[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 57 (Thursday, March 24, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16659-16661]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06211]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0292; Project Identifier AD-2021-01297-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines, LLC 
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 certain International Aero Engines, LLC (IAE LLC) PW1122G-JM, 
PW1124G1-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1129G-
JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, and PW1133G-JM model turbofan engines. 
This proposed AD was prompted by an analysis of an event involving an 
International Aero Engines AG (IAE AG) V2533-A5 model turbofan engine, 
which experienced an uncontained failure of a high-pressure turbine 
(HPT) 1st-stage disk that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating 
the engine cowling. This proposed AD would require performance of an 
ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage 
disk and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of 
the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk. 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 May 9, 
2022.

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 
International Aero Engines, LLC, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 
06118; phone: (860) 690-9667; email: [email protected]; website: http://fleetcare.prattwhitney.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 (817) 222-5110.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0292; 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Taylor, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
(781) 238-7229; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0292; Project Identifier 
AD-2021-01297-E'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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 proposal 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 NPRM.

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 
Taylor, 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.

Background

    On March 18, 2020, an Airbus Model A321-231 airplane, powered by 
IAE AG V2533-A5 model turbofan engines, experienced an uncontained HPT 
1st-stage disk failure that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating 
the engine cowling. Based on a preliminary analysis of this event, on 
March 21, 2020, the FAA issued Emergency AD 2020-07-51 (followed by 
publication in the Federal Register on April 13, 2020, as a Final Rule, 
Request for Comments (85 FR 20402)), which requires the removal from 
service of certain HPT 1st-stage disks installed on IAE AG V2522-A5, 
V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, 
and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines.
    Based on the root cause analysis performed since that March 2020 
event, Pratt & Whitney (PW) identified a different population of HPT 
1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks that are subject to the same 
unsafe condition identified in AD 2020-07-51. In response, the FAA 
issued AD 2021-19-10 on September 10, 2021 (86 FR 50610), which 
requires the removal from service of certain HPT 1st-stage disks and 
HPT 2nd-stage disks installed on IAE LLC PW1122G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, 
PW1124G-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-
JM, PW1133GA-JM, and PW1133G-JM model turbofan engines.
    Since the FAA issued AD 2021-19-10, PW identified another 
subpopulation of HPT 1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks that 
require inspection and possible removal from service. Included in this 
additional subpopulation of HPT 1st-stage disks

[[Page 16660]]

and HPT 2nd-stage disks are those installed on the model turbofan 
engines affected by this proposed AD. This proposed AD would require 
performance of a USI on the remaining high-risk subpopulation of HPT 
1st-stage disks and HPT 2nd-stage disks and, depending on the results 
of the inspections, replacement of the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-
stage disk. This condition, if not addressed, could result in 
uncontained HPT disk 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 NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed PW Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-
930A-D, Issue No: 001, dated September 13, 2021 (PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-
0188-00A-930A-D). This SB specifies procedures for performing a USI of 
the HPT 1st-stage disk and the HPT 2nd-stage disk, identified by part 
number and serial number, installed on IAE LLC PW1124G1-JM, PW1127G-JM, 
PW1127GA-JM, PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133G-JM, and PW1133GA-JM model 
turbofan 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 ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0112-00A-930A-D, Issue No: 
005, dated July 22, 2021. This SB describes procedures for replacing 
the HPT 1st-stage disk, HPT 2nd-stage disk, and rotating hardware. This 
SB also increases the life limit of the HPT hardware by introducing a 
new configuration of rotating hardware.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require the performance of a USI of the HPT 
1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk and, depending on the results of 
the inspections, replacement of the HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage 
disk.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D, Applicability, identifies 
IAE LLC PW1127G-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1129G-JM, 
PW1133G-JM, and PW1133GA-JM model turbofan engines. The FAA determined 
that IAE LLC PW1122G-JM, PW1124G-JM, and PW1127G1-JM model turbofan 
engines are of the same type design and are subject to the same unsafe 
condition. Therefore, the FAA included IAE LLC PW1122G-JM, PW1124G-JM, 
and PW1127G1-JM model turbofan engines in the applicability of this 
proposed AD.
    PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D uses the term ``hub'' to 
describe the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk, while this 
proposed AD uses the term ``disk.''

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 189 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                         Parts       Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                 Action                            Labor cost             cost        product        operators
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USI the HPT 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-   204 work-hours x $85 per            $0         $17,340      $3,277,260
 stage disk (also includes estimated       hour = $17,340.
 costs for disassembly of the engine and
 removal of the HPT 1st-stage disk and
 HPT 2nd-stage disk).
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacement that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this replacement:

                           On-Condition Costs
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                                                 Parts       Cost per
           Action                Labor cost       cost        product
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Replace the HPT 1st-stage     1 work-hour x     $171,430        $171,515
 disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk.   $85 per hour =
                               $85.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this 
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost 
impact on affected operators.

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.

[[Page 16661]]

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:

International Aero Engines, LLC: Docket No. FAA-2022-0292; Project 
Identifier AD-2021-01297-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by May 9, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to International Aero Engines, LLC PW1122G-JM, 
PW1124G1-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G-JM, 
PW1129G-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, and PW1133G-JM model turbofan 
engines with engine serial numbers P770101 through P772647.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an analysis of an event involving an 
International Aero Engines AG V2533-A5 model turbofan engine, which 
experienced an uncontained failure of a high-pressure turbine (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 1st-stage disk and HPT 2nd-stage disk. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in uncontained HPT disk 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 that have not incorporated Pratt & 
Whitney (PW) Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G-C-72-00-0112-00A-930A-D, 
Issue No: 005, dated July 22, 2021 (PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0112-00A-
930A-D), at the next engine shop visit after the effective date of 
this AD, perform the following:
    (i) Ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the HPT 1st-stage disk using 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 9.A. or B., as 
applicable, of PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D, Issue No: 001, 
dated September 13, 2021 (PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D); 
and
    (ii) USI of the HPT 2nd-stage disk using the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 9.C. or D., as applicable, of PW SB PW1000G-
C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D.
    (2) For affected engines that have incorporated PW SB PW1000G-C-
72-00-0112-00A-930A-D, with an installed HPT 1st-stage disk having a 
serial number (S/N) identified in the Accomplishment Instructions, 
Table 2., of PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D, at the next 
engine shop visit after the effective date of this AD, perform a USI 
of the HPT 1st-stage disk using the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraph 9.A. or B., as applicable, of PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-
00A-930A-D.
    (3) For affected engines that have incorporated PW SB PW1000G-C-
72-00-0112-00A-930A-D, with an installed HPT 2nd-stage disk having 
an S/N identified in the Accomplishment Instructions, Table 3., of 
PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D, at the next engine shop visit 
after the effective date of this AD, perform a USI of the HPT 2nd-
stage disk using the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 9.C. or 
D., of PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0188-00A-930A-D.
    (4) Based on the results of the USIs required by paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (3) of this AD, if any HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-
stage disk does not pass the USI, as specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 9.A. through D., of PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-
0188-00A-930A-D, as applicable, before further flight, remove the 
HPT 1st-stage disk or HPT 2nd-stage disk from service and replace 
with a part eligible for installation.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): For affected engines that have 
incorporated PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0112-00A-930A-D and do not 
require an inspection per paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD, no 
further action is required.

(h) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, a ``part eligible for 
installation'' is:
    (i) Any HPT 1st-stage disk that passed the USI required by 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (ii) Any HPT 2nd-stage disk that passed the USI required by 
paragraphs (g)(1)(ii) and (g)(3) of this AD.
    (2) For the purpose for this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of the ``M'' flange. Separation of the ``M'' flange 
solely for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine 
maintenance does not constitute an engine shop visit.

(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)(1) of this AD and email 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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mark Taylor, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7229; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
International Aero Engines, LLC, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 
06118; phone: (860) 690-9667; email: [email protected]; website: 
http://fleetcare.prattwhitney.com. 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 (817) 222-5110.

    Issued on March 18, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-06211 Filed 3-23-22; 8:45 am]
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