80 FR 11140 - Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 40 (March 2, 2015)

Page Range		11140-11141
FR Document		2015-04059

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-217C and JT8D-219 turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the low-pressure turbine (LPT) shaft. This proposed AD establishes a new lower life limit for these parts and would require removing affected LPT shafts from service using a drawdown plan. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the LPT shaft, which could lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 40 (Monday, March 2, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 40 (Monday, March 2, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11140-11141]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-04059]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 40 / Monday, March 2, 2015 / Proposed 
Rules

[[Page 11140]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-1127; Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-16-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: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-217C and JT8D-219 turbofan engines. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the low-pressure 
turbine (LPT) shaft. This proposed AD establishes a new lower life 
limit for these parts and would require removing affected LPT shafts 
from service using a drawdown plan. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
failure of the LPT shaft, which could lead to an uncontained engine 
failure and damage to the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 1, 2015.

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 proposed AD, contact 
Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108; phone: 860-565-
8770; fax: 860-565-4503. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

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-2014-
1127; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jo-Ann Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7105; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: jo-ann.theriault@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this NPRM. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-1127; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NE-16-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    We received reports of two LPT shafts with in-shop findings of 
fatigue cracks on the No. 4.5 bearing thread undercut adjacent to oil 
feed holes. The cracks were discovered during routine fluorescent 
penetrant inspections. Both shafts had oil feed hole enlargement rework 
accomplished. The root cause is increased stress on the fillet of the 
thread undercut region in front of the oil feed holes caused by oil 
feed hole rework. The increased stress reduces the low cycle fatigue 
life of the shaft. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
failure of the LPT shaft, which could lead to an uncontained engine 
failure and damage to the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed PW Service Bulletin (SB) No. JT8D 6504, dated November 
5, 2014. The SB contains additional information regarding removal of 
the LPT shaft. This service information is reasonably available; see 
ADDRESSES for ways to access this service information.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this NPRM 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 NPRM would require removing affected LPT shafts from service.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 744 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The average labor rate is $85 
per hour. We estimate the pro-rated replacement cost would be $28,230. 
We also estimate that shaft replacement would be accomplished during an 
engine shop visit at no additional labor cost. Based on these figures, 
we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be 
$21,003,120.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with

[[Page 11141]]

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

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

Pratt & Whitney: Docket No. FAA-2014-1127; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NE-16-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 1, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-217C and JT8D-
219 turbofan engines with low-pressure turbine (LPT) shaft part 
numbers 783319, 783319-001, 783319-003, 783319-004, 783320, 783320-
001, 783320-003, 783320-004, 820514-001, 820514-003, 820514-004, or 
820514-005, installed.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the LPT shaft. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPT shaft, which could 
lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    For engines with an LPT shaft part number listed in paragraph 
(c) of this AD:
    (1) If the LPT shaft has 15,000 or fewer cycles since new (CSN) 
on the effective date of this AD, remove it from service before it 
accumulates 20,000 CSN.
    (2) If the LPT shaft has more than 15,000 CSN on the effective 
date of this AD, remove it from service before it accumulates 5,000 
additional cycles in service, or at the next piece-part exposure 
after accumulating 20,000 CSN, whichever occurs first.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any LPT 
shaft listed in paragraph (c) of this AD that is at piece-part 
exposure and exceeds the new life limit of 20,000 CSN, into any 
engine.

(f) Definitions

    For the purpose of this AD, piece-part exposure is when the LPT 
shaft is completely disassembled from the engine.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your 
request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.

(h) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jo-Ann 
Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7105; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
jo-ann.theriault@faa.gov.
    (2) PW Service Bulletin No. JT8D 6504, dated November 5, 2014, 
which is not incorporated by reference in this proposed AD, can be 
obtained from PW using the contact information in paragraph (h)(3) 
of this proposed AD.
    (3) For service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108; 
phone: 860-565-8770; fax: 860-565-4503.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 20, 2015.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-04059 Filed 2-27-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 40 / Monday, March 2, 2015 / Proposed Rules 11141

promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (c) Applicability Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
air commerce by prescribing regulations This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney February 20, 2015.
for practices, methods, and procedures (PW) JT8D–217C and JT8D–219 turbofan Colleen M. D’Alessandro,
the Administrator finds necessary for engines with low-pressure turbine (LPT) Assistant Directorate Manager, Engine &
safety in air commerce. This regulation shaft part numbers 783319, 783319–001, Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
is within the scope of that authority 783319–003, 783319–004, 783320, 783320– Service.
because it addresses an unsafe condition 001, 783320–003, 783320–004, 820514–001, [FR Doc. 2015–04059 Filed 2–27–15; 8:45 am]
that is likely to exist or develop on 820514–003, 820514–004, or 820514–005, BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
products identified in this rulemaking installed.
action. (d) Unsafe Condition
Regulatory Findings This AD was prompted by reports of DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
cracking in the LPT shaft. We are issuing this
We determined that this proposed AD AD to prevent failure of the LPT shaft, which Internal Revenue Service
would not have federalism implications could lead to an uncontained engine failure
under Executive Order 13132. This and damage to the airplane. 26 CFR Part 1
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on (e) Compliance [REG–136018–13]
the relationship between the national Comply with this AD within the RIN 1545–BM20
Government and the States, or on the compliance times specified, unless already
distribution of power and done. Determination of Adjusted Applicable
responsibilities among the various For engines with an LPT shaft part number Federal Rates Under Section 1288 and
listed in paragraph (c) of this AD: the Adjusted Federal Long-Term Rate
levels of government.
(1) If the LPT shaft has 15,000 or fewer
For the reasons discussed above, I Under Section 382
cycles since new (CSN) on the effective date
certify this proposed regulation: of this AD, remove it from service before it
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
accumulates 20,000 CSN. Treasury.
action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) If the LPT shaft has more than 15,000
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
CSN on the effective date of this AD, remove
the DOT Regulatory Policies and it from service before it accumulates 5,000 and notice of public hearing.
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, additional cycles in service, or at the next
1979), SUMMARY: This document contains
piece-part exposure after accumulating
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation 20,000 CSN, whichever occurs first. proposed regulations that provide the
in Alaska to the extent that it justifies (3) After the effective date of this AD, do method to be used to adjust the
making a regulatory distinction, and not install any LPT shaft listed in paragraph applicable Federal rates (AFRs) under
(4) Will not have a significant (c) of this AD that is at piece-part exposure section 1288 of the Internal Revenue
economic impact, positive or negative, and exceeds the new life limit of 20,000 CSN, Code (Code) (adjusted AFRs) for tax-
on a substantial number of small entities into any engine. exempt obligations and the method to
under the criteria of the Regulatory (f) Definitions be used to determine the long-term tax-
Flexibility Act. exempt rate and the adjusted Federal
For the purpose of this AD, piece-part
long-term rate under section 382. For
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 exposure is when the LPT shaft is completely
disassembled from the engine. tax-exempt obligations, the proposed
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation regulations affect the determination of
safety, Incorporation by reference, (g) Alternative Methods of Compliance original issue discount under section
Safety. (AMOCs) 1273 and of total unstated interest under
The Manager, Engine Certification Office, section 483. In addition, the proposed
The Proposed Amendment FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use regulations affect the determination of
Accordingly, under the authority the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to the limitations under sections 382 and
delegated to me by the Administrator, make your request. You may email your 383 on the use of certain operating loss
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
carryforwards, tax credits, and other
39 as follows: (h) Related Information attributes of corporations following
(1) For more information about this AD, ownership changes. This document also
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
contact Jo-Ann Theriault, Aerospace contains a request for comments and
DIRECTIVES Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, provides notice of a public hearing on
■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New these proposed regulations.
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA DATES: Written or electronic comments
continues to read as follows: 01803; phone: 781–238–7105; fax: 781–238–
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
must be received by June 1, 2015.
7199; email: jo-ann.theriault@faa.gov.
(2) PW Service Bulletin No. JT8D 6504, Outlines of topics to be discussed at the
§ 39.13 [Amended] dated November 5, 2014, which is not public hearing scheduled for June 24,
■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding incorporated by reference in this proposed 2015 must be received by June 1, 2015.
the following new airworthiness AD, can be obtained from PW using the ADDRESSES: Send submissions to:
directive (AD): contact information in paragraph (h)(3) of CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–136018–13), Room
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

this proposed AD. 5203, Internal Revenue Service, P.O.
Pratt & Whitney: Docket No. FAA–2014–
(3) For service information identified in Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station,
1127; Directorate Identifier 2014–NE–
16–AD. this proposed AD, contact Pratt & Whitney, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions
400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108;
(a) Comments Due Date phone: 860–565–8770; fax: 860–565–4503.
may be hand-delivered Monday through
(4) You may view this service information Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and
We must receive comments by May 1,
2015. at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–136018–
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 13), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue
(b) Affected ADs MA. For information on the availability of Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW.,
None. this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. Washington, DC, or sent electronically,

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:09 Feb 27, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\02MRP1.SGM 02MRP1

Document Created: 2015-12-18 12:08:07
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 12:08:07

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 1, 2015.
Contact		Jo-Ann Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7105; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		80 FR 11140
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

80 FR 11140 - Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 40 (March 2, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration