Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

Citation84 FR 47445
Record Number2019-19410
Published date10 September 2019
CourtFederal Aviation Administration
Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2019)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2019)]
                [Proposed Rules]
                [Pages 47445-47447]
                From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
                [FR Doc No: 2019-19410]
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                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                Federal Aviation Administration
                14 CFR Part 39
                [Docket No. FAA-2019-0596; Product Identifier 2019-NE-22-AD]
                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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                SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
                for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521GA, PW1524G,
                PW1525G, PW1521G-3, PW1524G-3, PW1525G-3, PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G,
                PW1923G, and PW1923G-A model turbofan engines. This proposed AD was
                prompted by reports of in-flight shutdowns due to oil leaking from the
                connection between the LP10 oil supply tube and the fuel oil cooler
                (FOC). This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive gap
                inspections of the LP10 oil supply tube and the FOC and, if a gap is
                found, replacement of these parts. This proposed AD further requires
                removal of these parts at the next engine shop visit. The FAA is
                proposing an AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
                DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 25,
                2019.
                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 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
                 Fax: 202-493-2251.
                 Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
                Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
                Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
                 Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
                a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                 For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Pratt &
                Whitney, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT, 06118; phone: 800-565-
                0140; fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
                Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
                Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the availability of this
                material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
                [[Page 47446]]
                Examining the AD Docket
                 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
                0596; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
                Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
                this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
                information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
                Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer,
                ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; phone:
                781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                Comments Invited
                 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-2010-0596;
                Product Identifier 2019-NE-22-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
                The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
                economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
                consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
                NPRM because of those comments.
                 The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to
                http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
                provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
                verbal contact we receive about this NPRM.
                Discussion
                 The FAA received reports of two in-flight shutdowns due to oil
                leaking from the connection between the LP10 tube and the fuel oil
                cooler. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of
                the LP10 oil tube, engine fire and damage to the airplane.
                Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
                 The FAA reviewed PW Service Bulletin (SB) PW SB PW1000-A-79-00-
                0004-00B-930A-D, dated March 20, 2019, and PW SB PW1000-A-79-00-0011-
                00A-930A-D, dated March 20, 2019. PW SB PW1000-A-79-00-0004-00B-930A-D
                describes procedures for modification or replacement of the FOC on
                PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G, PW1923G, and PW1923G-A model turbofan
                engines. PW SB PW1000-A-79-00-0011-00A-930A-D describes procedures for
                modification or replacement of the FOCs on PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521GA,
                PW1521G-3, PW1524G, PW1524G-3, PW1525G, and PW1525G-3 model turbofan
                engines. This service information is reasonably available because the
                interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
                business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                Other Related Service Information
                 The FAA reviewed PW SB PW SB PW1000-A-79-00-0005-00B-930A-D, dated
                January 25, 2019; PW SB PW1000-A-79-00-0012-00A-930A-D, dated January
                25, 2019; PW SB PW1000-A-79-00-0007-00B-930A-D, dated March 29, 2019,
                and PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0013-00A-930A-D, dated March 29, 2019. These
                service bulletins describe procedures for inspections of the FOC for
                gaps as well as replacement of the FOC and the LP10 oil supply tube to
                prevent oil leaks.
                FAA's Determination
                 The FAA is proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
                information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
                likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
                Proposed AD Requirements
                 This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive gap
                inspections of the LP10 oil supply tube and the FOC and, if a gap is
                found, replacement of these parts. This proposed AD would further
                require removal and replacement of these parts at the next engine shop
                visit.
                Costs of Compliance
                 The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 18 engines
                installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
                 The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
                AD:
                 Estimated Costs
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Cost per Cost on U.S.
                 Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Perform gap inspection................ 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $3,060
                 hour = $170.
                Replace FOC........................... 5 work-hours x $85 per 69,000 69,425 1,249,650
                 hour = $425.
                Replace LP 10 line.................... 2.5 work-hours x $85 per 1,125 1,337.50 24,075
                 hour = $212.50.
                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                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.
                 This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
                Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
                FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
                normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
                during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
                authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and
                associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards
                Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.
                Regulatory Findings
                 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:
                [[Page 47447]]
                 (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: Docket No. FAA-2019-0596; Product Identifier 2019-
                NE-22-AD.
                (a) Comments Due Date
                 The FAA must receive comments by October 25, 2019.
                (b) Affected ADs
                 None.
                (c) Applicability
                 This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW1519G, PW1521G,
                PW1521GA, PW1524G, PW1525G, PW1521G-3, PW1524G-3, PW1525G-3,
                PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G, PW1923G, and PW1923G-A model turbofan
                engines.
                (d) Subject
                 Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7261, Turbine Engine
                Oil System.
                (e) Unsafe Condition
                 This AD was prompted by reports of two in-flight shutdowns due
                to oil leaking from the connection between the LP10 oil supply tube
                and the fuel oil cooler (FOC). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
                failure of the LP10 oil supply tube, engine fire and damage to the
                airplane. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
                engine fire and damage to the airplane.
                (f) Compliance
                 Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
                unless already done.
                (g) Required Actions
                 (1) Within 300 engine cycles from the effective date of this AD,
                perform an initial gap inspection with a 0.001 inch feeler gauge
                between the LP10 oil supply tube, part number (P/N) 5312624-01, and
                the FOC, P/N 5306769.
                 (i) If any gap is found, remove the LP10 oil supply tube and the
                FOC and replace with parts eligible for installation prior to
                further flight.
                 (ii) If no gap is found, repeat this inspection every 850 engine
                cycles since the previous inspection.
                 (2) At the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD,
                remove the LP10 oil supply tube, P/N 5312624-01, and the FOC, P/N
                5306769, and replace with parts eligible for installation.
                (h) Terminating Action
                 Removal of the affected LP10 oil supply tube and the FOC per the
                requirements of paragraphs (g)(1)(i) or (g)(2) of this AD
                constitutes terminating action for the inspections required by
                paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
                (i) Definition
                 (1) For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the
                induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the
                separation of pairs of major mating engine case flanges, except
                separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of
                transportation of the engine without subsequent maintenance does not
                constitute an engine shop visit.
                 (2) For the purpose of this AD, an LP10 tube eligible for
                installation is any LP10 tube with a P/N other than P/N 5312624-01.
                 (3) For the purpose of this AD, a FOC eligible for installation
                is one with a P/N other than P/N 5306769 or an FOC modified per PW
                SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0004-00B-930A-D or PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0011-
                00A-930A-D, both dated March 20, 2019.
                (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
                 (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
                AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
                principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
                appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
                certification office, send it to the attention of the person
                identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email your
                request to: [email protected].
                 (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
                principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
                district office.
                (k) Related Information
                 (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin M. Clark,
                Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
                Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email:
                [email protected].
                 (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt
                & Whitney, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800-565-
                0140; fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at the
                FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
                Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
                material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
                 Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 4, 2019.
                Karen M. Grant,
                Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft
                Certification Service.
                [FR Doc. 2019-19410 Filed 9-9-19; 8:45 am]
                BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
                

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