Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Turboprop Engines, 56794-56796 [2012-22527]

Download as PDF 56794 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 179 / Friday, September 14, 2012 / Proposed Rules be able to give the future rulemaking a high priority but will strive to complete it as resources are available. Although the petitioner requests the NRC to amend 10 CFR 30.18, the proposed amendment to the exempt quantities regulation may not be the best solution to resolve the issue raised in the petition. In the rulemaking process, the NRC will attempt to develop a technical basis to support an appropriate proposed rulemaking that would address the issue raised in the petition. If a technical basis to support a rulemaking cannot be developed, the issue will not be further considered by the NRC. The NRC tracks all rulemaking actions on its Web site at https://www.nrc.gov/ reading-rm/doc-collections/rulemakingruleforum/ and on the Federal rulemaking Web site, https:// www.regulations.gov. The Regulations.gov Web site allows users to receive notifications when documents are added to a docket. To monitor further NRC action on the issue raised in PRM–30–65, register for notification under docket ID NRC–2011–0134. In addition, the NRC publishes a Unified Agenda, which is a semiannual compilation of all rules on which the NRC has recently completed action, has proposed action, or is considering action. The Unified Agenda may be found on the NRC’s rulemaking Web site at https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/ regulatory/rulemaking.html. As in all rulemakings, the NRC will solicit and consider public comments during the proposed rule phase of the rulemaking before determining the approach that will be the basis for the final rule. For the reasons cited in this document, the NRC will consider this petition as part of its rulemaking process. Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 23rd day of August, 2012. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. R.W. Borchardt, Executive Director for Operations. [FR Doc. 2012–22699 Filed 9–13–12; 8:45 am] wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 7590–01–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:16 Sep 13, 2012 Jkt 226001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0416; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–13–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Turboprop Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, PW126A, PW127, PW127E, PW127F, PW127G, and PW127M turboprop engines. The existing AD currently requires initial and repetitive inspections of certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of propeller shafts for cracks and removal from service if found cracked. Since we issued that AD, we determined the need to add a mandatory terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive inspections of certain S/Ns of propeller shafts for cracks and removal from service if found cracked, and would require removal from service of affected propeller shafts as mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect propeller shaft cracks, which could cause failure of the shaft, propeller release, and loss of control of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 2012. SUMMARY: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, J4G 1A1; phone: 800– 268–8000; fax: 450–647–2888; Web site: www.pwc.ca. You may view this 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. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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 Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; email: james.lawrence@faa.gov; phone: 781–238–7176; fax: 781–238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2012–0416; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–13–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 because 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 we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion On May 31, 2012, we issued AD 2012–11–14, Amendment 39–17078 (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012), for all P&WC PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, PW126A, PW127, PW127E, E:\FR\FM\14SEP1.SGM 14SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 179 / Friday, September 14, 2012 / Proposed Rules PW127F, PW127G, and PW127M turboprop engines. That AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of certain S/Ns of propeller shafts for cracks and removal from service if found cracked. That AD resulted from reports of two propeller shafts found cracked at time of inspection during maintenance. We issued that AD to detect propeller shaft cracks, which could cause failure of the shaft, propeller release, and loss of control of the airplane. Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued Since we issued AD 2012–11–14 (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012), we determined the need to add a mandatory terminating action for the repetitive inspections of the affected propeller shafts, by requiring the removal from service of the propeller shafts. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Relevant Service Information We reviewed P&WC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW100–72–A21813, Revision 3, dated March 21, 2012. That ASB provides instructions for identifying the location of repaired propeller shafts for which compliance to the nickel plating repair process cannot be determined and for inspecting for cracks in the inner bore of the propeller shafts identified by S/N in Tables 1 and 2 of that ASB. We also reviewed P&WC ASB No. PW100–72–A21802, Revision 4, dated March 16, 2012. That ASB provides instructions for removing the affected propeller shafts that are identified by S/N in Table 1 of that ASB. We also reviewed P&WC Special Instruction P&WC No. 22–2012, R2, dated April 4, 2012. That service information provides instructions for performing ultrasonic inspections to the affected propeller shafts to comply with the inspection requirement of ASB No. PW100–72–A21813, Revision 3, dated March 21, 2012. We also reviewed P&WC ASB No. PW100–72–A21798, Revision 5, dated March 20, 2012. That ASB provides instructions for performing mandatory replacement of the affected propeller shafts that are identified by S/N in Tables 1 and 2 of that ASB. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2012–11–14 (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012), except it would VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:16 Sep 13, 2012 Jkt 226001 require the initial inspection done before further flight, as operators should have already complied with the initial compliance times in that AD. This proposed AD would add a mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections of the affected propeller shafts, by removing those propeller shafts from service. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 570 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate that it would take 6 work-hours per engine to remove the propeller shaft for inspection, 1 work-hour to perform the inspection, 65 work-hours to remove and reinstall the engine if needed, and 35 work-hours to replace the propeller shaft. We estimate that consumable materials would cost $2,200 per engine, and required engine testing would cost $5,000. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. We expect that about 30 engines would be found with propeller shafts requiring a replacement propeller shaft. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,028,850. 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 regulation: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 56795 (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), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) 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. 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2012–11–14, Amendment 39–17078 (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012), and adding the following new AD: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (formerly Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc.): Docket No. FAA–2012–0416; Directorate Identifier 2012–NE–13–AD. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 13, 2012. (b) Affected ADs This AD supersedes AD 2012–11–14 (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, PW126A, PW127, PW127E, PW127F, PW127G, and PW127M turboprop engines, with the serial number (S/N) propeller shafts listed in P&WC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW100–72– A21813, Revision 3, dated March 21, 2012, ASB No. PW100–72–A21802, Revision 4, dated March 16, 2012, and ASB No. PW100– 72–A21798, Revision 5, dated March 20, 2012. (d) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of two propeller shafts found cracked at time of inspection during maintenance. We are issuing this AD to detect propeller shaft E:\FR\FM\14SEP1.SGM 14SEP1 56796 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 179 / Friday, September 14, 2012 / Proposed Rules cracks, which could cause failure of the shaft, propeller release, and loss of control of the airplane. (e) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (f) Inspecting Propeller Shafts (1) For propeller shafts with an S/N listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of P&WC ASB No. PW100–72–A21813, Revision 3, dated March 21, 2012: (i) For engines not yet initially inspected per AD 2012–11–14 (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012), before further flight, perform either an initial visual inspection or an initial ultrasonic inspection (UI) for cracks, in accordance with paragraphs 3.C.(1) through 3.C.(1)(a), and 3.C.(2) of P&WC ASB No. PW100–72–A21813, Revision 3, dated March 21, 2012, and Section 9 of P&WC Special Instruction (SI) P&WC No. 22–2012, R2, dated April 4, 2012. (ii) If the visual inspection was performed, repeat the visual inspection within 50 engine flight hours (EFH) after the initial inspection, and thereafter every 10 EFH, until the propeller shaft is removed from service. (iii) If the UI was performed, repeat the UI at intervals not to exceed 1,000 EFH, until the propeller shaft is removed from service. (2) If a crack is found during any of the inspections required by this AD, remove the propeller shaft from service before the next flight. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (g) Mandatory Terminating Action As mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections required by AD 2012– 11–14, (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012): (1) For propeller shafts with an S/N listed in Table 1 of P&WC ASB No. PW100–72– A21802, Revision 4, dated March 16, 2012, remove the propeller shafts from service before further flight. (2) For affected S/N propeller shafts listed in Table 1 of P&WC ASB No. PW100–72– A21798, Revision 5, dated March 20, 2012, remove the propeller shafts from service within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. (3) For affected S/N propeller shafts listed in Table 2 of P&WC ASB No. PW100–72– A21798, Revision 5, dated March 20, 2012, remove the propeller shafts from service within 12 months after the effective date of this AD. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:16 Sep 13, 2012 Jkt 226001 (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. (k) Special Flight Permit No special flight permits will be issued for this AD. (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; email: james.lawrence@faa.gov; phone: 781– 238–7176; fax: 781–238–7199. (2) Refer to Transport Canada AD No. CF– 2012–12, dated March 26, 2012, 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: 800–268– 8000; fax: 450–647–2888; Web site: www.pwc.ca. You may view this 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. the Canadian control zone over Sault Ste Marie Airport. The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. DATES: 0901 UTC. Comments must be received on or before October 29, 2012. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. You must identify the docket number FAA–2012– 0791/Airspace Docket No. 12–AGL–9, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647– 5527), is on the ground floor of the building at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Enander, Central Service Center, Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone: (817) 321– 7716. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2012–0791/Airspace Docket No. 12–AGL–9.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. This action proposes to amend Class E airspace at Sault Ste Marie, ON. Changes to controlled airspace are necessary to coincide with (h) Installation Prohibition (1) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any propeller shaft S/Ns listed in Table 1 of P&WC ASB No. PW100–72– A21802, Revision 4, dated March 16, 2012, into any engine. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any propeller shaft S/Ns listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of P&WC ASB No. PW100–72–A21798, Revision 5, dated March 20, 2012, into any engine. (i) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information (1) Initial inspections performed using P&WC ASB No. PW100–72–A21813, Revision 3, dated March 21, 2012 or earlier revisions, satisfy the initial inspection requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. However, you must perform the repetitive inspection intervals specified in paragraph (f). (2) Ultrasonic inspections performed per SI P&WC 22–2012R2, dated April 4, 2012, or earlier revisions satisfy the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 6, 2012. Robert G. Mann, Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–22527 Filed 9–13–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0791; Airspace Docket No. 12–AGL–9] Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Sault Ste Marie, ON AGENCY: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\14SEP1.SGM 14SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 179 (Friday, September 14, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56794-56796]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22527]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0416; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-13-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Turboprop 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) PW118, 
PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, 
PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, PW126A, PW127, 
PW127E, PW127F, PW127G, and PW127M turboprop engines. The existing AD 
currently requires initial and repetitive inspections of certain serial 
numbers (S/Ns) of propeller shafts for cracks and removal from service 
if found cracked. Since we issued that AD, we determined the need to 
add a mandatory terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This 
proposed AD would require initial and repetitive inspections of certain 
S/Ns of propeller shafts for cracks and removal from service if found 
cracked, and would require removal from service of affected propeller 
shafts as mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections. 
We are proposing this AD to detect propeller shaft cracks, which could 
cause failure of the shaft, propeller release, and loss of control of 
the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt & 
Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, 
J4G 1A1; phone: 800-268-8000; fax: 450-647-2888; Web site: www.pwc.ca. 
You may view this 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
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 Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Lawrence, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; email: 
james.lawrence@faa.gov; phone: 781-238-7176; fax: 781-238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0416; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-13-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 because 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 we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On May 31, 2012, we issued AD 2012-11-14, Amendment 39-17078 (77 FR 
39624, July 5, 2012), for all P&WC PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, 
PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, 
PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, PW126A, PW127, PW127E,

[[Page 56795]]

PW127F, PW127G, and PW127M turboprop engines. That AD requires initial 
and repetitive inspections of certain S/Ns of propeller shafts for 
cracks and removal from service if found cracked. That AD resulted from 
reports of two propeller shafts found cracked at time of inspection 
during maintenance. We issued that AD to detect propeller shaft cracks, 
which could cause failure of the shaft, propeller release, and loss of 
control of the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2012-11-14 (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012), we 
determined the need to add a mandatory terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections of the affected propeller shafts, by requiring 
the removal from service of the propeller shafts.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed P&WC Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW100-72-A21813, 
Revision 3, dated March 21, 2012. That ASB provides instructions for 
identifying the location of repaired propeller shafts for which 
compliance to the nickel plating repair process cannot be determined 
and for inspecting for cracks in the inner bore of the propeller shafts 
identified by S/N in Tables 1 and 2 of that ASB. We also reviewed P&WC 
ASB No. PW100-72-A21802, Revision 4, dated March 16, 2012. That ASB 
provides instructions for removing the affected propeller shafts that 
are identified by S/N in Table 1 of that ASB. We also reviewed P&WC 
Special Instruction P&WC No. 22-2012, R2, dated April 4, 2012. That 
service information provides instructions for performing ultrasonic 
inspections to the affected propeller shafts to comply with the 
inspection requirement of ASB No. PW100-72-A21813, Revision 3, dated 
March 21, 2012. We also reviewed P&WC ASB No. PW100-72-A21798, Revision 
5, dated March 20, 2012. That ASB provides instructions for performing 
mandatory replacement of the affected propeller shafts that are 
identified by S/N in Tables 1 and 2 of that ASB.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2012-11-14 (77 
FR 39624, July 5, 2012), except it would require the initial inspection 
done before further flight, as operators should have already complied 
with the initial compliance times in that AD. This proposed AD would 
add a mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections of the 
affected propeller shafts, by removing those propeller shafts from 
service.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 570 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate that it would take 
6 work-hours per engine to remove the propeller shaft for inspection, 1 
work-hour to perform the inspection, 65 work-hours to remove and 
reinstall the engine if needed, and 35 work-hours to replace the 
propeller shaft. We estimate that consumable materials would cost 
$2,200 per engine, and required engine testing would cost $5,000. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. We expect that about 30 
engines would be found with propeller shafts requiring a replacement 
propeller shaft. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $1,028,850.

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 
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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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 removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2012-11-14, Amendment 39-17078 (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012), and 
adding the following new AD:

Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (formerly Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc.): 
Docket No. FAA-2012-0416; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-13-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 13, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2012-11-14 (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) 
PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, 
PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, 
PW126A, PW127, PW127E, PW127F, PW127G, and PW127M turboprop engines, 
with the serial number (S/N) propeller shafts listed in P&WC Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW100-72-A21813, Revision 3, dated March 
21, 2012, ASB No. PW100-72-A21802, Revision 4, dated March 16, 2012, 
and ASB No. PW100-72-A21798, Revision 5, dated March 20, 2012.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of two propeller shafts found 
cracked at time of inspection during maintenance. We are issuing 
this AD to detect propeller shaft

[[Page 56796]]

cracks, which could cause failure of the shaft, propeller release, 
and loss of control of the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(f) Inspecting Propeller Shafts

    (1) For propeller shafts with an S/N listed in Table 1 and Table 
2 of P&WC ASB No. PW100-72-A21813, Revision 3, dated March 21, 2012:
    (i) For engines not yet initially inspected per AD 2012-11-14 
(77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012), before further flight, perform either 
an initial visual inspection or an initial ultrasonic inspection 
(UI) for cracks, in accordance with paragraphs 3.C.(1) through 
3.C.(1)(a), and 3.C.(2) of P&WC ASB No. PW100-72-A21813, Revision 3, 
dated March 21, 2012, and Section 9 of P&WC Special Instruction (SI) 
P&WC No. 22-2012, R2, dated April 4, 2012.
    (ii) If the visual inspection was performed, repeat the visual 
inspection within 50 engine flight hours (EFH) after the initial 
inspection, and thereafter every 10 EFH, until the propeller shaft 
is removed from service.
    (iii) If the UI was performed, repeat the UI at intervals not to 
exceed 1,000 EFH, until the propeller shaft is removed from service.
    (2) If a crack is found during any of the inspections required 
by this AD, remove the propeller shaft from service before the next 
flight.

(g) Mandatory Terminating Action

    As mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections 
required by AD 2012-11-14, (77 FR 39624, July 5, 2012):
    (1) For propeller shafts with an S/N listed in Table 1 of P&WC 
ASB No. PW100-72-A21802, Revision 4, dated March 16, 2012, remove 
the propeller shafts from service before further flight.
    (2) For affected S/N propeller shafts listed in Table 1 of P&WC 
ASB No. PW100-72-A21798, Revision 5, dated March 20, 2012, remove 
the propeller shafts from service within 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (3) For affected S/N propeller shafts listed in Table 2 of P&WC 
ASB No. PW100-72-A21798, Revision 5, dated March 20, 2012, remove 
the propeller shafts from service within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
propeller shaft S/Ns listed in Table 1 of P&WC ASB No. PW100-72-
A21802, Revision 4, dated March 16, 2012, into any engine.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
propeller shaft S/Ns listed in Table 1 and Table 2 of P&WC ASB No. 
PW100-72-A21798, Revision 5, dated March 20, 2012, into any engine.

(i) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (1) Initial inspections performed using P&WC ASB No. PW100-72-
A21813, Revision 3, dated March 21, 2012 or earlier revisions, 
satisfy the initial inspection requirements of paragraph (f) of this 
AD. However, you must perform the repetitive inspection intervals 
specified in paragraph (f).
    (2) Ultrasonic inspections performed per SI P&WC 22-2012R2, 
dated April 4, 2012, or earlier revisions satisfy the requirements 
of paragraph (f) of this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

(k) Special Flight Permit

    No special flight permits will be issued for this AD.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact James Lawrence, 
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803; email: james.lawrence@faa.gov; phone: 781-238-7176; fax: 781-
238-7199.
    (2) Refer to Transport Canada AD No. CF-2012-12, dated March 26, 
2012, 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: 800-268-8000; fax: 450-647-2888; Web site: 
www.pwc.ca. You may view this 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 September 6, 2012.
Robert G. Mann,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-22527 Filed 9-13-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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