83_FR_51056 83 FR 50860 - Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

83 FR 50860 - Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 196 (October 10, 2018)

Page Range50860-50862
FR Document2018-21693

We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-11- 06, which applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M, PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 turbofan engine models. AD 2017-11-06 requires initial and repetitive on-wing eddy current inspections (ECIs) of affected engines with certain diffuser and high-pressure turbine (HPT) cases installed. AD 2017-11-06 also requires a fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) of the diffuser case rear flange and the HPT case front flange. Since we issued AD 2017-11-06, we learned of designated engineering representative (DER)- approved diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs. This proposed AD would require an on-wing ECI of all diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50860-50862]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21693]


========================================================================
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.

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


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 10, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 50860]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0624; Product Identifier 2013-NE-24-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-11-
06, which applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M, 
PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 turbofan 
engine models. AD 2017-11-06 requires initial and repetitive on-wing 
eddy current inspections (ECIs) of affected engines with certain 
diffuser and high-pressure turbine (HPT) cases installed. AD 2017-11-06 
also requires a fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) of the diffuser 
case rear flange and the HPT case front flange. Since we issued AD 
2017-11-06, we learned of designated engineering representative (DER)-
approved diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs. This proposed AD 
would require an on-wing ECI of all diffuser case M-flange replacement 
repairs. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Pratt & 
Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 860-565-0140; 
fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, 
MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 781-238-7759.

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-2018-
0624; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0624; 
Product Identifier 2013-NE-24-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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued AD 2017-11-06, Amendment 39-18905 (82 FR 26979, June 13, 
2017), (``AD 2017-11-06''), for all PW PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M, 
PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 turbofan 
engine models. AD 2017-11-06 requires initial and repetitive on-wing 
ECIs of affected engines with certain diffuser and HPT cases installed. 
AD 2017-11-06 also requires an FPI of the diffuser case rear flange and 
the HPT case front flange. AD 2017-11-06 resulted from the manufacturer 
determining through analysis that the inspections required by AD 2014-
05-32, which was prompted by a rupture of the diffuser case M-flange, 
were not adequate to maintain safety for diffuser cases that 
incorporate a wrought diffuser case M-flange. Also, repaired wrought 
flanges cannot be distinguished from other wrought flanges or from non-
repaired flanges on diffuser cases installed on the affected engines. 
We issued AD 2017-11-06 to add additional repetitive, on-wing ECIs.

Actions Since AD 2017-11-06 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-11-06, we learned of DER-approved diffuser 
case M-flange replacement repairs. The language in AD 2017-11-06 
requires additional on-wing ECIs for PW repairs; however, it does not 
address DER-approved diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs. The 
DER-approved diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs use the same 
wrought material as PWs and therefore require the same additional on-
wing ECIs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed PW Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW2000 72-763, Revision 
No. 1, dated August 30, 2013. The SB describes procedures for a one-
time ECI inspection of the engine diffuser case. We also reviewed PW 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 4, dated 
January 25, 2018. The ASB describes procedures for repetitive on-wing 
ECIs of the engine diffuser case assembly. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course

[[Page 50861]]

of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2017-
11-06. This proposed AD would also require an on-wing ECI of all 
diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 910 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-wing/module ECI Inspection....  8 work-hours x $85               $0  $680...............  $230,520 per
                                    per hour = $680.                                          inspection cycle.
FPI Inspection...................  3 work-hours x $85               20  $275 per inspection  $250,250 per
                                    per hour = $255.                     cycle.               inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) 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, 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-11-06, Amendment 39-18905 (82 FR 26979, June 13, 2017), and adding 
the following new AD:

Pratt & Whitney Division: Docket No. FAA-2018-0624; Product 
Identifier 2013-NE-24-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 26, 
2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-11-06, Amendment 39-18905 (82 FR 26979, 
June 13, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, 
PW2037M, PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 
turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Turbine/
Turboprop Engine.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a rupture of the diffuser-to-high-
pressure turbine (HPT) case flange. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the diffuser-to-HPT case flange. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained diffuser-
to-HPT case flange 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) For diffuser case, part number (P/N) 1B7461, serial numbers 
(S/Ns) DGGUAK1306 and DGGUAK1308, and HPT case, P/N 1B2440, S/N 
DKLBCS1032:
    (i) Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD, perform an eddy current inspection (ECI) of the diffuser case 
and the HPT case M-flange in accordance with PW Service Bulletin 
(SB) No. PW2000 72-763, Revision No. 1, dated August 30, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (2) For all diffuser and HPT cases, at the next piece-part 
opportunity after the effective date of this AD and every piece-part 
opportunity thereafter, perform a high sensitivity fluorescent-
penetrant inspection (FPI) of the entire diffuser case rear flange 
(M-flange) and boltholes, and the entire HPT case forward flange (M-
flange) and boltholes.
    (3) For all diffuser cases installed on any affected engine 
model except for F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, that have not

[[Page 50862]]

incorporated PW SB PW2000-72-364, have incorporated PW SB PW2000-72-
700, or have had an M-flange replacement, perform initial and 
repetitive ECIs of the diffuser case M-flange as follows:
    (i) Perform an initial ECI in accordance with the ``Last Shop 
Visit Activity'' column and before exceeding the maximum cycles 
since the last shop visit activity in the ``Initial Inspection'' 
column of Table 1 of PW Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000 A72-
765, Revision No. 4, dated January 25, 2018, or within 1,000 cycles 
from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Evaluate the inspection results and perform re-inspections 
as necessary in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, ``For 
Engines Installed on the Aircraft,'' paragraph 5, or the 
Accomplishment Instructions, ``For Engines Removed from the 
Aircraft,'' paragraph 4, of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 
4, dated January 25, 2018, as applicable. If given a cycle range, 
perform the subsequent inspections before exceeding the maximum 
number of cycles.
    (iii) Inspect the diffuser case M-flange using, as applicable, 
either the Accomplishment Instructions, ``For Engines Installed on 
the Aircraft,'' paragraphs 3.I. through 3.J., or the Accomplishment 
Instructions, ``For Engines Removed from the Aircraft,'' paragraphs 
3.D. through 3.E., of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 4, 
dated January 25, 2018.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``piece-part opportunity'' is 
defined as when the part is completely disassembled.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) You may take credit for the diffuser case and HPT case 
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you 
performed:
    (i) an ECI of the diffuser case and the HPT case M-flange using 
the Accomplishment Instructions of PW SB No. PW2000 72-763, Original 
Issue, dated March 22, 2013, or
    (ii) a high sensitivity FPI of the diffuser case and the HPT 
case at a piece-part opportunity after January 1, 2010.
    (2) You may take credit for only the diffuser case inspections 
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you performed an 
ECI of the diffuser case M-flange using the Accomplishment 
Instructions of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 3, dated 
December 19, 2017, or an earlier version.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your 
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as 
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the 
certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You may email your 
request to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 2017-11-06 (82 FR 26979, June 13, 
2017) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this 
AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin M. Clark, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pratt 
& Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT, 06118; phone: 860-565-
0140; fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 28, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-21693 Filed 10-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                 50860

                                                 Proposed Rules                                                                                                Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                               Vol. 83, No. 196

                                                                                                                                                               Wednesday, October 10, 2018



                                                 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    M–30, West Building Ground Floor,                     will also post a report summarizing each
                                                 contains notices to the public of the proposed          Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey                         substantive verbal contact we receive
                                                 issuance of rules and regulations. The                  Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.                      about this proposed AD.
                                                 purpose of these notices is to give interested             • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
                                                 persons an opportunity to participate in the                                                                  Discussion
                                                                                                         address above between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                 rule making prior to the adoption of the final                                                                   We issued AD 2017–11–06,
                                                 rules.
                                                                                                         p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                                                                         Federal holidays.                                     Amendment 39–18905 (82 FR 26979,
                                                                                                            For service information identified in              June 13, 2017), (‘‘AD 2017–11–06’’), for
                                                                                                         this NPRM, contact Pratt & Whitney,                   all PW PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M,
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                         400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118;                PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143,
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         phone: 860–565–0140; fax: 860–565–                    PW2643, and F117–PW–100 turbofan
                                                                                                         5442; email: help24@pw.utc.com;                       engine models. AD 2017–11–06 requires
                                                 14 CFR Part 39                                          internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com.                initial and repetitive on-wing ECIs of
                                                                                                         You may view this service information                 affected engines with certain diffuser
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0624; Product                                                                            and HPT cases installed. AD 2017–11–
                                                 Identifier 2013–NE–24–AD]                               at the FAA, Engine & Propeller
                                                                                                         Standards Branch, 1200 District                       06 also requires an FPI of the diffuser
                                                 RIN 2120–AA64                                           Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For                     case rear flange and the HPT case front
                                                                                                         information on the availability of this               flange. AD 2017–11–06 resulted from
                                                 Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &                       material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.               the manufacturer determining through
                                                 Whitney Turbofan Engines                                                                                      analysis that the inspections required by
                                                                                                         Examining the AD Docket                               AD 2014–05–32, which was prompted
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.                                 You may examine the AD docket on                   by a rupture of the diffuser case
                                                                                                         the internet at http://                               M-flange, were not adequate to maintain
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                                                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for                  safety for diffuser cases that incorporate
                                                 (NPRM).
                                                                                                         and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–                     a wrought diffuser case M-flange. Also,
                                                 SUMMARY:   We propose to supersede                      0624; or in person at Docket Operations               repaired wrought flanges cannot be
                                                 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–11–                   between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                     distinguished from other wrought
                                                 06, which applies to all Pratt & Whitney                through Friday, except Federal holidays.              flanges or from non-repaired flanges on
                                                 (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M,                          The AD docket contains this NPRM, the                 diffuser cases installed on the affected
                                                 PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143,                        regulatory evaluation, any comments                   engines. We issued AD 2017–11–06 to
                                                 PW2643, and F117–PW–100 turbofan                        received, and other information. The                  add additional repetitive, on-wing ECIs.
                                                 engine models. AD 2017–11–06 requires                   street address for Docket Operations                  Actions Since AD 2017–11–06 Was
                                                 initial and repetitive on-wing eddy                     (phone: 800–647–5527) is listed above.                Issued
                                                 current inspections (ECIs) of affected                  Comments will be available in the AD
                                                 engines with certain diffuser and high-                                                                         Since we issued AD 2017–11–06, we
                                                                                                         docket shortly after receipt.
                                                 pressure turbine (HPT) cases installed.                                                                       learned of DER-approved diffuser case
                                                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      M-flange replacement repairs. The
                                                 AD 2017–11–06 also requires a                           Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                 fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) of                                                                     language in AD 2017–11–06 requires
                                                                                                         ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District                        additional on-wing ECIs for PW repairs;
                                                 the diffuser case rear flange and the HPT               Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
                                                 case front flange. Since we issued AD                                                                         however, it does not address DER-
                                                                                                         781–238–7088; fax: 781–238–7199;                      approved diffuser case M-flange
                                                 2017–11–06, we learned of designated                    email: kevin.m.clark@faa.gov.
                                                 engineering representative (DER)-                                                                             replacement repairs. The DER-approved
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            diffuser case M-flange replacement
                                                 approved diffuser case M-flange
                                                 replacement repairs. This proposed AD                   Comments Invited                                      repairs use the same wrought material
                                                 would require an on-wing ECI of all                                                                           as PWs and therefore require the same
                                                                                                            We invite you to send any written                  additional on-wing ECIs.
                                                 diffuser case M-flange replacement                      relevant data, views, or arguments about
                                                 repairs. We are proposing this AD to                    this proposed AD. Send your comments                  Related Service Information Under 1
                                                 address the unsafe condition on these                   to an address listed under the                        CFR Part 51
                                                 products.                                               ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.                  We reviewed PW Service Bulletin
                                                 DATES: We must receive comments on                      FAA–2018–0624; Product Identifier                     (SB) No. PW2000 72–763, Revision No.
                                                 this proposed AD by November 26,                        2013–NE–24–AD’’ at the beginning of                   1, dated August 30, 2013. The SB
                                                 2018.                                                   your comments. We specifically invite                 describes procedures for a one-time ECI
                                                 ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                       comments on the overall regulatory,                   inspection of the engine diffuser case.
                                                 using the procedures found in 14 CFR                    economic, environmental, and energy                   We also reviewed PW Alert Service
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following                aspects of this NPRM. We will consider                Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000 A72–765,
                                                 methods:                                                all comments received by the closing                  Revision No. 4, dated January 25, 2018.
                                                    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                  date and may amend this NPRM                          The ASB describes procedures for
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  because of those comments.                            repetitive on-wing ECIs of the engine
                                                 instructions for submitting comments.                      We will post all comments we                       diffuser case assembly. This service
                                                    • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                 receive, without change, to http://                   information is reasonably available
                                                    • Mail: U.S. Department of                           www.regulations.gov, including any                    because the interested parties have
                                                 Transportation, Docket Operations,                      personal information you provide. We                  access to it through their normal course


                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:48 Oct 09, 2018   Jkt 247001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\10OCP1.SGM   10OCP1


                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                                                50861

                                                 of business or by the means identified                       develop in other products of the same                            Costs of Compliance
                                                 in the ADDRESSES section.                                    type design.
                                                                                                                                                                                  We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                 FAA’s Determination                                          Proposed AD Requirements                                         affects 910 engines installed on
                                                                                                                This proposed AD would retain all of                           airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                                   We are proposing this AD because we                        the requirements of AD 2017–11–06.
                                                 evaluated all the relevant information                                                                                           We estimate the following costs to
                                                                                                              This proposed AD would also require an                           comply with this proposed AD:
                                                 and determined the unsafe condition                          on-wing ECI of all diffuser case M-flange
                                                 described previously is likely to exist or                   replacement repairs.
                                                                                                                             ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                Action                                  Labor cost                  Parts cost                   Cost per product                         Cost on U.S. operators

                                                 On-wing/module ECI Inspec-                8 work-hours × $85 per hour                           $0     $680 .......................................   $230,520 per inspection
                                                   tion.                                     = $680.                                                                                                     cycle.
                                                 FPI Inspection ........................   3 work-hours × $85 per hour                           20     $275 per inspection cycle ......               $250,250 per inspection
                                                                                             = $255.                                                                                                     cycle.



                                                 Authority for This Rulemaking                                responsibilities among the various                               (b) Affected ADs
                                                                                                              levels of government.                                              This AD replaces AD 2017–11–06,
                                                    Title 49 of the United States Code                                                                                         Amendment 39–18905 (82 FR 26979, June
                                                                                                                For the reasons discussed above, I
                                                 specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                                                                                        13, 2017).
                                                                                                              certify that the proposed regulation:
                                                 rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
                                                 Section 106, describes the authority of                        (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                          (c) Applicability
                                                 the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,                         action’’ under Executive Order 12866,                               This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney
                                                 Aviation Programs, describes in more                           (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under                        (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M,
                                                 detail the scope of the Agency’s                             the DOT Regulatory Policies and                                  PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143,
                                                                                                              Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,                            PW2643, and F117–PW–100 turbofan
                                                 authority.                                                                                                                    engines.
                                                    We are issuing this rulemaking under                      1979),
                                                 the authority described in Subtitle VII,                       (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation                        (d) Subject
                                                 Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,                          in Alaska, and                                                     Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
                                                 ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                           (4) Will not have a significant                                Code 7200, Turbine/Turboprop Engine.
                                                 section, Congress charges the FAA with                       economic impact, positive or negative,                           (e) Unsafe Condition
                                                 promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                   on a substantial number of small entities
                                                                                                                                                                                  This AD was prompted by a rupture of the
                                                 air commerce by prescribing regulations                      under the criteria of the Regulatory                             diffuser-to-high-pressure turbine (HPT) case
                                                 for practices, methods, and procedures                       Flexibility Act.                                                 flange. We are issuing this AD to prevent
                                                 the Administrator finds necessary for                        List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                               failure of the diffuser-to-HPT case flange. The
                                                 safety in air commerce. This regulation                                                                                       unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
                                                 is within the scope of that authority                          Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                         result in uncontained diffuser-to-HPT case
                                                 because it addresses an unsafe condition                     safety, Incorporation by reference,                              flange release, damage to the engine, and
                                                                                                              Safety.                                                          damage to the airplane.
                                                 that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                 products identified in this rulemaking                       The Proposed Amendment                                           (f) Compliance
                                                 action.                                                                                                                          Comply with this AD within the
                                                    This AD is issued in accordance with                        Accordingly, under the authority                               compliance times specified, unless already
                                                 authority delegated by the Executive                         delegated to me by the Administrator,                            done.
                                                 Director, Aircraft Certification Service,                    the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
                                                                                                                                                                               (g) Required Actions
                                                 as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.                         39 as follows:
                                                                                                                                                                                  (1) For diffuser case, part number (P/N)
                                                 In accordance with that order, issuance                      PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                            1B7461, serial numbers (S/Ns) DGGUAK1306
                                                 of ADs is normally a function of the                         DIRECTIVES                                                       and DGGUAK1308, and HPT case, P/N
                                                 Compliance and Airworthiness                                                                                                  1B2440, S/N DKLBCS1032:
                                                 Division, but during this transition                                                                                             (i) Within 100 flight cycles after the
                                                                                                              ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
                                                 period, the Executive Director has                                                                                            effective date of this AD, perform an eddy
                                                                                                              continues to read as follows:                                    current inspection (ECI) of the diffuser case
                                                 delegated the authority to issue ADs
                                                                                                                  Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.                   and the HPT case M-flange in accordance
                                                 applicable to engines, propellers, and
                                                                                                                                                                               with PW Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW2000
                                                 associated appliances to the Manager,                        § 39.13     [Amended]                                            72–763, Revision No. 1, dated August 30,
                                                 Engine and Propeller Standards Branch,                                                                                        2013.
                                                                                                              ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
                                                 Policy and Innovation Division.                                                                                                  (ii) Reserved.
                                                                                                              removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
                                                                                                                                                                                  (2) For all diffuser and HPT cases, at the
                                                 Regulatory Findings                                          2017–11–06, Amendment 39–18905 (82
                                                                                                                                                                               next piece-part opportunity after the effective
                                                                                                              FR 26979, June 13, 2017), and adding
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                                                   We have determined that this                                                                                                date of this AD and every piece-part
                                                                                                              the following new AD:                                            opportunity thereafter, perform a high
                                                 proposed AD would not have federalism
                                                                                                              Pratt & Whitney Division: Docket No. FAA–                        sensitivity fluorescent-penetrant inspection
                                                 implications under Executive Order
                                                                                                                  2018–0624; Product Identifier 2013–NE–                       (FPI) of the entire diffuser case rear flange
                                                 13132. This proposed AD would not                                                                                             (M-flange) and boltholes, and the entire HPT
                                                                                                                  24–AD.
                                                 have a substantial direct effect on the                                                                                       case forward flange (M-flange) and boltholes.
                                                 States, on the relationship between the                      (a) Comments Due Date                                               (3) For all diffuser cases installed on any
                                                 national Government and the States, or                         The FAA must receive comments on this                          affected engine model except for F117–PW–
                                                 on the distribution of power and                             AD action by November 26, 2018.                                  100 turbofan engines, that have not



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                                                 50862               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 10, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 incorporated PW SB PW2000–72–364, have                    (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                 DATES:  We must receive comments on
                                                 incorporated PW SB PW2000–72–700, or                    notify your appropriate principal inspector,          this proposed AD by November 26,
                                                 have had an M-flange replacement, perform               or lacking a principal inspector, the manager         2018.
                                                 initial and repetitive ECIs of the diffuser case        of the local flight standards district office/
                                                 M-flange as follows:                                    certificate holding district office.                  ADDRESSES:   You may send comments,
                                                    (i) Perform an initial ECI in accordance               (3) AMOCs approved for AD 2017–11–06                using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                                                 with the ‘‘Last Shop Visit Activity’’ column            (82 FR 26979, June 13, 2017) are approved as          11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
                                                 and before exceeding the maximum cycles                 AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of             methods:
                                                 since the last shop visit activity in the               this AD.                                                • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                                 ‘‘Initial Inspection’’ column of Table 1 of PW
                                                 Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000                 (k) Related Information                               http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                 A72–765, Revision No. 4, dated January 25,                 (1) For more information about this AD,            instructions for submitting comments.
                                                 2018, or within 1,000 cycles from the                   contact Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer,             • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                 effective date of this AD, whichever occurs             ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,                  • Mail: U.S. Department of
                                                 later.                                                  Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–                 Transportation, Docket Operations,
                                                    (ii) Evaluate the inspection results and             7088; fax: 781–238–7199; email:                       M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
                                                 perform re-inspections as necessary in                  kevin.m.clark@faa.gov.                                Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
                                                 accordance with Accomplishment                             (2) For service information identified in          Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
                                                 Instructions, ‘‘For Engines Installed on the            this AD, contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main              • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
                                                 Aircraft,’’ paragraph 5, or the                         St., East Hartford, CT, 06118; phone: 860–
                                                 Accomplishment Instructions, ‘‘For Engines
                                                                                                                                                               address above between 9 a.m. and 5
                                                                                                         565–0140; fax: 860–565–5442; email:
                                                 Removed from the Aircraft,’’ paragraph 4, of                                                                  p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                                                                         help24@pw.utc.com; internet: http://
                                                 PW ASB No. PW2000 A72–765, Revision No.                 fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this               Federal holidays.
                                                 4, dated January 25, 2018, as applicable. If            referenced service information at the FAA,              For service information identified in
                                                 given a cycle range, perform the subsequent             Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200             this NPRM, contact Pratt & Whitney
                                                 inspections before exceeding the maximum                District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For            Division, 400 Main St., East Hartford,
                                                 number of cycles.                                       information on the availability of this               CT 06118; phone: 800–565–0140; fax:
                                                    (iii) Inspect the diffuser case M-flange             material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.               860–565–5442. You may view this
                                                 using, as applicable, either the
                                                                                                           Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on             service information at the FAA, Engine
                                                 Accomplishment Instructions, ‘‘For Engines
                                                 Installed on the Aircraft,’’ paragraphs 3.I.            September 28, 2018.                                   and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200
                                                 through 3.J., or the Accomplishment                     Robert J. Ganley,                                     District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803.
                                                 Instructions, ‘‘For Engines Removed from the            Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards               For information on the availability of
                                                 Aircraft,’’ paragraphs 3.D. through 3.E., of            Branch, Aircraft Certification Service.               this material at the FAA, call 781–238–
                                                 PW ASB No. PW2000 A72–765, Revision No.                                                                       7759.
                                                                                                         [FR Doc. 2018–21693 Filed 10–9–18; 8:45 am]
                                                 4, dated January 25, 2018.
                                                                                                         BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                Examining the AD Docket
                                                 (h) Definition
                                                                                                                                                                  You may examine the AD docket on
                                                   For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘piece-part
                                                 opportunity’’ is defined as when the part is            DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          the internet at http://
                                                 completely disassembled.                                                                                      www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                         Federal Aviation Administration                       and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
                                                 (i) Credit for Previous Actions                                                                               0826; or in person at Docket Operations
                                                    (1) You may take credit for the diffuser             14 CFR Part 39                                        between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
                                                 case and HPT case inspections required by                                                                     through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                                 paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you             [Docket No. FAA–2018–0826; Product                    The AD docket contains this NPRM, the
                                                 performed:                                              Identifier 2018–NE–27–AD]
                                                    (i) an ECI of the diffuser case and the HPT
                                                                                                                                                               regulatory evaluation, any comments
                                                 case M-flange using the Accomplishment                  RIN 2120–AA64                                         received, and other information. The
                                                 Instructions of PW SB No. PW2000 72–763,                                                                      street address for Docket Operations
                                                 Original Issue, dated March 22, 2013, or                Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &                     (phone: 800–647–5527) is listed above.
                                                    (ii) a high sensitivity FPI of the diffuser          Whitney Division (PW) Turbofan                        Comments will be available in the AD
                                                 case and the HPT case at a piece-part                   Engines                                               docket shortly after receipt.
                                                 opportunity after January 1, 2010.                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jo-
                                                    (2) You may take credit for only the                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                 diffuser case inspections required by                   Administration (FAA), DOT.                            Ann Theriault, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                 paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you             ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                 ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
                                                 performed an ECI of the diffuser case M-                (NPRM).                                               Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
                                                 flange using the Accomplishment                                                                               781–238–7105; fax: 781–238–7199;
                                                 Instructions of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72–                  SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new                  email: jo-ann.theriault@faa.gov.
                                                 765, Revision No. 3, dated December 19,                 airworthiness directive (AD) for certain              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 2017, or an earlier version.                            Pratt & Whitney Division (PW) PW4074,
                                                                                                         PW4074D, PW4077, PW4077D,                             Comments Invited
                                                 (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                 (AMOCs)                                                 PW4084D, PW4090, and PW4090–3                           We invite you to send any written
                                                    (1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has                turbofan engines. This proposed AD was                relevant data, views, or arguments about
                                                 the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD,             prompted by an in-flight failure of a 1st             this proposal. Send your comments to
                                                 if requested using the procedures found in 14           stage low-pressure compressor (LPC)                   an address listed under the ADDRESSES
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                                                 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,             blade. This proposed AD would require                 section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
                                                 send your request to your principal inspector           initial and repetitive thermal acoustic               2018–0826; Product Identifier 2018–
                                                 or local Flight Standards District Office, as           imaging (TAI) inspections for cracks in               NE–27–AD’’ at the beginning of your
                                                 appropriate. If sending information directly
                                                 to the manager of the certification office,
                                                                                                         certain 1st stage LPC blades and                      comments. We specifically invite
                                                 send it to the attention of the person                  removal of those blades that fail                     comments on the overall regulatory,
                                                 identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. You          inspection. We are proposing this AD to               economic, environmental, and energy
                                                 may email your request to: ANE-AD-                      address the unsafe condition on these                 aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
                                                 AMOC@faa.gov.                                           products.                                             all comments received by the closing


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Document Created: 2018-10-10 17:36:51
Document Modified: 2018-10-10 17:36:51
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26, 2018.
ContactKevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 50860 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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