83_FR_2910 83 FR 2896 - Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan Engines

83 FR 2896 - Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 14 (January 22, 2018)

Page Range2896-2899
FR Document2018-00999

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the discovery of multiple cracked outer diffuser cases. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the outer diffuser case and removal from service of cases that fail inspection. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 14 (Monday, January 22, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 14 (Monday, January 22, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2896-2899]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00999]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0719; Product Identifier 2017-NE-22-AD; Amendment 
39-19163; AD 2018-02-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, 
PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by 
the discovery of multiple cracked outer diffuser cases. This AD 
requires initial and repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the 
outer diffuser case and removal from service of cases that fail 
inspection. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 26, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 26, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Pratt & Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 
06118; phone: 800-565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0719.

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-2017-
0719; 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, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Document Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,

[[Page 2897]]

Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jo-Ann Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7105; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to PW PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077, 
PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 turbofan engines. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2017 (82 FR 40514). The 
NPRM was prompted by the discovery of multiple cracked outer diffuser 
cases. The NPRM proposed to require initial and repetitive inspections 
to detect cracks in the outer diffuser case and removal from service of 
cases that fail inspection. We are issuing this AD to correct the 
unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Change Compliance

    PW requested that we change the effective date of the 1,000 cycle 
drawdown to ``within 1,000 flight cycles from March 31, 2017'', to 
coincide with PW Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) PW4G-112-A72-347, rather 
than ``within 1,000 flight cycles from the effective date of this AD''. 
PW stated that making the 1,000 cycle drawdown effective March 31, 
2017, rather than the effective date of this AD, maintains the same 
level of risk.
    We disagree with changing the effective date of the 1,000 cycle 
drawdown to ``within 1,000 flight cycles from March 31, 2017'', to 
coincide with PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347 because we cannot force mandatory 
action based on dates in the past. Mandatory action must be based on 
the effective date of this AD. In addition, we determined that basing 
the initial inspection and the inspection interval on the effective 
date of this AD maintains an acceptable level of safety. We did not 
change this AD.

Request To Add Credit for Previous Actions

    PW and United Airlines (UAL) requested that we add Credit for 
Previous Actions to allow operators to take credit for inspections 
performed per PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, dated March 31, 2017 prior to 
the effective date of this AD.
    We disagree. Since use of PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, dated March 31, 
2017, is required in the compliance section of this AD, we do not need 
to reference this SB in the Credit for Previous Actions paragraph. 
Inspections performed per PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347 prior to the 
effective date of this AD meet the criteria of ``unless already done'' 
in the compliance section of this AD.

Request To Change Definitions

    UAL requested that we define ``engine disassembly'' as ``when the M 
flange is split''. UAL reasoned that this would clarify the compliance 
requirements for operators and is consistent with PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-
347, dated March 31, 2017.
    We agree. Defining ``engine disassembly'' clarifies compliance 
requirements for operators. We added a Definition paragraph to this AD.

Request To Change Compliance Time

    UAL requested that we add a third option for the initial inspection 
so that it could be performed prior to accumulating 13,000 cycles since 
new, or within 1,000 cycles from the effective date of this AD, or 
within 2,000 cycles since the last outer diffuser case piece-part 
fluorescent penetration inspection (FPI), whichever occurs later.
    We partially agree. We agree with giving operator's credit for 
inspections done at piece-part exposure because if the outer diffuser 
case was inspected at piece-part exposure and passed inspection, it 
meets the initial inspection requirement mandated by this AD. We added 
a ``Credit for Previous Actions'' paragraph to this AD. Therefore, we 
disagree with adding the third option to the initial inspection 
compliance time specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

Request To Change Compliance

    UAL requested that we identify the outer diffuser case piece-part 
level FPI done in accordance with PW Cleaning, Inspection and Repair 
(CIR) Manual 72-41-13, Inspection/Check-02, as an acceptable means of 
compliance for the repetitive inspections. UAL reasoned that when the 
outer diffuser case is at piece-part level, PW CIR Manual 72-41-13, 
Inspection/Check-02, is performed. The piece-part level FPI is 
equivalent to the high sensitivity module level inspection provided in 
PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, dated March 31, 2017.
    We agree. Inspections performed at piece-part exposure maintain an 
acceptable level of safety because the piece-part level FPI specified 
in PW CIR Manual Part Number 51A750, section 72-41-13, Inspection/
Check-02 is equivalent to the inspection mandated by this AD. Since we 
did not incorporate by reference a particular FPI process 
specification, a high sensitivity FPI using the methods, techniques, 
and practices equivalent to the current manufacturer's maintenance 
manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness satisfy both the 
initial and repetitive requirements of this AD. We did not change this 
AD.

Request To Change Service Information

    PW requested that we change the service information reference from 
PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, dated March 31, 2017, to PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-
347, Revision No. 1, dated October 26, 2017. PW stated that the SB has 
been revised to provide inspection clarifications requested by 
operators.
    We disagree. We did not include PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, Revision 
No. 1, dated October 26, 2017, since the risk analysis was based on the 
original ASB and we did not have the opportunity to give the public a 
chance to comment on this revision. We did not change this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, dated March 31, 2017. This PW 
ASB provides guidance on performing outer diffuser case FPIs. 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

    We reviewed PW4000 Series (112 Inch) Engine CIR Manual, Part Number 
51A750, Revision Number 74, section

[[Page 2898]]

72-41-13, Inspection/Check-02, dated July 15, 2017. This manual section 
provides guidance on performing a high sensitivity FPI of the outer 
diffuser case at piece-part exposure.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 121 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tt3 boss inspection...................  3.5 work-hours x $85 per              $0         $297.50      $35,997.50
                                         hour = $297.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We estimate six cases will need to be replaced in the domestic fleet.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FPI Inspection of outer diffuser case......  10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $850              $0            $850
Replacement of outer diffuser case.........  $0.................................         750,000         750,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    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 
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

    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,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2018-02-10 Pratt & Whitney Division: Amendment 39-19163; Docket No. 
FAA-2017-0719; Product Identifier 2017-NE-22-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 26, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074, 
PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090-3 turbofan 
engines with outer diffuser case, part number (P/N) 50J775 or P/N 
50J930, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7240, Turbine Engine 
Combustion Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the discovery of multiple cracked outer 
diffuser cases. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
outer diffuser case. The unsafe condition, if not corrected, could 
result in failure of the outer diffuser case, uncontained case 
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

    (1) Perform an initial high sensitivity fluorescent penetrant 
inspection (FPI) of the outer diffuser case T3 thermocouple probe 
boss (Tt3 boss) prior to accumulating 13,000 cycles since new (CSN), 
or within 1,000 flight cycles from the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later. If the case CSN is unknown, inspect within 
1,000 flight cycles from the effective date of this AD.

[[Page 2899]]

    (2) Thereafter, repeat the high sensitivity FPI of the outer 
diffuser case Tt3 boss within 2,000 flight cycles since the last 
FPI.
    (3) If an indication is found during the inspections required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, re-inspect or remove the outer 
diffuser case from service as follows:
    (i) For engines installed on-wing, re-inspect or remove in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part A, paragraph 
1.G., of PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, dated March 31, 2017.
    (ii) For assembled engines not installed on-wing, re-inspect or 
remove in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part B, 
paragraph 1.C., of PW ASB PW4G-112-A72-347, dated March 31, 2017.
    (iii) For disassembled engines, if any cracks are found, remove 
the outer diffuser case from service before further flight.
    (4) Within 30 days of the effective date of this AD, update the 
mandatory inspections of the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
of your Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to include the 
piece-part inspections of the diffuser case as defined in Figure 1 
to paragraph (g) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR22JA18.001

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the high sensitivity FPI of the outer 
diffuser case Tt3 boss that is required by paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD if you performed a high sensitivity FPI of the outer diffuser 
case at piece-part exposure before the effective date of this AD, 
using PW4000 Series (112 Inch) Engine CIR Manual, P/N 51A750, 
section 72-41-13, Inspection/Check-02, dated July 15, 2017.

(i) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, an engine is considered disassembled 
any time the ``M'' flange is separated.

(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 
ECO Branch, 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 Jo-Ann 
Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7105; fax: 781-238-
7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) PW4000 Series (112 Inch) Engine CIR Manual, Part Number 
51A750, Revision Number 74, section 72-41-13, Inspection/Check-02, 
dated July 15, 2017, which is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD, can be obtained from PW, using the contact information in 
paragraph (l)(3) of this AD.

(l) 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.
    (i) Pratt & Whitney (PW) Alert Service Bulletin PW4G-112-A72-
347, dated March 31, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For PW service information identified in this AD, contact 
Pratt & Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118; 
phone: 800-565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 781-238-7759.
    (5) 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 12, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-00999 Filed 1-19-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                             2896              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 14 / Monday, January 22, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                             Adoption of the Amendment                               requested using the procedures found in 14             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                     CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
                                               Accordingly, under the authority
                                                                                                     send your request to your principal inspector          Federal Aviation Administration
                                             delegated to me by the Administrator,                   or local Flight Standards District Office, as
                                             the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                        appropriate. If sending information directly           14 CFR Part 39
                                             follows:                                                to the International Section, send it to the
                                                                                                                                                            [Docket No. FAA–2017–0719; Product
                                                                                                     attention of the person identified in
                                             PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                                                                          Identifier 2017–NE–22–AD; Amendment 39–
                                                                                                     paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may
                                             DIRECTIVES                                                                                                     19163; AD 2018–02–10]
                                                                                                     be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-
                                                                                                     REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any                     RIN 2120–AA64
                                             ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                             continues to read as follows:                           approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
                                                                                                     principal inspector, or lacking a principal            Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &
                                                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          inspector, the manager of the local flight             Whitney Division Turbofan Engines
                                             § 39.13   [Amended]                                     standards district office/certificate holding          AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                                                                     district office.                                       Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                             ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
                                             the following new airworthiness                         (i) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden                     ACTION: Final rule.
                                             directive (AD):                                         Statement
                                                                                                       A federal agency may not conduct or
                                                                                                                                                            SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new
                                             2018–02–11 Airbus: Amendment 39–19164;                                                                         airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt
                                                 Docket No. FAA–2018–0023; Product                   sponsor, and a person is not required to
                                                                                                     respond to, nor shall a person be subject to           & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074,
                                                 Identifier 2017–NM–084–AD.
                                                                                                     a penalty for failure to comply with a                 PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D,
                                             (a) Effective Date                                                                                             PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–3
                                                                                                     collection of information subject to the
                                               This AD becomes effective February 6,                 requirements of the Paperwork Reduction                turbofan engines. This AD was
                                             2018.                                                   Act unless that collection of information              prompted by the discovery of multiple
                                             (b) Affected ADs                                        displays a current valid OMB Control                   cracked outer diffuser cases. This AD
                                                                                                     Number. The OMB Control Number for this                requires initial and repetitive
                                               None.                                                                                                        inspections to detect cracks in the outer
                                                                                                     information collection is 2120–0056. Public
                                             (c) Applicability                                       reporting for this collection of information is        diffuser case and removal from service
                                                This AD applies to Airbus Model A330–                estimated to be approximately 1 hour per               of cases that fail inspection. We are
                                             301, –321, –322 and A330–342 airplanes,                 response, including the time for reviewing             issuing this AD to address the unsafe
                                             certificated in any category, manufacturer              instructions, completing and reviewing the             condition on these products.
                                             serial numbers 0012, 0017, 0030, 0037, 0045,            collection of information. All responses to            DATES: This AD is effective February 26,
                                             0050, 0060, 0062, 0064, 0065, 0071, 0082,               this collection of information are mandatory.          2018.
                                             0083, 0098, 0099, 0102, 0106, 0109, 0112,
                                                                                                     Comments concerning the accuracy of this                  The Director of the Federal Register
                                             0132 and 0177.
                                                                                                     burden and suggestions for reducing the                approved the incorporation by reference
                                             (d) Subject                                             burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800           of a certain publication listed in this AD
                                               Air Transport Association (ATA) of                    Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC                   as of February 26, 2018.
                                             America Code 55, Stabilizers.                           20591, Attn: Information Collection                    ADDRESSES: For service information
                                                                                                     Clearance Officer, AES–200.                            identified in this final rule, contact Pratt
                                             (e) Reason
                                                This AD was prompted by a report of                  (j) Related Information                                & Whitney Division, 400 Main St., East
                                             cracking in the top skin of the horizontal                 (1) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2017–0078,                Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800–565–
                                             stabilizer (HS) center box (CB) of an airplane          dated May 3, 2017, for related information.            0140; fax: 860–565–5442. You may view
                                             in pre-modification 41330 configuration. We             You may examine the MCAI on the internet               this service information at the FAA,
                                             are issuing this AD to detect and correct                                                                      Engine and Propeller Standards Branch,
                                                                                                     at http://www.regulations.gov by searching
                                             cracking in the HS CB, which could lead to                                                                     1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA.
                                                                                                     for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0023.
                                             reduced structural integrity of the airplane.                                                                  For information on the availability of
                                                                                                        (2) For more information about this AD,
                                             (f) Compliance                                          contact Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace                    this material at the FAA, call 781–238–
                                                Comply with this AD within the                       Engineer, International Section, Transport             7759. It is also available on the internet
                                             compliance times specified, unless already              Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue                at http://www.regulations.gov by
                                             done.                                                   SW, Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone:                  searching for and locating Docket No.
                                                                                                     425–227–1138; fax: 425–227–1149.                       FAA–2017–0719.
                                             (g) Required Action(s)
                                                Within 30 days after the effective date of           (k) Material Incorporated by Reference                 Examining the AD Docket
                                             this AD, request instructions from the                    None.                                                  You may examine the AD docket on
                                             Manager, International Section, Transport                                                                      the internet at http://
                                             Standards Branch, FAA, to address the                     Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
                                             unsafe condition specified in paragraph (e) of          10, 2018.                                              www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                             this AD; and accomplish the actions at the                                                                     and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                                                                     John P. Piccola, Jr.,
                                             times specified in, and in accordance with,                                                                    0719; or in person at Docket Operations
                                             those instructions. Guidance can be found in            Acting Director, System Oversight Division,            between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
                                             Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness                      Aircraft Certification Service.                        through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                             Information (MCAI) European Aviation                    [FR Doc. 2018–00949 Filed 1–19–18; 8:45 am]            The AD docket contains this final rule,
                                             Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017–0078, dated                                                                       the regulatory evaluation, any
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                                                                     BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                             May 3, 2017.                                                                                                   comments received, and other
                                             (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance                                                                          information. The address for Docket
                                             (AMOCs)                                                                                                        Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is
                                               The Manager, International Section,                                                                          Document Operations, U.S. Department
                                             Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the                                                                       of Transportation, Docket Operations,
                                             authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if                                                                     M–30, West Building Ground Floor,


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 14 / Monday, January 22, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                           2897

                                             Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                           per PW ASB PW4G–112–A72–347,                           acceptable level of safety because the
                                             Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.                        dated March 31, 2017 prior to the                      piece-part level FPI specified in PW CIR
                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jo-                    effective date of this AD.                             Manual Part Number 51A750, section
                                             Ann Theriault, Aerospace Engineer,                         We disagree. Since use of PW ASB                    72–41–13, Inspection/Check-02 is
                                             ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District                          PW4G–112–A72–347, dated March 31,                      equivalent to the inspection mandated
                                             Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:                    2017, is required in the compliance                    by this AD. Since we did not
                                             781–238–7105; fax: 781–238–7199;                        section of this AD, we do not need to                  incorporate by reference a particular FPI
                                             email: jo-ann.theriault@faa.gov.                        reference this SB in the Credit for                    process specification, a high sensitivity
                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              Previous Actions paragraph. Inspections                FPI using the methods, techniques, and
                                                                                                     performed per PW ASB PW4G–112–                         practices equivalent to the current
                                             Discussion                                              A72–347 prior to the effective date of                 manufacturer’s maintenance manual or
                                               We issued a notice of proposed                        this AD meet the criteria of ‘‘unless                  Instructions for Continued
                                             rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                       already done’’ in the compliance section               Airworthiness satisfy both the initial
                                             part 39 by adding an AD that would                      of this AD.                                            and repetitive requirements of this AD.
                                             apply to PW PW4074, PW4074D,                                                                                   We did not change this AD.
                                                                                                     Request To Change Definitions
                                             PW4077, PW4077D, PW4084D,
                                             PW4090, and PW4090–3 turbofan                             UAL requested that we define ‘‘engine                Request To Change Service Information
                                             engines. The NPRM published in the                      disassembly’’ as ‘‘when the M flange is                   PW requested that we change the
                                             Federal Register on August 25, 2017 (82                 split’’. UAL reasoned that this would                  service information reference from PW
                                             FR 40514). The NPRM was prompted by                     clarify the compliance requirements for                ASB PW4G–112–A72–347, dated March
                                             the discovery of multiple cracked outer                 operators and is consistent with PW                    31, 2017, to PW ASB PW4G–112–A72–
                                             diffuser cases. The NPRM proposed to                    ASB PW4G–112–A72–347, dated March                      347, Revision No. 1, dated October 26,
                                             require initial and repetitive inspections              31, 2017.                                              2017. PW stated that the SB has been
                                             to detect cracks in the outer diffuser                    We agree. Defining ‘‘engine                          revised to provide inspection
                                             case and removal from service of cases                  disassembly’’ clarifies compliance                     clarifications requested by operators.
                                             that fail inspection. We are issuing this               requirements for operators. We added a                    We disagree. We did not include PW
                                             AD to correct the unsafe condition on                   Definition paragraph to this AD.                       ASB PW4G–112–A72–347, Revision No.
                                             these products.                                         Request To Change Compliance Time                      1, dated October 26, 2017, since the risk
                                                                                                                                                            analysis was based on the original ASB
                                             Comments                                                   UAL requested that we add a third                   and we did not have the opportunity to
                                               We gave the public the opportunity to                 option for the initial inspection so that              give the public a chance to comment on
                                             participate in developing this final rule.              it could be performed prior to                         this revision. We did not change this
                                             The following presents the comments                     accumulating 13,000 cycles since new,                  AD.
                                             received on the NPRM and the FAA’s                      or within 1,000 cycles from the effective
                                             response to each comment.                               date of this AD, or within 2,000 cycles                Conclusion
                                                                                                     since the last outer diffuser case piece-                 We reviewed the relevant data,
                                             Request To Change Compliance                            part fluorescent penetration inspection                considered the comments received, and
                                                PW requested that we change the                      (FPI), whichever occurs later.                         determined that air safety and the
                                             effective date of the 1,000 cycle                          We partially agree. We agree with                   public interest require adopting this
                                             drawdown to ‘‘within 1,000 flight cycles                giving operator’s credit for inspections               final rule with the changes described
                                             from March 31, 2017’’, to coincide with                 done at piece-part exposure because if                 previously. We have determined that
                                             PW Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) PW4G–                   the outer diffuser case was inspected at               these minor changes:
                                             112–A72–347, rather than ‘‘within 1,000                 piece-part exposure and passed                            • Are consistent with the intent that
                                             flight cycles from the effective date of                inspection, it meets the initial                       was proposed in the NPRM for
                                             this AD’’. PW stated that making the                    inspection requirement mandated by                     correcting the unsafe condition; and
                                             1,000 cycle drawdown effective March                    this AD. We added a ‘‘Credit for                          • Do not add any additional burden
                                             31, 2017, rather than the effective date                Previous Actions’’ paragraph to this AD.               upon the public than was already
                                             of this AD, maintains the same level of                 Therefore, we disagree with adding the                 proposed in the NPRM.
                                             risk.                                                   third option to the initial inspection                    We also determined that these
                                                We disagree with changing the                        compliance time specified in paragraph                 changes will not increase the economic
                                             effective date of the 1,000 cycle                       (g)(1) of this AD.                                     burden on any operator or increase the
                                             drawdown to ‘‘within 1,000 flight cycles                                                                       scope of this final rule.
                                                                                                     Request To Change Compliance
                                             from March 31, 2017’’, to coincide with
                                             PW ASB PW4G–112–A72–347 because                           UAL requested that we identify the                   Related Service Information Under 1
                                             we cannot force mandatory action based                  outer diffuser case piece-part level FPI               CFR Part 51
                                             on dates in the past. Mandatory action                  done in accordance with PW Cleaning,                     We reviewed PW ASB PW4G–112–
                                             must be based on the effective date of                  Inspection and Repair (CIR) Manual 72–                 A72–347, dated March 31, 2017. This
                                             this AD. In addition, we determined that                41–13, Inspection/Check-02, as an                      PW ASB provides guidance on
                                             basing the initial inspection and the                   acceptable means of compliance for the                 performing outer diffuser case FPIs.
                                             inspection interval on the effective date               repetitive inspections. UAL reasoned                   This service information is reasonably
                                             of this AD maintains an acceptable level                that when the outer diffuser case is at                available because the interested parties
                                             of safety. We did not change this AD.                   piece-part level, PW CIR Manual 72–41–                 have access to it through their normal
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                                                                                                     13, Inspection/Check-02, is performed.                 course of business or by the means
                                             Request To Add Credit for Previous                      The piece-part level FPI is equivalent to              identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                             Actions                                                 the high sensitivity module level
                                               PW and United Airlines (UAL)                          inspection provided in PW ASB PW4G–                    Other Related Service Information
                                             requested that we add Credit for                        112–A72–347, dated March 31, 2017.                       We reviewed PW4000 Series (112
                                             Previous Actions to allow operators to                    We agree. Inspections performed at                   Inch) Engine CIR Manual, Part Number
                                             take credit for inspections performed                   piece-part exposure maintain an                        51A750, Revision Number 74, section


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                                             2898                  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 14 / Monday, January 22, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                             72–41–13, Inspection/Check-02, dated                             Costs of Compliance                                                          We estimate the following costs to
                                             July 15, 2017. This manual section                                                                                                          comply with this AD:
                                             provides guidance on performing a high                             We estimate that this AD affects 121
                                             sensitivity FPI of the outer diffuser case                       engines installed on airplanes of U.S.
                                             at piece-part exposure.                                          registry.

                                                                                                                               ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                                                                       Action                                                         Labor cost                                         Parts cost             product        operators

                                             Tt3 boss inspection .........................................   3.5 work-hours × $85 per hour = $297.50 .....                                               $0         $297.50     $35,997.50



                                               We estimate the following costs to do                          be required based on the results of the                                    cases will need to be replaced in the
                                             any necessary replacements that would                            proposed inspection. We estimate six                                       domestic fleet.

                                                                                                                            ON-CONDITION COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Cost per
                                                                            Action                                                                        Labor cost                                            Parts cost      product

                                             FPI Inspection of outer diffuser case ...........................          10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 .........................                                    $0          $850
                                             Replacement of outer diffuser case .............................           $0 ..................................................................................       750,000        750,000



                                             Authority for This Rulemaking                                    substantial direct effect on the States, on                                2018–02–10 Pratt & Whitney Division:
                                                                                                              the relationship between the national                                          Amendment 39–19163; Docket No.
                                                Title 49 of the United States Code                                                                                                           FAA–2017–0719; Product Identifier
                                             specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                           government and the States, or on the
                                                                                                                                                                                             2017–NE–22–AD.
                                             rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                            distribution of power and
                                             section 106, describes the authority of                          responsibilities among the various                                         (a) Effective Date
                                             the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                             levels of government.                                                        This AD is effective February 26, 2018.
                                             Aviation Programs, describes in more                               For the reasons discussed above, I
                                                                                                                                                                                         (b) Affected ADs
                                             detail the scope of the Agency’s                                 certify that this AD:
                                                                                                                                                                                           None.
                                             authority.                                                         (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                We are issuing this rulemaking under                          action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                                      (c) Applicability
                                             the authority described in Subtitle VII,                           (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under                                     This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney
                                             Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                              DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                                     Division (PW) PW4074, PW4074D, PW4077,
                                             ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                             (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),                                          PW4077D, PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–
                                                                                                                (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation                                  3 turbofan engines with outer diffuser case,
                                             section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                                                                              in Alaska, and                                                             part number (P/N) 50J775 or P/N 50J930,
                                             promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                                                                                                  installed.
                                             air commerce by prescribing regulations                            (4) Will not have a significant
                                             for practices, methods, and procedures                           economic impact, positive or negative,                                     (d) Subject
                                             the Administrator finds necessary for                            on a substantial number of small entities                                    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
                                             safety in air commerce. This regulation                          under the criteria of the Regulatory                                       Code 7240, Turbine Engine Combustion
                                             is within the scope of that authority                            Flexibility Act.                                                           Section.
                                             because it addresses an unsafe condition                         List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                                         (e) Unsafe Condition
                                             that is likely to exist or develop on                                                                                                          This AD was prompted by the discovery of
                                             products identified in this rulemaking                             Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                                   multiple cracked outer diffuser cases. We are
                                             action.                                                          safety, Incorporation by reference,                                        issuing this AD to prevent failure of the outer
                                                This AD is issued in accordance with                          Safety.                                                                    diffuser case. The unsafe condition, if not
                                             authority delegated by the Executive                             Adoption of the Amendment                                                  corrected, could result in failure of the outer
                                             Director, Aircraft Certification Service,                                                                                                   diffuser case, uncontained case release,
                                             as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.                               Accordingly, under the authority                                         damage to the engine, and damage to the
                                             In accordance with that order, issuance                          delegated to me by the Administrator,                                      airplane.
                                             of ADs is normally a function of the                             the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                                           (f) Compliance
                                             Compliance and Airworthiness                                     follows:                                                                      Comply with this AD within the
                                             Division, but during this transition                                                                                                        compliance times specified, unless already
                                             period, the Executive Director has                               PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                                      done.
                                             delegated the authority to issue ADs                             DIRECTIVES
                                                                                                                                                                                         (g) Required Actions
                                             applicable to engines, propellers, and
                                                                                                              ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                                       (1) Perform an initial high sensitivity
                                             associated appliances to the Manager,
                                                                                                              continues to read as follows:                                              fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the
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                                             Engine and Propeller Standards Branch,
                                                                                                                  Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.                             outer diffuser case T3 thermocouple probe
                                             Policy and Innovation Division.                                                                                                             boss (Tt3 boss) prior to accumulating 13,000
                                             Regulatory Findings                                              § 39.13      [Amended]                                                     cycles since new (CSN), or within 1,000
                                                                                                                                                                                         flight cycles from the effective date of this
                                               This AD will not have federalism                               ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                                      AD, whichever occurs later. If the case CSN
                                             implications under Executive Order                               the following new airworthiness                                            is unknown, inspect within 1,000 flight
                                             13132. This AD will not have a                                   directive (AD):                                                            cycles from the effective date of this AD.



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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 14 / Monday, January 22, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                               2899

                                               (2) Thereafter, repeat the high sensitivity           paragraph 1.G., of PW ASB PW4G–112–A72–                  (4) Within 30 days of the effective date of
                                             FPI of the outer diffuser case Tt3 boss within          347, dated March 31, 2017.                             this AD, update the mandatory inspections of
                                             2,000 flight cycles since the last FPI.                   (ii) For assembled engines not installed on-         the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)
                                               (3) If an indication is found during the              wing, re-inspect or remove in accordance               of your Instructions for Continued
                                             inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) or            with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part             Airworthiness to include the piece-part
                                             (2) of this AD, re-inspect or remove the outer          B, paragraph 1.C., of PW ASB PW4G–112–
                                             diffuser case from service as follows:                  A72–347, dated March 31, 2017.                         inspections of the diffuser case as defined in
                                               (i) For engines installed on-wing, re-                  (iii) For disassembled engines, if any               Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.
                                             inspect or remove in accordance with the                cracks are found, remove the outer diffuser
                                             Accomplishment Instructions, Part A,                    case from service before further flight.




                                             (h) Credit for Previous Actions                         obtained from PW, using the contact                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                You may take credit for the high sensitivity         information in paragraph (l)(3) of this AD.
                                             FPI of the outer diffuser case Tt3 boss that            (l) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                                                                                                                                            Federal Aviation Administration
                                             is required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if
                                             you performed a high sensitivity FPI of the                (1) The Director of the Federal Register            14 CFR Part 39
                                             outer diffuser case at piece-part exposure              approved the incorporation by reference
                                             before the effective date of this AD, using             (IBR) of the service information listed in this        [Docket No. FAA–2018–0022; Product
                                             PW4000 Series (112 Inch) Engine CIR                     paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR              Identifier 2015–NM–044–AD; Amendment
                                             Manual, P/N 51A750, section 72–41–13,                   part 51.                                               39–19162; AD 2018–02–09]
                                             Inspection/Check-02, dated July 15, 2017.                  (2) You must use this service information           RIN 2120–AA64
                                             (i) Definition                                          as applicable to do the actions required by
                                                For the purpose of this AD, an engine is             this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.            Airworthiness Directives; Fokker
                                             considered disassembled any time the ‘‘M’’                 (i) Pratt & Whitney (PW) Alert Service              Services B.V. Airplanes
                                             flange is separated.                                    Bulletin PW4G–112–A72–347, dated March
                                                                                                     31, 2017.
                                                                                                                                                            AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                             (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                                                                        (ii) Reserved.                                      Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                             (AMOCs)                                                                                                        ACTION: Final rule; request for
                                                                                                        (3) For PW service information identified
                                                (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has                in this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney Division,          comments.
                                             the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD,
                                                                                                     400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118;
                                             if requested using the procedures found in 14                                                                  SUMMARY:   We are superseding
                                             CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,             phone: 800–565–0140; fax: 860–565–5442.
                                                                                                        (4) You may view this service information           Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008–06–
                                             send your request to your principal inspector                                                                  20 R1, which applied to all Fokker
                                             or local Flight Standards District Office, as           at FAA, Engine and Propeller Standards
                                             appropriate. If sending information directly            Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,              Services B.V. Model F28 Mark 0070 and
                                             to the manager of the ECO Branch, send it to            MA. For information on the availability of             0100 airplanes, and certain Model F28
                                             the attention of the person identified in               this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.           Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000
                                             paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email                 (5) You may view this service information           airplanes. AD 2008–06–20 R1 required
                                             your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.                   that is incorporated by reference at the               revising the Airworthiness Limitations
                                                (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                  National Archives and Records                          Section (ALS) of the Instructions for
                                             notify your appropriate principal inspector,                                                                   Continued Airworthiness for certain
                                                                                                     Administration (NARA). For information on
                                             or lacking a principal inspector, the manager                                                                  airplanes, and the maintenance or
                                             of the local flight standards district office/          the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                             certificate holding district office.                    202–741–6030, or go to: http://                        inspection program, as applicable, for
                                                                                                     www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-             certain other airplanes, to incorporate
                                             (k) Related Information                                 locations.html.                                        new limitations for fuel tank systems.
                                               (1) For more information about this AD,                                                                      AD 2008–06–20 R1 also clarified the
                                                                                                       Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
                                             contact Jo-Ann Theriault, Aerospace                                                                            intended effect on spare and on-airplane
                                             Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District                January 12, 2018.
                                                                                                                                                            fuel tank system components, regarding
                                             Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–               Robert J. Ganley,                                      the use of maintenance manuals and
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                                             238–7105; fax: 781–238–7199; email: jo-                 Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards                instructions for continued
                                             ann.theriault@faa.gov.                                  Branch, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                               (2) PW4000 Series (112 Inch) Engine CIR                                                                      airworthiness. This new AD was
                                             Manual, Part Number 51A750, Revision                    [FR Doc. 2018–00999 Filed 1–19–18; 8:45 am]            prompted by revised fuel airworthiness
                                             Number 74, section 72–41–13, Inspection/                BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                 limitation items (ALI) tasks, and critical
                                             Check-02, dated July 15, 2017, which is not                                                                    design configuration control limitations
                                                                                                                                                            (CDCCL) items, and associated
                                                                                                                                                                                                             ER22JA18.001</GPH>




                                             incorporated by reference in this AD, can be



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Document Created: 2018-01-23 21:35:49
Document Modified: 2018-01-23 21:35:49
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective February 26, 2018.
ContactJo-Ann Theriault, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7105; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 2896 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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