[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 232 (Wednesday, December 3, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67585-67588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30073]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 232 / Wednesday, December 3, 2003 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 67585]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NE-52-AD; Amendment 39-13381; AD 2003-24-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3A, -7, -7A, -7F, 
-7H, -7AH, and -7J Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-3A, -7, -7A, -7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J turbofan 
engines, with gearbox pressure tube, part number (P/N) 697896, and No. 
4 bearing front pressure manifold, P/N 670663, installed. This AD 
requires a one-time visual inspection of the gearbox pressure tube and 
No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold and the attaching clamp 
assemblies for correct positioning and for wear and damage, and 
replacement if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report of a failed 
gearbox pressure tube that resulted in an engine fire. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent engine fires caused by failed gearbox pressure tubes 
or failed No. 4 bearing front pressure manifolds.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 18, 2003.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by February 2, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:

[sbull] By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 
2003-NE-52-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
[sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055.
[sbull] By e-mail: [email protected].

    You may examine the AD docket, 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 Lardie, Aerospace Engineer, 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 
12 New England Executive Park; telephone (781) 238-7189; fax (781) 238-
7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In June of 2003, we became aware that a PW 
JT9D-7 series turbofan engine gearbox pressure tube failed and caused 
an engine fire. Investigation revealed that several clamp assemblies 
that secure the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold were broken, 
including some that were missing clamp rubber cushions. Without the 
clamp rubber cushions, the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold moved 
freely due to engine vibration, causing the gearbox pressure tube to 
fracture, and caused an oil-fed engine fire. A similar failure was 
reported in 1996, but did not result in a fire.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other PW JT9D-3A, -7, -7A, -7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J turbofan 
engines of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent an 
engine fire caused by a failed gearbox pressure tube. This AD requires 
a one-time visual inspection of the gearbox pressure tube, P/N 697896, 
the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold, P/N 670663, and the 
attaching clamp assemblies, P/Ns ST1594-06, ST1594-08, and ST1594-10, 
for correct positioning, for wear and damage, and replacement if 
necessary.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47998, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now 
includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative 
methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously 
was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 
14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-52-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule 
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us 
verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we 
will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD 
in light of those comments.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications with you. You can get more information about plain 
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service 
information), by appointment, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the 
location.

[[Page 67586]]

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that 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 the 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. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-52-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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

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:

2003-24-12 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39-13381. Docket No. 2003-NE-
52-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
18, 2003.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT9D-3A -7, -7A, -
7F, -7H, -7AH, and -7J turbofan engines, with gearbox pressure tube, 
part number (P/N) 697896, and No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold, 
P/N 670663, installed. These engines are installed on, but not 
limited to, Boeing 747-100, -200B, -200C, and -200F airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD is prompted by a report of a failed gearbox pressure 
tube that resulted in an engine fire. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent engine fires caused by failed gearbox pressure tubes or 
failed No. 4 bearing front pressure manifolds.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within 250 hours-in-service or at the next shop visit, 
whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, unless 
the actions have already been done.

One-Time Visual Inspection of Clamp Assemblies

    (f) Visually inspect the clamp assemblies, P/Ns ST1594-06, 
ST1594-08, and ST1594-10, that attach the gearbox pressure tube and 
the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold to the engine. Replace 
clamp assemblies before further flight that are rejected by any of 
the following rejection criteria:
    (1) Droop in the No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold.
    (2) Cracks, wear, or distortion in clamp metal.
    (3) Clamp cushions that are worn, compacted, cracked, coming 
apart in chunks, deteriorated, or missing. A reddish powder found 
around the clamp is an indication of deterioration.

One-Time Visual Inspection of Gearbox Pressure Tube and No. 4 Bearing 
Front Pressure Manifold

    (g) Clean any debris and oil from the outer surface of the 
gearbox pressure tube and No. 4 bearing front pressure manifold and 
visually inspect the tube and manifold. Repair or replace the 
affected tube or manifold before further flight if it is rejected by 
any of the following rejection criteria:
    (1) Nicks, chafing, scratches, and or pitting 0.003 inch or 
greater in depth.
    (2) Dents within 0.25 inch of the ferrules or will not permit 
free passage of a ball having a diameter slightly greater than 80% 
of the tube or manifold tubing inner diameter.
    (3) Corrosion that is unable to be removed by a light polishing.
    (4) Tube or manifold is leaking oil.

Gearbox Pressure Tube, No. 4 Bearing Front Pressure Manifold, and Clamp 
Assembly Positioning

    (h) If the gearbox pressure tube, No. 4 bearing front pressure 
manifold, or clamp assemblies are not properly positioned, then 
correctly position them before further flight, as shown in the 
following Figure 1 of this AD.

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[[Page 67587]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR03DE03.007

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[[Page 67588]]

    (i) Information on general inspection of these parts can be 
found in the Boeing 747 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, section 72-00-
00, and in PW Standard Practices Manual, P/N 585005.

Reporting Requirements

    (j) Report within 30 calendar days of the inspection, the 
results that equal or exceed the reject criteria to: Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 
238-7189; fax (781) 238-7199. Reporting requirements have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget control number 2120-
0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (k) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) None.

Related Information

    (m) None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 25, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-30073 Filed 12-2-03; 8:45 am]
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