Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines, 81162-81167 [2020-27511]

Download as PDF 81162 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 241 / Tuesday, December 15, 2020 / Proposed Rules 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. (a) Applicability Regulatory Findings (1) For helicopters without a tail plane installation retromod part number (P/N) 8G5510P00511 (tail plane retromod) installed, before further flight and thereafter before each flight, inspect each forward attachment bolt (bolt) P/N 8G5510A06251 and 8G5510A05951 for a missing bolt head, breakage, and correct installation as depicted in Figure 12 of Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 189– 177, Revision A, dated February 28, 2018 (EASB 189–177). If there is a missing bolt head, a broken bolt, or an incorrectly installed bolt, before further flight, remove the bolt from service and install the tail plane retromod by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 3.1 through 3.33 of EASB 189–177, except you are not required to discard parts and where EASB 189–177 specifies contacting Leonardo PSE for corrective action, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validations Branch, FAA. The Manager’s approval letter must specifically refer to this AD. (2) For helicopters with a tail plane retromod installed in accordance with Leonardo Helicopters Service Bulletin No. 189–130, dated January 30, 2017, and for helicopters with serial number 49046, 49053, 89008, 89009, 92007, or 92008, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, loosen and then torque each nut P/N MS17825–7 (nut) to 15 to 20 Nm (11 to 14.75 ft-lbs), and install a cotter pin and lockwire each nut on the adjustable rod assembly P/N 4F5510A00232, as depicted in Figure 7, Detail N Step 6.5 and Figure 9, Detail P Step 7.9 of EASB 189–177. (3) Within 10 hours TIS after installing a tail plane retromod, within 10 hours TIS after complying with paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, or within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, do the following: (i) Determine the torque of each nut. (ii) If the torque is less than 15 Nm (11 ftlbs) or more than 20 Nm (14.75 ft-lbs), before further flight, remove the bolt and nut and inspect for wear. If there is any wear on the bolt or nut, before further flight, remove the bolt and nut from service. The FAA determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed, I certify that this AD: (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 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: ■ Leonardo S.p.a.: Docket No. FAA–2018– 0309; Product Identifier 2018–SW–014– AD. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:10 Dec 14, 2020 Jkt 253001 This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as failure of a tail plane installation bolt. This condition could result in reduced control of the helicopter. (c) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments by January 29, 2021. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Scott Franke, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, the FAA suggests that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information (1) Leonardo Helicopters Service Bulletin No. 189–130, dated January 30, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters, Emanuele Bufano, Head of Airworthiness, Viale G.Agusta 520, 21017 C.Costa di Samarate (Va) Italy; telephone +39–0331– 225074; fax +39–0331–229046; or at https:// www.leonardocompany.com/en/home. You may view the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD No. 2018–0047–E, dated February 28, 2018. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov in the AD Docket. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 5510, Tail Stabilizer. Issued on December 8, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–27452 Filed 12–14–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2020–1116; Project Identifier AD–2020–00784–E] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\15DEP1.SGM 15DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 241 / Tuesday, December 15, 2020 / Proposed Rules The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012–04–15, which applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D–3A, JT9D–7, JT9D–7A, JT9D–7AH, JT9D–7F, JT9D– 7H, JT9D–7J, JT9D–20, JT9D–20J, JT9D– 59A, JT9D–70A, JT9D–7Q, JT9D–7Q3, JT9D–7R4D, JT9D–7R4D1, JT9D–7R4E, JT9D–7R4E1, JT9D–7R4E4, JT9D– 7R4G2, and JT9D–7R4H1 (JT9D) model turbofan engines. AD 2012–04–15 requires revisions to the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the manufacturer’s Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to include required enhanced inspection of selected critical life-limited parts at each piece-part opportunity. AD 2012– 04–15 also requires additional revisions to the JT9D model engines ALS of the manufacturer’s ICA. Since the FAA issued AD 2012–04–15, PW notified the FAA that revisions to the mandatory inspections contained within the ALS of the manufacturer’s ICA were necessary. This proposed AD would revise the required inspections of selected critical life-limited parts specified in the ALS of the manufacturer’s ICA and, for air carriers, to the existing continuous airworthiness air carrier maintenance program (CAMP). 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 January 29, 2021. 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. SUMMARY: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–1116; 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:10 Dec 14, 2020 Jkt 253001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7742; fax: (781) 238– 7199; email: nicholas.j.paine@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 ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–1116; Project Identifier AD– 2020–00784–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 the proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) 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 agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD. 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 Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety 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. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 81163 Background The FAA issued AD 2012–04–15, Amendment 39–16971 (77 FR 15939, March 19, 2012) (AD 2012–04–15) for all PW JT9D model turbofan engines. AD 2012–04–15 was prompted by the need to require enhanced inspection of selected critical life-limited parts. AD 2012–04–15 requires revisions to the ALS of the manufacturer’s ICA to include required enhanced inspection of selected critical life-limited parts at each piece-part opportunity. The agency issued AD 2012–04–15 to prevent failure of critical life-limited rotating engine parts, which could result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. Actions Since AD 2012–04–15 Was Issued Since the FAA issued AD 2012–04– 15, PW identified errors in the list of mandatory inspections to add to the ALS. During review of the AD, PW found that AD 2012–04–15 did not include eddy current inspections of the fan hubs. Additionally, PW identified duplicate inspections of the HPT Stage 2 disk tie rod and web cooling holds. This AD revises the ALS of the manufacturer’s ICA. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2012–04–15. This proposed AD would revise the required inspections of selected critical life-limited parts specified in the ALS of the manufacturer’s ICA and, for air carriers, to the existing CAMP. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 27 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. Based on updated information since the publication of AD 2012–04– 15, the FAA revised the estimated number of engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry from 438 in AD 2012–04–15 to 27 in this proposed rule. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: E:\FR\FM\15DEP1.SGM 15DEP1 81164 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 241 / Tuesday, December 15, 2020 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Update ALS ............................ 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ......................................... $0 $85 $2,295 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 17:10 Dec 14, 2020 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 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 that the proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, VerDate Sep<11>2014 (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Jkt 253001 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: ■ a. Removing airworthiness directive 2012–04–15, Amendment 39–16971 (77 FR 15939, March 19, 2012); and ■ b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ Pratt & Whitney: Docket No. FAA–2020– 1116; Project Identifier AD–2020–00784– E. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by January 29, 2021. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2012–04–15, Amendment 39–16971 (77 FR 15939, March 19, 2012). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D–3A, JT9D–7, JT9D–7A, JT9D– 7AH, JT9D–7F, JT9D–7H, JT9D–7J, JT9D–20, JT9D–20J, JT9D–59A, JT9D–70A, JT9D–7Q, JT9D–7Q3, JT9D–7R4D, JT9D–7R4D1, JT9D– 7R4E, JT9D–7R4E1, JT9D–7R4E4, JT9D– 7R4G2, and JT9D–7R4H1 (JT9D) model turbofan engines. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine Compressor Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the need to require enhanced inspection of selected critical life-limited parts of PW JT9D model turbofan engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the failure of critical life-limited rotating engine parts. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained part 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 Within the 30 days after the effective date of this AD, add Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD to the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the manufacturer’s Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and, for air carrier operations, to the existing continuous airworthiness air carrier maintenance program. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\15DEP1.SGM 15DEP1 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:10 Dec 14, 2020 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\15DEP1.SGM 15DEP1 81165 EP15DE20.012</GPH> Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 241 / Tuesday, December 15, 2020 / Proposed Rules Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 241 / Tuesday, December 15, 2020 / Proposed Rules BILLING CODE 4910–13–C (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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:10 Dec 14, 2020 Jkt 253001 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 Related Information. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@ faa.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (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. E:\FR\FM\15DEP1.SGM 15DEP1 EP15DE20.013</GPH> 81166 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 241 / Tuesday, December 15, 2020 / Proposed Rules (i) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7742; fax: (781) 238–7199; email: nicholas.j.paine@faa.gov. Issued on December 9, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2020–27511 Filed 12–14–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11E at NARA, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr_locations.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Van Der Wal, Federal Aviation Administration, Western Service Center, Operations Support Group, 2200 S 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone (206) 231–3695. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2020–1072; Airspace Docket No. 20–ACE–23] RIN 2120–AA66 Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Leoti, KS Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Mark Hoard Memorial Airport, Leoti, KS. The establishment of Class E airspace facilitates the airport’s transition from visual flight rules (VFR) to instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. This action would ensure the safety and management of IFR operations at the airport. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 29, 2021. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001; telephone: 1(800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2020–1072; Airspace Docket No. 20–ACE–23, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_ traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:10 Dec 14, 2020 Jkt 253001 The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency’s authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would establish Class E airspace to support the airport’s transition from VFR to IFR operations at Mark Hoard Memorial Airport, Leoti, KS. Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Persons wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2020–1072; Airspace Docket No. 20–ACE–23’’. The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received before the specified closing date for comments PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 81167 will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s web page at https:// www.faa.gov//air_traffic/publications/ airspace_amendments/. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see the ADDRESSES section for the address and phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours, except federal holidays, at the Northwest Mountain Regional Office of the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic Organization, Western Service Center, Operations Support Group, 2200 S 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198. Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference This document proposes to amend FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 21, 2020, and effective September 15, 2020. FAA Order 7400.11E is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11E lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points. The Proposal The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by establishing Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at the Mark Hoard Memorial Airport, Leoti, KS. The establishment of Class E airspace facilitates the airport’s transition from VFR to IFR operations. The airspace is designed to contain IFR departures to 1,200 feet above the surface and IFR arrivals descending below 1,500 feet above the surface. The area would be described as follows: That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 6.5-mile radius of Mark Hoard Memorial Airport. E:\FR\FM\15DEP1.SGM 15DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 241 (Tuesday, December 15, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 81162-81167]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-27511]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-1116; Project Identifier AD-2020-00784-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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[[Page 81163]]

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2012-04-15, which applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-3A, JT9D-7, 
JT9D-7A, JT9D-7AH, JT9D-7F, JT9D-7H, JT9D-7J, JT9D-20, JT9D-20J, JT9D-
59A, JT9D-70A, JT9D-7Q, JT9D-7Q3, JT9D-7R4D, JT9D-7R4D1, JT9D-7R4E, 
JT9D-7R4E1, JT9D-7R4E4, JT9D-7R4G2, and JT9D-7R4H1 (JT9D) model 
turbofan engines. AD 2012-04-15 requires revisions to the Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) of the manufacturer's Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to include required enhanced inspection 
of selected critical life-limited parts at each piece-part opportunity. 
AD 2012-04-15 also requires additional revisions to the JT9D model 
engines ALS of the manufacturer's ICA. Since the FAA issued AD 2012-04-
15, PW notified the FAA that revisions to the mandatory inspections 
contained within the ALS of the manufacturer's ICA were necessary. This 
proposed AD would revise the required inspections of selected critical 
life-limited parts specified in the ALS of the manufacturer's ICA and, 
for air carriers, to the existing continuous airworthiness air carrier 
maintenance program (CAMP). 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 January 29, 
2021.

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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1116; 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: Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7742; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-1116; Project Identifier 
AD-2020-00784-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 
the proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) 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 agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.

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 
Nicholas Paine, Aviation Safety 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 issued AD 2012-04-15, Amendment 39-16971 (77 FR 15939, 
March 19, 2012) (AD 2012-04-15) for all PW JT9D model turbofan engines. 
AD 2012-04-15 was prompted by the need to require enhanced inspection 
of selected critical life-limited parts. AD 2012-04-15 requires 
revisions to the ALS of the manufacturer's ICA to include required 
enhanced inspection of selected critical life-limited parts at each 
piece-part opportunity. The agency issued AD 2012-04-15 to prevent 
failure of critical life-limited rotating engine parts, which could 
result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2012-04-15 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2012-04-15, PW identified errors in the 
list of mandatory inspections to add to the ALS. During review of the 
AD, PW found that AD 2012-04-15 did not include eddy current 
inspections of the fan hubs. Additionally, PW identified duplicate 
inspections of the HPT Stage 2 disk tie rod and web cooling holds. This 
AD revises the ALS of the manufacturer's ICA.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2012-04-
15. This proposed AD would revise the required inspections of selected 
critical life-limited parts specified in the ALS of the manufacturer's 
ICA and, for air carriers, to the existing CAMP.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 27 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. Based on 
updated information since the publication of AD 2012-04-15, the FAA 
revised the estimated number of engines installed on airplanes of U.S. 
registry from 438 in AD 2012-04-15 to 27 in this proposed rule.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

[[Page 81164]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
              Action                        Labor cost            Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update ALS........................  1 work-hour x $85 per                  $0              $85           $2,295
                                     hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 that the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:
0
a. Removing airworthiness directive 2012-04-15, Amendment 39-16971 (77 
FR 15939, March 19, 2012); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Pratt & Whitney: Docket No. FAA-2020-1116; Project Identifier AD-
2020-00784-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by January 29, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-04-15, Amendment 39-16971 (77 FR 15939, 
March 19, 2012).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-3A, JT9D-7, 
JT9D-7A, JT9D-7AH, JT9D-7F, JT9D-7H, JT9D-7J, JT9D-20, JT9D-20J, 
JT9D-59A, JT9D-70A, JT9D-7Q, JT9D-7Q3, JT9D-7R4D, JT9D-7R4D1, JT9D-
7R4E, JT9D-7R4E1, JT9D-7R4E4, JT9D-7R4G2, and JT9D-7R4H1 (JT9D) 
model turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the need to require enhanced inspection 
of selected critical life-limited parts of PW JT9D model turbofan 
engines. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the failure of 
critical life-limited rotating engine parts. The unsafe condition, 
if not addressed, could result in uncontained part 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

    Within the 30 days after the effective date of this AD, add 
Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD to the Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) of the manufacturer's Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and, for air carrier operations, to 
the existing continuous airworthiness air carrier maintenance 
program.
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(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 Related Information. 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.

[[Page 81167]]

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Nicholas Paine, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7742; fax: (781) 238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

    Issued on December 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-27511 Filed 12-14-20; 8:45 am]
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