Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines, 32316-32318 [2015-13742]
Download as PDF
32316
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 109 / Monday, June 8, 2015 / Proposed Rules
of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it
would take about 0.5 hours per engine
to comply with this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. We
estimate that the pro-rated cost of the
life reduction would be about $23,053
per engine. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $531,197.
The Proposed Amendment
Authority for This Rulemaking
■
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction, 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.
16:31 Jun 05, 2015
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
(d) Reason
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office,
FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to
make your request. You may email your
request to: ANE–AD–AMOC@faa.gov.
Jkt 235001
(g) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Philip Haberlen, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238–7770; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: philip.haberlen@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency AD 2015–0056, dated March
31, 2015, for more information. You may
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA–2015–1014.
(3) RRD Alert NMSB No. TAY–72–A1821,
Revision 1, dated March 26, 2015, can be
obtained from RRD, using the contact
information in paragraph (g)(4) of this
proposed AD.
(4) For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Rolls-Royce
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg 11,
Dahlewitz, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow,
Germany; phone: 49 0 33–7086–1064; fax: 49
0 33–7086–3276.
(5) 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.
This AD was prompted by RRD updating
the life limits for certain HPT disks. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT
disk, which could result in uncontained disk
release, damage to the engine, and damage to
the airplane.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
May 12, 2015.
Colleen M. D’Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
(e) Actions and Compliance
[FR Doc. 2015–13743 Filed 6–5–15; 8:45 am]
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(1) After the effective date of this AD, use
the Accomplishment Instruction, paragraph
3.A.(1)(b) of RRD Alert Non-Modification
Service Bulletin (NMSB) No. TAY–72–
A1821, Revision 1, dated March 26, 2015 to
calculate the HPT stage 1 disk consumed
cyclic life of the affected engines.
(2) Remove the HPT stage 1 disk, P/N
JR32013, from service within 100 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD or
before exceeding the cyclic life limit as
defined below, whichever occurs later:
(i) For RRD Tay 650–15 engines and Flight
Plan A, the life limit is 18,900 flight cycles
since new (FCSN).
(ii) For RRD Tay 650–15 engines and Flight
Plan B, the life limit is 15,500 FCSN.
(iii) For RRD Tay 650–15 engines and
Flight Plan C, the life limit is 11,500 FCSN.
(iv) For RRD Tay 650–15 engines and
Flight Plan D, the life limit is 9,300 FCSN.
(v) For RRD Tay 651–54 engines regardless
of flight plan or profile, the life limit is
10,873 FCSN.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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):
■
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG:
Docket No. FAA–2015–1014; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NE–14–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 7,
2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Tay 650–15
and Tay 651–54 turbofan engines with highpressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 disk, part
number (P/N) JR32013, installed.
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–0869; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NE–11–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &
Whitney Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt
& Whitney (PW) PW4164, PW4168,
PW4168A, PW4164–1D, PW4168–1D,
PW4168A–1D, and PW4170 turbofan
engines. This proposed AD was
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\08JNP1.SGM
08JNP1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 109 / Monday, June 8, 2015 / Proposed Rules
prompted by crack finds in the 6th stage
low-pressure turbine (LPT) disk. This
proposed AD would require removal of
affected 6th stage LPT disks. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of
the 6th stage LPT disk, which could
lead to an uncontained disk release,
damage to the engine, and damage to the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 7, 2015.
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 proposed AD, contact Pratt &
Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford,
CT 06108; phone: 860–565–8770; fax:
860–565–4503. 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.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
0869; 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:
Katheryn Malatek, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine
& Propeller Directorate, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781–238–7747; fax: 781–238–
7199; email: katheryn.malatek@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:31 Jun 05, 2015
Jkt 235001
this NPRM. Send your comments to an
address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2015–0869; Directorate Identifier 2015–
NE–11–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM
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 NPRM.
Discussion
We received reports of two crack finds
in the front and rear knife-edge seals on
the forward arm of the 6th stage LPT
disk during a scheduled heavy
maintenance shop visit. The suspected
root cause of the cracks is residual stress
introduced during knife-edge weld
repair. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in failure of the 6th stage
LPT disk, which could lead to an
uncontained disk release, damage to the
engine, and damage to the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed PW Service Bulletin No.
PW4G–100–72–252, dated November
18, 2014. This service information
identifies and directs removal of the
suspect 6th stage LPT disks. This
service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or see ADDRESSES for
other ways to access this service
information.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this NPRM 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 NPRM would require removing
certain serial number 6th stage LPT
disks, part number 50N886.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 18 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that no additional hours would
be required per engine to comply with
this proposed AD because the engine is
already disassembled in the shop when
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
32317
we require the part to be removed. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. We
estimate that 6 of the engines will
require replacement parts during an LPT
shop visit, and that the prorated
replacement parts cost would be
$108,800 per engine. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of this
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be
$652,800.
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies
making a regulatory distinction, 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.
E:\FR\FM\08JNP1.SGM
08JNP1
32318
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 109 / Monday, June 8, 2015 / Proposed Rules
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: Docket No. FAA–2015–
0869; Directorate Identifier 2015–NE–
11–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 7,
2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by crack finds in
the 6th stage LPT disk. We are issuing this
AD to prevent failure of the 6th stage LPT
disk, which could lead to an uncontained
disk release, damage to the engine, and
damage to the airplane.
Table of Acronyms
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket No. USCG–2015–0443]
RIN 1625–AA00
Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office,
FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to
make your request. You may email your
request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Katheryn Malatek, Aerospace
Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
Jkt 235001
Coast Guard
AGENCY:
(f) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘LPT shop
visit’’ is defined as maintenance which
involves disassembly of the LPT rotor
module.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
May 12, 2015.
Colleen M. D’Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
Safety Zone; Nighttime Air Show,
Milwaukee Harbor; Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done. At the next LPT shop visit after the
effective date of this AD, remove from service
6th stage LPT disks with serial numbers
listed in the Accomplishment Instructions,
Table 1, of PW Service Bulletin (SB) No.
PW4G–100–72–252, dated November 18,
2014.
16:31 Jun 05, 2015
[FR Doc. 2015–13742 Filed 6–5–15; 8:45 am]
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The telephone number is 202–
366–9329.
See the ‘‘Public Participation and
Request for Comments’’ portion of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
below for instructions on submitting
comments. To avoid duplication, please
use only one of these four methods.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this proposed
rule, call or email Petty Officer Joseph
McCollum, U.S. Coast Guard Sector
Lake Michigan; telephone 414–747–
7148, email Joseph.P.McCollum@
uscg.mil. If you have questions on
viewing or submitting material to the
docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone
202–366–9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney
(PW) PW4164, PW4168, PW4168A, PW4164–
1D, PW4168–1D, PW4168A–1D, and PW4170
turbofan engines with 6th stage low-pressure
turbine (LPT) disks, part number 50N886,
installed.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
01803; phone: 781–238–7747; fax: 781–238–
7199; email: katheryn.malatek@faa.gov.
(2) PW SB No. PW4G–100–72–252, dated
November 18, 2014, can be obtained from
Pratt & Whitney using the contact
information in paragraph (j)(3) of this
proposed rule.
(3) For service information identified in
this proposed rule, contact Pratt & Whitney,
400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108;
phone: 860–565–8770; fax: 860–565–4503.
(4) 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 Coast Guard proposes to
establish a safety zone within
Milwaukee Harbor in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. This zone is intended to
restrict vessels from a portion of
Milwaukee Harbor due to an air show.
This proposed safety zone is necessary
to protect the surrounding public and
vessels from the hazards associated with
the air show.
DATES: Comments and related material
must be received by the Coast Guard on
or before July 8, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by docket number USCG–
2015–0443 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) Delivery: Same as mail address
above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
A. 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.
1. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please
include the docket number for this
rulemaking (USCG–2015–0443),
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 at 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, 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
E:\FR\FM\08JNP1.SGM
08JNP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 109 (Monday, June 8, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32316-32318]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13742]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-0869; Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-11-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW4164, PW4168, PW4168A, PW4164-1D, PW4168-1D,
PW4168A-1D, and PW4170 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was
[[Page 32317]]
prompted by crack finds in the 6th stage low-pressure turbine (LPT)
disk. This proposed AD would require removal of affected 6th stage LPT
disks. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the 6th stage LPT
disk, which could lead to an uncontained disk release, damage to the
engine, and damage to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 7, 2015.
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 proposed AD, contact
Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108; phone: 860-565-
8770; fax: 860-565-4503. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0869; 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: Katheryn Malatek, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7747;
fax: 781-238-7199; email: katheryn.malatek@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this NPRM. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-0869;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NE-11-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM 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 NPRM.
Discussion
We received reports of two crack finds in the front and rear knife-
edge seals on the forward arm of the 6th stage LPT disk during a
scheduled heavy maintenance shop visit. The suspected root cause of the
cracks is residual stress introduced during knife-edge weld repair.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the 6th
stage LPT disk, which could lead to an uncontained disk release, damage
to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed PW Service Bulletin No. PW4G-100-72-252, dated November
18, 2014. This service information identifies and directs removal of
the suspect 6th stage LPT disks. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or see ADDRESSES for other ways to
access this service information.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this NPRM 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 NPRM would require removing certain serial number 6th stage
LPT disks, part number 50N886.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 18 engines installed
on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that no additional
hours would be required per engine to comply with this proposed AD
because the engine is already disassembled in the shop when we require
the part to be removed. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. We
estimate that 6 of the engines will require replacement parts during an
LPT shop visit, and that the prorated replacement parts cost would be
$108,800 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $652,800.
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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.
[[Page 32318]]
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
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Pratt & Whitney: Docket No. FAA-2015-0869; Directorate Identifier
2015-NE-11-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 7, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW4164, PW4168,
PW4168A, PW4164-1D, PW4168-1D, PW4168A-1D, and PW4170 turbofan
engines with 6th stage low-pressure turbine (LPT) disks, part number
50N886, installed.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by crack finds in the 6th stage LPT disk.
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 6th stage LPT disk,
which could lead to an uncontained disk release, damage to the
engine, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done. At the next LPT shop visit after the effective
date of this AD, remove from service 6th stage LPT disks with serial
numbers listed in the Accomplishment Instructions, Table 1, of PW
Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW4G-100-72-252, dated November 18, 2014.
(f) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, an ``LPT shop visit'' is defined as
maintenance which involves disassembly of the LPT rotor module.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your
request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Katheryn
Malatek, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7747; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
katheryn.malatek@faa.gov.
(2) PW SB No. PW4G-100-72-252, dated November 18, 2014, can be
obtained from Pratt & Whitney using the contact information in
paragraph (j)(3) of this proposed rule.
(3) For service information identified in this proposed rule,
contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108;
phone: 860-565-8770; fax: 860-565-4503.
(4) 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 May 12, 2015.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-13742 Filed 6-5-15; 8:45 am]
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