Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan Engines, 61886-61889 [2020-21607]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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 adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2020–0900;
Product Identifier 2020–NM–080–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
November 16, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus SAS
airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (4) of this AD, certificated in any
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A318–111, A318–112, A318–
121, and A318–122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319–111, A319–112, A319–
113, A319–114, A319–115, A319–131, A319–
132, A319–133, A319–151N, and A319–153N
airplanes.
(3) Model A320–211, A320–212, A320–
214, A320–216, A320–231, A320–232, A320–
233, A320–251N, A320–252N, A320–253N,
A320–271N, A320–272N, and A320–273N
airplanes.
(4) Model A321–111, A321–112, A321–
131, A321–211, A321–212, A321–213, A321–
231, A321–232, A321–251N, A321–252N,
A321–253N, A321–271N, A321–272N, A321–
251NX, A321–252NX, A321–253NX, A321–
271NX, and A321–272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 25, Equipment/Furnishings.
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(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the results of
laboratory tests on non-rechargeable lithium
batteries installed in emergency locator
transmitters (ELT), which highlighted a lack
of protection against currents of 28 volts DC
or 115 volts AC that could lead to thermal
runaway and a battery fire. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address this unsafe
condition, which could result in local
(temporary) fires, and could result in damage
to the airplane and injury to occupants.
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Jkt 253001
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0103, dated
May 7, 2020; corrected May 8, 2020 (‘‘EASA
AD 2020–0103’’).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2020–0103
(1) Where EASA AD 2020–0103 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2020–0103 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020–
0103 specifies the parts installation
limitation, for this AD, comply with
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
(1) For airplanes that do not have an ELT
having part number (P/N) 01N65900 installed
as of the effective date of this AD: As of the
effective date of this AD, no person may
install an ELT having P/N 01N65900 on any
airplane unless the airplane has been
modified as required by paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2020–0103.
(2) For airplanes that have an ELT having
P/N 01N65900 installed as of the effective
date of this AD: After modification of the
airplane as required by paragraph (1) of
EASA AD 2020–0103, no person may install
an ELT having P/N 01N65900 on that
airplane if the modification is removed.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation 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 Large Aircraft
Section, International Validation Branch,
send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov. 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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, Large Aircraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA; or
EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
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2020–0103 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (j)(2)
of this AD, RC procedures and tests must be
done to comply with this AD; any procedures
or tests that are not identified as RC are
recommended. Those procedures and tests
that are not identified as RC may be deviated
from using accepted methods in accordance
with the operator’s maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the
procedures and tests identified as RC can be
done and the airplane can be put back in an
airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2020–
0103, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 8999 000; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0900.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206–231–3223; email Sanjay.Ralhan@
faa.gov.
Issued on September 25, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–21628 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0901; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00705–E]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &
Whitney Division Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Pratt & Whitney Division (PW)
PW4164, PW4164–1D, PW4168,
PW4168–1D, PW4168A, PW4168A–1D,
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Proposed Rules
and PW4170 model turbofan engines.
This AD was prompted by several
reports of low pressure turbine (LPT)
4th stage vane cluster assemblies
leaning back and notching into the
rotating LPT 4th stage blades, causing
some blades to fracture and release. An
investigation by the manufacturer into
those reports determined that the
leaning back of the LPT 4th stage vane
cluster assemblies was caused by
damage to the LPT 4th stage air sealing
ring segment assemblies. This proposed
AD would require initial and repetitive
replacements of the LPT 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies with
parts eligible for installation. This
proposed AD would also require initial
and repetitive dimensional inspections
of the LPT case for bulging and,
depending on the results of the
dimensional inspection, repair or
replacement of the LPT case. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 16,
2020.
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 Street, East Hartford,
CT 06118; phone: (800) 565–0140;
email: help24@pw.utc.com; website:
https://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may
view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.
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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–2020–
0901; 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, any
comments received, and other
VerDate Sep<11>2014
22:45 Sep 30, 2020
Jkt 253001
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Carol Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781)
238–7655; fax: (781) 238–7199; email:
carol.nguyen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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–2020–0901; Project
Identifier AD–2020–00705–E’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The most
helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change,
and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by
the closing date and may amend this
proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposal.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information
(CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Carol Nguyen,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA
01803. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
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Background
The FAA received 6 reports from the
manufacturer concerning LPT 4th stage
vane cluster assemblies leaning back
and notching into rotating LPT 4th stage
blades, causing some blades to fracture
and release. These incidents resulted in
an aborted takeoff, air turnbacks, engine
surges, high vibrations, and unplanned
engine removals. The incidents were
attributed to the LPT 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies moving
into the LPT 4th stage blades knife edge
seals, resulting in damage to the ring
segment assemblies. As a result of this
damage, gas-path air escapes and
impinges on the LPT case. This can
distort (create local bulging) the LPT
case rail, causing the LPT 4th stage
vanes to lean back and contact the LPT
4th stage blades. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in uncontained
release of LPT 4th stage blades, damage
to the engine, and damage to the
airplane.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD
because the agency 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.
Service Information Incorporated by
Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed PW Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. PW4G–100–A72–
262, revision No. 1, dated September 3,
2020. The ASB describes procedures for
replacing the LPT 4th stage air sealing
ring segment assemblies and inspecting
the LPT case for bulging. 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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
initial and repetitive replacement of the
LPT 4th stage air sealing ring segment
assemblies with parts eligible for
installation. This proposed AD would
also require initial and repetitive
dimensional inspections of the LPT case
for bulging and, depending on the
results of the dimensional inspection,
repair or replacement of the LPT case.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, as
proposed, would affect 99 engines
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Proposed Rules
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
LPT case dimensional inspection ...................
Replace the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring
segment assemblies.
2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 .............
50 work-hours × $85 per hour = $4,250 ........
The FAA estimates the following
costs to perform necessary repair or
replacement that would be required
Parts cost
based on the results of the proposed
dimensional inspection. The FAA has
no way of determining how many
$0
64,592
Cost per
product
$170
68,842
Cost on U.S.
operators
$16,830
6,815,358
engines will need to repair or replace
the LPT case.
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
LPT case repair to restore dimensions ........................
Replace the LPT case ..................................................
250 work-hours × $85 per hour = $21,250 ..................
0 work-hours × $85 per hour = $0 ...............................
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
‘‘Aviation Programs’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is 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.
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Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
VerDate Sep<11>2014
22:45 Sep 30, 2020
Jkt 253001
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 adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Pratt & Whitney Division: Docket No. FAA–
2020–0901; Project Identifier AD–2020–
00705–E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by November
16, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney
Division (PW) PW4164, PW4164–1D,
PW4168, PW4168–1D, PW4168A, PW4168A–
1D, and PW4170 model turbofan engines
with low pressure turbine (LPT) 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies, part number
(P/N) 50N463–01 or P/N 50N526–1, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 7250, Turbine Section.
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Parts cost
$0
1,300,000
Cost per
product
$21,250
1,300,000
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by several reports
from the manufacturer concerning LPT 4th
stage vane cluster assemblies leaning back
and notching into the rotating LPT 4th stage
blades, causing some blades to fracture and
release. A manufacturer investigation into
those reports determined that the leaning
back of the LPT 4th stage vane cluster
assemblies was caused by damage to the LPT
4th stage air sealing ring segment assemblies.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
damage to the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring
segment assemblies, the LPT case, and the
LPT 4th stage blades. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in uncontained
release of the LPT 4th stage blades, 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 affected engines that have either the
Talon IIA outer combustion chamber
assembly, part number (P/N) 51J100 or P/N
51J382, or the Talon IIB outer combustion
chamber assembly, P/N 51J381 or P/N
51J500, installed, at the next engine shop
visit after the effective date of this AD,
remove from service the LPT 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies, P/N
50N463–01 or P/N 50N526–01, and replace
with parts eligible for installation.
(2) For affected engines not referenced in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, at the next LPT
overhaul after the effective date of this AD,
remove from service the LPT 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies, P/N
50N463–01 or P/N 50N526–01, and replace
with parts eligible for installation.
(3) For all affected engines, at each LPT
overhaul after compliance with the required
actions in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this
AD, remove from service the LPT 4th stage
air sealing ring segment assemblies, P/N
50N526–01, and replace with parts eligible
for installation.
(4) During each replacement of the LPT 4th
stage air sealing ring segment assemblies
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 191 / Thursday, October 1, 2020 / Proposed Rules
required by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and
(g)(3) of this AD, perform a dimensional
inspection of the LPT case for bulging in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraph 2, of PW ASB PW4G–
100–A72–262 revision No. 1, dated
September 3, 2020 (‘‘the ASB’’).
(5) If, during the dimensional inspection of
the LPT case required by paragraph (g)(4) of
this AD, any LPT case is found to be outside
the serviceable limits specified in Table 1:
Serviceable Limits and Repairs of the ASB,
repair or replace the LPT case before further
flight.
For the purpose of this AD:
(1) 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 (lettered flanges). The
separation of engine flanges solely for the
purpose of transportation without subsequent
engine maintenance does not constitute an
engine shop visit.
(2) An ‘‘LPT overhaul’’ is when the LPT
rotor is removed from the engine, all four
disks are removed from the LPT rotor, and all
blades are removed from the disks.
(3) ‘‘Parts eligible for installation’’ are LPT
4th stage air sealing ring segment assemblies,
P/N 50N526–01, with zero flight cycles since
new or with a P/N not mentioned in this AD.
(i) 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 (j)(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.
(j) Related Information
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[FR Doc. 2020–21607 Filed 9–30–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0854; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–01067–T]
(h) Definitions
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Carol Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: (781) 238–
7655; fax: (781) 238–7199; email:
carol.nguyen@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Division,
400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118;
phone: (800) 565–0140; email: help24@
pw.utc.com; website: https://
fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 781–238–7759.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Issued on September 25, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
22:45 Sep 30, 2020
Jkt 253001
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2020–01–10, which applies to certain
Airbus SAS Model A350–941 airplanes.
AD 2020–01–10 requires installing flight
control and guidance system (FCGS)
software (SW) X11 Standard (STD).
Since the FAA issued AD 2020–01–10,
Airbus has developed a modification
that forces the air generation system
(AGS) ram air outlet doors to be flush
in cases of total engine flameout or loss
of the main electrical supply. Because of
this additional modification, certain
airplanes that were excluded from the
applicability of AD 2020–01–10 are
included in the applicability of this
proposed AD. This proposed AD would
retain the requirements of AD 2020–01–
10, require modifying the electrical
power supply of the AGS ram air outlet
door actuators, and expand the
applicability by adding airplanes, as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will
be incorporated by reference. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 16,
2020.
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.
SUMMARY:
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61889
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For the material identified in this
proposed AD that will be incorporated
by reference (IBR), contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0854.
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–2020–
0854; 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, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer,
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218; email
Kathleen.Arrigotti@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views about this
proposal. 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. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–0854; Project Identifier
E:\FR\FM\01OCP1.SGM
01OCP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 191 (Thursday, October 1, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61886-61889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21607]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0901; Project Identifier AD-2020-00705-E]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4164, PW4164-1D, PW4168,
PW4168-1D, PW4168A, PW4168A-1D,
[[Page 61887]]
and PW4170 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by several
reports of low pressure turbine (LPT) 4th stage vane cluster assemblies
leaning back and notching into the rotating LPT 4th stage blades,
causing some blades to fracture and release. An investigation by the
manufacturer into those reports determined that the leaning back of the
LPT 4th stage vane cluster assemblies was caused by damage to the LPT
4th stage air sealing ring segment assemblies. This proposed AD would
require initial and repetitive replacements of the LPT 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies with parts eligible for installation.
This proposed AD would also require initial and repetitive dimensional
inspections of the LPT case for bulging and, depending on the results
of the dimensional inspection, repair or replacement of the LPT case.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November
16, 2020.
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 Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone:
(800) 565-0140; email: [email protected]; website: https://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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-2020-
0901; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781)
238-7655; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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-2020-0901;
Project Identifier AD-2020-00705-E'' at the beginning of your comments.
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal,
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information as described in the
following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact received about this proposal.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552),
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to
this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is
customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and
that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you
clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page
of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat
such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will
not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing
CBI should be sent to Carol Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch,
FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that
the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA received 6 reports from the manufacturer concerning LPT 4th
stage vane cluster assemblies leaning back and notching into rotating
LPT 4th stage blades, causing some blades to fracture and release.
These incidents resulted in an aborted takeoff, air turnbacks, engine
surges, high vibrations, and unplanned engine removals. The incidents
were attributed to the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring segment
assemblies moving into the LPT 4th stage blades knife edge seals,
resulting in damage to the ring segment assemblies. As a result of this
damage, gas-path air escapes and impinges on the LPT case. This can
distort (create local bulging) the LPT case rail, causing the LPT 4th
stage vanes to lean back and contact the LPT 4th stage blades. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of LPT
4th stage blades, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 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.
Service Information Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed PW Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW4G-100-A72-
262, revision No. 1, dated September 3, 2020. The ASB describes
procedures for replacing the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring segment
assemblies and inspecting the LPT case for bulging. 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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive replacement
of the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring segment assemblies with parts
eligible for installation. This proposed AD would also require initial
and repetitive dimensional inspections of the LPT case for bulging and,
depending on the results of the dimensional inspection, repair or
replacement of the LPT case.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, as proposed, would affect 99
engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
[[Page 61888]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LPT case dimensional inspection....... 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $16,830
hour = $170.
Replace the LPT 4th stage air sealing 50 work-hours x $85 per 64,592 68,842 6,815,358
ring segment assemblies. hour = $4,250.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to perform necessary repair
or replacement that would be required based on the results of the
proposed dimensional inspection. The FAA has no way of determining how
many engines will need to repair or replace the LPT case.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LPT case repair to restore dimensions......... 250 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $21,250
$21,250.
Replace the LPT case.......................... 0 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 1,300,000 1,300,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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-2020-0901; Project
Identifier AD-2020-00705-E.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 16, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4164, PW4164-
1D, PW4168, PW4168-1D, PW4168A, PW4168A-1D, and PW4170 model
turbofan engines with low pressure turbine (LPT) 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies, part number (P/N) 50N463-01 or P/N
50N526-1, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by several reports from the manufacturer
concerning LPT 4th stage vane cluster assemblies leaning back and
notching into the rotating LPT 4th stage blades, causing some blades
to fracture and release. A manufacturer investigation into those
reports determined that the leaning back of the LPT 4th stage vane
cluster assemblies was caused by damage to the LPT 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent damage to the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring segment
assemblies, the LPT case, and the LPT 4th stage blades. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of
the LPT 4th stage blades, 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 affected engines that have either the Talon IIA outer
combustion chamber assembly, part number (P/N) 51J100 or P/N 51J382,
or the Talon IIB outer combustion chamber assembly, P/N 51J381 or P/
N 51J500, installed, at the next engine shop visit after the
effective date of this AD, remove from service the LPT 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies, P/N 50N463-01 or P/N 50N526-01, and
replace with parts eligible for installation.
(2) For affected engines not referenced in paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD, at the next LPT overhaul after the effective date of this
AD, remove from service the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring segment
assemblies, P/N 50N463-01 or P/N 50N526-01, and replace with parts
eligible for installation.
(3) For all affected engines, at each LPT overhaul after
compliance with the required actions in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2)
of this AD, remove from service the LPT 4th stage air sealing ring
segment assemblies, P/N 50N526-01, and replace with parts eligible
for installation.
(4) During each replacement of the LPT 4th stage air sealing
ring segment assemblies
[[Page 61889]]
required by paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD,
perform a dimensional inspection of the LPT case for bulging in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 2, of PW
ASB PW4G-100-A72-262 revision No. 1, dated September 3, 2020 (``the
ASB'').
(5) If, during the dimensional inspection of the LPT case
required by paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, any LPT case is found to be
outside the serviceable limits specified in Table 1: Serviceable
Limits and Repairs of the ASB, repair or replace the LPT case before
further flight.
(h) Definitions
For the purpose of this AD:
(1) 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 (lettered flanges). The separation of engine
flanges solely for the purpose of transportation without subsequent
engine maintenance does not constitute an engine shop visit.
(2) An ``LPT overhaul'' is when the LPT rotor is removed from
the engine, all four disks are removed from the LPT rotor, and all
blades are removed from the disks.
(3) ``Parts eligible for installation'' are LPT 4th stage air
sealing ring segment assemblies, P/N 50N526-01, with zero flight
cycles since new or with a P/N not mentioned in this AD.
(i) 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 (j)(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Carol Nguyen,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA, 01803; phone: (781) 238-7655; fax: (781) 238-7199;
email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt
& Whitney Division, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone:
(800) 565-0140; email: [email protected]; website: https://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7759.
Issued on September 25, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-21607 Filed 9-30-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
