[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 187 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50719-50721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21010]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0771; Product Identifier 2019-NE-27-AD; Amendment
39-19747; AD 2019-19-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney 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
certain Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521GA, PW1524G,
PW1525G, PW1521G-3, PW1524G-3, PW1525G-3, PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G,
PW1923G, and PW1923G-A model turbofan engines. This AD requires initial
and repetitive inspections of the low-pressure compressor (LPC) inlet
guide vane (IGV) and the LPC rotor 1 (R1) and, depending on the results
of the inspections, possible replacement of the LPC. This AD was
prompted by two recent in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs) that occurred as the
result of failures of the LPC R1. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 26, 2019.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by November 12, 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
Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800-
565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442; 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-2019-0771.
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-
0771; 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 received reports of two recent IFSDs on PW PW1524G-3 model
turbofan engines. The first IFSD occurred on July 25, 2019 and the
second IFSD occurred on September 16, 2019. These IFSDs were due to
failure of the LPC R1, which resulted in the LPC R1 releasing from the
LPC case and damaging the engine. LPC rotor failures historically have
released high-energy debris that has resulted in damage to engines and
airplanes (see Advisory Circular (AC) 39-8, ``Continued Airworthiness
Assessments of Powerplant and Auxiliary Power Unit Installations of
Transport Category Airplanes,'' dated September 8, 2003, available at
rgl.faa.gov).
Although these IFSDs occurred on PW PW1524G-3 model turbofan
engines, the FAA is including PW PW1900 engines in the applicability of
the AD because similarities in type design make these engines
susceptible to the same unsafe condition as PW PW1500 engines. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained release of the
LPC R1, in-flight shutdown, damage to the engine, damage to the
airplane, and loss of control of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G-A-
72-00-0125-00A-930A-D, Issue No. 001, dated September 23, 2019, and PW
SB PW1000G-A-72-00-0075-00B-930A-D, Issue No. 001, dated September 23,
2019. The SBs contain procedures for performing borescope inspections
of the LPC R1 and the LPC IGV actuation system on engines that have
less than 300 flight cycles since new.
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 initial and repetitive borescope inspections of
the LPC IGV and the LPC R1 and, depending on the results of the
inspections, replacement of the LPC.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. The investigation into
the two recent failures on the PW PW1524G-3 model turbofan engines is
on-going and the FAA may pursue further rulemaking action at a later
date.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures
[[Page 50720]]
for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that those
procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may
issue a final rule without seeking comment prior to the rulemaking.
Similarly, Section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules
effective in less than 30 days, upon a finding of good cause.
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.
Two PW1524G-3 model turbofan engines recently experienced failures of
the LPC R1. LPC rotor failures can release high-energy debris from the
engine and damage the airplane (see AC 39-8, ``Continued Airworthiness
Assessments of Powerplant and Auxiliary Power Unit Installations of
Transport Category Airplanes,'' dated September 8, 2003).
Both failures of the LPC R1 occurred at low flight cycles since new
(154 and 230 flight cycles). The manufacturer has recommended that
these inspections occur within the next 50 flight cycles and the FAA
has adopted that recommendation. Based on current operational usage of
the affected airplanes, 50 flight cycles equates to approximately 7 to
10 operating days. Therefore, the FAA has determined that low flight
cycle rotors require inspections within the next 50 flight cycles from
the effective date of this AD to prevent LPC R1 failures. Because of
the need for operators to begin the required inspections within 50
flight cycles, the FAA has made this AD effective upon publication in
the Federal Register. Accordingly, the FAA determined that the risk of
operation of the affected engines without initial and repetitive
inspections of the LPC IGV and the LPC R1 is unacceptable.
The FAA considers the need for initial and repetitive inspections
of the LPC IGV and the LPC R1 to be an urgent safety issue.
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(3)(B). In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds
that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) 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 comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2019-
0771 and Product Identifier 2019-NE-27-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 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 18 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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Borescope inspection per inspection 4 work-hours x $85 per 0 $340 $6,120
cycle. hour = $340.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
borescope inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace LPC................................ 40 work-hours x $85 per hour = $156,000 $159,400
$3,400.
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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
[[Page 50721]]
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):
2019-19-11 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39-19747; Docket No. FAA-2019-
0771; Product Identifier 2019-NE-27-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 26, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Models PW1519G, PW1521G,
PW1521GA, PW1524G, PW1525G, PW1521G-3, PW1524G-3, PW1525G-3,
PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G, PW1923G, and PW1923G-A turbofan engines
that have accumulated fewer than 300 flight cycles.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine
Compressor Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by two recent in-flight shutdowns on PW
PW1524G-3 model turbofan engines, due to failure of the low-pressure
compressor (LPC) rotor 1 (R1). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the LPC R1. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in uncontained release of the LPC R1, damage to the engine,
damage to the airplane, and loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 50 flight cycles from the effective date of this AD,
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 flight cycles until the
engine accumulates 300 flight cycles, borescope inspect each LPC
inlet guide vane (IGV) stem for proper alignment.
(2) Within 50 flight cycles from the effective date of this AD,
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 flight cycles until the
engine accumulates 300 flight cycles, borescope inspect the LPC R1
for damage and cracks at the following locations:
(i) The blades tips;
(ii) the leading edge;
(iii) the leading edge fillet to rotor platform radius; and
(iv) the airfoil convex side root fillet to rotor platform
radius.
(3) As the result of the inspections required by paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD, before further flight, remove and replace
the LPC if:
(i) An IGV is misaligned; or
(ii) there is damage on an LPC R1 that exceeds serviceable
limits; or
(iii) there is any crack in the LPC R1.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance on determining serviceable
limits can be found in PW Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G-A-72-00-
0125-00A-930A-D, Issue No. 001, dated September 23, 2019, and PW SB
PW1000G-A-72-00-0075-00B-930A-D, Issue No. 001, dated September 23,
2019.
(h) Definition
For the purpose of this AD, a misaligned IGV is an IGV that is
rotated about its radial axis at a different angle than the
remainder of the IGVs in the circumferential set.
(i) 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 (j) 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.
(j) 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].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 24, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-21010 Filed 9-25-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P