[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 114 (Thursday, June 13, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27511-27513]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12360]
[[Page 27511]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0393; Product Identifier 2019-NE-14-AD; Amendment
39-19654; AD 2019-11-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines 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 all
International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE) PW1133G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1130G-
JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1124G-JM,
PW1124G1-JM, and PW1122G-JM model turbofan engines. This AD requires
the removal of the main gearbox (MGB) assembly and electronic engine
control (EEC) software and the installation of a part and software
version eligible for installation. This AD was prompted by multiple
reports of in-flight engine shutdowns (IFSDs) as the result of high-
cycle fatigue causing fracture of certain parts of the MGB assembly.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 28, 2019.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by July 29, 2019.
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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
International Aero Engines, LLC, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT
06118; phone: 800-565-0140; email: [email protected]; internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also available on the
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2019-0393.
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-2019-
0393; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations 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:
Discussion
The FAA learned of 13 IFSD events on certain IAE PW1100G-JM model
turbofan engines beginning in October, 2018. After further analysis,
IAE determined that the integrated drive generator (IDG) oil pump drive
gearshaft assembly in the MGB assembly fractured during engine
operation as a result of high-cycle fatigue. In response, IAE
subsequently redesigned the IDG oil pump drive gearshaft assembly in
the MGB assembly with an axially thicker gear web, a radially thicker
gear rim, and an improved tooth tip relief to improve MGB assembly
durability and reliability. IAE also redesigned the EEC software to
restrict engine operation to certain parameters. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, loss of
thrust control, and loss of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed PW Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G-C-72-00-0129-00A-
930A-D, Original Issue, dated April 18, 2019, and PW SB PW1000G-C-73-
00-0037-00A-930A-D, Original Issue, dated May 28, 2019. PW SB PW1000G-
C-72-00-0129-00A-930A-D, Original Issue, dated April 18, 2019,
describes procedures for replacing the IDG oil pump drive gearshaft
assembly in the MGB assembly. PW SB PW1000G-C-73-00-0037-00A-930A-D,
Original Issue, dated May 28, 2019, describes procedures for replacing
the EEC software to incorporate FCS 5.0 software.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because it 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires the removal of the MGB assembly and EEC software
and the installation parts and software versions eligible for
installation.
Interim Action
These actions are interim actions, and the FAA may do additional
rulemaking in the future for removal and replacement of the MGB
assembly on the engines that do not operate on 180-minute or 120-minute
extended operations (ETOPS) flights.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule.
Multiple IAE PW1100G-JM model turbofan engines experienced MGB assembly
failures recently, which resulted in IFSDs. The MGB assemblies must be
removed for ETOPS operators within 90 or 120 days after the effective
date of this AD, depending on the length of the operator's ETOPS
flights, to ensure the MGB assemblies are replaced before fractures
develop that could result in the failure of both MGB assemblies and a
dual IFSD event. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition,
for the reason stated above, the FAA finds 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, the FAA invites you to send any written data, views,
or arguments about this final rule. Send your
[[Page 27512]]
comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the
docket number FAA-2019-0393 and Product Identifier 2019-NE-14-AD at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA specifically invites comments on
the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of
this final rule. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 72 engines installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Replace the MGB assembly.............. 13 work-hours x $85 per $75,000 $76,105 $5,479,560
hour = $1,105.
Replace the EEC software.............. 3 work-hours x $85 per 0 255 18,360
hour = $255.
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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.
The FAA is 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
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 (AD):
2019-11-08 International Aero Engines: Amendment 39-19654; Docket
No. FAA-2019-0393; Product Identifier 2019-NE-14-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 28, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE)
PW1133G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1127G-JM,
PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, and PW1122G-JM
model turbofan engines.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7260, Turbine Engine
Accessory Drive.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by multiple reports of in-flight engine
shutdowns as the result of high-cycle fatigue causing fracture of
certain parts of the main gearbox (MGB) assembly. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the MGB assembly. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more
engines, loss of thrust control, and loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Remove the MGB assembly, part number (P/N) 5322505, and
install a part eligible for installation as follows:
(i) For engines that operate on 180-minute extended operations
(ETOPS) flights, within 90 days from the effective date of this AD;
(ii) For engines that operate on 120-minute ETOPS flights,
within 120 days from the effective date of this AD.
(2) For engines with MGB assembly P/N 5322505, within 120 days
from the effective date of this AD, remove electronic engine control
(EEC) software earlier than FCS 5.0 from the engine and load EEC
software that is eligible for installation.
(h) Installation Prohibition
(1) After the effective date of this AD, do not install
integrated drive generator (IDG) oil pump drive gearshaft assembly,
P/N 5322630-01, into an MGB assembly.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do not load EEC
software earlier than FCS 5.0 on any engine identified in paragraph
(c) of this AD with an MGB assembly, P/N 5322505.
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(i) Definitions
(1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is an MGB assembly with an IDG oil pump drive
gearshaft assembly other than P/N 5322630-01.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, ``EEC software that is eligible
for installation'' is EEC software FCS 5.0 and later.
(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) 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.
(k) Related Information
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].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 6, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-12360 Filed 6-12-19; 8:45 am]
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