[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 24, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14097-14098]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6978]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 56 / Wednesday, March 24, 1999 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 14097]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-ANE-36-AD; Amendment 39-11088; AD 99-07-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Williams International, L.L.C. FJ44-1A 
Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to Williams International, L.L.C. FJ44-1A turbofan engines, 
that requires removing the high pressure turbine (HPT) disk from 
service prior to accumulating a reduced cyclic life limit of 1,900 
cycles since new (CSN) and replacing with a serviceable disk. As an 
option, the HPT nozzle can be modified, thereby increasing the HPT disk 
cyclic life limit from the new reduced cyclic life limit. This 
amendment is prompted by a revised life analysis conducted by the 
manufacturer after the failure of a similarly designed HPT disk. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent HPT disk rim 
failure, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage 
to the aircraft.

DATES: Effective May 24, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 24, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Williams Rolls, 2280 West Maple Road, P.O. Box 200, 
Walled Lake, MI 48390-0200; telephone (248) 960-2545, fax (248) 669-
9515. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Bonnen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-
7134, fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to Williams International, L.L.C. 
FJ44-1A turbofan engines was published in the Federal Register on 
September 9, 1998 (63 FR 48140). That action proposed to require 
removing the high pressure turbine (HPT) disk from service prior to 
accumulating a reduced cyclic life limit of 1,900 cycles since new 
(CSN) and replacing with a serviceable disk. As an option, the HPT 
nozzle can be modified, thereby increasing the HPT disk cyclic life 
limit from the new reduced cyclic life limit.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.
    There are approximately 223 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 165 engines installed on 
aircraft of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. The cost of 
removing a disk earlier than the original life-limit rather than 
reworking the disk is $12,546 per engine. The costs of reworking the 
HPT nozzle assembly to obtain increased HPT life are substantially less 
than the costs of replacement of the HPT disk. Based on these figures, 
the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$2,070,090 assuming all disks are replaced. The actual total cost to 
U.S. operators, however, will be less depending on how many operators 
exercise the rework option. In addition, the manufacturer may reimburse 
operators for the costs of removing disks earlier than the original 
life limit, reducing even further the total cost impact for U.S. 
operators.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) will not have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-07-04  Williams International, L.L.C.: Amendment 39-11088. Docket 
98-ANE-36-AD.

    Applicability: Williams International, L.L.C. FJ44-1A turbofan 
engines, installed on but not limited to Cessna 525 series aircraft.

[[Page 14098]]

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of 
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area 
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition 
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent high pressure turbine (HPT) disk rim failure, which 
could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the 
aircraft, accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to accumulating 1,900 cycles since new (CSN), remove 
from service HPT disk, part number (P/N) 55291, and replace with a 
serviceable part.
    (b) As an option to paragraph (a), modify the HPT nozzle 
assembly and remark the HPT disk and assembly with new P/Ns in 
accordance with Williams Rolls Service Bulletin (SB) FJ44-72-36, 
dated October 21, 1997.

    Note 2: The low cycle fatigue retirement lives for the HPT disks 
remarked with new P/Ns in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD 
may be found in Williams Rolls Alert SB FJ44-A72-38, dated October 
21, 1997.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office. Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (d) Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this AD, 
no alternative replacement times or life limits may be approved for 
HPT disk, P/N 55291.
    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following Williams Rolls SBs:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Document No               Pages              Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FJ44-A72-38........................      1-2  October 21, 1997.
    Total Pages: 2.
FJ44-72-36.........................      1-9  October 21, 1997.
    Total Pages: 9.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Williams Rolls, 2280 West Maple 
Road, P.O. Box 200, Walled Lake, MI 48390-0200; telephone (248) 960-
2545, fax (248) 669-9515. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 24, 1999.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 16, 1999.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-6978 Filed 3-23-99; 8:45 am]
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