[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 8, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32421-32423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-15398]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0417; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-13-AD; 
Amendment 39-15955; AD 2009-14-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Models PW2037, 
PW2037(M), and PW2040 Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Pratt & Whitney models PW2037, PW2037(M), and PW2040 turbofan engines. 
This AD requires 12th stage disks of certain high-pressure compressor 
(HPC) drum rotor disk assemblies, to be inspected for cracks by Pratt & 
Whitney using a special eddy current inspection procedure. This AD 
results from six HPC 12th stage disks found cracked during HPC module 
disassembly at overhaul. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained 
failure of the HPC 12th stage disk and airplane damage.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 23, 2009. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of July 23, 2009.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by September 8, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: U.S. Docket Management Facility, Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Riley, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7758, fax (781) 238-7199.
    Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108, 
for the service information identified in This AD.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In November 2006, a Pratt & Whitney model 
PW2037 turbofan engine was found to have a cracked HPC 12th stage disk 
during routine overhaul. The crack extended from the disk bore to the 
disk rim. Investigation by Pratt & Whitney revealed that the disk had a 
material defect that occurred during original manufacture. In July 
2007, a second HPC 12th stage disk was found cracked with the same 
defect. In response to the cracking, Pratt & Whitney issued Alert 
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000 A72-736 on January 5, 2009, 
recommending removal of 26 additional HPC 12th stage disks, 
manufactured from this same material heat. Pratt concluded that this 
population might have the same material defects and therefore, be 
susceptible to cracking. Thereafter, in February 2009, after Pratt & 
Whitney issued the ASB, we became aware of four additional HPC 12th 
stage disks, manufactured from the same material heat, that had small 
cracks in the disk bores that originated from similar material defects. 
Because of Pratt & Whitney's recommended short compliance times in the 
ASB, we are issuing this final rule; request for comments AD. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in uncontained failure of the 
HPC 12th stage disk and airplane damage.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Pratt & 
Whitney ASB No. PW2000 A72-736, dated January 5, 2009. That ASB 
describes procedures for having Pratt & Whitney perform the special 
eddy-current inspection performed on the 12th stage disks.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The recommended compliance times in the Pratt & Whitney ASB are 
stated as calendar dates for each engine model. We specify cycles-in-
service rather than calendar dates, because the risk of crack 
development is cycle, not time dependant.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop

[[Page 32422]]

on other Pratt & Whitney models PW2037, PW2037(M), and PW2040 turbofan 
engines of the same type design. For that reason, we are issuing this 
AD to prevent uncontained failure of the HPC 12th stage disk and 
airplane damage. This AD requires 12th stage disks of certain HPC drum 
rotor disk assemblies, to be inspected for cracks by Pratt & Whitney 
using a special eddy current inspection procedure.

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.

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 send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2009-0417; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-13-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    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 
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment 
(or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor 
union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement 
in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as 
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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.

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 this AD:
    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 at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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:

2009-14-05 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39-15955. Docket No. FAA-2009-
0417; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-13-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 23, 
2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney models PW2037, PW2037(M), 
and PW2040 turbofan engines, with the following high-pressure 
compressor (HPC) drum rotor disk assemblies installed:

            Table 1--Affected HPC Drum Rotor Disk Assemblies
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Drum Rotor Disk Assembly Part No. 1B3702;
1B3702-001; 1B3610; 1B3610-001; or 1B7377--  12th Stage Disk Billet and
                 Serial No.                           Heat No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
T62805....................................  T/LALY-4013
R80293....................................  T/LALY-4012
R80289....................................  T/LALY-4010
R80322....................................  T/LALY-4009
R80330....................................  T/LALY-4008
R78394....................................  T/LALY-4007
R80281....................................  T/LALY-4006
R80304....................................  T/LALY-4005
R80343....................................  T/LALY-4004
R80299....................................  T/LALY-4003
R80313....................................  T/LALY-4002
R80333....................................  M1/LALY-4035
R80324....................................  M1/LALY-4034
R80310....................................  M1/LALY-4033
R80326....................................  M1/LALY-4030
R80305....................................  M1/LALY-4026
R80315....................................  M1/LALY-4025
R80309....................................  M1/LALY-4024
R80341....................................  M1/LALY-4023
R80329....................................  M1/LALY-4022
R80312....................................  M1/LALY-4020
R80321....................................  M1/LALY-4019
R80319....................................  M2/LALY-4040
R80358....................................  M2/LALY-4039
R80302....................................  M2/LALY-4038
R80336....................................  M2/LALY-4037
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These engines are installed on, but not limited to, Boeing 757-
200 and 757-300 airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from six HPC 12th stage disks found cracked 
during HPC module disassembly at overhaul. We are issuing this

[[Page 32423]]

AD to prevent uncontained failure of the HPC 12th stage disk and 
airplane damage.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed at the following compliance times:
    (1) For PW2040 turbofan engines, within 200 cycles-in-service 
(CIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless the actions have 
already been done.
    (2) For PW2037 and PW2037(M) turbofan engines, within 400 CIS 
after the effective date of this AD, unless the actions have already 
been done.

Non-Destructive Inspection

    (f) Have a special eddy-current inspection performed on the 12th 
stage disks installed in the HPC drum rotor disk assemblies listed 
in Table 1 of this AD, for cracks. Use paragraph 1 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Pratt & Whitney Alert Service 
Bulletin No. PW2000 A72-736, dated January 5, 2009, to do the 
special eddy current inspection.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g) 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.

Related Information

    (h) Contact Mark Riley, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification 
Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: [email protected]; 
telephone (781) 238-7758, fax (781) 238-7199.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin No. 
PW2000 A72-736, dated January 5, 2009, to have the special eddy 
current inspections performed by this AD. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this 
service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 
06108, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies 
at the FAA, New England Region, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 23, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-15398 Filed 7-7-09; 8:45 am]
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