[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 62 (Tuesday, March 31, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17742-17744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06554]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0299; Project Identifier AD-2020-00247-E; 
Amendment 39-21106; AD 2020-07-02]
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 all 
Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521G-3, PW1521GA, PW1524G, 
PW1524G-3, PW1525G, and PW1525G-3 model turbofan engines. This AD 
requires the removal from service of certain electronic engine control 
(EEC) full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) software and 
the installation of a software version eligible for installation. This 
AD was prompted by reports of four in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs) due to 
failure of the low-pressure compressor (LPC) rotor 1 (R1) and by 
subsequent findings of cracked LPC R1s during inspections. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 15, 2020.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 15, 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 
Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800-
565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet: 
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.

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-2020-
0299; 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, 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 has received reports of four instances of IFSDs occurring 
on the affected model turbofan engines since 2019.
    In response to the two IFSDs that occurred in July and September 
2019, and in response to on-going investigations of these IFSDs, the 
FAA issued AD 2019-19-11 (84 FR 50719, September 26, 2019), to perform 
inspections of the LPC R1 to prevent failures. The FAA subsequently 
superseded AD 2019-19-11, issuing AD 2019-21-11 (84 FR 57813, October 
29, 2019) in response to another IFSD and to expand the population of 
affected engines that needed inspection of the LPC R1. Since the 
effective date of AD 2019-21-11, another IFSD occurred in February 
2020. Analysis by the manufacturer determined that the LPC vane 
schedules were putting the engine in a condition to experience an 
acoustic resonance that damages the LPC R1, which then leads to LPC R1 
failure. In response, the manufacturer updated the EEC FADEC software 
to improve vane scheduling to avoid acoustic resonance.
    This condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained 
release of the LPC R1, damage to the engine, and damage to 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-A-73-00-0036-00A-
930A-D, Issue No. 002, dated March 4, 2020, and PW SB PW1000G-A-73-00-
0041-00A-930A-D, Issue No.001, dated March 4, 2020. These SBs describe 
procedures for replacing or modifying the EEC FADEC 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 from service of certain EEC FADEC 
software and the installation of a software version eligible for 
installation.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. The root cause of the LPC 
R1 failures is still being investigated and the FAA will consider 
further rulemaking depending on the results of the investigation.

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 for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that 
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary

[[Page 17743]]

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. In 
addition to three failures of the LPC R1 installed on PW1500G model 
turbofan engines occurring in 2019, an additional failure of the LPC R1 
occurred on February 12, 2020. 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).
    The failures of the LPC R1 occurred on engines that were shipped to 
operators as spare engines and were not delivered installed on 
aircraft. The failures occurred within 300 flight cycles (FCs) since 
installation of the engine onto an aircraft. The manufacturer has 
recommended that the new engine software be loaded into the engine as 
soon as the engines are installed on an aircraft or within 15 FCs after 
installation if the engine was installed onto an aircraft recently. 
These engines are the highest risk for LPC R1 failures. The remainder 
of the fleet is also at risk for LPC R1 failures and needs to have the 
software upgraded within 90 days to prevent additional LPC R1 failures 
and maintain an acceptable level of safety.
    The FAA considers these LPC R1 failures to be an urgent safety 
issue, requiring immediate action involving replacement of the EEC 
FADEC software. 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-2020-
0299 and Project Identifier AD-2020-00247-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.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, 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 AD.

Confidential Business Information

    Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by 
its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), 
CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to 
this AD contain commercial or financial information that is customarily 
treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is 
relevant or responsive to this AD, it is important that you clearly 
designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your 
submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked 
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed 
in the public docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be 
sent to Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

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 58 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace EEC software..................  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170          $9,860
                                         hour = $170.
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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.

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:

[[Page 17744]]

    (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):

2020-07-02 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39-21106; Docket No. FAA-2020-
0299; Project Identifier AD-2020-00247-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 15, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney PW1519G, PW1521G, 
PW1521G-3, PW1521GA, PW1524G, PW1524G-3, PW1525G, and PW1525G-3 
model turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight shutdowns due to 
failure of the low-pressure compressor (LPC) rotor 1 (R1) and by 
subsequent findings of cracked LPC R1s during inspections. 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) Remove the electronic engine control (EEC) software if the 
version is earlier than full authority digital electronic control 
(FADEC) software version V2.11.9.2 and install EEC FADEC software 
that is eligible for installation, as follows:
    (i) For engines that have accumulated less than 300 flight 
cycles (FCs) since new or since the last engine shop visit, within 
15 FCs after the effective date of this AD.
    (ii) For all other engines, within 90 days after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an 
engine listed in paragraph (c) of this AD on any aircraft unless you 
have replaced the EEC software required by paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD.

    Note to paragraph (g) of this AD:  The engines identified in 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (2) of this AD include engines originally 
delivered to operators as spare engines that have been subsequently 
installed on an airplane.

(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 case flanges, except 
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of 
transportation of the engine without subsequent maintenance does not 
constitute an engine shop visit.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, ``EEC FADEC software that is 
eligible for installation'' is EEC FADEC software version V2.11.9.2 
or later.

(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 on March 25, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-06554 Filed 3-30-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P