[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 216 (Thursday, November 9, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 77236-77238]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-24562]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2147; Project Identifier MCAI-2023-00663-E]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. 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 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) Model PW307A and PW307D 
engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a root cause analysis of 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 and an aborted takeoff. This proposed AD would require 
removing from service and replacing certain HPT disks and would also 
prohibit installing certain HPT disks on any engine, as specified in a 
Transport Canada AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference 
(IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by December 26, 2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2147; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     For service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft 
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0N5, Canada; 
phone: (888) 663-3639; email: [email protected]; website: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. 
It is also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2147.
     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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
phone: (781) 238-7146; 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-2023-2147; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2023-00663-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 
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 
Barbara Caufield, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives 
which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the 
public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30, dated May 8, 2023 (Transport 
Canada AD CF-2023-30) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an 
unsafe condition on P&WC Model PW307A and PW307D engines with certain 
serial numbered HPT disks installed. The MCAI states that on March 18, 
2020, an Airbus Model A321-231 airplane, powered by an International 
Aero Engines AG (IAE) Model V2533-A5 engines, experienced an 
uncontained HPT 1st-stage disk failure that resulted in an aborted 
takeoff and high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling.
    In response to the March 2020 uncontained HPT 1st-stage disk 
failure, the FAA issued a series of ADs, including Emergency AD 2020-
07-51, Amendment 39-21110 (85 FR 20402, April 13, 2020) (AD 2020-07-
51). Since the FAA issued AD 2020-07-51, IAE determined that the 
failure of the V2533-A5 engine was due to an undetected subsurface 
material defect in the HPT 1st-stage disk that may affect the life of 
the part. In coordination with IAE, P&WC performed a records review and 
analysis of PW307A and PW307D engine parts made of similar material and 
identified additional affected HPT 1st and 2nd-stage disks, installed 
on PW307A and PW307D engines. These additional HPT disks may have a 
material defect that could reduce the life of the part and must be 
removed from service.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2147.

[[Page 77237]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30, which identifies 
the affected HPT disks and specifies procedures for replacement. 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.

FAA's Determination

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI referenced above. 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.

Explanation of Required Compliance Information

    In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD 
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation 
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance 
with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has since 
coordinated with other manufacturers and CAAs to use this process. As a 
result, the FAA proposes to incorporate by reference Transport Canada 
AD CF-2023-30 in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, 
require compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30 in its entirety 
through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common 
terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section in the 
Transport Canada AD does not mean that operators need comply only with 
that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to 
``Compliance,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not limited to 
the section titled ``Corrective Actions'' in Transport Canada AD CF-
2023-30. Service information required by the Transport Canada AD for 
compliance will be available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-
2023-2147 after the FAA final rule is published.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the MCAI, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the 
regulatory text of this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 63 engines, installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove affected HPT 1st or 2nd    8 work-hours x $85           $136,400            $137,080          $8,636,040
 stage disk.                       per hour = $680.
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    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.
    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:

Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.: Docket No. FAA-2023-2147; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2023-00663-E.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 26, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Model PW307A and 
PW307D engines.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a root cause analysis of an event 
involving an International Aero Engines AG Model

[[Page 77238]]

V2533-A5 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 and 2nd-stage disks. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained HPT disk 
failure, 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

    Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: 
Perform all required actions within the compliance times specified 
in, and in accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30, dated 
May 8, 2023 (Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30).

(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30

    (1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30 requires compliance 
from its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date 
of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph A. of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30 
specifies ``Before 31 January 2027,'' replace that text with 
``Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD.''
    (3) Where paragraph B. of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30 
specifies ``At the next opportunity, when the affected engine is 
disassembled and access is available to the HPT disk, remove any 
affected HPT disk listed in Table 2 or Table 4 below and replace the 
affected HPT disk with a serviceable part,'' replace that text with 
``For any engine with an installed HPT disk listed in Table 2 or 
Table 4 [of Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30], at the next piece-part 
exposure, remove the affected HPT disk from service and replace with 
a serviceable part.''

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Although the service information referenced in Transport Canada 
AD CF-2023-30 specifies to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Definitions

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, ``piece-part exposure'' is when 
the affected part is removed from the engine and completely 
disassembled.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a ``serviceable part'' is any 
HPT disk that is not identified in Tables 1 through 4 of Transport 
Canada AD CF-2023-30.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) 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.

(l) Additional Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Barbara Caufield, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (781) 238-7146; email: 
[email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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.
    (i) Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30, dated May 8, 2023.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Transport Canada AD CF-2023-30, contact Transport 
Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 
Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; phone: (888) 663-
3639; email: [email protected]; website tc.canada.ca/en/
aviation.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on October 30, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-24562 Filed 11-8-23; 8:45 am]
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