Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan Engines, 27411-27414 [2017-12074]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 114 / Thursday, June 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
(k) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1308,
dated November 4, 2015.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1309,
dated November 4, 2015.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
1310, dated November 4, 2015.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
1311, dated November 4, 2015.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1312,
dated November 4, 2015.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–
1313, dated November 4, 2015.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 2,
2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–12170 Filed 6–14–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9405; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NE–22–AD; Amendment 39–
18918; AD 2017–12–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &
Whitney Division Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW2037,
PW2037M, and PW2040 turbofan
engines. This AD was prompted by an
SUMMARY:
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14:00 Jun 14, 2017
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unrecoverable engine in-flight
shutdown (IFSD) after an ice crystal
icing event. This AD requires installing
a software standard eligible for
installation and precludes the use of
electronic engine control (EEC) software
standards earlier than SCN 5B/I. We are
issuing this AD to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 20,
2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact Pratt
& Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East
Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800–565–
0140; fax: 860–565–5442. 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–
9405.
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–
9405; 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:
Kevin Clark, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine
& Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7088; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: kevin.m.clark@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 PW PW2037,
PW2037M, and PW2040 turbofan
engines. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on January 5, 2017 (82
FR 1265). The NPRM was prompted by
an unrecoverable engine IFSD after an
ice crystal icing event. An attempt to
rapidly restart the engine was made
while the EEC had the Active Clearance
Control (ACC) turned on, which caused
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contraction of the high-pressure turbine
(HPT) case and reduced clearances in
the HPT, with subsequent HPT damage
and rotor seizure. A change to the EEC
software can force the ACC to activate
at a higher rotor speed to prevent active
ACC during engine restart. The NPRM
proposed to preclude the use of EEC
software standards earlier than SCN 5B/
I. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the HPT, rotor seizure, failure
of one or more engines, loss of thrust
control, and loss of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment. The Airline
Pilots Association and United Airlines
support the NPRM.
Request To Change Compliance
The Boeing Company, PW, Delta Air
Lines, Inc., FedEx, and Rudy Pueschel
requested removing the engine serial
number requirement for earlier
compliance time and use the Asia
Pacific regional requirement for earlier
compliance time. The change would
properly capture the risk of icing events
in the Asia Pacific region. This change
would also match the referenced alert
service bulletin (ASB).
We disagree. There are difficulties in
compliance and enforcement for
regulations based on regions. Using
engines serial numbers (S/Ns) that are
currently known to operate in the area
was our approach to best capture the
higher risk engines while easing
compliance. The unsafe condition is
addressed by upgrading at least one
engine per airplane on all known
engines currently operating in the Asia
Pacific region within the shorter
compliance period. Finally, this AD
requires all engines with EEC model
numbers EEC104–40 and EEC104–60 to
upgrade software earlier than software
standard SCN 5B/I by 2024. We did not
change this AD.
Request To Change Method To Identify
Engines Affected by Earlier Compliance
Time
Delta Air Lines, Inc. and FedEx
requested removing the engine serial
number requirement for earlier
compliance time and use extended
range twin-engine operations (ETOPs) or
Aircraft Tail Number requirements for
earlier compliance time. The change
was requested to ease with compliance
and help properly capture the safety risk
of operating in the Asia Pacific region.
We disagree. Operators may have
ETOPs flights that do not operate in the
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 114 / Thursday, June 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
Asia Pacific region and would then be
mandated to the earlier compliance time
unnecessarily. Typically the EEC
remains with the engine instead of the
aircraft so tracking engines would be
more appropriate than aircraft.
However, we will review any
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs) submitted to cover the
regional risk to any operator’s specific
fleet instead of tracking through engine
S/Ns. We did not change this AD.
Request To Change Compliance Time
Delta Air Lines, Inc. and FedEx
requested using EEC S/Ns instead of
engine S/Ns to track the earlier
compliance times because, as the
software is removed and upgraded on
the EEC that the EEC should be tracked
to properly follow the software
upgrades.
We partially agree. We agree that
tracking EEC serial numbers would
assist in tracking software because EECs
are removed or replaced more often than
engines. We disagree with this approach
because our available Asia Pacific
region information only includes engine
S/Ns. We did not change this AD.
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
Request To Clarify Engine S/Ns
Rudy Pueschel and PW requested
clarification that the affected engine S/
Ns are those engines currently operating
in the Asia Pacific region, to assist
operators in knowing why specific
engines require earlier compliance.
We agree. Knowing the engines with
certain S/Ns are currently operating in
the Asia Pacific region will help
operators understand the risk and
unsafe condition. We revised the
Differences Between this Proposed AD
and the Service Information section.
Request To Change Compliance Time
FedEx and PW requested changing the
engine shop visit definition to when the
EEC is accessible at a maintenance
facility. The EEC is a line replaceable
unit (LRU) which may be replaced
outside of a major flange separation
shop visit definition. This would also
align with the ASB.
We disagree. Our decision to use the
separation of pairs of major mating
engine flanges for the definition of an
‘‘engine shop visit’’ is based on the
average time between shop visits and
allows a period of time to operate with
an adequate level of safety without
unduly burdening operators not flying
in the Asia Pacific Region. This is to
avoid grounding aircraft that may be at
a facility capable of replacing the EEC,
but, not having the required parts or
equipment to do so at the time. We did
not change this AD.
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Request To Change Compliance Time
Request To Change Costs of Compliance
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested
removing the engine shop visit
requirement because the EEC is an LRU
and may not line up with a major flange
separation engine shop visit definition.
We disagree. The risk requires
complying at the next engine shop visit.
Our decision to use the separation of
pairs of major mating engine flanges for
the definition of an ‘‘engine shop visit’’
is based on the average time between
shop visits and allows a period of time
to operate with an adequate level of
safety without unduly burdening
operators not flying in the Asia Pacific
Region. This is to avoid grounding
aircraft that may be at a facility capable
of replacing the EEC, but, not having the
required parts or equipment to do so at
the time. We did not change this AD.
PW requested that we change the
number of affected engines to 303
because only 303 engines have EEC
model numbers EEC104–40 or EEC104–
60, installed.
We agree. We changed the Costs of
Compliance section.
Request To Change Service Information
Delta Air Lines, Inc., FedEx, and PW
requested changing the required action
from removing software earlier than
software standard SCN 5B/I to install or
upgrade to software standard SCN 5B/I,
because there are no instructions for
removing software. PW ASB PW2000
A73–170, dated July 14, 2016 is only for
upgrading the software.
We partially agree. We disagree with
mandating installation of software
standard SCN 5B/I because that would
prohibit the installation of a newer
software standard in the future. We
agree that an alternative to removing
EEC software is needed because there
are no instructions for removing
software. This AD requires upgrading
software, or installing an EEC that is
eligible for installation. We changed
paragraph (g) of this AD from ‘‘remove
software’’ to ‘‘upgrade software’’.
Request To Change Compliance Time
Delta Air Lines, Inc. and PW
requested that we specify a date in the
compliance paragraphs of this AD to
provide clarity on the deadline for
compliance.
We agree. We changed the compliance
paragraphs of this AD to include
specific dates.
Request To Change Applicability
Delta Air Lines, Inc. and PW
requested that we specify EEC model
numbers EEC104–40 and EEC104–60 in
the Installation Prohibition section
because the Installation Prohibition
section applies only to EEC model
numbers EEC104–40 and EEC104–60,
not to all EECs.
We agree. We revised paragraph (h) of
this AD.
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Request To Change Discussion
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested that we
change the Discussion section to clarify
that for the event engine, the attempted
engine relight with the ACC turned on
caused contraction of the HPT case and
reduced clearances in the HPT, with
subsequent HPT damage and rotor
seizure. Delta also requested that we
clarify that the EEC controls ACC
activation.
We agree. We revised the Discussion
section.
Request To Change Difference Between
This Proposed AD and the Service
Information Paragraph
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested
clarification in the ‘‘Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the
Service Information’’ section that the
AD appears to apply all engines and not
just to PW2000 with EEC model
numbers EEC104–40 and EEC104–60.
To provide further clarification, Delta
also requests stating to which engines
the July 2024 date applies.
We agree. This AD is applicable to
PW2000 engines with EEC model
numbers EEC104–40 and EEC104–60.
We added the affected EEC model
numbers to the Differences Between this
AD and the Service Information section.
Request To Change Compliance
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested that we
remove the ellipses from Figure 1 to
paragraph (g) of this AD. Ellipses should
not be in the list and may suggest
missing information.
We agree. We removed the ellipses
from Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this
AD.
Request Reopening the Additional
Comment Period
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested
reopening the comment period because
of expected significant changes to the
language of this AD.
We disagree. In response to the public
comments we received on the NPRM,
we made minor changes to the
compliance section of this AD for
clarification. However, we did not make
any significant changes to this AD. Also
we determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
without delay.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 114 / Thursday, June 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
with the changes described previously.
We also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this AD.
Related Service Information
We reviewed PW ASB PW2000 A73–
170, dated July 14, 2016. The ASB
describes procedures for modifying or
replacing the EEC. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the
Service Information
PW ASB PW2000 A73–170, dated July
14, 2016, specifies compliance for any
PW2000 engine with EEC model
numbers EEC104–40 and EEC104–60,
flown, or expected to be flown, in the
Asian Pacific latitudes and longitudes,
27413
while this AD lists specific engine S/Ns
that are currently known to operate in
the Asia Pacific region. Also, PW ASB
PW2000 A73–170, dated July 14, 2016,
provides until 2026 to comply, while
this AD provides until July 2024 for all
PW2000 engines with EEC104–40 and
EEC104–60 to comply.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 303
engines, installed on airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
EEC software installation ................................
1.8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $153.00 .....
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.
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES
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, and
14:00 Jun 14, 2017
(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):
■
Regulatory Findings
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2017–12–03 Pratt & Whitney Division:
Amendment 39–18918; Docket No.
FAA–2016–9405; Directorate Identifier
2016–NE–22–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 20, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney
Division (PW) PW2037, PW2037M, and
PW2040 turbofan engines with electronic
engine control (EEC), model number
EEC104–40 or EEC104–60, installed, with an
EEC software standard earlier than SCN
5B/I.
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$0.00
Cost per
product
$153.00
Cost on U.S.
operators
$46,359.00
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) of
America Code 7321, Fuel Control Turbine
Engines.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an
unrecoverable engine in-flight shutdown
(IFSD) after an ice crystal icing event. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the highpressure turbine (HPT), rotor seizure, failure
of one or more engines, loss of thrust control,
and loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Action
(1) For an engine with a serial number (S/
N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this
AD, upgrade any EEC software standards
earlier than SCN 5B/I at the next engine shop
visit, or before December 1, 2018, whichever
occurs first, or, replace the EEC with a part
eligible for installation.
(2) For an engine with an S/N not listed in
Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, upgrade
any EEC software standards earlier than SCN
5B/I at the next engine shop visit, or before
July 1, 2024, whichever occurs first, or
replace the EEC with a part eligible for
installation.
FIGURE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g)—ENGINE
S/NS
716402
727103
727134
727152
727158
727189
727202
727204
727231
727239
727240
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15JNR1
727272
727280
727281
727282
727286
727287
727288
728709
728715
728716
728719
728741
728743
728748
728779
728785
728795
728806
728811
728812
728820
728824
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 114 / Thursday, June 15, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
FIGURE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g)—ENGINE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
S/NS—Continued
Federal Aviation Administration
727251
727252
727253
727257
727269
728720
728725
728726
728729
728730
728826
728827
728840
728864
728870
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–4220; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–076–AD; Amendment
39–18923; AD 2017–12–08]
(h) Installation Prohibition
RIN 2120–AA64
After the effective date of this AD, do not
install any software standard earlier than
SCN 5B/I into any EEC model number
EEC104–40 or EEC104–60.
Airworthiness Directives; BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited
Airplanes
(i) Definition
AGENCY:
For the purpose of this AD, an ‘‘engine
shop visit’’ is the induction of an engine into
the shop for maintenance involving the
separation of pairs of major mating engine
flanges, except that the separation of engine
flanges solely for the purposes of
transportation without subsequent engine
maintenance does not constitute an engine
shop visit.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) 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.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Kevin Clark, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–
7088; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
kevin.m.clark@faa.gov.
(2) PW Alert Service Bulletin PW2000
A73–170, dated July 14, 2016, which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD, can be
obtained from PW, using the contact
information in paragraph (k)(3) of this AD.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Division,
400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118;
phone: 800–565–0140; fax: 860–565–5442.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
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None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
June 2, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–12074 Filed 6–14–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011–24–
06 for all BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Model BAe 146–100A, –200A,
and –300A airplanes; and Model Avro
146–RJ70A, 146–RJ85A, and 146–
RJ100A airplanes. AD 2011–24–06
required revising the maintenance
program to incorporate life limits for
certain items, adding new and more
restrictive inspections to detect fatigue
cracking in certain structures, and
adding fuel system critical design
configuration control limitations
(CDCCLs) to prevent ignition sources in
the fuel tanks. AD 2011–24–06 also
required modifying the main fittings of
the main landing gear (MLG) and
revising the maintenance program to
incorporate new life limits on MLG uplocks and door up-locks and other MLG
components. This new AD requires
revising the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
new or revised structural inspection
requirements. This AD was prompted by
a determination that new or revised
structural inspection requirements are
necessary. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective July 20,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of January 3, 2012 (76 FR 73477,
November 29, 2011).
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited, Customer
Information Department, Prestwick
International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9
2RW, Scotland, United Kingdom;
telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44
1292 675704; email RApublications@
baesystems.com; Internet https://
www.baesystems.com/Businesses/
RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may
DATES:
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view this referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425–227–1221. It is also available
on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
4220.
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–
4220; 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 (telephone 800–647–5527)
is Docket 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:
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1175;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD
2011–24–06, Amendment 39–16870 (76
FR 73477, November 29, 2011) (‘‘AD
2011–24–06’’). AD 2011–24–06 applied
to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model BAe 146–100A, –200A, and
–300A airplanes; and Model Avro 146–
RJ70A, 146–RJ85A, and 146–RJ100A
airplanes. The SNPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 13, 2016
(81 FR 89878) (‘‘the SNPRM’’). We
preceded the SNPRM with a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that
published in the Federal Register on
March 8, 2016 (81 FR 12044) (‘‘the
NPRM’’). The NPRM was prompted by
a determination that new or revised
structural inspection requirements are
necessary. The NPRM proposed to
require revising the maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new or revised structural
inspection requirements. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct fatigue
cracking of certain structural elements,
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15JNR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 114 (Thursday, June 15, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27411-27414]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12074]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9405; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-22-AD;
Amendment 39-18918; AD 2017-12-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW2037, PW2037M, and PW2040 turbofan
engines. This AD was prompted by an unrecoverable engine in-flight
shutdown (IFSD) after an ice crystal icing event. This AD requires
installing a software standard eligible for installation and precludes
the use of electronic engine control (EEC) software standards earlier
than SCN 5B/I. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 20, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Pratt & Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT
06118; phone: 800-565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442. 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-2016-9405.
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-
9405; 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: Kevin Clark, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7088; fax: 781-
238-7199; email: kevin.m.clark@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 PW PW2037, PW2037M,
and PW2040 turbofan engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on January 5, 2017 (82 FR 1265). The NPRM was prompted by an
unrecoverable engine IFSD after an ice crystal icing event. An attempt
to rapidly restart the engine was made while the EEC had the Active
Clearance Control (ACC) turned on, which caused contraction of the
high-pressure turbine (HPT) case and reduced clearances in the HPT,
with subsequent HPT damage and rotor seizure. A change to the EEC
software can force the ACC to activate at a higher rotor speed to
prevent active ACC during engine restart. The NPRM proposed to preclude
the use of EEC software standards earlier than SCN 5B/I. We are issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the HPT, rotor seizure, failure of one or
more engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment. The Airline Pilots Association and
United Airlines support the NPRM.
Request To Change Compliance
The Boeing Company, PW, Delta Air Lines, Inc., FedEx, and Rudy
Pueschel requested removing the engine serial number requirement for
earlier compliance time and use the Asia Pacific regional requirement
for earlier compliance time. The change would properly capture the risk
of icing events in the Asia Pacific region. This change would also
match the referenced alert service bulletin (ASB).
We disagree. There are difficulties in compliance and enforcement
for regulations based on regions. Using engines serial numbers (S/Ns)
that are currently known to operate in the area was our approach to
best capture the higher risk engines while easing compliance. The
unsafe condition is addressed by upgrading at least one engine per
airplane on all known engines currently operating in the Asia Pacific
region within the shorter compliance period. Finally, this AD requires
all engines with EEC model numbers EEC104-40 and EEC104-60 to upgrade
software earlier than software standard SCN 5B/I by 2024. We did not
change this AD.
Request To Change Method To Identify Engines Affected by Earlier
Compliance Time
Delta Air Lines, Inc. and FedEx requested removing the engine
serial number requirement for earlier compliance time and use extended
range twin-engine operations (ETOPs) or Aircraft Tail Number
requirements for earlier compliance time. The change was requested to
ease with compliance and help properly capture the safety risk of
operating in the Asia Pacific region.
We disagree. Operators may have ETOPs flights that do not operate
in the
[[Page 27412]]
Asia Pacific region and would then be mandated to the earlier
compliance time unnecessarily. Typically the EEC remains with the
engine instead of the aircraft so tracking engines would be more
appropriate than aircraft. However, we will review any Alternative
Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) submitted to cover the regional risk to
any operator's specific fleet instead of tracking through engine S/Ns.
We did not change this AD.
Request To Change Compliance Time
Delta Air Lines, Inc. and FedEx requested using EEC S/Ns instead of
engine S/Ns to track the earlier compliance times because, as the
software is removed and upgraded on the EEC that the EEC should be
tracked to properly follow the software upgrades.
We partially agree. We agree that tracking EEC serial numbers would
assist in tracking software because EECs are removed or replaced more
often than engines. We disagree with this approach because our
available Asia Pacific region information only includes engine S/Ns. We
did not change this AD.
Request To Clarify Engine S/Ns
Rudy Pueschel and PW requested clarification that the affected
engine S/Ns are those engines currently operating in the Asia Pacific
region, to assist operators in knowing why specific engines require
earlier compliance.
We agree. Knowing the engines with certain S/Ns are currently
operating in the Asia Pacific region will help operators understand the
risk and unsafe condition. We revised the Differences Between this
Proposed AD and the Service Information section.
Request To Change Compliance Time
FedEx and PW requested changing the engine shop visit definition to
when the EEC is accessible at a maintenance facility. The EEC is a line
replaceable unit (LRU) which may be replaced outside of a major flange
separation shop visit definition. This would also align with the ASB.
We disagree. Our decision to use the separation of pairs of major
mating engine flanges for the definition of an ``engine shop visit'' is
based on the average time between shop visits and allows a period of
time to operate with an adequate level of safety without unduly
burdening operators not flying in the Asia Pacific Region. This is to
avoid grounding aircraft that may be at a facility capable of replacing
the EEC, but, not having the required parts or equipment to do so at
the time. We did not change this AD.
Request To Change Compliance Time
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested removing the engine shop visit
requirement because the EEC is an LRU and may not line up with a major
flange separation engine shop visit definition.
We disagree. The risk requires complying at the next engine shop
visit. Our decision to use the separation of pairs of major mating
engine flanges for the definition of an ``engine shop visit'' is based
on the average time between shop visits and allows a period of time to
operate with an adequate level of safety without unduly burdening
operators not flying in the Asia Pacific Region. This is to avoid
grounding aircraft that may be at a facility capable of replacing the
EEC, but, not having the required parts or equipment to do so at the
time. We did not change this AD.
Request To Change Service Information
Delta Air Lines, Inc., FedEx, and PW requested changing the
required action from removing software earlier than software standard
SCN 5B/I to install or upgrade to software standard SCN 5B/I, because
there are no instructions for removing software. PW ASB PW2000 A73-170,
dated July 14, 2016 is only for upgrading the software.
We partially agree. We disagree with mandating installation of
software standard SCN 5B/I because that would prohibit the installation
of a newer software standard in the future. We agree that an
alternative to removing EEC software is needed because there are no
instructions for removing software. This AD requires upgrading
software, or installing an EEC that is eligible for installation. We
changed paragraph (g) of this AD from ``remove software'' to ``upgrade
software''.
Request To Change Compliance Time
Delta Air Lines, Inc. and PW requested that we specify a date in
the compliance paragraphs of this AD to provide clarity on the deadline
for compliance.
We agree. We changed the compliance paragraphs of this AD to
include specific dates.
Request To Change Applicability
Delta Air Lines, Inc. and PW requested that we specify EEC model
numbers EEC104-40 and EEC104-60 in the Installation Prohibition section
because the Installation Prohibition section applies only to EEC model
numbers EEC104-40 and EEC104-60, not to all EECs.
We agree. We revised paragraph (h) of this AD.
Request To Change Costs of Compliance
PW requested that we change the number of affected engines to 303
because only 303 engines have EEC model numbers EEC104-40 or EEC104-60,
installed.
We agree. We changed the Costs of Compliance section.
Request To Change Discussion
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested that we change the Discussion
section to clarify that for the event engine, the attempted engine
relight with the ACC turned on caused contraction of the HPT case and
reduced clearances in the HPT, with subsequent HPT damage and rotor
seizure. Delta also requested that we clarify that the EEC controls ACC
activation.
We agree. We revised the Discussion section.
Request To Change Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service
Information Paragraph
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested clarification in the ``Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information'' section that the
AD appears to apply all engines and not just to PW2000 with EEC model
numbers EEC104-40 and EEC104-60. To provide further clarification,
Delta also requests stating to which engines the July 2024 date
applies.
We agree. This AD is applicable to PW2000 engines with EEC model
numbers EEC104-40 and EEC104-60. We added the affected EEC model
numbers to the Differences Between this AD and the Service Information
section.
Request To Change Compliance
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested that we remove the ellipses from
Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. Ellipses should not be in the
list and may suggest missing information.
We agree. We removed the ellipses from Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of
this AD.
Request Reopening the Additional Comment Period
Delta Air Lines, Inc. requested reopening the comment period
because of expected significant changes to the language of this AD.
We disagree. In response to the public comments we received on the
NPRM, we made minor changes to the compliance section of this AD for
clarification. However, we did not make any significant changes to this
AD. Also we determined that air safety and the public interest require
adopting this AD without delay.
[[Page 27413]]
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information
We reviewed PW ASB PW2000 A73-170, dated July 14, 2016. The ASB
describes procedures for modifying or replacing the EEC. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
PW ASB PW2000 A73-170, dated July 14, 2016, specifies compliance
for any PW2000 engine with EEC model numbers EEC104-40 and EEC104-60,
flown, or expected to be flown, in the Asian Pacific latitudes and
longitudes, while this AD lists specific engine S/Ns that are currently
known to operate in the Asia Pacific region. Also, PW ASB PW2000 A73-
170, dated July 14, 2016, provides until 2026 to comply, while this AD
provides until July 2024 for all PW2000 engines with EEC104-40 and
EEC104-60 to comply.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 303 engines, installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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EEC software installation............. 1.8 work-hours x $85 per $0.00 $153.00 $46,359.00
hour = $153.00.
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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, 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):
2017-12-03 Pratt & Whitney Division: Amendment 39-18918; Docket No.
FAA-2016-9405; Directorate Identifier 2016-NE-22-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 20, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW2037,
PW2037M, and PW2040 turbofan engines with electronic engine control
(EEC), model number EEC104-40 or EEC104-60, installed, with an EEC
software standard earlier than SCN 5B/I.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) of America Code 7321,
Fuel Control Turbine Engines.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an unrecoverable engine in-flight
shutdown (IFSD) after an ice crystal icing event. We are issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the high-pressure turbine (HPT), rotor
seizure, failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and
loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Action
(1) For an engine with a serial number (S/N) listed in Figure 1
to paragraph (g) of this AD, upgrade any EEC software standards
earlier than SCN 5B/I at the next engine shop visit, or before
December 1, 2018, whichever occurs first, or, replace the EEC with a
part eligible for installation.
(2) For an engine with an S/N not listed in Figure 1 to
paragraph (g) of this AD, upgrade any EEC software standards earlier
than SCN 5B/I at the next engine shop visit, or before July 1, 2024,
whichever occurs first, or replace the EEC with a part eligible for
installation.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)--Engine S/Ns
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716402 727272 728741
727103 727280 728743
727134 727281 728748
727152 727282 728779
727158 727286 728785
727189 727287 728795
727202 727288 728806
727204 728709 728811
727231 728715 728812
727239 728716 728820
727240 728719 728824
[[Page 27414]]
727251 728720 728826
727252 728725 728827
727253 728726 728840
727257 728729 728864
727269 728730 728870
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(h) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install any software
standard earlier than SCN 5B/I into any EEC model number EEC104-40
or EEC104-60.
(i) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except that the
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of
transportation without subsequent engine maintenance does not
constitute an engine shop visit.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) 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.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Clark,
Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
kevin.m.clark@faa.gov.
(2) PW Alert Service Bulletin PW2000 A73-170, dated July 14,
2016, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be
obtained from PW, using the contact information in paragraph (k)(3)
of this AD.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt
& Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118; phone:
800-565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine &
Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7125.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 2, 2017.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12074 Filed 6-14-17; 8:45 am]
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