[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 193 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53082-53084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21618]



[[Page 53082]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0614; Product Identifier 2019-NE-14-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2019-11-08, which 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. AD 2019-11-08 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 
for engines that operate on extended operations (ETOPS) flights. The 
actions in AD 2019-11-08 were interim and only addressed engines that 
operate on 180-minute or 120-minute ETOPS flights. The FAA now proposes 
to supersede AD 2019-11-08 to require removal and replacement of the 
MGB assembly on all affected engines, including engines that do not 
operate on 180-minute or 120-minute ETOPS flights. This proposed AD 
would retain all requirements of AD 2019-11-08 for ETOPS engines, and 
would also require replacement of the affected MGB assembly and EEC 
software at the next engine shop visit after the effective date of this 
AD for engines that do not operate on ETOPS flights. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 
18, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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.

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-
0614; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for 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:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0614; 
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 NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2019-11-08, Amendment 39-19654 (84 FR 27511, June 
13, 2019), (``AD 2019-11-08''), for all 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. AD 2019-11-08 
requires the removal of the MGB assembly and EEC software and the 
installation of a part and software version eligible for installation 
for engines that operate on ETOPS flights. AD 2019-11-08 resulted from 
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 issued AD 2019-11-08 to prevent failure of the MGB 
assembly.

Actions Since AD 2019-11-08 Was Issued

    The actions in AD 2019-11-08 were interim and only addressed 
engines that operate on 180-minute or 120-minute ETOPS flights. The FAA 
now proposes to supersede AD 2019-11-08 to require removal and 
replacement of the MGB assembly on all affected engines, including 
engines that do not operate on 180-minute or 120-minute ETOPS flights.
    The FAA also determined the required actions should be revised to 
update the required compliance times for engines that operate on 180-
minute ETOPS flights to ``before further flight,'' because the FAA 
expects that all engines that operate on ETOPS flights have complied 
with the required actions of AD 2019-11-08.

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 proposing 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.

[[Page 53083]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2019-11-
08. For engines that operate on 180-minute ETOPS flights, this proposed 
AD would require replacement of the affected MGB assembly before 
further flight. For engines that operate on 120-minute ETOPS flights, 
this proposed AD would require replacement of the affected MGB assembly 
within 120 days after June 28, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-11-
08). This proposed AD would require replacement of the affected MGB 
assembly at the next engine shop visit after the effective date of this 
AD for engines that do not operate on ETOPS flights. This proposed AD 
would also retain the replacement requirement of EEC software within 
120 days after June 28, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-11-08).

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 72 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The new requirements of this proposed AD add no additional economic 
burden.

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

    The FAA has determined that this proposed AD would not have 
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 
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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2019-11-08, Amendment 39-19654 (84 FR 27511, June 13, 2019), and adding 
the following new AD:

International Aero Engines: Docket No. FAA-2019-0614; Product 
Identifier 2019-NE-14-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 18, 
2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2019-11-08, Amendment 39-19654 (84 FR 27511, 
June 13, 2019).

(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, before further flight after the effective date of 
this AD;
    (ii) For engines that operate on 120-minute ETOPS flights, 
within 120 days from June 28, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-
11-08), or before further flight after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later;
    (iii) For engines that do not operate on ETOPS flights, at the 
next engine shop visit after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For engines with MGB assembly P/N 5322505, within 120 days 
from June 28, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-11-08), or before 
further flight after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later, remove

[[Page 53084]]

electronic engine control (EEC) software earlier than FCS 5.0 from 
the engine and install 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.

(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, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except that the 
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of 
transportation of the engine without subsequent engine maintenance 
does not constitute an engine shop visit.
    (3) 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)(1) 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

    (1) 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].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, 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 referenced 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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 1, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-21618 Filed 10-3-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P