[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 230 (Friday, November 29, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65666-65668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-25884]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0995; Product Identifier AD-2019-00113-E;
Amendment 39-21001; AD 2019-25-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines, LLC
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 International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) PW1122G-JM, PW1124G-
JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1129G-JM,
PW1130G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1133G-JM model turbofan engines. This AD
requires replacement of certain low-pressure turbine (LPT) 3rd-stage
blades. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of LPT 3rd-stage blade
failures causing a reduction of engine thrust. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 16, 2019.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by January 13, 2020.
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 https://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, United States; phone: (800) 565-0140; email: [email protected];
website: https://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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0995.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0995; 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 approximately 21 failures of the
affected LPT 3rd-stage blades from 2017 through June 2019. These
failures appear to be caused by impact damage occurring when debris
passes through the engine. The manufacturer has determined the need to
replace any affected LPT 3rd-stage blades with LPT blades made of a
different material that is more resistant to impact damage.
In response to these events, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM), Product Identifier 2019-NE-31-AD (84 FR 64441,
November 22, 2019), proposing to adopt a new AD to address LPT 3rd-
stage blade failures on certain IAE LLC PW1122G-JM, PW1124G-JM,
PW1124G1-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-
JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1133G-JM model turbofan engines. This NPRM AD
proposes removal from service of affected LPT 3rd-stage blades at the
next engine shop visit.
[[Page 65667]]
Since June 2019, and prior to the publication of NPRM Product
Identifier 2019-NE-31-AD, 20 additional failures of the affected LPT
3rd-stage blades have occurred. The investigation of these failures is
on-going. These additional failures have occurred primarily on engines
operated by certain airlines. This AD requires an accelerated timeframe
for replacement of the affected LPT 3rd-stage blades on certain serial-
numbered engines being operated by these airlines. Based on publication
of NPRM Product Identifier 2019-NE-31-AD, the FAA would still require
replacement of the affected LPT 3rd-stage blades on the remaining
affected engines at the next engine shop visit.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the
LPT 3rd-stage blades, 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 Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW1000G-C-72-00-
0111-00A-930A-D, Issue No. 002, dated October 18, 2019. The service
information describes procedures for removal of the affected LPT 3rd-
stage blades and their replacement with parts eligible for
installation.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because we 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, within the times specified in the compliance
section of this AD, removal from service of LPT 3rd-stage blades part
number (P/N) 5387343, 5387493, 5387473, or 5387503, and their
replacement with parts eligible for installation.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because no
domestic operators use this product. It is unlikely that the FAA will
receive any adverse comments or useful information about this AD from
U.S. operators. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary. 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 comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2019-
0995 and Product Identifier AD-2019-00113-E 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 https://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 0 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 set of LPC 3rd-stage 408 work-hours x $85 $750,000 per blade $784,680 $0
blades. per hour = $34,680. set.
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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.
[[Page 65668]]
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):
2019-25-01 International Aero Engines LLC: Amendment 39-21001;
Docket No. FAA-2019-0995; Product Identifier AD-2019-00113-E.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 16, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC)
PW1122G-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM,
PW1127G-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1133G-JM model
turbofan engines with an engine serial number listed in paragraphs
(g)(1) through (4) of this AD and with low-pressure turbine (LPT)
3rd-stage blades, part number (P/N) 5387343, 5387493, 5387473 or
5387503.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 7250, Turbine Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of failure of certain LPT 3rd-
stage blades. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of these
LPT 3rd-stage blades. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in failure of the LPT 3rd-stage blades, 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
For any IAE LLC LPT 3rd-stage blade, P/N 5387343, 5387493,
5387473, or 5387503, and with an engine serial number specified in
paragraph (g)(1) through (4) of this AD, remove the affected blade
from service within the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through
(4) of this AD and replace with a part eligible for installation.
(1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD or at the
next engine shop visit, whichever comes first, for engines with
serial numbers: P770536; P770620; P770626; P770641; P770644;
P770681; P770690; P770693; P770773; P770780; P770813; P770816;
P770827; P770841; P770852; P770869; P770870; P770873; P770883;
P770894; P770909; P770512; P770762; P770484; P770805; P770716;
P770836; or P770942.
(2) Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD or at
the next engine shop visit, whichever comes first, for engines with
serial numbers: P770347; P770981; P770814; P770825; P770964;
P770622; P770763; P771019; P770980; P770985; P771048; P770487;
P770911; P770960; P770932; P770934; P770444; P770993; P770996;
P770893; P770320; P771036; P771040; P770797; P771047; P770537;
P771026; P771050; P771046; P771074; P771062; P771080; P771099;
P771164; or P770984.
(3) Within 270 days after the effective date of this AD or at
the next engine shop visit, whichever comes first, for engines with
serial numbers: P770966; P770482; P770170; P770272; P770646;
P771167; P770495; P771162; P770463; P770853; P771015; P771032;
P771165; P771170; P771092; P771093; P771174; P771135; P770597;
P771113; P770469; P771154; P770244; P771059; P770287; P770740;
P771107; P771118; P770366; P770607; P770577; P771219; P771258;
P771207; P771211; P771138; P771140; P770594; P771020; P771279;
P771280; P770499; P770279; P771273; P770978; or P770916.
(4) Within 360 days after the effective date of this AD or at
the next engine shop visit, whichever comes first, for engines with
serial numbers: P770579; P771188; P770722; P770603; P770715;
P770768; P771120; P771132; P770782; P771288; P770504; P771238;
P770676; P770128; P770191; P771277; P770749; P770800; P770381;
P770395; P770218; P770374; P770256; P770452; P770460; P771141;
P770138; P770750; P770645; P770756; P770308; P770143; P770439;
P770509; P770127; P770139; P770172; P770176; P770129; P770140;
P770173; P770640; P770742; P771006; P770505; P771161; P770315;
P770263; P770724; P770259; P770149; P770269; P770486; P770614;
P770975; P770946; P770629; or P771166.
(h) Definitions
(1) 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.
(2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for
installation'' is any LPT 3rd-stage blade that does not have a P/N
5387343, 5387493, 5387473, or 5387503.
(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 November 25, 2019.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-25884 Filed 11-26-19; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P