[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 86 (Monday, May 4, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26375-26378]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09287]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0394; Project Identifier AD-2019-00141-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell International Inc. Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Honeywell International Inc. ALF502L, ALF502L-2, ALF502L-2A, 
ALF502L-2C, ALF502L-3, ALF502R-3, ALF502R-3A, ALF502R-4, ALF502R-5, 
ALF502R-6, LF507-1F, and LF507-1H model turbofan engines. This proposed 
AD was prompted by a report of an engine experiencing an uncontained 
release of low-pressure turbine (LPT) blades. This proposed AD would 
require initial and repetitive visual inspections of the overspeed fuel 
solenoid valve assembly and the fuel filter outlet. Depending on the 
results of these inspections, the AD may require inspection of the 
adjacent fuel system tube assemblies as well as replacement or overhaul 
of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly. This proposed AD would 
also require periodic overhaul of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve 
assembly. 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 June 18, 
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: 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 Honeywell 
International Inc., 111 S 34th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034-2802, 
United States; phone: 800-601-3099; website: https://aerospace.honeywell.com/en#/. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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-
0394; 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, 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: Mark Matzke, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-
4137; phone: 562-627-5312; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0394; 
Project Identifier AD-2019-00141-E'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA

[[Page 26376]]

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.
    Except for Confidential Business Information 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 NPRM.

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 NPRM 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 NPRM, 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 NPRM. Submissions containing 
CBI should be sent to Mark Matzke, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO 
Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated 
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.

Discussion

    The FAA received a report of an engine experiencing an uncontained 
release of the LPT blades. Subsequent analysis by the manufacturer 
determined that fuel system coking and/or contamination may slow the 
response time and operation of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve 
assembly resulting in the failure to arrest an engine overspeed. As a 
result, engine overspeed may lead to uncontained release of the LPT 
blades. This condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained 
LPT blade release, damage to the engine, and loss of the aircraft.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ALF/LF-72-
1120, Revision 1, dated January 6, 2020. The ASB describes procedures 
for a one-time inspection of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve 
assembly, fuel tube, and dual heater oil cooler.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell Temporary Revision (TR) No. 72-1022, 
dated October 14, 2019, to Honeywell Engine Manual Report No. 286.1, 
Revision 27, dated August 27, 2004. The TR describes procedures for 
repetitive overhaul of overspeed fuel solenoid valve assemblies 
installed on Honeywell ALF502R model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell TR No. 72-202, dated October 10, 2019, 
to Honeywell Engine Manual Report No. 507F.1, Revision 6, dated August 
16, 2013. The TR describes procedures for repetitive overhaul of 
overspeed fuel solenoid valve assemblies installed on Honeywell LF507-
1F model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell TR No. 72-177, dated October 10, 2019, 
to Honeywell Engine Manual Report No. 507H.1, Revision 5, dated 
September 30, 1999. The TR describes procedures for repetitive overhaul 
of overspeed fuel solenoid valve assemblies installed on Honeywell 
LF507-1H model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell TR No. 72-57, dated October 29, 2019, to 
Honeywell Overhaul Manual 72-07-07, Revision 1, dated January 31, 2001. 
The TR describes procedures for repetitive overhaul of overspeed fuel 
solenoid valve assemblies installed on Honeywell ALF502L model engines.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed Wright Components, Inc, Component Maintenance 
Manual (CMM) 73-19-01, Initial Revision, dated July 30, 1982. The CMM 
describes procedures for overhauling three-way two-position solenoid 
operated fuel valves, part number 2-303-175-01.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell Service Bulletin (SB) ALF502-72-0001, 
Revision 24, dated October 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for 
repetitive visual inspections of overspeed fuel solenoid valve 
assemblies installed on Honeywell ALF502R model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell SB LF507-1F-72-1, Revision 10, dated 
October 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for repetitive visual 
inspections of overspeed fuel solenoid valve assemblies installed on 
Honeywell LF507-1F model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell SB LF507-1H-72-1, Revision 9, dated 
October 18, 2019. The SB describes procedures for repetitive visual 
inspections of overspeed fuel solenoid valve assemblies installed on 
Honeywell LF507-1H model engines.
    The FAA reviewed Honeywell SB ALF502-72-0005, Revision 17, dated 
October 29, 2019. The SB describes procedures for repetitive visual 
inspections of overspeed fuel solenoid valve assemblies installed on 
Honeywell ALF502L model engines.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing 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.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive visual 
inspections of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly and the fuel 
filter outlet. Depending on the results of the inspection, this AD may 
require inspection of the adjacent fuel system tube assemblies as well 
as replacement or overhaul of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve 
assembly. This proposed AD would also require periodic overhaul of the 
overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Honeywell ASB ALF/LF-72-1120, Revision 1, dated January 6, 2020, 
uses the term ``flights'' and recommends installing the improved 
clamping of the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly to the in-line 
fuel filter housing assembly introduced in AlliedSignal Aerospace SB 
ALF502 73-0131, Revision 3, dated September 8, 1995, prior to re-
installation. This proposed AD uses ``engine cycles'' and does not 
require installing the improved clamping of the overspeed fuel solenoid 
valve assembly to the in-line fuel filter housing assembly as this is 
not related to the unsafe condition of this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 210 engines 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

[[Page 26377]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Visual inspection of the fuel solenoid  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170         $35,700
 valve, fuel filter outlet, and          hour = $170.
 adjacent fuel system tube assemblies.
Overhaul of overspeed fuel solenoid     0.25 work-hours x $85              7,700        7,721.25    1,621,462.50
 valve assembly.                         per hour = $21.25.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary overhauls 
or replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these overhauls or replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Removal, Inspection, and Cleaning of the        2 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $0            $170
 engine fuel tube assemblies.                    $170.
Replacement or overhaul of overspeed fuel       0.25 work-hours x $85 per hour =           7,700        7,721.25
 solenoid valve assembly.                        $21.25.
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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

    The FAA 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 this 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

    Honeywell International Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2020-0394; Project 
Identifier AD-2019-00141-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 18, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Honeywell International Inc. ALF502L, 
ALF502L-2, ALF502L-2A, ALF502L-2C, ALF502L-3, ALF502R-3, ALF502R-3A, 
ALF502R-4, ALF502R-5, ALF502R-6, LF507-1F, and LF507-1H model 
turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop); 7300, Engine Fuel and Control; and 7620, Engine 
Emergency Shutdown System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an engine experiencing an 
uncontained release of low-pressure turbine (LPT) blades. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPT blades. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained LPT blade 
release, damage to the engine, and loss of the aircraft.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Perform an initial visual inspection of the overspeed fuel 
solenoid valve assembly and fuel filter outlet in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.(1) to (3), of 
Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ALF/LF-72-1120, Revision 1, 
dated January 6, 2020 (``Honeywell ASB ALF/LF-72-1120''), using the 
times, as applicable, in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii) of 
this AD.
    (i) If, on the effective date of this AD, the fuel solenoid 
valve assembly has 1,500 or less engine cycles since last overhaul, 
perform the inspection before exceeding 3,000 engine cycles since 
last overhaul or within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first.
    (ii) If, on the effective date of this AD, the fuel solenoid 
valve assembly has greater than 1,500 but less than 3,000 engine 
cycles since last overhaul, perform the inspection before exceeding 
3,500 engine cycles since last

[[Page 26378]]

overhaul or within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first.
    (iii) If, on the effective date of this AD, the fuel solenoid 
valve assembly has 3,000 or more engine cycles since last overhaul, 
perform the inspection before exceeding 500 engine cycles or within 
5 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Thereafter, repeat the visual inspection of the overspeed 
fuel solenoid valve assembly, fuel filter outlet, and adjacent fuel 
system tube assemblies at intervals not to exceed 3,000 engine 
cycles since the last visual inspection using the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.(1) to (3), of Honeywell ASB ALF/LF-72-
1120.
    (3) If, based on the visual inspection required by paragraph 
(g)(1) or (2) of this AD, an overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly 
is rejected for visual coking or varnish residue, as depicted in the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(3) of Honeywell ASB ALF/
LF-72-1120, before further flight:
    (i) Remove and inspect the adjacent fuel system tube assemblies 
using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.B.(3) of 
Honeywell ASB ALF/LF-72-1120.
    (ii) Overhaul the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly or 
replace it with a part eligible for installation using the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 3.B.(5) to (8), of Honeywell 
ASB ALF/LF-72-1120.

    Note to paragraph (g)(3)(ii): Valves may be serviced at any 
appropriately rated, FAA-approved repair facility.

    (4) At the next engine shop visit after the effective date of 
this AD, and each shop visit thereafter, if the overspeed fuel 
solenoid valve assembly time since new or since last overhaul, 
whichever is less, exceeds 8,000 engine cycles or is unknown, 
overhaul the overspeed fuel solenoid valve assembly in accordance 
with the applicable Honeywell Temporary Revision (TR) for the 
engine, as defined in paragraphs (h)(1) through (4).

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, the ``applicable Honeywell TR'' 
refers, depending on the affected engine model, to the following 
engine model TRs:
    (1) Honeywell TR No. 72-1022, dated October 14, 2019, for 
Honeywell ALF502R model engines;
    (2) Honeywell TR No. 72-202, dated October 10, 2019, for 
Honeywell LF507-1F model engines;
    (3) Honeywell TR No. 72-177, dated October 10, 2019, for 
Honeywell LF507-1H model engines; or
    (4) Honeywell TR No. 72-57, dated October 29, 2019, for 
Honeywell ALF502L model engines.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial visual inspection and 
replacement required by paragraph (g)(1) to (3) of this AD if the 
inspection was performed using the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B.(1) to (2) or 3.B.(6), of Honeywell ASB ALF/LF-72-
1120, Revision 0, dated August 30, 2019.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO 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. Information 
may be emailed 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 Mark Matzke, 
Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5312; fax: 562-
627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Honeywell International Inc., 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 
85034-2802, United States; phone: 800-601-3099; website: https://aerospace.honeywell.com/en#/. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7759.

    Issued on April 28, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-09287 Filed 5-1-20; 8:45 am]
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