Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada, Auxiliary Power Units, 11421-11423 [2012-4448]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules that could jeopardize flight safety. We are issuing this AD to eliminate this hazard and ensure that all lavatories have a supplemental oxygen supply. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Restatement of Requirements of AD 2011– 04–09, Amendment 39–16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011): Oxygen Generator Deactivation Within 21 days after March 14, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011–04–09, Amendment 39–16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011)), do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Activate all chemical oxygen generators in the lavatories until the generator oxygen supply is expended. An operator may also remove the oxygen generator(s), in accordance with existing maintenance practice, in lieu of activating it. (2) For each chemical oxygen generator, after the generator is expended (or removed), remove or re-stow the oxygen masks and close the mask dispenser door. Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Chemical oxygen generators are considered a hazardous material and subject to specific requirements under Title 49 CFR for shipping. Oxygen generators must be expended prior to disposal but are considered a hazardous waste; therefore, disposal must be in accordance with all Federal, State, and local regulations. Expended oxygen generators are forbidden in air transportation as cargo. For more information, contact 1–800–HMR–4922. Note 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Design approval holders are not expected to release service instructions for the action specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. (h) Restatement of Requirements of AD 2011–04–09, Amendment 39–16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011): Compliance With Federal Aviation Regulations Notwithstanding the requirements of Sections 25.1447, 121.329, 121.333, and 129.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 25.1447, 121.329, 121.333, and 129.13), operators complying with this AD are authorized to operate affected airplanes until accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (i) Restatement of Requirements of AD 2011– 04–09, Amendment 39–16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011): Parts Installation After March 14, 2011, and until accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (k) of this AD, no person may install a chemical oxygen generator in any lavatory on any affected airplane. (j) Restatement of Requirements of AD 2011– 04–09, Amendment 39–16630 (76 FR 12556, March 8, 2011): Special Flight Permit Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not allowed for the accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:33 Feb 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 11421 (k) New Requirements of This AD: Oxygen System Restoration DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, install a supplemental oxygen system that meets the requirements of Sections 25.1447, 121.329, 121.333, and 129.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 25.1447, 121.329, 121.333, and 129.13) in each lavatory, as specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) If compliance with paragraph (k) of this AD is achieved using a chemical oxygen generator, the actions specified in paragraph (k) of this AD must be done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager of the responsible FAA oversight office having responsibility over the modification. For a method to be approved, it must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (2) If compliance with paragraph (k) of this AD is achieved without a chemical oxygen generator, the specifications of paragraphs (k)(2)(i) and (k)(2)(ii) of this AD apply. (i) The modification must receive FAA approval in accordance with 14 CFR part 21 as a major design change. Notwithstanding operations specification restrictions to the contrary, organizational approval holders may exercise their full authority in approving installations that meet the installation requirements of this AD. (ii) Deviation from approved service instructions and subsequent modifications may be handled by normal operator procedures without requiring approval of an alternative method of compliance. Federal Aviation Administration (l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Transport Standards Staff, ANM–110, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the Transport Standards Staff, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (m) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Jeff Gardlin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Cabin Safety Branch, ANM– 115, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; phone: 425–227–2136; fax: 425– 227–1149; email: jeff.gardlin@faa.gov. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 27, 2012. Ali Bahrami, Manager,Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–4031 Filed 2–24–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0071; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–05–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada, Auxiliary Power Units Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial numbers of Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW901A auxiliary power units (APUs) approved under Technical Standard Order TSO–C77A and installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747–400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by several events of high-pressure turbine blade fracture leading to separation of the rear gas generator case and release of high energy debris. This proposed AD would require modifications of the rear gas generator case, exhaust duct support, and turbine exhaust duct flanges. We are proposing this AD to prevent separation of the rear gas generator case and release of high energy debris, which could result in injury and damage to the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 27, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: 202–493–2251. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 MarieVictorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada J4G 1A1; phone: 450–677–9411. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27FEP1.SGM 27FEP1 11422 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD 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 (phone: 800–647–5527) is the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mazdak Hobbi, Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516–228– 7330; fax: 516–794–5531; email: mazdak.hobbi@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2012–0071; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–05–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78). Discussion Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canada AD CF–2011–40, dated October 26, 2011 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:33 Feb 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 The PW901A Auxiliary Power Units have experienced several events of High Pressure Turbine (HPT) blade fracture, some of which have resulted in the separation of the rear gas generator case, exhaust duct support, the turbine exhaust duct flanges and the release of high energy debris. Subsequent investigation revealed the turbine exhaust duct can separate under excessive load conditions resulting from extreme engine distress such as HPT blade fractures. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information P&WC has issued Service Bulletin No. A16255R2, dated March 1, 2011. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD These APUs have been approved by Canada, and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Canada, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by Canada, and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other APUs of the same type design. This proposed AD would require modification of the APU rear gas generator case, exhaust duct support, and turbine exhaust duct flanges. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 135 APUs installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $39,899 per APU. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $5,386,365. 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 the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Pratt & Whitney Canada: Docket No. FAA– 2012–0071; Directorate Identifier 2012– NE–05–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by April 27, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. E:\FR\FM\27FEP1.SGM 27FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 38 / Monday, February 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules (c) Applicability This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW901A auxiliary power units (APUs) approved under Technical Standard Order TSO–C77A and installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747–400 series airplanes. The affected APU serial numbers are PCE 900001 through PCE 900776 inclusive. (d) Reason This AD was prompted by several events of high-pressure turbine blade fracture leading to separation of the rear gas generator case and release of high energy debris. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of the rear gas generator case and release of high energy debris, which could result in injury and damage to the airplane. (e) Actions and Compliance Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Within 42 months after the effective date of this AD or the first time any maintenance is done other than preventative maintenance, whichever occurs first, modify the rear gas generator case, exhaust duct support, and turbine exhaust duct flanges. (2) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.B(3)(f) of Accomplishment Instructions, and paragraph 4.A. of Appendix, of P&WC Service Bulletin (SB) No. A16255R2, dated March 1, 2011, to do the modifications. (f) Credit for Previous Action APUs modified previously using P&WC SB No. A16255R1, dated September 12, 2008, or P&WC SB No. A16255, dated December 12, 2007, meet the modification requirements of this AD. (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (h) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mazdak Hobbi, Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516–228–7330; fax: 516–794–5531; email: mazdak.hobbi@faa.gov. (2) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF– 2011–40, dated October 26, 2011, and P&WC SB No. A16255R2, dated March 1, 2011, for related information. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada J4G 1A1; phone: 450–677– 9411. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:33 Feb 24, 2012 Jkt 226001 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 17, 2012. Peter A. White, Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–4448 Filed 2–24–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket No. USCG–2012–0001] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zone; Magothy River, Sillery Bay, MD Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a safety zone in certain waters of the Magothy River, in Sillery Bay, Maryland. This safety zone is necessary to provide for the safety of life, property and the environment. This safety zone restricts the movement of vessels throughout the regulated area during The Bumper Bash, held annually on the fourth Saturday of July. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before March 28, 2012. Requests for public meetings must be received by the Coast Guard on or before March 12, 2012. SUMMARY: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2012–0001 using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590– 0001. (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202–366–9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. ADDRESSES: If you have questions on this proposed FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 11423 rule, call or email Mr. Ronald Houck, Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division, Coast Guard; telephone 410–576–2674, email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. Submitting comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG–2012–0001), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online (via https:// www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online via www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘submit a comment’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Document Type’’ drop down menu select ‘‘Proposed Rule’’ and insert ‘‘USCG–2012–0001’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box. Click ‘‘Search’’ then click on the balloon shape in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received E:\FR\FM\27FEP1.SGM 27FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 38 (Monday, February 27, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11421-11423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4448]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0071; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-05-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada, Auxiliary Power 
Units

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain serial numbers of Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW901A 
auxiliary power units (APUs) approved under Technical Standard Order 
TSO-C77A and installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747-400 series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by several events of high-
pressure turbine blade fracture leading to separation of the rear gas 
generator case and release of high energy debris. This proposed AD 
would require modifications of the rear gas generator case, exhaust 
duct support, and turbine exhaust duct flanges. We are proposing this 
AD to prevent separation of the rear gas generator case and release of 
high energy debris, which could result in injury and damage to the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 27, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, 
Canada J4G 1A1; phone: 450-677-9411. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7125.

[[Page 11422]]

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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is the 
same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mazdak Hobbi, Aerospace Engineer, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 
516-228-7330; fax: 516-794-5531; email: mazdak.hobbi@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0071; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-05-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search 
function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any 
of our dockets, including, if provided, the name of the individual who 
sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy 
Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 
FR 19477-78).

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Canada AD CF-2011-40, dated October 26, 2011 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    The PW901A Auxiliary Power Units have experienced several events 
of High Pressure Turbine (HPT) blade fracture, some of which have 
resulted in the separation of the rear gas generator case, exhaust 
duct support, the turbine exhaust duct flanges and the release of 
high energy debris. Subsequent investigation revealed the turbine 
exhaust duct can separate under excessive load conditions resulting 
from extreme engine distress such as HPT blade fractures.

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

Relevant Service Information

    P&WC has issued Service Bulletin No. A16255R2, dated March 1, 2011. 
The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    These APUs have been approved by Canada, and are approved for 
operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement 
with Canada, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing 
this AD because we evaluated all information provided by Canada, and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other APUs of the same type design. This proposed AD would 
require modification of the APU rear gas generator case, exhaust duct 
support, and turbine exhaust duct flanges.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 135 APUs installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $39,899 per APU. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $5,386,365.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Pratt & Whitney Canada: Docket No. FAA-2012-0071; Directorate 
Identifier 2012-NE-05-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 27, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

[[Page 11423]]

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW901A 
auxiliary power units (APUs) approved under Technical Standard Order 
TSO-C77A and installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 747-400 series 
airplanes. The affected APU serial numbers are PCE 900001 through 
PCE 900776 inclusive.

(d) Reason

    This AD was prompted by several events of high-pressure turbine 
blade fracture leading to separation of the rear gas generator case 
and release of high energy debris. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
separation of the rear gas generator case and release of high energy 
debris, which could result in injury and damage to the airplane.

(e) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 42 months after the effective date of this AD or the 
first time any maintenance is done other than preventative 
maintenance, whichever occurs first, modify the rear gas generator 
case, exhaust duct support, and turbine exhaust duct flanges.
    (2) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.B(3)(f) of Accomplishment 
Instructions, and paragraph 4.A. of Appendix, of P&WC Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. A16255R2, dated March 1, 2011, to do the 
modifications.

(f) Credit for Previous Action

    APUs modified previously using P&WC SB No. A16255R1, dated 
September 12, 2008, or P&WC SB No. A16255, dated December 12, 2007, 
meet the modification requirements of this AD.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 
to make your request.

(h) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mazdak Hobbi, 
Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7330; fax: 516-794-5531; email: 
mazdak.hobbi@faa.gov.
    (2) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2011-40, dated October 26, 
2011, and P&WC SB No. A16255R2, dated March 1, 2011, for related 
information.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt 
& Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, 
Canada J4G 1A1; phone: 450-677-9411. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 17, 2012.
Peter A. White,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-4448 Filed 2-24-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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