604– 01, or P/N 50J924–01. Tubes that are found cracked or repaired would be required to be removed from service. This proposed AD would also prohibit repaired tubes from being installed. This proposed AD results from one report of a repaired No. 3 bearing oil tube that caused an engine in-flight shutdown, seven reports of repaired No. 3 bearing oil pressure tubes found cracked that led to unscheduled engine removals, and one report of a test cell event from a repaired tube that cracked. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracking of No. 3 bearing oil pressure tubes which could result in internal oil fire, failure of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) disks, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by August 2, 2010. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD. • 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Gray, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; E:\FR\FM\03JNP1.SGM 03JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 106 / Thursday, June 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules e-mail: james.gray@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7742; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2010–0384; Directorate Identifier 2010– NE–18–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:// 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). srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS 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. Discussion In August 2009, we received a report of a Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series turbofan engine failure during flight. Investigation revealed that the engine had an internal oil fire caused by a cracked No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube, and that the tube was previously weldrepaired. That fire led to failure of the high-pressure compressor rear shaft and damage to the HPT stages 1–2 air seal and HPT disks. Since 2007, we have also received seven other reports of VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:01 Jun 02, 2010 Jkt 220001 repaired No. 3 bearing oil pressure tubes cracking, resulting in unscheduled engine removals. The operational interaction of the tube and diffuser case can cause wear. A weld-repaired tube can exhibit decreased capability and be more likely to crack than a tube that has not been repaired. Because of the type of environment these tubes operate in, tubes that are cracked or repaired, or if suspected that the tube was repaired, would be required to be removed from service. Operating the engines with cracked No. 3 bearing oil pressure tubes, if not corrected, could result in internal oil fire, failure of the HPT disks, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane. 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. We are proposing this AD, which would require: • A one-time visual inspection of the No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube, P/N 51J041–01, P/N 50J604–01, or P/N 50J924–01; and • Removal from service if found cracked or repaired, or if suspected that the tube was repaired; and • A prohibition on installing repaired tubes. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 973 PW4000 series turbofan engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 10 minutes per engine to perform the proposed one-time visual inspection when the tube has been removed, and that the average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $9,154 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $8,923,383. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 31331 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 AD: 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. 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. 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: Pratt & Whitney: Docket No. FAA–2010– 0384; Directorate Identifier 2010–NE– 18–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by August 2, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. E:\FR\FM\03JNP1.SGM 03JNP1 31332 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 106 / Thursday, June 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules Applicability (c) This AD applies to the following Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines, with No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube, part number (P/N) 51J041–01, P/N 50J604–01, or P/N 50J924– 01, installed: PW4000–94″ Engines (1) PW4000–94″ engines affected are PW4050, PW4052, PW4056, PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4152, PW4156, PW4156A, PW4158, PW4160, PW4460, PW4462, and PW4650, including models with any dash number suffix. PW4000–100″ Engines (2) PW4000–100″ engines affected are PW4164, PW4168, PW4168A, PW4164C, PW4164C/B, PW4170, PW4168A–1D, PW4168–1D, PW4164–1D, PW4164C–1D, and PW4164C/B–1D, including models with any dash number suffix. PW4000–112″ Engines (3) PW4000–112″ engines affected are PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084, PW4084D, PW4090, PW4090–3, PW4090D, and PW4098, including models with any dash number suffix. (4) These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus A300, A310, and A330 series, Boeing MD–11, 747, 767, and 777 series, airplanes. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from one report of a repaired No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube that cracked and caused an engine in-flight shutdown, one report of a test cell event, and eight reports since 2007, of repaired No. 3 bearing oil pressure tubes found cracked that led to unscheduled engine removals. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of No. 3 bearing oil pressure tubes which could result in internal oil fire, failure of the highpressure turbine disks, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane. (2) Pratt & Whitney Clean, Inspect, Repair Manual PN 51A750, 72–41–20 for PW4000– 112″ series engines. 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) Contact James Gray, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: james.gray@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238–7742; fax (781) 238–7199, for more information about this AD. (k) Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108, telephone (860) 565–7700; fax (860) 565–1605, for a copy of the repair manuals referenced in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 27, 2010. Peter A. White, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–13314 Filed 6–2–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0546; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–215–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB–120, –120ER, –120FC, –120QC, and –120RT Airplanes srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed the next time the No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube is removed from the engine after the effective date of this AD, unless the actions have already been done. AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). One-Time Visual Inspection of the No. 3 Bearing Oil Pressure Tube (f) Perform a one-time visual inspection of the exterior of the No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube for cracks and evidence of being repaired. (1) Remove the tube from service if any cracks are found. (2) Remove the tube from service if found repaired, or if suspected that the tube was repaired. (g) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any repaired No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube into any engine. (h) Guidance on the No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube visual inspection can be found in: (1) Pratt & Whitney Clean, Inspect, Repair Manual PN 51A357, 72–41–20 for PW4000– 94″ and PW4000–100″ series engines; or 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) originated 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: It has been found that some fuel quantity probes may fail during the airplane life leading to an erroneous fuel quantity indication to the crew. This erroneous indication may lead to the airplane being operated with less fuel than indicated which may lead to an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of one or both engines due to fuel VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:31 Jun 02, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 starvation. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 19, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), Technical Publications Section (PC 060), Av. Brigadeiro Faria ˜ Lima, 2170—Putim—12227–901 Sao Jose dos Campos—SP—BRASIL; telephone: +55 12 3927–5852 or +55 12 3309–0732; fax: +55 12 3927–7546; email: distrib@embraer.com.br; Internet: https://www.flyembraer.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about E:\FR\FM\03JNP1.SGM 03JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 106 (Thursday, June 3, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31330-31332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-13314]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0384; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-18-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series turbofan engines. This proposed AD 
would require a one-time visual inspection of the No. 3 bearing oil 
pressure tube, part number (P/N) 51J041-01, P/N 50J604-01, or P/N 
50J924-01. Tubes that are found cracked or repaired would be required 
to be removed from service. This proposed AD would also prohibit 
repaired tubes from being installed. This proposed AD results from one 
report of a repaired No. 3 bearing oil tube that caused an engine in-
flight shutdown, seven reports of repaired No. 3 bearing oil pressure 
tubes found cracked that led to unscheduled engine removals, and one 
report of a test cell event from a repaired tube that cracked. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent cracking of No. 3 bearing oil pressure 
tubes which could result in internal oil fire, failure of the high-
pressure turbine (HPT) disks, uncontained engine failure, and damage to 
the airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by August 2, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.
     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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Gray, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;

[[Page 31331]]

e-mail: james.gray@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7742; fax (781) 238-
7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0384; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-NE-18-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://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).

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.

Discussion

    In August 2009, we received a report of a Pratt & Whitney PW4000 
series turbofan engine failure during flight. Investigation revealed 
that the engine had an internal oil fire caused by a cracked No. 3 
bearing oil pressure tube, and that the tube was previously weld-
repaired. That fire led to failure of the high-pressure compressor rear 
shaft and damage to the HPT stages 1-2 air seal and HPT disks. Since 
2007, we have also received seven other reports of repaired No. 3 
bearing oil pressure tubes cracking, resulting in unscheduled engine 
removals. The operational interaction of the tube and diffuser case can 
cause wear. A weld-repaired tube can exhibit decreased capability and 
be more likely to crack than a tube that has not been repaired. Because 
of the type of environment these tubes operate in, tubes that are 
cracked or repaired, or if suspected that the tube was repaired, would 
be required to be removed from service. Operating the engines with 
cracked No. 3 bearing oil pressure tubes, if not corrected, could 
result in internal oil fire, failure of the HPT disks, uncontained 
engine failure, and damage to the airplane.

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. We are proposing this AD, which would 
require:
     A one-time visual inspection of the No. 3 bearing oil 
pressure tube, P/N 51J041-01, P/N 50J604-01, or P/N 50J924-01; and
     Removal from service if found cracked or repaired, or if 
suspected that the tube was repaired; and
     A prohibition on installing repaired tubes.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 973 PW4000 series 
turbofan engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also 
estimate that it would take about 10 minutes per engine to perform the 
proposed one-time visual inspection when the tube has been removed, and 
that the average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would 
cost about $9,154 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the 
total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $8,923,383.

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 AD:
    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. 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.

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Pratt & Whitney: Docket No. FAA-2010-0384; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NE-18-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by August 2, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

[[Page 31332]]

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following Pratt & Whitney turbofan 
engines, with No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube, part number (P/N) 
51J041-01, P/N 50J604-01, or P/N 50J924-01, installed:

PW4000-94'' Engines

    (1) PW4000-94'' engines affected are PW4050, PW4052, PW4056, 
PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4152, PW4156, PW4156A, 
PW4158, PW4160, PW4460, PW4462, and PW4650, including models with 
any dash number suffix.

PW4000-100'' Engines

    (2) PW4000-100'' engines affected are PW4164, PW4168, PW4168A, 
PW4164C, PW4164C/B, PW4170, PW4168A-1D, PW4168-1D, PW4164-1D, 
PW4164C-1D, and PW4164C/B-1D, including models with any dash number 
suffix.

PW4000-112'' Engines

    (3) PW4000-112'' engines affected are PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, 
PW4077D, PW4084, PW4084D, PW4090, PW4090-3, PW4090D, and PW4098, 
including models with any dash number suffix.
    (4) These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Airbus 
A300, A310, and A330 series, Boeing MD-11, 747, 767, and 777 series, 
airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from one report of a repaired No. 3 bearing 
oil pressure tube that cracked and caused an engine in-flight 
shutdown, one report of a test cell event, and eight reports since 
2007, of repaired No. 3 bearing oil pressure tubes found cracked 
that led to unscheduled engine removals. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent cracking of No. 3 bearing oil pressure tubes which could 
result in internal oil fire, failure of the high-pressure turbine 
disks, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed the next time the No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube is 
removed from the engine after the effective date of this AD, unless 
the actions have already been done.

One-Time Visual Inspection of the No. 3 Bearing Oil Pressure Tube

    (f) Perform a one-time visual inspection of the exterior of the 
No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube for cracks and evidence of being 
repaired.
    (1) Remove the tube from service if any cracks are found.
    (2) Remove the tube from service if found repaired, or if 
suspected that the tube was repaired.
    (g) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
repaired No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube into any engine.
    (h) Guidance on the No. 3 bearing oil pressure tube visual 
inspection can be found in:
    (1) Pratt & Whitney Clean, Inspect, Repair Manual PN 51A357, 72-
41-20 for PW4000-94'' and PW4000-100'' series engines; or
    (2) Pratt & Whitney Clean, Inspect, Repair Manual PN 51A750, 72-
41-20 for PW4000-112'' series engines.

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) Contact James Gray, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification 
Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: james.gray@faa.gov; 
telephone (781) 238-7742; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information 
about this AD.
    (k) Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 
06108, telephone (860) 565-7700; fax (860) 565-1605, for a copy of 
the repair manuals referenced in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of 
this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 27, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-13314 Filed 6-2-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.