Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines, 50860-50862 [2018-21693]
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50860
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 83, No. 196
Wednesday, October 10, 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–2018–0624; Product
Identifier 2013–NE–24–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &
Whitney Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to supersede
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–11–
06, which applies to all Pratt & Whitney
(PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M,
PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143,
PW2643, and F117–PW–100 turbofan
engine models. AD 2017–11–06 requires
initial and repetitive on-wing eddy
current inspections (ECIs) of affected
engines with certain diffuser and highpressure turbine (HPT) cases installed.
AD 2017–11–06 also requires a
fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) of
the diffuser case rear flange and the HPT
case front flange. Since we issued AD
2017–11–06, we learned of designated
engineering representative (DER)approved diffuser case M-flange
replacement repairs. This proposed AD
would require an on-wing ECI of all
diffuser case M-flange replacement
repairs. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 26,
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,
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:48 Oct 09, 2018
Jkt 247001
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,
400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118;
phone: 860–565–0140; fax: 860–565–
5442; email: help24@pw.utc.com;
internet: https://fleetcare.pw.utc.com.
You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine & 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–
0624; 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:
Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7088; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: kevin.m.clark@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2018–0624; Product Identifier
2013–NE–24–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
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We issued AD 2017–11–06,
Amendment 39–18905 (82 FR 26979,
June 13, 2017), (‘‘AD 2017–11–06’’), for
all PW PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M,
PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143,
PW2643, and F117–PW–100 turbofan
engine models. AD 2017–11–06 requires
initial and repetitive on-wing ECIs of
affected engines with certain diffuser
and HPT cases installed. AD 2017–11–
06 also requires an FPI of the diffuser
case rear flange and the HPT case front
flange. AD 2017–11–06 resulted from
the manufacturer determining through
analysis that the inspections required by
AD 2014–05–32, which was prompted
by a rupture of the diffuser case
M-flange, were not adequate to maintain
safety for diffuser cases that incorporate
a wrought diffuser case M-flange. Also,
repaired wrought flanges cannot be
distinguished from other wrought
flanges or from non-repaired flanges on
diffuser cases installed on the affected
engines. We issued AD 2017–11–06 to
add additional repetitive, on-wing ECIs.
Actions Since AD 2017–11–06 Was
Issued
Since we issued AD 2017–11–06, we
learned of DER-approved diffuser case
M-flange replacement repairs. The
language in AD 2017–11–06 requires
additional on-wing ECIs for PW repairs;
however, it does not address DERapproved diffuser case M-flange
replacement repairs. The DER-approved
diffuser case M-flange replacement
repairs use the same wrought material
as PWs and therefore require the same
additional on-wing ECIs.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed PW Service Bulletin
(SB) No. PW2000 72–763, Revision No.
1, dated August 30, 2013. The SB
describes procedures for a one-time ECI
inspection of the engine diffuser case.
We also reviewed PW Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000 A72–765,
Revision No. 4, dated January 25, 2018.
The ASB describes procedures for
repetitive on-wing ECIs of the engine
diffuser case assembly. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
develop in other products of the same
type design.
FAA’s Determination
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain all of
the requirements of AD 2017–11–06.
This proposed AD would also require an
on-wing ECI of all diffuser case M-flange
replacement repairs.
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
and determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
50861
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 910 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
On-wing/module ECI Inspection.
FPI Inspection ........................
Labor cost
8 work-hours × $85 per hour
= $680.
3 work-hours × $85 per hour
= $255.
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.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:48 Oct 09, 2018
Parts cost
Jkt 247001
Cost per product
$0
$680 .......................................
20
$275 per inspection cycle ......
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2017–11–06, Amendment 39–18905 (82
FR 26979, June 13, 2017), and adding
the following new AD:
■
Pratt & Whitney Division: Docket No. FAA–
2018–0624; Product Identifier 2013–NE–
24–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
AD action by November 26, 2018.
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Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Cost on U.S. operators
$230,520 per inspection
cycle.
$250,250 per inspection
cycle.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017–11–06,
Amendment 39–18905 (82 FR 26979, June
13, 2017).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney
(PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M,
PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143,
PW2643, and F117–PW–100 turbofan
engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 7200, Turbine/Turboprop Engine.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a rupture of the
diffuser-to-high-pressure turbine (HPT) case
flange. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the diffuser-to-HPT case flange. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in uncontained diffuser-to-HPT case
flange 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) For diffuser case, part number (P/N)
1B7461, serial numbers (S/Ns) DGGUAK1306
and DGGUAK1308, and HPT case, P/N
1B2440, S/N DKLBCS1032:
(i) Within 100 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, perform an eddy
current inspection (ECI) of the diffuser case
and the HPT case M-flange in accordance
with PW Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW2000
72–763, Revision No. 1, dated August 30,
2013.
(ii) Reserved.
(2) For all diffuser and HPT cases, at the
next piece-part opportunity after the effective
date of this AD and every piece-part
opportunity thereafter, perform a high
sensitivity fluorescent-penetrant inspection
(FPI) of the entire diffuser case rear flange
(M-flange) and boltholes, and the entire HPT
case forward flange (M-flange) and boltholes.
(3) For all diffuser cases installed on any
affected engine model except for F117–PW–
100 turbofan engines, that have not
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules
incorporated PW SB PW2000–72–364, have
incorporated PW SB PW2000–72–700, or
have had an M-flange replacement, perform
initial and repetitive ECIs of the diffuser case
M-flange as follows:
(i) Perform an initial ECI in accordance
with the ‘‘Last Shop Visit Activity’’ column
and before exceeding the maximum cycles
since the last shop visit activity in the
‘‘Initial Inspection’’ column of Table 1 of PW
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000
A72–765, Revision No. 4, dated January 25,
2018, or within 1,000 cycles from the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later.
(ii) Evaluate the inspection results and
perform re-inspections as necessary in
accordance with Accomplishment
Instructions, ‘‘For Engines Installed on the
Aircraft,’’ paragraph 5, or the
Accomplishment Instructions, ‘‘For Engines
Removed from the Aircraft,’’ paragraph 4, of
PW ASB No. PW2000 A72–765, Revision No.
4, dated January 25, 2018, as applicable. If
given a cycle range, perform the subsequent
inspections before exceeding the maximum
number of cycles.
(iii) Inspect the diffuser case M-flange
using, as applicable, either the
Accomplishment Instructions, ‘‘For Engines
Installed on the Aircraft,’’ paragraphs 3.I.
through 3.J., or the Accomplishment
Instructions, ‘‘For Engines Removed from the
Aircraft,’’ paragraphs 3.D. through 3.E., of
PW ASB No. PW2000 A72–765, Revision No.
4, dated January 25, 2018.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘piece-part
opportunity’’ is defined as when the part is
completely disassembled.
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(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) You may take credit for the diffuser
case and HPT case inspections required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you
performed:
(i) an ECI of the diffuser case and the HPT
case M-flange using the Accomplishment
Instructions of PW SB No. PW2000 72–763,
Original Issue, dated March 22, 2013, or
(ii) a high sensitivity FPI of the diffuser
case and the HPT case at a piece-part
opportunity after January 1, 2010.
(2) You may take credit for only the
diffuser case inspections required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you
performed an ECI of the diffuser case Mflange using the Accomplishment
Instructions of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72–
765, Revision No. 3, dated December 19,
2017, or an earlier version.
(j) 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 (k)(1) of this AD. You
may email your request to: ANE-ADAMOC@faa.gov.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:48 Oct 09, 2018
Jkt 247001
(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.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 2017–11–06
(82 FR 26979, June 13, 2017) are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of
this AD.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 26,
2018.
DATES:
[FR Doc. 2018–21693 Filed 10–9–18; 8:45 am]
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.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Examining the AD Docket
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–
7088; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
kevin.m.clark@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main
St., East Hartford, CT, 06118; phone: 860–
565–0140; fax: 860–565–5442; email:
help24@pw.utc.com; internet: https://
fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
September 28, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
Branch, Aircraft Certification Service.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0826; Product
Identifier 2018–NE–27–AD]
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 certain
Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074,
PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D,
PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–3
turbofan engines. This proposed AD was
prompted by an in-flight failure of a 1st
stage low-pressure compressor (LPC)
blade. This proposed AD would require
initial and repetitive thermal acoustic
imaging (TAI) inspections for cracks in
certain 1st stage LPC blades and
removal of those blades that fail
inspection. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
ADDRESSES:
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0826; 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–
2018–0826; Product Identifier 2018–
NE–27–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
E:\FR\FM\10OCP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50860-50862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21693]
========================================================================
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. 196 / Wednesday, October 10, 2018 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 50860]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0624; Product Identifier 2013-NE-24-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-11-
06, which applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M,
PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 turbofan
engine models. AD 2017-11-06 requires initial and repetitive on-wing
eddy current inspections (ECIs) of affected engines with certain
diffuser and high-pressure turbine (HPT) cases installed. AD 2017-11-06
also requires a fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) of the diffuser
case rear flange and the HPT case front flange. Since we issued AD
2017-11-06, we learned of designated engineering representative (DER)-
approved diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs. This proposed AD
would require an on-wing ECI of all diffuser case M-flange replacement
repairs. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26,
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, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 860-565-0140;
fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet: https://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Engine & 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-
0624; 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: Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781-238-7088; 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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0624;
Product Identifier 2013-NE-24-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 proposed AD.
Discussion
We issued AD 2017-11-06, Amendment 39-18905 (82 FR 26979, June 13,
2017), (``AD 2017-11-06''), for all PW PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M,
PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 turbofan
engine models. AD 2017-11-06 requires initial and repetitive on-wing
ECIs of affected engines with certain diffuser and HPT cases installed.
AD 2017-11-06 also requires an FPI of the diffuser case rear flange and
the HPT case front flange. AD 2017-11-06 resulted from the manufacturer
determining through analysis that the inspections required by AD 2014-
05-32, which was prompted by a rupture of the diffuser case M-flange,
were not adequate to maintain safety for diffuser cases that
incorporate a wrought diffuser case M-flange. Also, repaired wrought
flanges cannot be distinguished from other wrought flanges or from non-
repaired flanges on diffuser cases installed on the affected engines.
We issued AD 2017-11-06 to add additional repetitive, on-wing ECIs.
Actions Since AD 2017-11-06 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2017-11-06, we learned of DER-approved diffuser
case M-flange replacement repairs. The language in AD 2017-11-06
requires additional on-wing ECIs for PW repairs; however, it does not
address DER-approved diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs. The
DER-approved diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs use the same
wrought material as PWs and therefore require the same additional on-
wing ECIs.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed PW Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW2000 72-763, Revision
No. 1, dated August 30, 2013. The SB describes procedures for a one-
time ECI inspection of the engine diffuser case. We also reviewed PW
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 4, dated
January 25, 2018. The ASB describes procedures for repetitive on-wing
ECIs of the engine diffuser case assembly. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course
[[Page 50861]]
of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2017-
11-06. This proposed AD would also require an on-wing ECI of all
diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 910 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-wing/module ECI Inspection.... 8 work-hours x $85 $0 $680............... $230,520 per
per hour = $680. inspection cycle.
FPI Inspection................... 3 work-hours x $85 20 $275 per inspection $250,250 per
per hour = $255. cycle. inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2017-11-06, Amendment 39-18905 (82 FR 26979, June 13, 2017), and adding
the following new AD:
Pratt & Whitney Division: Docket No. FAA-2018-0624; Product
Identifier 2013-NE-24-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 26,
2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017-11-06, Amendment 39-18905 (82 FR 26979,
June 13, 2017).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037D,
PW2037M, PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100
turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Turbine/
Turboprop Engine.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a rupture of the diffuser-to-high-
pressure turbine (HPT) case flange. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the diffuser-to-HPT case flange. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained diffuser-
to-HPT case flange 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) For diffuser case, part number (P/N) 1B7461, serial numbers
(S/Ns) DGGUAK1306 and DGGUAK1308, and HPT case, P/N 1B2440, S/N
DKLBCS1032:
(i) Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD, perform an eddy current inspection (ECI) of the diffuser case
and the HPT case M-flange in accordance with PW Service Bulletin
(SB) No. PW2000 72-763, Revision No. 1, dated August 30, 2013.
(ii) Reserved.
(2) For all diffuser and HPT cases, at the next piece-part
opportunity after the effective date of this AD and every piece-part
opportunity thereafter, perform a high sensitivity fluorescent-
penetrant inspection (FPI) of the entire diffuser case rear flange
(M-flange) and boltholes, and the entire HPT case forward flange (M-
flange) and boltholes.
(3) For all diffuser cases installed on any affected engine
model except for F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, that have not
[[Page 50862]]
incorporated PW SB PW2000-72-364, have incorporated PW SB PW2000-72-
700, or have had an M-flange replacement, perform initial and
repetitive ECIs of the diffuser case M-flange as follows:
(i) Perform an initial ECI in accordance with the ``Last Shop
Visit Activity'' column and before exceeding the maximum cycles
since the last shop visit activity in the ``Initial Inspection''
column of Table 1 of PW Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000 A72-
765, Revision No. 4, dated January 25, 2018, or within 1,000 cycles
from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(ii) Evaluate the inspection results and perform re-inspections
as necessary in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, ``For
Engines Installed on the Aircraft,'' paragraph 5, or the
Accomplishment Instructions, ``For Engines Removed from the
Aircraft,'' paragraph 4, of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No.
4, dated January 25, 2018, as applicable. If given a cycle range,
perform the subsequent inspections before exceeding the maximum
number of cycles.
(iii) Inspect the diffuser case M-flange using, as applicable,
either the Accomplishment Instructions, ``For Engines Installed on
the Aircraft,'' paragraphs 3.I. through 3.J., or the Accomplishment
Instructions, ``For Engines Removed from the Aircraft,'' paragraphs
3.D. through 3.E., of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 4,
dated January 25, 2018.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a ``piece-part opportunity'' is
defined as when the part is completely disassembled.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) You may take credit for the diffuser case and HPT case
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you
performed:
(i) an ECI of the diffuser case and the HPT case M-flange using
the Accomplishment Instructions of PW SB No. PW2000 72-763, Original
Issue, dated March 22, 2013, or
(ii) a high sensitivity FPI of the diffuser case and the HPT
case at a piece-part opportunity after January 1, 2010.
(2) You may take credit for only the diffuser case inspections
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you performed an
ECI of the diffuser case M-flange using the Accomplishment
Instructions of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 3, dated
December 19, 2017, or an earlier version.
(j) 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 (k)(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.
(3) AMOCs approved for AD 2017-11-06 (82 FR 26979, June 13,
2017) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this
AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin M. Clark,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt
& Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT, 06118; phone: 860-565-
0140; fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet: https://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 28, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21693 Filed 10-9-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P