Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines, LLC Engines, 56999-57002 [2023-18114]

Download as PDF 56999 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 161 Tuesday, August 22, 2023 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–1714; Project Identifier AD–2023–00902–E; Amendment 39–22526; AD 2023–16–07] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines, LLC Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) Model PW1122G–JM, PW1124G1– JM, PW1124G–JM, PW1127G–JM, PW1127G1–JM, PW1127GA–JM, PW1129G–JM, PW1130G–JM, PW1133G–JM, PW1133GA–JM, PW1428G–JM, PW1428GA–JM, PW1428GH–JM, PW1431G–JM, PW1431GA–JM, and PW1431GH–JM engines. This AD was prompted by an updated analysis of an event involving an IAE LLC Model PW1127GA–JM engine, which experienced a highpressure compressor (HPC) 7th-stage integrally bladed rotor (IBR–7) separation that resulted in an aborted takeoff. This AD requires performing an ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the highpressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage hub and HPT 2nd-stage hub for cracks and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacing the HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-stage hub. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective August 28, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 28, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:46 Aug 21, 2023 Jkt 259001 of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of November 7, 2022 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 2022; corrected 87 FR 64156, October 24, 2022). The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 6, 2023. 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 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1714; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. • For Pratt & Whitney (PW) service information identified in this final rule, contact International Aero Engines, LLC, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (860) 690–9667; email: help24@pw.utc.com; website: connect.prattwhitney.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 (817) 222–5110. It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–1714. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238–7655; email: carol.nguyen@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2023–1714; PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Project Identifier AD–2023–00902–E’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule. 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Carol Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background On March 18, 2020, an Airbus Model A321–231 airplane, powered by International Aero Engines AG (IAE AG) Model V2533–A5 engines, experienced an uncontained HPT 1st-stage disk failure that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling. Based on a preliminary analysis of this event, on March 21, 2020, the FAA issued Emergency AD 2020–07–51 (followed by publication in the Federal Register on April 13, 2020, as a final E:\FR\FM\22AUR1.SGM 22AUR1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 57000 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 22, 2023 / Rules and Regulations rule, request for comments (85 FR 20402)), which requires the removal from service of certain HPT 1st-stage disks installed on IAE AG Model V2522–A5, V2524–A5, V2525–D5, V2527–A5, V2527E–A5, V2527M–A5, V2528–D5, V2530–A5, and V2533–A5 engines. A manufacturer investigation found that the failure of the HPT 1ststage disk was a result of a material anomaly attributed to deficiencies in the manufacturing process. Based on the analysis performed since that March 2020 event, the manufacturer, PW, identified a different population of HPT 1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks that are subject to the same unsafe condition identified in AD 2020–07–51. In response, the FAA issued AD 2021–19–10, Amendment 39–21728 (86 FR 50610, September 10, 2021) (AD 2021–19–10), which requires the removal from service of certain HPT 1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks installed on IAE LLC Model PW1122G– JM, PW1124G1–JM, PW1124G–JM, PW1127G1–JM, PW1127GA–JM, PW1127G–JM, PW1129G–JM, PW1130G–JM, PW1133GA–JM, and PW1133G–JM engines. Since the FAA issued AD 2021–19– 10, PW identified another subpopulation of HPT 1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks that, because of their susceptibility to the same material anomaly, require inspection and possible removal from service. In response, the FAA issued AD 2022–19– 15, Amendment 39–22184 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 2022; corrected 87 FR 64156, October 24, 2022) (AD 2022–19– 15), which requires performing a USI of the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2ndstage disk and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk installed on IAE LLC Model PW1122G–JM, PW1124G1–JM, PW1124G–JM, PW1127G1–JM, PW1127GA–JM, PW1127G–JM, PW1129G–JM, PW1130G–JM, PW1133GA–JM, and PW1133G–JM engines. Since the FAA issued AD 2022–19– 15, on December 24, 2022 an Airbus Model A320neo airplane powered by IAE LLC Model PW1127GA–JM engines, experienced an HPC IBR–7 failure that resulted in engine shutdown and aborted take-off. Following this event, the manufacturer conducted a records review of production and field-returned parts, and re-evaluated their engineering analysis methodology. The new analysis identified HPT 1st-stage hubs and HPT 2nd-stage hubs that are susceptible to failure much earlier than previously determined. On August 4, 2023, PW issued service information to instructing VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:46 Aug 21, 2023 Jkt 259001 operators to conduct a USI to detect cracks and prevent premature failure. The new service information necessitates action much earlier than the timing mandated in AD 2022–19–15. The manufacturer’s updated analysis also identified PW1400G series engines that contain HPT 1st-stage hubs and HPT 2nd-stage hubs that are also subject to this vulnerability and therefore need immediate inspection. This condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained disk failure, release of high-energy debris, damage to the engine, damage to the airplane, and loss of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed PW Special Instruction No. 149F–23, dated August 4, 2023. This service information provides the list of affected HPT 1ststage hubs and HPT 2nd-stage hubs, identified by part number and serial number, installed on certain IAE LLC engines. Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW1000G–C–72–00–0188–00A–930A– D, Issue No: 002, dated July 8, 2022, was previously approved for incorporation by reference on November 7, 2022 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 2022; corrected 87 FR 64156, October 24, 2022). 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 ADDRESSES. AD Requirements This AD requires performing a USI of the HPT 1st-stage hub and HPT 2ndstage hub and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-stage hub. Differences Between the AD and the Service Information PW Service Bulletin PW1000G–C–72– 00–0188–00A–930A–D, Issue No: 002, dated July 8, 2022, includes only PW1100G–JM series engines in its applicability. This AD applies to both PW1100G–JM series engines and PW1400G–JM series engines. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Interim Action The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. This unsafe condition is still under investigation by the manufacturer and, depending on the results of that investigation, the FAA may consider further rulemaking action. Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule. The presence of material anomalies in the HPT 1st-stage hubs and HPT 2ndstage hubs discovered after the December 24, 2022 engine shutdown and aborted take-off could lead to premature fracture and uncontained failure, which indicates an immediate safety of flight problem. The manufacturer also recently conducted a records review of production and fieldreturned parts, and re-evaluated their engineering analysis methodology and identified HPT 1st-stage hubs and HPT 2nd-stage hubs that require USI much earlier than previously required. The manufacturer issued service information on August 4, 2023 instructing operators to remove these engines from service by September 15, 2023 due to the urgency of the safety of flight issue. The longer these parts remain in service, without the inspections required by this AD, the higher the probability of failure. Therefore, the compliance time for these required inspections is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in E:\FR\FM\22AUR1.SGM 22AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 22, 2023 / Rules and Regulations less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment. Regulatory Flexibility Act The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. 57001 Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost USI the HPT 1st-stage hub ........................................... 100 work-hours × $85 per hour = $8,500. 100 work-hours × $85 per hour = $8,500. USI the HPT 2nd-stage hub .......................................... The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary replacement that would be required based on the Cost per product Parts cost results of the inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of Cost on U.S. operators $0 $8,500 $170,000 0 8,500 170,000 aircraft that might need this replacement: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Replace HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-stage hub ..................... 1 work-hours × $85 per 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. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 Regulatory Findings This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:46 Aug 21, 2023 Jkt 259001 (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39 AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2023–16–07 International Aero Engines, LLC: Amendment 39–22526; Docket No. FAA–2023–1714; Project Identifier AD– 2023–00902–E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 28, 2023. (b) Affected ADs AD 2022–19–15, Amendment 39–22184 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 2022; corrected 87 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Parts cost $171,000 Cost per product $171,085 FR 64156, October 24, 2022) (AD 2022–19– 15) is related to this AD. (c) Applicability This AD applies to International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) Model PW1122G– JM, PW1124G1–JM, PW1124G–JM, PW1127G–JM, PW1127G1–JM, PW1127GA– JM, PW1129G–JM, PW1130G–JM, PW1133G– JM, PW1133GA–JM, PW1428G–JM, PW1428GA–JM, PW1428GH–JM, PW1431G– JM, PW1431GA–JM, and PW1431GH–JM engines with an installed: (1) High-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage hub, part number (P/N) 30G6201 or 30G7301, with a serial number (S/N) listed in Tables 1, 2, 3, or 4 of Pratt & Whitney (PW) Special Instruction No. 149F–23, dated August 4, 2023; or (2) HPT 2nd-stage hub, P/N 30G5502 or 30G6602, with an S/N listed in Tables 1, 2, 3, or 4 of PW Special Instruction No. 149F– 23, dated August 4, 2023. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine Section. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by an analysis of an event involving an IAE LLC Model PW1127GA–JM engine, which experienced a failure of a high-pressure compressor 7thstage integrally bladed rotor that resulted in an aborted takeoff. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT 1st-stage hub and HPT 2nd-stage hub. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained hub failure, release of highenergy debris, damage to the engine, damage to the airplane, and loss of the airplane. E:\FR\FM\22AUR1.SGM 22AUR1 57002 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 22, 2023 / Rules and Regulations (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (m)(5) and (6) of this AD. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the HPT 1st-stage hubs for cracks in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 9.A. or 9.B., as applicable, of PW Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G–C–72–00–0188–00A–930A–D, Issue No: 002, dated July 8, 2022 (PW1000G– C–72–00–0188–00A–930A–D, Issue 002). (2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a USI of the HPT 2ndstage hubs for cracks in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 9.C. or 9.D., as applicable, of PW SB PW1000G– C–72–00–0188–00A–930A–D, Issue 002. (3) If a rejectable indication is found during the inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, before further flight, replace the HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-stage hub with a part eligible for installation. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on August 28, 2023. (i) Pratt & Whitney Special Instruction No. 149F–23, dated August 4, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on November 7, 2022 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 2022; corrected 87 FR 64156, October 24, 2022). (i) Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW1000G–C–72–00–0188–00A–930A–D, Issue No.: 002, dated July 8, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (5) For Pratt & Whitney service information identified in this AD, contact International Aero Engines, LLC, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (860) 690–9667; email: help24@pw.utc.com; website: connect.prattwhitney.com. (6) 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 (817) 222–5110. (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. (h) Definition For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible for installation’’ is: (1) Any HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2ndstage hub that has passed the USI required by paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) of this AD. (2) Any HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2ndstage hub with a certificate of conformance indicating ‘‘PW1000G–C–72–00–0188–00A– 930A–D,’’ ‘‘1 CODE 45S,’’ or identified by part marking ‘‘21CC332’’ or ‘‘SB 72–0188.’’ (i) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the USIs required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed the USIs before the effective date of this AD using PW SB PW1000G–C–72–00– 0188–00A–930A–D, Issue No: 001, dated September 13, 2021. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1 (j) Terminating Action to AD 2022–19–15 Compliance with this AD satisfies the requirements of AD 2022–19–15. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety 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 branch manager, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD and email to: ANEAD-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. (l) Additional Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Carol Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238–7655; email: carol.nguyen@faa.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:46 Aug 21, 2023 Jkt 259001 Issued on August 11, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–18114 Filed 8–18–23; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security 15 CFR Part 744 [Docket No. 230810–0191] RIN 0694–AJ33 Revisions to the Unverified List Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 removing a total of 35 persons from the Unverified List (UVL), including 27 under the destination of China, one under the destination of Indonesia, two under the destination of Pakistan, one under the destination of Singapore, one under the destination of Turkey, and one under the destination of the United Arab Emirates because BIS was able to verify their bona fides; two persons, under the destination of Russia, are also removed from the UVL after they were added to the Entity List. DATES: This rule is effective August 22, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on the Unverified List revisions, contact Linda Minsker, Director, Office of Enforcement Analysis, Phone: (202) 482–4255, Email: UVLRequest@bis.doc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Unverified List Changes The UVL, found in supplement no. 6 to part 744 of the EAR (15 CFR parts 730–774), contains the names and addresses of foreign persons who are or have been parties to a transaction, as described in § 748.5 of the EAR, involving the export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) of items subject to the EAR. These foreign persons are added to the UVL because BIS or federal officials acting on BIS’s behalf were unable to verify their bona fides (i.e., legitimacy and reliability relating to the end use and end user of items subject to the EAR) through the completion of an end-use check. Sometimes these checks, such as a pre-license check (PLC) or a post-shipment verification (PSV), cannot be completed satisfactorily for reasons outside the U.S. Government’s control. There are any number of reasons why these checks cannot be completed to the satisfaction of the U.S. Government. The reasons include, but are not limited to: (1) reasons unrelated to the cooperation of the foreign party subject to the enduse check (for example, BIS sometimes initiates end-use checks but is unable to complete them because the foreign party cannot be found at the address indicated on the associated export documents and BIS cannot contact the party by telephone or email); (2) reasons related to a lack of cooperation by the host government that fails to schedule and facilitate the completion of an end-use check, for example by host government agencies’ lack of responses to requests to conduct end-use checks, actions preventing the scheduling of such checks, or refusals to schedule checks in a timely manner; or (3) when, during the E:\FR\FM\22AUR1.SGM 22AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 22, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56999-57002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-18114]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

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


Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 22, 2023 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 56999]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1714; Project Identifier AD-2023-00902-E; 
Amendment 39-22526; AD 2023-16-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines, LLC Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) Model PW1122G-JM, 
PW1124G1-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1129G-
JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1428G-JM, PW1428GA-JM, 
PW1428GH-JM, PW1431G-JM, PW1431GA-JM, and PW1431GH-JM engines. This AD 
was prompted by an updated analysis of an event involving an IAE LLC 
Model PW1127GA-JM engine, which experienced a high-pressure compressor 
(HPC) 7th-stage integrally bladed rotor (IBR-7) separation that 
resulted in an aborted takeoff. This AD requires performing an 
ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-
stage hub and HPT 2nd-stage hub for cracks and, depending on the 
results of the inspections, replacing the HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-
stage hub. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 28, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 28, 
2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
November 7, 2022 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 2022; corrected 87 FR 64156, 
October 24, 2022).
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by October 6, 2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1714; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
     For Pratt & Whitney (PW) service information identified in 
this final rule, contact International Aero Engines, LLC, 400 Main 
Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (860) 690-9667; email: 
[email protected]; website: connect.prattwhitney.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 (817) 222-5110. It is 
also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1714.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Nguyen, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 
238-7655; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-1714; Project Identifier AD-
2023-00902-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Carol 
Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, 
WA 98198. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not 
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for 
this rulemaking.

Background

    On March 18, 2020, an Airbus Model A321-231 airplane, powered by 
International Aero Engines AG (IAE AG) Model V2533-A5 engines, 
experienced an uncontained HPT 1st-stage disk failure that resulted in 
high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling. Based on a 
preliminary analysis of this event, on March 21, 2020, the FAA issued 
Emergency AD 2020-07-51 (followed by publication in the Federal 
Register on April 13, 2020, as a final

[[Page 57000]]

rule, request for comments (85 FR 20402)), which requires the removal 
from service of certain HPT 1st-stage disks installed on IAE AG Model 
V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, 
V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 engines. A manufacturer investigation found that 
the failure of the HPT 1st-stage disk was a result of a material 
anomaly attributed to deficiencies in the manufacturing process.
    Based on the analysis performed since that March 2020 event, the 
manufacturer, PW, identified a different population of HPT 1st-stage 
disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks that are subject to the same unsafe 
condition identified in AD 2020-07-51. In response, the FAA issued AD 
2021-19-10, Amendment 39-21728 (86 FR 50610, September 10, 2021) (AD 
2021-19-10), which requires the removal from service of certain HPT 
1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks installed on IAE LLC Model 
PW1122G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G-
JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, and PW1133G-JM engines.
    Since the FAA issued AD 2021-19-10, PW identified another 
subpopulation of HPT 1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks that, 
because of their susceptibility to the same material anomaly, require 
inspection and possible removal from service. In response, the FAA 
issued AD 2022-19-15, Amendment 39-22184 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 2022; 
corrected 87 FR 64156, October 24, 2022) (AD 2022-19-15), which 
requires performing a USI of the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage 
disk and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of 
the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk installed on IAE LLC Model 
PW1122G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G-
JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, and PW1133G-JM engines.
    Since the FAA issued AD 2022-19-15, on December 24, 2022 an Airbus 
Model A320neo airplane powered by IAE LLC Model PW1127GA-JM engines, 
experienced an HPC IBR-7 failure that resulted in engine shutdown and 
aborted take-off. Following this event, the manufacturer conducted a 
records review of production and field-returned parts, and re-evaluated 
their engineering analysis methodology. The new analysis identified HPT 
1st-stage hubs and HPT 2nd-stage hubs that are susceptible to failure 
much earlier than previously determined. On August 4, 2023, PW issued 
service information to instructing operators to conduct a USI to detect 
cracks and prevent premature failure. The new service information 
necessitates action much earlier than the timing mandated in AD 2022-
19-15. The manufacturer's updated analysis also identified PW1400G 
series engines that contain HPT 1st-stage hubs and HPT 2nd-stage hubs 
that are also subject to this vulnerability and therefore need 
immediate inspection. This condition, if not addressed, could result in 
uncontained disk failure, release of high-energy debris, damage to the 
engine, damage to the airplane, and loss of the airplane. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in 
other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed PW Special Instruction No. 149F-23, dated August 
4, 2023. This service information provides the list of affected HPT 
1st-stage hubs and HPT 2nd-stage hubs, identified by part number and 
serial number, installed on certain IAE LLC engines.
    Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D, 
Issue No: 002, dated July 8, 2022, was previously approved for 
incorporation by reference on November 7, 2022 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 
2022; corrected 87 FR 64156, October 24, 2022).
    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 ADDRESSES.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires performing a USI of the HPT 1st-stage hub and HPT 
2nd-stage hub and, depending on the results of the inspections, 
replacement of the HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-stage hub.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    PW Service Bulletin PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D, Issue No: 002, 
dated July 8, 2022, includes only PW1100G-JM series engines in its 
applicability. This AD applies to both PW1100G-JM series engines and 
PW1400G-JM series engines.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. This unsafe 
condition is still under investigation by the manufacturer and, 
depending on the results of that investigation, the FAA may consider 
further rulemaking action.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule. 
The presence of material anomalies in the HPT 1st-stage hubs and HPT 
2nd-stage hubs discovered after the December 24, 2022 engine shutdown 
and aborted take-off could lead to premature fracture and uncontained 
failure, which indicates an immediate safety of flight problem. The 
manufacturer also recently conducted a records review of production and 
field-returned parts, and re-evaluated their engineering analysis 
methodology and identified HPT 1st-stage hubs and HPT 2nd-stage hubs 
that require USI much earlier than previously required. The 
manufacturer issued service information on August 4, 2023 instructing 
operators to remove these engines from service by September 15, 2023 
due to the urgency of the safety of flight issue. The longer these 
parts remain in service, without the inspections required by this AD, 
the higher the probability of failure. Therefore, the compliance time 
for these required inspections is shorter than the time necessary for 
the public to comment and for publication of the final rule. 
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in

[[Page 57001]]

less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to 
forgo notice and comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USI the HPT 1st-stage hub.............  100 work-hours x $85 per              $0          $8,500        $170,000
                                         hour = $8,500.
USI the HPT 2nd-stage hub.............  100 work-hours x $85 per               0           8,500         170,000
                                         hour = $8,500.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacement that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-stage hub  1 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $171,000        $171,085
                                                 $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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Amendment

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

PART 39 AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2023-16-07 International Aero Engines, LLC: Amendment 39-22526; 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1714; Project Identifier AD-2023-00902-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 28, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    AD 2022-19-15, Amendment 39-22184 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 2022; 
corrected 87 FR 64156, October 24, 2022) (AD 2022-19-15) is related 
to this AD.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) 
Model PW1122G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1127G1-JM, 
PW1127GA-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, 
PW1428G-JM, PW1428GA-JM, PW1428GH-JM, PW1431G-JM, PW1431GA-JM, and 
PW1431GH-JM engines with an installed:
    (1) High-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage hub, part number (P/N) 
30G6201 or 30G7301, with a serial number (S/N) listed in Tables 1, 
2, 3, or 4 of Pratt & Whitney (PW) Special Instruction No. 149F-23, 
dated August 4, 2023; or
    (2) HPT 2nd-stage hub, P/N 30G5502 or 30G6602, with an S/N 
listed in Tables 1, 2, 3, or 4 of PW Special Instruction No. 149F-
23, dated August 4, 2023.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an analysis of an event involving an IAE 
LLC Model PW1127GA-JM engine, which experienced a failure of a high-
pressure compressor 7th-stage integrally bladed rotor that resulted 
in an aborted takeoff. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the HPT 1st-stage hub and HPT 2nd-stage hub. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained hub 
failure, release of high-energy debris, damage to the engine, damage 
to the airplane, and loss of the airplane.

[[Page 57002]]

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
an ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the HPT 1st-stage hubs for cracks 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 9.A. 
or 9.B., as applicable, of PW Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G-C-72-00-
0188-00A-930A-D, Issue No: 002, dated July 8, 2022 (PW1000G-C-72-00-
0188-00A-930A-D, Issue 002).
    (2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a USI of the HPT 2nd-stage hubs for cracks in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 9.C. or 9.D., as applicable, 
of PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D, Issue 002.
    (3) If a rejectable indication is found during the inspections 
required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, before further 
flight, replace the HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-stage hub with a 
part eligible for installation.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for installation'' 
is:
    (1) Any HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-stage hub that has passed 
the USI required by paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) of this AD.
    (2) Any HPT 1st-stage hub or HPT 2nd-stage hub with a 
certificate of conformance indicating ``PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-
930A-D,'' ``1 CODE 45S,'' or identified by part marking ``21CC332'' 
or ``SB 72-0188.''

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the USIs required by paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (2) of this AD if you performed the USIs before the effective 
date of this AD using PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D, Issue 
No: 001, dated September 13, 2021.

(j) Terminating Action to AD 2022-19-15

    Compliance with this AD satisfies the requirements of AD 2022-
19-15.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 branch manager, send it to the attention 
of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD and email 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.

(l) Additional Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Carol Nguyen, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone: (781) 238-7655; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(5) and (6) of this AD.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 28, 2023.
    (i) Pratt & Whitney Special Instruction No. 149F-23, dated 
August 4, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 7, 2022 (87 FR 59660, October 3, 2022; corrected 87 FR 
64156, October 24, 2022).
    (i) Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-
930A-D, Issue No.: 002, dated July 8, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For Pratt & Whitney service information identified in this 
AD, contact International Aero Engines, LLC, 400 Main Street, East 
Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (860) 690-9667; email: [email protected]; 
website: connect.prattwhitney.com.
    (6) 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 (817) 222-5110.
    (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 11, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-18114 Filed 8-18-23; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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