Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Turbofan Engines, 40757-40759 [2010-17145]
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 134 / Wednesday, July 14, 2010 / Proposed Rules
At this time, the NRC is announcing
the availability for public comment of
‘‘Implementation Guidance for 10 CFR
part 37 Physical Protection of Byproduct
Material, Category 1 and Category 2
Quantities of Radioactive Material.’’ The
document provides guidance on
implementing the provisions of
proposed 10 CFR part 37, ‘‘Physical
Protection of Byproduct Material.’’ The
NRC is planning to hold two public
meetings to obtain public input on the
draft implementation guidance in
September 2010. Information on these
meetings will be posted on https://
www.regulations.gov under Docket ID
NRC–2010–0194.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 30th day
of June 2010.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Andrew Mauer,
Chief, Source Management and Protection
Branch, Division of Materials Safety and State
Agreements, Office of Federal and State
Materials and Environmental Management
Programs.
[FR Doc. 2010–17126 Filed 7–13–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
DATES: We must receive any comments
on this proposed AD by September 13,
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.
Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main
St., East Hartford, CT 06108; telephone
(860) 565–8770; fax (860) 565–4503, for
a copy of the service information
identified in this proposed AD.
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-mail: james.e.gray@faa.gov; telephone
(781) 238–7742; fax (781) 238–7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2010–0596; Directorate
Identifier 2010–NE–22–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &
Whitney PW4000 Series Turbofan
Engines
wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series
turbofan engines. This proposed AD
would require initial and repetitive
borescope inspections (BSI) or
fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI)
for cracks in the anti-vortex tube (AVT)
shelf slots on the 10th stage disk of the
high-pressure compressor (HPC) drum
rotor disk assembly. This proposed AD
results from 47 reports received since
2007 of HPC 10th stage disks found
cracked in the AVT shelf slots during
shop visit inspections. We are proposing
this AD to prevent failure of the HPC
10th stage disk, uncontained engine
failure, and damage to the airplane.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:43 Jul 13, 2010
Jkt 220001
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–
2010–0596; Directorate Identifier 2010–
NE–22–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).
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
40757
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
Since 2007, we have received 47
reports of HPC 10th stage disks found
cracked in the AVT shelf slots during
shop visit inspections. Investigation has
revealed the root cause of the cracks to
be the slot configuration in the 9th stage
compressor stator inner shroud. The
number of slots matches the number of
anti-vortex tubes and causes an
aerodynamic interaction during engine
operation. This interaction results in
high-cycle-fatigue cracks in the AVT
shelf slots on the 10th stage disk of the
HPC drum rotor disk assembly. This
condition, if not corrected, could result
in failure of the HPC 10th stage disk,
uncontained engine failure, and damage
to the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the
technical contents of Pratt & Whitney
Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW4ENG 72–
799, dated January 22, 2010, and SB No.
PW4G–100–72–226, dated April 22,
2010, that describe procedures for
inspecting for cracks in the AVT shelf
slots on the 10th stage disk of the HPC
drum rotor disk assembly.
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 initial and
repetitive BSI or FPI for cracks in the
AVT shelf on the 10th stage disk of the
HPC drum rotor disk assembly. The
proposed AD would require you to use
the service information described
previously to perform these actions.
Interim Actions
These actions are interim actions and
we may take further rulemaking actions
in the future.
E:\FR\FM\14JYP1.SGM
14JYP1
40758
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 134 / Wednesday, July 14, 2010 / Proposed Rules
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 869 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it would take about one
work-hour per engine to perform a
proposed inspection, and that the
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Required parts would cost about
$303,010 per HPC drum rotor disk
assembly. About 61 HPC drum rotor
disk assemblies would need
replacement due to cracks. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of the
AD on U.S. operators to be $18,557,475.
wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1
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.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:43 Jul 13, 2010
Jkt 220001
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Initial Inspection of the AVT Shelf Slots
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–
0596; Directorate Identifier 2010–NE–
22–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by
September 13, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the following Pratt
& Whitney turbofan engines with a ring case
configuration rear high-pressure compressor
(HPC) installed. These engines are installed
on, but not limited to, Boeing 747–200, 767–
200/–300, and MD–11 airplanes, and Airbus
A300–600, A310–300, A330–300, and A330–
200 airplanes.
PW4000–94’’ Engines
(1) PW4000–94’’ series engine models
PW4050, PW4052, PW4056, PW4060,
PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A,
PW4152, PW4156, PW4156A, PW4158,
PW4160, PW4460, PW4462, and PW4650,
including all models with a dash number
suffix.
PW4000–100’’ Engines
(2) PW4000–100’’ series engine models
PW4168A–1D and PW4170 with serial
numbers P735001 through P735039; and
(3) All engines converted to PW4164–1D,
PW4168–1D, PW4168A–1D, or PW4170
model engines.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from 47 reports
received since 2007 of HPC 10th stage disks
found cracked in the AVT shelf slots during
shop visit inspections. We are issuing this
AD to prevent failure of the HPC 10th stage
disk, uncontained engine failure, and damage
to the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(f) For engines listed in paragraphs (c)(1)
and (c)(3) of this AD, do the following:
(1) Remove the low-pressure turbine (LPT)
shaft and borescope-inspect (BSI) for cracks
in the AVT shelf slots on the 10th stage disk
of the HPC drum rotor disk assembly; or
(2) Remove the HPC drum rotor disk
assembly and fluorescent-penetrant inspect
(FPI) for cracks in the AVT shelf slots on the
10th stage disk of the HPC drum rotor disk
assembly.
(3) Perform the inspection:
(i) Within 7,200 cycles-in-service (CIS)
since incorporation of any of the following
Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletins: (SB) No.
PW4ENG 72–755, SB No. PW4ENG 72–756,
SB No. PW4ENG 72–757, SB No. PW4ENG
72–759, or SB No. PW4G–100–72–220; or
(ii) Within 1,000 CIS after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(4) If a crack is found, remove the HPC
drum rotor disk assembly from service.
(g) For engines listed in paragraph (c)(2) of
this AD, do the following:
(1) Remove the LPT shaft and BSI for
cracks in the AVT shelf slots on the 10th
stage disk of the HPC drum rotor disk
assembly; or
(2) Remove the HPC drum rotor disk
assembly and FPI for cracks in the AVT shelf
slots on the 10th stage disk of the HPC drum
rotor disk assembly.
(3) Perform the inspection:
(i) Within 7,200 cycles-since-new; or
(ii) Within 1,000 CIS after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(4) If a crack is found, remove the HPC
drum rotor disk assembly from service.
Repetitive Inspections of the AVT Shelf Slots
(h) Thereafter, perform a BSI or FPI for
cracks in the AVT shelf slots on the 10th
stage HPC disk of the HPC drum rotor disk
assembly within every 7,200 cycles-sincelast-inspection.
(i) If a crack is found, remove the HPC
drum rotor disk assembly from service.
Relevant Service Bulletins
(j) Use paragraphs 3.A through 3.H of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Pratt &
Whitney SB No. PW4ENG 72–799, dated
January 22, 2010, to perform the BSIs for
engines listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD.
(k) Use paragraphs 3.A through 3.H of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Pratt &
Whitney SB No. PW4G–100–72–226, dated
April 22, 2010, to perform the BSIs for
engines listed in paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3)
of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(l) 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.
Interim Actions
(m) These actions are interim actions and
we may take further rulemaking actions in
the future.
E:\FR\FM\14JYP1.SGM
14JYP1
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 134 / Wednesday, July 14, 2010 / Proposed Rules
Related Information
(n) Contact James Gray, Aerospace
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA,
Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; e-mail: james.e.gray@faa.gov;
telephone (781) 238–7742; fax (781) 238–
7199, for more information about this AD.
(o) Pratt & Whitney SB No. PW4ENG 72–
799, dated January 22, 2010, and SB No.
PW4G–100–72–226, dated April 22, 2010,
pertain to the subject of this AD. Contact
Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford,
CT 06108; telephone (860) 565–8770; fax
(860) 565–4503, for a copy of this service
information.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
July 8, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010–17145 Filed 7–13–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
15 CFR Part 922
Initiation of Review of Management
Plan/Regulations of the Hawaiian
Islands Humpback Whale National
Marine Sanctuary; Intent To Prepare
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
and Management Plan; Scoping
Meetings
wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1
AGENCY: Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Notice of Intent to Initiate
Review of Management Plan/
Regulations; Intent to Prepare
Environmental Impact Statement;
Scoping Meetings.
SUMMARY: In accordance with section
304(e) of the National Marine
Sanctuaries Act, as amended, (NMSA)
(16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.), the Office of
National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) has initiated a
review of the Hawaiian Islands
Humpback Whale National Marine
Sanctuary (HIHWNMS or sanctuary)
management plan, to evaluate
substantive progress toward
implementing the goals for the
sanctuary, and to make revisions to its
management plan and regulations as
necessary to fulfill the purposes and
policies of the NMSA and the Hawaiian
Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act
(HINMSA; Title II, Subtitle C, Pub. L.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:43 Jul 13, 2010
Jkt 220001
102–587). The present management plan
was written as part of the sanctuary’s
management plan review process in
2002 and did not contain any regulatory
or boundary changes from the
implementing regulations that became
effective December 29, 1999 (64 FR
63262). NOAA anticipates completion
of the revised management plan and
concomitant documents will require
approximately thirty-six months from
the date of publication of this Notice of
Intent. The management plan review
process occurs concurrently with a
public process under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). This notice also
confirms that NOAA will coordinate its
responsibilities under section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act
(NHPA, 16 U.S.C. 470) with its ongoing
NEPA process, pursuant to 36 CFR
800.8(a)—coordination with NEPA—
including the use of NEPA documents
and public and stakeholder meetings to
also meet the section 106 requirements.
DATES: All comments on issues related
to the continued management of the
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale
National Marine Sanctuary will be
considered if received on or before
October 16, 2010. See SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section below for the dates,
times, and locations of the public
scoping meetings.
ADDRESSES: All written inquiries and
comments may be sent to: Management
Plan Review Coordinator, Hawaiian
Islands Humpback Whale National
Marine Sanctuary, 6600 Kalaniana’ole
Highway, Suite 301, Honolulu, Hawai’i
96825 or faxed to (808) 397–2650.
Electronic comments may be sent to:
hihwmanagementplan@noaa.gov.
All comments received are a part of
the public record. All Personal
Identifying Information (for example,
name, address, etc.) voluntarily
submitted by the commenter may be
publicly accessible. Do not submit
confidential business information or
otherwise sensitive or protected
information. NOAA will accept
anonymous comments. Attachments to
electronic comments will be accepted in
Microsoft Word, Excel, Wordperfect, or
Adobe PDF file formats only.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Malia Chow, Policy Advisor, Telephone:
(808) 397–2651.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background Information
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback
Whale National Marine Sanctuary
(sanctuary) was designated by Congress
in 1992 as the 12th national marine
sanctuary in the U.S. Its primary
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
40759
mission is to protect humpback whales
(Megaptera novaeangliae) and their
habitat in Hawai’i. The sanctuary
enables citizens and government to
work collectively on safeguarding
humpback whale breeding and calving
range in waters around the main
Hawaiian Islands, an area that supports
over half the North Pacific humpback
whale population and constitutes one of
the world’s most important humpback
whale habitats. Encompassing 3,548
square kilometers (1,370 square miles)
of federal and state waters surrounding
the main Hawaiian Islands, the
sanctuary extends from the shoreline to
the 100-fathom isobath (183-meter or
600 foot depth) and is composed of five
separate marine protected areas (MPAs)
accessible from six of the eight main
Hawaiian Islands. The sanctuary’s
configuration presents unique
challenges and opportunities for
protecting sanctuary resources,
developing programs, and increasing
public awareness of humpback whales
throughout the state.
In accordance with Section 304(e) of
the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, as
amended (NMSA), 16 U.S.C. 1431 et
seq., the Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) is initiating a
review of the current management plan
to evaluate the substantive progress
made toward implementing the goals for
the sanctuary, and to make revisions to
the plan and regulations as necessary to
fulfill the purposes and policies of the
NMSA. The proposed revised
management plan may involve changes
to existing policies and regulations of
the sanctuary, as well as address current
and emerging topics, challenges, and
opportunities to better protect and
manage the sanctuary’s resources and
qualities. The review process is
composed of four primary stages:
(1) Information collection and
characterization, including public
scoping meetings;
(2) Preparation and release of a
revised draft management plan/
environmental evaluation that includes
any proposed new regulations or
amendments to current regulations;
(3) Public review and comment on the
draft plan; and
(4) Preparation and release of a final
management plan/environmental
evaluation that could also include new
regulations to fully implement the
revised management plan.
NOAA anticipates that the completion
of the revised management plan and
concomitant documents will require
approximately twenty-four to thirty-six
months.
E:\FR\FM\14JYP1.SGM
14JYP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 14, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40757-40759]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17145]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0596; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-22-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 certain Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series turbofan engines. This
proposed AD would require initial and repetitive borescope inspections
(BSI) or fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) for cracks in the
anti-vortex tube (AVT) shelf slots on the 10th stage disk of the high-
pressure compressor (HPC) drum rotor disk assembly. This proposed AD
results from 47 reports received since 2007 of HPC 10th stage disks
found cracked in the AVT shelf slots during shop visit inspections. We
are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC 10th stage disk,
uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by September
13, 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.
Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108;
telephone (860) 565-8770; fax (860) 565-4503, for a copy of the service
information identified in this proposed AD.
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-mail:
james.e.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-2010-0596; Directorate
Identifier 2010-NE-22-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
Since 2007, we have received 47 reports of HPC 10th stage disks
found cracked in the AVT shelf slots during shop visit inspections.
Investigation has revealed the root cause of the cracks to be the slot
configuration in the 9th stage compressor stator inner shroud. The
number of slots matches the number of anti-vortex tubes and causes an
aerodynamic interaction during engine operation. This interaction
results in high-cycle-fatigue cracks in the AVT shelf slots on the 10th
stage disk of the HPC drum rotor disk assembly. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in failure of the HPC 10th stage disk,
uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Pratt &
Whitney Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW4ENG 72-799, dated January 22,
2010, and SB No. PW4G-100-72-226, dated April 22, 2010, that describe
procedures for inspecting for cracks in the AVT shelf slots on the 10th
stage disk of the HPC drum rotor disk assembly.
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
initial and repetitive BSI or FPI for cracks in the AVT shelf on the
10th stage disk of the HPC drum rotor disk assembly. The proposed AD
would require you to use the service information described previously
to perform these actions.
Interim Actions
These actions are interim actions and we may take further
rulemaking actions in the future.
[[Page 40758]]
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 869 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would
take about one work-hour per engine to perform a proposed inspection,
and that the average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts
would cost about $303,010 per HPC drum rotor disk assembly. About 61
HPC drum rotor disk assemblies would need replacement due to cracks.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S.
operators to be $18,557,475.
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, Incorporation by
reference, 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-2010-0596; Directorate Identifier
2010-NE-22-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by September
13, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the following Pratt & Whitney turbofan
engines with a ring case configuration rear high-pressure compressor
(HPC) installed. These engines are installed on, but not limited to,
Boeing 747-200, 767-200/-300, and MD-11 airplanes, and Airbus A300-
600, A310-300, A330-300, and A330-200 airplanes.
PW4000-94'' Engines
(1) PW4000-94'' series engine models PW4050, PW4052, PW4056,
PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4152, PW4156, PW4156A,
PW4158, PW4160, PW4460, PW4462, and PW4650, including all models
with a dash number suffix.
PW4000-100'' Engines
(2) PW4000-100'' series engine models PW4168A-1D and PW4170 with
serial numbers P735001 through P735039; and
(3) All engines converted to PW4164-1D, PW4168-1D, PW4168A-1D,
or PW4170 model engines.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from 47 reports received since 2007 of HPC
10th stage disks found cracked in the AVT shelf slots during shop
visit inspections. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
HPC 10th stage disk, uncontained engine failure, and 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.
Initial Inspection of the AVT Shelf Slots
(f) For engines listed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) of this
AD, do the following:
(1) Remove the low-pressure turbine (LPT) shaft and borescope-
inspect (BSI) for cracks in the AVT shelf slots on the 10th stage
disk of the HPC drum rotor disk assembly; or
(2) Remove the HPC drum rotor disk assembly and fluorescent-
penetrant inspect (FPI) for cracks in the AVT shelf slots on the
10th stage disk of the HPC drum rotor disk assembly.
(3) Perform the inspection:
(i) Within 7,200 cycles-in-service (CIS) since incorporation of
any of the following Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletins: (SB) No.
PW4ENG 72-755, SB No. PW4ENG 72-756, SB No. PW4ENG 72-757, SB No.
PW4ENG 72-759, or SB No. PW4G-100-72-220; or
(ii) Within 1,000 CIS after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(4) If a crack is found, remove the HPC drum rotor disk assembly
from service.
(g) For engines listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD, do the
following:
(1) Remove the LPT shaft and BSI for cracks in the AVT shelf
slots on the 10th stage disk of the HPC drum rotor disk assembly; or
(2) Remove the HPC drum rotor disk assembly and FPI for cracks
in the AVT shelf slots on the 10th stage disk of the HPC drum rotor
disk assembly.
(3) Perform the inspection:
(i) Within 7,200 cycles-since-new; or
(ii) Within 1,000 CIS after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(4) If a crack is found, remove the HPC drum rotor disk assembly
from service.
Repetitive Inspections of the AVT Shelf Slots
(h) Thereafter, perform a BSI or FPI for cracks in the AVT shelf
slots on the 10th stage HPC disk of the HPC drum rotor disk assembly
within every 7,200 cycles-since-last-inspection.
(i) If a crack is found, remove the HPC drum rotor disk assembly
from service.
Relevant Service Bulletins
(j) Use paragraphs 3.A through 3.H of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Pratt & Whitney SB No. PW4ENG 72-799, dated January
22, 2010, to perform the BSIs for engines listed in paragraph (c)(1)
of this AD.
(k) Use paragraphs 3.A through 3.H of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Pratt & Whitney SB No. PW4G-100-72-226, dated April
22, 2010, to perform the BSIs for engines listed in paragraphs
(c)(2) and (c)(3) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(l) 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.
Interim Actions
(m) These actions are interim actions and we may take further
rulemaking actions in the future.
[[Page 40759]]
Related Information
(n) Contact James Gray, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification
Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: james.e.gray@faa.gov;
telephone (781) 238-7742; fax (781) 238-7199, for more information
about this AD.
(o) Pratt & Whitney SB No. PW4ENG 72-799, dated January 22,
2010, and SB No. PW4G-100-72-226, dated April 22, 2010, pertain to
the subject of this AD. Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East
Hartford, CT 06108; telephone (860) 565-8770; fax (860) 565-4503,
for a copy of this service information.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 8, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-17145 Filed 7-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P