Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Turbofan Engines, 65265-65267 [2016-22703]
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65265
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 81, No. 184
Thursday, September 22, 2016
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–5392; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NE–10–AD; Amendment 39–
18654; AD 2016–19–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; International
Aero Engines AG Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
International Aero Engines AG (IAE)
V2500–A1 turbofan engines. This AD
was prompted by a report of an
uncontainment caused by a highpressure turbine (HPT) seal release. This
AD requires removing the HPT No. 4
bearing front seal seat, part numbers
(P/Ns) 2A0066, 2A1998, and 2A3432,
and the HPT No. 4 bearing rear seal seat,
P/Ns 2A0067, 2A1999, and 2A3433, and
replacing them with parts eligible for
installation. This AD also requires
inspecting the HPT rotor and stator
assembly, and, if necessary, their
replacement with parts that are eligible
for installation. We are issuing this AD
to prevent failure of the HPT stage 2
seals, uncontained HPT seal release,
damage to the engine, and damage to the
airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective October 27,
2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of October 27, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
International Aero Engines AG, 400
Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118;
phone: 800–565–0140; email: help24@
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:00 Sep 21, 2016
Jkt 238001
pw.utc.com; Internet: https://
fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Engine
& Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
It is also available on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
5392.
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
5392; 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 AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Document Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian Kierstead, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine
& Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7772; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: brian.kierstead@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain IAE V2500–A1 turbofan
engines. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on April 13, 2016 (81
FR 21768). The NPRM was prompted by
a report of an uncontainment caused by
a HPT seal release. The NPRM proposed
to require removing from service the
HPT No. 4 bearing front seal seat, P/Ns
2A0066, 2A1998, and 2A3432, and the
HPT No. 4 bearing rear seal seat, P/Ns
2A0067, 2A1999, and 2A3433, and
replacement with parts eligible for
installation. This AD would also require
inspecting the HPT rotor and stator
assembly, and, if necessary, their
replacement with parts that are eligible
for installation. We are issuing this AD
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM (81 FR 21768,
April 13, 2016) and the FAA’s response
to each comment.
Request To Allow Monitoring of Oil
Consumption and Monitoring Analysis
Examining the AD Docket
PO 00000
to correct the unsafe condition on these
products.
Air India Ltd. (AIL) commented that
the fracture of the HPT stage 2 seal is
a known problem with the type design.
AIL does not agree that the root cause
of the failure is clogged No. 4 bearing
seal seats. AIL finds that increases in oil
consumption and/or vibration signature
are precursors to failure of the HPT
stage 2 seal. We interpret AIL’s
comment as a request to allow
monitoring of oil consumption rate and
vibration signature analysis instead of
the requirements of this AD.
We disagree. We disagree with AIL’s
analysis of the unsafe condition because
although other failure modes leading to
fracture of the HPT stage 2 seal exist, the
uncontained part release noted in the
NPRM (81 FR 21768, April 13, 2016)
was caused by blockage of the No. 4
bearing seal seat’s anti-weep circuit. We
disagree with allowing oil consumption
monitoring and vibration signature
analysis because they do not provide an
acceptable level of safety for engines
with seal seats processed using methods
susceptible to oil blockage. We did not
change this AD.
Request To Delay Compliance
AIL commented that we should delay
compliance to this AD until December
31, 2017. This additional time to
comply with this AD would allow for
minimal disruption to its fleet
operations. AIL indicated that fleet
safety would be maintained through
engine oil consumption monitoring and
vibration signature analysis.
We disagree. As noted in our previous
comment response, oil consumption
monitoring and vibration signature
analysis do not provide an acceptable
level of safety for engines with seal seats
processed using methods susceptible to
oil blockage. We did not change this
AD.
E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM
22SER1
65266
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
Request To Revise Applicability
AIL commented that the applicability
of this AD should not be limited to the
IAE V2500–A1 fleet.
We disagree. The applicability of this
AD is limited to the IAE V2500–A1
engines with affected serial numbers
because this population of engines has
been identified as having been
processed using methods that could
lead to failure of the HPT stage 2 seals.
We did not change this AD.
Request To Include End Date for
Compliance
IAE and Airbus commented that we
should include an end date of December
31, 2016, for compliance with this AD.
We disagree. Our analysis of the
unsafe condition determined that
blockage of the No. 4 bearing seal seat
anti-weep grooves is a function of
engine cycles rather than time in
service. We therefore did not base
compliance on a calendar date. We did
not change this AD.
Request To Require Oil Monitoring and
Turbine Case Inspection
IAE and Airbus commented that not
mandating oil monitoring and
inspection of the turbine case weep-hole
may increase risk to operators if they
follow only the requirements of this AD.
IAE indicated that this AD should
match the compliance requirements of
IAE SB V2500–ENG–72–0670, dated
March 14, 2016.
We disagree. We find that the actions
required by this AD adequately address
the unsafe condition represented by the
possibility of failure of the HPT stage 2
seals while not imposing unnecessary
burdens on operators. We did not
change this AD.
Revision to Compliance
We revised the compliance section to
allow installed No. 4 bearing front and
rear seal seats to be returned to service
following removal and refurbishment.
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed except for minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM (81 FR
21768, April 13, 2016) for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (81 FR 21768,
April 13, 2016).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:00 Sep 21, 2016
Jkt 238001
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed IAE Non-Modification
Service Bulletin (NMSB) V2500–ENG–
72–0670, dated March 14, 2016. The
NMSB identifies affected engines and
provides guidance for replacing the No.
4 bearing front and rear seal seats and
for inspecting the HPT rotor and stator
assembly. This service information is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in the
ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 0
engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate that it will take
about 10 hours to perform the seal seat
replacement. The average labor rate is
$85 per hour. We also estimate the cost
of No. 4 bearing front and rear seal seats
to be $13,562. Based on these figures,
we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $0.
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
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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):
■
2016–19–05 International Aero Engines
AG: Amendment 39–18654; Docket No.
FAA–2016–5392; Directorate Identifier
2016–NE–10–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 27, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to International Aero
Engines AG (IAE) V2500–A1 turbofan
engines with serial numbers listed under
Planning Information, Effectivity Data in IAE
Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB)
V2500–ENG–72–0670, dated March 14, 2016.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an
uncontainment caused by a high-pressure
turbine (HPT) seal release. We are issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the HPT stage
2 seal, uncontained HPT seal release, damage
to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(1) Prior to accumulating 500 cycles in
service after the effective date of this AD,
(i) Remove the No. 4 bearing front seal seat,
part numbers (P/Ns) 2A0066, 2A1998,
2A3432; and the No. 4 bearing rear seal seat,
P/Ns 2A0067, 2A1999, 2A3433, and replace
with parts eligible for installation.
(ii) Inspect the HPT rotor and stator
assembly. Use the Accomplishment
E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM
22SER1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
Instructions, Part C, paragraph 1.B. of IAE
NMSB V2500–ENG–72–0670, dated March
14, 2016 to perform the inspection.
(2) For any parts that fail the inspection
required by paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this AD,
before further flight, remove and replace with
parts eligible for installation.
(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.
(g) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Brian Kierstead, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–
7772; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
brian.kierstead@faa.gov.
(h) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) International Aero Engines AG (IAE)
Non-Modification Service Bulletin V2500–
ENG–72–0670, dated March 14, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For IAE service information identified
in this AD, contact International Aero
Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford,
CT 06118; phone: 800–565–0140; email:
help24@pw.utc.com; Internet: https://
fleetcare.pw.utc.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
ehiers on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
September 15, 2016.
Ann C. Mollica,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–22703 Filed 9–21–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:00 Sep 21, 2016
Jkt 238001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2015–7487; Airspace
Docket No. 15–ACE–7]
Amendment of Class D and E Airspace
and Revocation of Class E Airspace;
Sioux City, IA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action modifies the Class
D and E airspace areas at Sioux
Gateway/Col. Bud Day Field, Sioux
City, IA, due to the decommissioning of
the Gateway non-directional radio
beacon (NDB) and cancellation of the
NDB approaches at the airport. The
Class E airspace area designated as an
extension is being removed as it is no
longer needed. Advances in Global
Positioning System (GPS) capabilities
have made this action necessary for the
safety and management of Instrument
Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the
airport. This action also updates the
geographic coordinates for Martin Field,
NE., to coincide with the FAAs
aeronautical database.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, January 5,
2017. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under Title 1, Code of
Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to
the annual revision of FAA Order
7400.11 and publication of conforming
amendments.
ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11A,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can
be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/
air_traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20591;
telephone: 202–267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11A at NARA, call 202–741–
6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federalregulations/ibr_locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jeffrey Claypool, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support
Group, Central Service Center, 10101
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
65267
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone (817) 222–5711.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it amends
Class D and E airspace at Sioux
Gateway/Col. Bud Day Field, Sioux
City, IA.
History
On April 13, 2016, the FAA published
in the Federal Register a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify
Class D airspace, Class E surface area
airspace and Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
at Sioux Gateway/Col. Bud Day Field,
Sioux City, IA (81 FR 21772) FAA–
2015–7487. The Class E airspace area
designated as an extension also would
be removed as the extension is no longer
needed. Interested parties were invited
to participate in this rulemaking effort
by submitting written comments on the
proposal to the FAA. One comment was
received from Thomas Glennon,
Aeronautical Information Services,
citing a correction to the geographic
coordinates for Martin Field, South
Sioux City, NE., which has been
incorporated into this final rule.
Class D and E airspace designations
are published in paragraph 5000, 6002,
6004, and 6005, respectively, of FAA
Order 7400.11A, dated August 3, 2016,
and effective September 15, 2016, which
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
71.1. The Class D and E airspace
designations listed in this document
will be published subsequently in the
Order.
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document amends FAA Order
7400.11A, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016,
and effective September 15, 2016. FAA
Order 7400.11A is publicly available as
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. FAA Order 7400.11A lists
E:\FR\FM\22SER1.SGM
22SER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 184 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65265-65267]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22703]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 65265]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-5392; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-10-AD;
Amendment 39-18654; AD 2016-19-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1 turbofan engines. This AD
was prompted by a report of an uncontainment caused by a high-pressure
turbine (HPT) seal release. This AD requires removing the HPT No. 4
bearing front seal seat, part numbers (P/Ns) 2A0066, 2A1998, and
2A3432, and the HPT No. 4 bearing rear seal seat, P/Ns 2A0067, 2A1999,
and 2A3433, and replacing them with parts eligible for installation.
This AD also requires inspecting the HPT rotor and stator assembly,
and, if necessary, their replacement with parts that are eligible for
installation. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT
stage 2 seals, uncontained HPT seal release, damage to the engine, and
damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective October 27, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 27,
2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford,
CT 06118; phone: 800-565-0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com; Internet:
https://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at
the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 781-238-7125. It is also available on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2016-5392.
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-2016-
5392; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Kierstead, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7772; fax: 781-
238-7199; email: brian.kierstead@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain IAE V2500-A1
turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April
13, 2016 (81 FR 21768). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an
uncontainment caused by a HPT seal release. The NPRM proposed to
require removing from service the HPT No. 4 bearing front seal seat, P/
Ns 2A0066, 2A1998, and 2A3432, and the HPT No. 4 bearing rear seal
seat, P/Ns 2A0067, 2A1999, and 2A3433, and replacement with parts
eligible for installation. This AD would also require inspecting the
HPT rotor and stator assembly, and, if necessary, their replacement
with parts that are eligible for installation. We are issuing this AD
to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (81
FR 21768, April 13, 2016) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Allow Monitoring of Oil Consumption and Monitoring Analysis
Air India Ltd. (AIL) commented that the fracture of the HPT stage 2
seal is a known problem with the type design. AIL does not agree that
the root cause of the failure is clogged No. 4 bearing seal seats. AIL
finds that increases in oil consumption and/or vibration signature are
precursors to failure of the HPT stage 2 seal. We interpret AIL's
comment as a request to allow monitoring of oil consumption rate and
vibration signature analysis instead of the requirements of this AD.
We disagree. We disagree with AIL's analysis of the unsafe
condition because although other failure modes leading to fracture of
the HPT stage 2 seal exist, the uncontained part release noted in the
NPRM (81 FR 21768, April 13, 2016) was caused by blockage of the No. 4
bearing seal seat's anti-weep circuit. We disagree with allowing oil
consumption monitoring and vibration signature analysis because they do
not provide an acceptable level of safety for engines with seal seats
processed using methods susceptible to oil blockage. We did not change
this AD.
Request To Delay Compliance
AIL commented that we should delay compliance to this AD until
December 31, 2017. This additional time to comply with this AD would
allow for minimal disruption to its fleet operations. AIL indicated
that fleet safety would be maintained through engine oil consumption
monitoring and vibration signature analysis.
We disagree. As noted in our previous comment response, oil
consumption monitoring and vibration signature analysis do not provide
an acceptable level of safety for engines with seal seats processed
using methods susceptible to oil blockage. We did not change this AD.
[[Page 65266]]
Request To Revise Applicability
AIL commented that the applicability of this AD should not be
limited to the IAE V2500-A1 fleet.
We disagree. The applicability of this AD is limited to the IAE
V2500-A1 engines with affected serial numbers because this population
of engines has been identified as having been processed using methods
that could lead to failure of the HPT stage 2 seals. We did not change
this AD.
Request To Include End Date for Compliance
IAE and Airbus commented that we should include an end date of
December 31, 2016, for compliance with this AD.
We disagree. Our analysis of the unsafe condition determined that
blockage of the No. 4 bearing seal seat anti-weep grooves is a function
of engine cycles rather than time in service. We therefore did not base
compliance on a calendar date. We did not change this AD.
Request To Require Oil Monitoring and Turbine Case Inspection
IAE and Airbus commented that not mandating oil monitoring and
inspection of the turbine case weep-hole may increase risk to operators
if they follow only the requirements of this AD. IAE indicated that
this AD should match the compliance requirements of IAE SB V2500-ENG-
72-0670, dated March 14, 2016.
We disagree. We find that the actions required by this AD
adequately address the unsafe condition represented by the possibility
of failure of the HPT stage 2 seals while not imposing unnecessary
burdens on operators. We did not change this AD.
Revision to Compliance
We revised the compliance section to allow installed No. 4 bearing
front and rear seal seats to be returned to service following removal
and refurbishment.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (81 FR 21768, April 13, 2016) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (81 FR 21768, April 13, 2016).
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed IAE Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) V2500-ENG-
72-0670, dated March 14, 2016. The NMSB identifies affected engines and
provides guidance for replacing the No. 4 bearing front and rear seal
seats and for inspecting the HPT rotor and stator assembly. This
service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 0 engines installed on airplanes
of U.S. registry. We estimate that it will take about 10 hours to
perform the seal seat replacement. The average labor rate is $85 per
hour. We also estimate the cost of No. 4 bearing front and rear seal
seats to be $13,562. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD on U.S. operators to be $0.
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):
2016-19-05 International Aero Engines AG: Amendment 39-18654; Docket
No. FAA-2016-5392; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-10-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 27, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1
turbofan engines with serial numbers listed under Planning
Information, Effectivity Data in IAE Non-Modification Service
Bulletin (NMSB) V2500-ENG-72-0670, dated March 14, 2016.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an uncontainment caused by a
high-pressure turbine (HPT) seal release. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the HPT stage 2 seal, uncontained HPT seal
release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(1) Prior to accumulating 500 cycles in service after the
effective date of this AD,
(i) Remove the No. 4 bearing front seal seat, part numbers (P/
Ns) 2A0066, 2A1998, 2A3432; and the No. 4 bearing rear seal seat, P/
Ns 2A0067, 2A1999, 2A3433, and replace with parts eligible for
installation.
(ii) Inspect the HPT rotor and stator assembly. Use the
Accomplishment
[[Page 65267]]
Instructions, Part C, paragraph 1.B. of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0670,
dated March 14, 2016 to perform the inspection.
(2) For any parts that fail the inspection required by paragraph
(e)(1)(ii) of this AD, before further flight, remove and replace
with parts eligible for installation.
(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.
(g) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Brian Kierstead,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7772; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
brian.kierstead@faa.gov.
(h) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) International Aero Engines AG (IAE) Non-Modification Service
Bulletin V2500-ENG-72-0670, dated March 14, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For IAE service information identified in this AD, contact
International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT
06118; phone: 800-565-0140; email: help24@pw.utc.com; Internet:
https://fleetcare.pw.utc.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7125.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 15, 2016.
Ann C. Mollica,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-22703 Filed 9-21-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P