[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 3, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44578-44579]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16675]



[[Page 44578]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-34-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Turboprop 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a 
new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Pratt & Whitney 
Canada (PWC) models PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, 
PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW123AF, 
PW124B, PW125B, PW126, PW126A, PW127, PW127B, PW127E, PW127F, PW127G, 
PW127H, and PW127J turboprop engines. This proposal would require 
replacing certain part number (P/N) fuel heaters with redesigned fuel 
heaters. This proposal is prompted by several field incidents in which 
one or more of the three studs that attach the fuel filter bowl to the 
fuel heater have been partially or completely pulled free of the fuel 
heater housing. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended 
to prevent the separation of the fuel filter bowl from the fuel heater, 
which could result in a pressurized fuel leak and possible engine fire.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 3, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-34-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected, 
by appointment, at this location between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via 
the Internet using the following address: [email protected]. 
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the 
subject line.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000, Marie-Victorin, 
Longueuil, Quebec, Canada J4G 1A1; Telephone 450-677-9411. This 
information may be examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Mead, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-
7744; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NE-34-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRM's

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-34-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, 
recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on PWC 
models PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, 
PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, 
PW126, PW126A, PW127, PW127B, PW127E, PW127F, PW127G, PW127H, and 
PW127J turboprop engines. Transport Canada (TC) advises that there have 
been several field incidents in which one or more of the three studs 
that attach the fuel bowl to the fuel heater main housing had been 
pulled partially or completely free of the associated mounting lug, 
resulting in fuel leaks. Failure was attributed to overtorquing of the 
nuts that retain the fuel bowl to the housing and a decrease in the 
housing material hardness. Housing hardness may have been reduced due 
to high temperatures such as a heat treatment process used to remove 
the flame arrest coating from these parts.

Bilateral Agreement Information

    This engine model is manufactured in Canada and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, TC has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of TC, 
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

Proposed Requirements of This AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other PWC models PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, 
PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, 
PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, PW126, PW126A, PW127, PW127B, PW127E, 
PW127F, PW127G, PW127H, and PW127J turboprop engines of the same type 
design that are used on airplanes registered in the United States, the 
proposed AD would require replacement of fuel heaters, part number (P/
N) 3039183, with improved design fuel heaters, P/N 3039798, at the next 
removal of the engine low pressure fuel filter, but not later than 
December 31, 2002.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 2,200 engines of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 1,238 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. The 
FAA also estimates that it would take approximately 8 work hours per 
engine to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost

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approximately $12,172 per engine. Based on these figures, the total 
cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$15,663,176.

Regulatory Analysis

    This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as 
defined in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. 
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to 
publication of this proposed rule.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Pratt & Whitney Canada: Docket No. 2001-NE-34-AD.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Pratt & 
Whitney Canada models PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, 
PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, 
PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, PW126, PW126A, PW127, PW127B, PW127E, 
PW127F, PW127G, PW127H, and PW127J turboprop engines. These engines 
are installed on, but not limited to the following airplanes: 
Aerospatiale ATR-42 and -72; Bombardier DHC-8 series 100, 200, and 
300, CL-215T and -415; Construcciones Aeronautics, S.A. (CASA) C-
295; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S. A (EMBRAER) EMB-120; 
Fairchild Dornier 328, Fokker 50 and 60; Ilyushin IL-114-100; BAE 
Systems (Operations) Ltd. ATP; and XIAN MA-60.

    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

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already 
done.
    To prevent the separation of the fuel filter bowl from the fuel 
heater, which could result in a pressurized fuel leak and possible 
engine fire, do the following:
    (a) Replace fuel heater, part number (P/N) 3039183, with fuel 
heater, P/N 3039798, at the next removal of the engine low pressure 
fuel filter, but not later than December 31, 2002.
    (b) Do not install any fuel heater, P/N 3039183, after the 
effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, Engine Certification Office (ECO). 
Operators must submit their request through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, ECO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the ECO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be done.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada 
airworthiness directive CF-2000-34, dated November 23, 2000.


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 24, 2002.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-16675 Filed 7-2-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P