Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Turbofan Engines, 40757-40759 [2010-17145]

Download as PDF 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]


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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
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