Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) Turbofan Engines, 34070-34072 [2018-15291]

Download as PDF 34070 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 139 Thursday, July 19, 2018 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0368; Product Identifier 2018–NE–12–AD] Examining the AD Docket RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) 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 Division (PW) PW4074D, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–3 turbofan engines with a low pressure compressor (LPC) fan hub, part number (P/N) 51B821 or P/N 52B521, installed. This proposed AD was prompted by updated low cycle fatigue analysis techniques that indicate certain LPC fan hubs could crack prior to their published life limit. This proposed AD would require repetitive eddy current inspections (ECIs) and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) for cracks in certain LPC fan hubs and removal of hubs from service that fail inspection. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 4, 2018. 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. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jul 18, 2018 Jkt 244001 • 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 NPRM, 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 and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238– 7759. You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0368; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: JoAnn Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7105; fax: 781–238–7199; email: jo-ann.theriault@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2018–0368; Product Identifier 2018– NE–12–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. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Discussion We received information concerning an updated analysis by the engine manufacturer, which indicated certain triple-bore LPC fan hubs installed in high-thrust models of the PW4000–112″ series turbofan engine could crack prior to their published life limit. This proposed AD would add additional inspections of affected triple-bore LPC fan hubs until they are removed from service and replaced with a part eligible for installation. This condition, if not addressed, could result in fatigue cracking of the LPC fan hub, uncontained hub failure, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed PW Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) PW4G–112–A72–351, dated February 22, 2018. This PW ASB describes procedures for performing LPC fan hub ECIs and FPIs. 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. Other Related Service Information We reviewed PW PW4000 Series 112 Inch Turbofan Engines Cleaning, Inspection and Repair (CIR) Manual, P/ N 51A750, Chapter/Section 72–31–07, Inspection/Check-02, Revision No. 76, dated March 15, 2018. The CIR Manual contains additional information regarding FPI and ECI of the LPC fan hub. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require repetitive ECIs and FPIs of the LPC fan hub. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 32 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: E:\FR\FM\19JYP1.SGM 19JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 139 / Thursday, July 19, 2018 / Proposed Rules 34071 ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Pro-rated part cost .......................................... Inspection ........................................................ 0 work-hours × $85 per hour = $0 ................. 40 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,400 ........ sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 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. This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division. 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, and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jul 18, 2018 Jkt 244001 Parts cost $288,000 0 Cost per product $288,000 3,400 Cost on U.S. operators $288,000 108,800 (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. (f) Compliance List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (1) After the effective date of this AD, perform a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and eddy current inspection (ECI) of the LPC fan hub the next time the engine is separated at the M-flange and the LPC fan hub has accumulated 2,000 or more flight cycles since the last FPI and ECI. (2) Thereafter, perform an FPI and an ECI of the LPC fan hub every time the engine is separated at the M-flange and the LPC fan hub has accumulated 2,000 or more flight cycles since the last LPC fan hub ECI and FPI inspections. (3) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, Step No. 11, in PW Alert Service Bulletin PW4G–112–A72–351, dated February 22, 2018, to do the eddy current inspections. (4) If a crack is found during the inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, remove the LPC fan hub from service before further flight and replace with a part eligible for installation. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Pratt & Whitney Division: Docket No. FAA– 2018–0368; Product Identifier 2018–NE– 12–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by September 4, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074D, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–3 turbofan engines with low-pressure compressor (LPC) fan hub, part number (P/N) 51B821 or P/N 52B521, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by low cycle fatigue analysis techniques, updated by the engine manufacturer, which indicated certain LPC fan hubs could crack prior to their published life limit. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPC fan hub. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained hub release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local flight standards district office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. 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. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jo-Ann Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781– 238–7105; fax: 781–238–7199; email: joann.theriault@faa.gov. (2) 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. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759. E:\FR\FM\19JYP1.SGM 19JYP1 34072 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 139 / Thursday, July 19, 2018 / Proposed Rules Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 12, 2018. Robert J. Ganley, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–15291 Filed 7–18–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0648; Product Identifier 2017–SW–087–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This proposed AD would require replacing screws installed on the left and right main landing gear (MLG) shock absorber assembly. This proposed AD is prompted by a report that some screws may have been manufactured without meeting specifications. The actions of this proposed AD are intended to correct an unsafe condition on these helicopters. SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 17, 2018. DATES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Send comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS ADDRESSES: 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–2018– 0648; or in person at Docket Operations VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:14 Jul 18, 2018 Jkt 244001 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone 800–647– 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. For service information identified in this proposed rule, contact Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, Matteo Ragazzi, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331–711756; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/-/bulletins. You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Hatfield, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5110; email david.hatfield@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments that we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. Discussion EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2016– 077, dated April 19, 2016, to correct an unsafe condition for Finmeccanica S.p.A. (previously Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters if equipped with kit ‘‘Increased Gross Weight 6800 kg’’ part number (P/N) 4G0000F00111 (kit). EASA advises of a manufacturing issue with the standard screws (P/N NAS1351–5H12P) installed on MLG shock absorber assembly P/N 1652B0000–01. According to EASA, a material analysis shows that the MLG shock absorber screws may have a lower fatigue life than the screws used during the certification fatigue tests. EASA states the affected MLG units have been identified by serial number. EASA also advises that this unsafe condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in failure of the MLG shock absorber, collapse or retraction of the MLG, and subsequent damage to the helicopter and injury to occupants. To correct this condition, the EASA AD requires replacing each standard screw with a new screw P/N 1652A0001–01 and re-identifying the serial number of each MLG shock absorber assembly that has the new screw installed, and prohibits installing any affected MLG shock absorber assembly unless the screw has been replaced. FAA’s Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in its AD. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all known relevant information and determined that an unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information We reviewed Finmeccanica Bollettino Tecnico No. 139–397, dated April 7, 2016, which contains procedures for replacing the standard screws installed on the left and right MLG assembly and for re-identifying the MLG shock absorber assembly P/N and the MLG assembly S/N. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require replacing each standard screw P/N NAS1351–5H12P with a screw P/N 1652A0001–01 and re-identifying the serial number of the MLG assembly within the following compliance times: E:\FR\FM\19JYP1.SGM 19JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 139 (Thursday, July 19, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34070-34072]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15291]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 139 / Thursday, July 19, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 34070]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0368; Product Identifier 2018-NE-12-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) 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 Division (PW) PW4074D, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and 
PW4090-3 turbofan engines with a low pressure compressor (LPC) fan hub, 
part number (P/N) 51B821 or P/N 52B521, installed. This proposed AD was 
prompted by updated low cycle fatigue analysis techniques that indicate 
certain LPC fan hubs could crack prior to their published life limit. 
This proposed AD would require repetitive eddy current inspections 
(ECIs) and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) for cracks in 
certain LPC fan hubs and removal of hubs from service that fail 
inspection. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 4, 
2018.

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 NPRM, 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 and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

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-2018-
0368; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jo-Ann Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7105; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0368; 
Product Identifier 2018-NE-12-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 information concerning an updated analysis by the 
engine manufacturer, which indicated certain triple-bore LPC fan hubs 
installed in high-thrust models of the PW4000-112'' series turbofan 
engine could crack prior to their published life limit. This proposed 
AD would add additional inspections of affected triple-bore LPC fan 
hubs until they are removed from service and replaced with a part 
eligible for installation. This condition, if not addressed, could 
result in fatigue cracking of the LPC fan hub, uncontained hub failure, 
damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed PW Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) PW4G-112-A72-351, dated 
February 22, 2018. This PW ASB describes procedures for performing LPC 
fan hub ECIs and FPIs. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    We reviewed PW PW4000 Series 112 Inch Turbofan Engines Cleaning, 
Inspection and Repair (CIR) Manual, P/N 51A750, Chapter/Section 72-31-
07, Inspection/Check-02, Revision No. 76, dated March 15, 2018. The CIR 
Manual contains additional information regarding FPI and ECI of the LPC 
fan hub.

FAA's Determination

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

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require repetitive ECIs and FPIs of the LPC 
fan hub.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 32 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply 
with this proposed AD:

[[Page 34071]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro-rated part cost...................  0 work-hours x $85 per          $288,000        $288,000        $288,000
                                         hour = $0.
Inspection............................  40 work-hours x $85 per                0           3,400         108,800
                                         hour = $3,400.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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 Division: Docket No. FAA-2018-0368; Product 
Identifier 2018-NE-12-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 4, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074D, 
PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 turbofan engines with low-
pressure compressor (LPC) fan hub, part number (P/N) 51B821 or P/N 
52B521, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by low cycle fatigue analysis techniques, 
updated by the engine manufacturer, which indicated certain LPC fan 
hubs could crack prior to their published life limit. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the LPC fan hub. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in uncontained hub release, damage to 
the engine, and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, perform a fluorescent 
penetrant inspection (FPI) and eddy current inspection (ECI) of the 
LPC fan hub the next time the engine is separated at the M-flange 
and the LPC fan hub has accumulated 2,000 or more flight cycles 
since the last FPI and ECI.
    (2) Thereafter, perform an FPI and an ECI of the LPC fan hub 
every time the engine is separated at the M-flange and the LPC fan 
hub has accumulated 2,000 or more flight cycles since the last LPC 
fan hub ECI and FPI inspections.
    (3) Use the Accomplishment Instructions, Step No. 11, in PW 
Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-112-A72-351, dated February 22, 2018, to 
do the eddy current inspections.
    (4) If a crack is found during the inspections required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, remove the LPC fan hub from 
service before further flight and replace with a part eligible for 
installation.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local flight standards district office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. You may email your 
request to: [email protected].
    (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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jo-Ann 
Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7105; fax: 781-238-
7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) 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. You may view this referenced 
service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.


[[Page 34072]]


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 12, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-15291 Filed 7-18-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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