[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 125 (Friday, July 2, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35217-35221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14268]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 125 / Friday, July 2, 2021 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 35217]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0509; Project Identifier AD-2021-00608-E; 
Amendment 39-21626; AD 2021-11-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines AG Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2527-
A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan 
engines. This AD was prompted by a review of investigative findings 
from an event involving an uncontained failure of a high-pressure 
turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk that resulted in high-energy debris 
penetrating the engine cowling. This AD requires an ultrasonic 
inspection (USI) of affected HPT 1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage 
disks and, depending on the results of the USI, removal of the affected 
HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks from service. The FAA previously 
sent an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators of these 
engines and is now issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 19, 2021. Emergency AD 2021-11-51, 
issued on May 21, 2021, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment, was effective with actual notice.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications identified in this AD as of July 13, 
2021 (86 FR 30380, June 8, 2021).
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by August 16, 2021.

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 final rule, contact: 
International Aero Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 
06118; phone: (860) 565-2391; email: [email protected]; website: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. 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. It is 
also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0509.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0509; 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 Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alberto Hernandez, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: (781) 238-7329; fax: (781) 238-7999; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On May 21, 2021, the FAA issued Emergency AD 2021-11-51 (the 
emergency AD), which requires a USI of affected HPT 1st-stage disks and 
HPT 2nd-stage disks installed on IAE V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2527-A5, 
V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines 
and, depending on the results of the USI, removal of the affected HPT 
disks from service. The FAA sent the emergency AD to all known U.S. 
owners and operators of these engines. That action was prompted by a 
review of investigative findings from an event involving an uncontained 
failure of an HPT 1st-stage disk that resulted in high-energy debris 
penetrating the engine cowling. This condition, if not addressed, could 
result in uncontained HPT failure, release of high-energy debris, 
damage to the engine, damage to the airplane, and loss of the airplane.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency 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.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed IAE Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) 
V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2021 (IAE NMSB V2500-
ENG-72-0713). IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713 specifies procedures for 
performing an ultrasonic inspection of the HPT 1st-stage disk and the 
HPT 2nd-stage disk installed on IAE V2500-A5 and V2500-D5 series 
engines.
    The FAA also reviewed IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, dated December 15, 
2020 (IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015). IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015 specifies 
procedures for performing an ultrasonic inspection of the HPT 1st-stage 
disk and the HPT 2nd-stage disk installed on V2500-E5 series engines.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-
72-0713 and IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015 for incorporation by reference as 
of July 13, 2021 (86 FR 30380, June 8, 2021). 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 ADDRESSES.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires a USI of affected HPT 1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-
stage disks installed on IAE V2522-A5,

[[Page 35218]]

V2524-A5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model 
turbofan engines and, depending on the results of the USI, removal of 
the affected HPT disks from service.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD interim action. The root cause of this 
event is still under 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. 551 et seq.) 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 to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that required the immediate adoption of 
Emergency AD 2021-11-51, issued on May 21, 2021, to all known U.S. 
owners and operators of these engines. The FAA has found that the risk 
to the flying public justified forgoing notice and comment prior to 
adoption of this rule.
    On March 18, 2020, an Airbus Model A321-231 airplane, powered by 
IAE V2533-A5 model turbofan engines, experienced an uncontained HPT 
1st-stage disk failure that resulted in an aborted takeoff. The 
uncontained failure of the HPT 1st-stage disk resulted in high-energy 
debris penetrating the engine cowling. The FAA published Emergency AD 
2020-07-51 on March 21, 2020 (followed by publication in the Federal 
Register on April 13, 2020, as a Final Rule, Request for Comments (85 
FR 20402)), to remove from service HPT 1st-stage disks identified as 
having the highest risk of failure. Based on a review of investigative 
findings performed since that event, the manufacturer has identified a 
different population of affected HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks 
that are affected by the same unsafe condition and require USI and, 
depending on the results of the USI, removal from service.
    The FAA considers removal of high-risk HPT 1st-stage and 2nd-stage 
disks to be an urgent safety issue. The USI of the affected HPT disks 
must be accomplished within 10 flight cycles after the effective date 
of this AD to identify HPT 1st-stage and 2nd-stage disks at risk of 
failure and to maintain an acceptable level of safety. This unsafe 
condition may result in loss of the airplane. These conditions still 
exist, and therefore, 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, for the same reasons the FAA finds good 
cause to forego notice and comment.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include the Docket No. FAA-2021-0509 and Project Identifier 
AD-2021-00608-E at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. 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 agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this final rule.

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 Alberto 
Hernandez, Aviation Safety 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 prior notice and 
comment, RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 2 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultrasonic inspection (includes         204 work-hours x $85 per              $0         $17,340         $34,680
 actions necessary to disassemble the    hour = $17,340.
 engine).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these replacements:

[[Page 35219]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-      0 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0        $300,000        $300,000
 stage disk.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:
    (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.

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:

2021-11-51 International Aero Engines AG: Amendment 39-21626; Docket 
No. FAA-2021-0509; Project Identifier AD-2021-00608-E.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective without actual 
notice on July 19, 2021. Emergency AD 2021-11-51, issued on May 21, 
2021, which contained the requirements of this amendment, was 
effective with actual notice.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2522-A5, 
V2524-A5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 
model turbofan engines with:
    (1) A high-pressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk, part number 
(P/N) 2A5001, with serial number (S/N), PKLBR34908, PKLBR59989, 
PKLBR83471, PKLBSC9996, PKLBSG0105, PKLBSG9043 or PKLBSH1829, 
installed; or
    (2) An HPT 2nd-stage disk, P/N 2A4802, with S/N PKLBR87800, 
PKLBR88708 PKLBR89452, PKLBSA9907, PKLBSH9246, PKLBSC8066, 
PKLBSC8077, or PKLBSG2213, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine 
Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a review of investigative findings from 
an event involving an uncontained failure of an HPT 1st-stage disk 
that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained HPT 
failure, release of high-energy debris, damage to the engine, damage 
to the airplane, and loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For affected engines with an installed HPT 1st-stage disk 
listed in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, within 10 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic 
inspection (USI) of the HPT 1st-stage disk using the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 6, of IAE Non-Modification Service Bulletin 
(NMSB) V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2021 (IAE 
NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713).

[[Page 35220]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02JY21.000

    (2) For affected engines with an installed HPT 2nd-stage disk 
listed in Table 2 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, within 10 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD, perform a USI of the HPT 
2nd-stage disk using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 7, 
of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR02JY21.001

    (3) If, during the USI required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of 
this AD, an HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk does not pass 
the USI as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
8., of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713, Revision 1, before further 
flight, remove the HPT 1st-stage disk or 2nd-stage disk, as 
applicable, from service and replace with a part eligible for 
installation.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose for this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is:
    (1) An HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk listed in 
Appendix A, Tables 1 and 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713, or 
Appendix A, Tables 1 and 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, dated 
December 15, 2020 (IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015) that has passed the 
USI as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 8., 
of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713 or NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, or
    (2) An HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk that is not 
listed in Appendix A, Tables 1 and 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-ENG-72-0713 
or Appendix A, Tables 1 and 2, of IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015.

(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 Related Information. 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 Alberto Hernandez, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7329; fax: (781) 238-7999; 
email: [email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
July 13, 2021 (86 FR 30380, June 8, 2021).
    (i) IAE Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) V2500-ENG-72-
0713, Revision 1, dated January 26, 2021.
    (ii) IAE NMSB V2500-E5-72-0015, dated December 15, 2020.
    (4) For International Aero Engines service information 
identified in this AD, contact International Aero Engines AG, 400 
Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: (860) 565-2391; email: 
[email protected]; website: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section,

[[Page 35221]]

Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call (781) 238-7759.
    (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on June 18, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14268 Filed 6-30-21; 11:15 am]
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