Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400F, 767-200, and 767-300 Series Airplanes Equipped With Pratt & Whitney Model PW4000 Series Engines

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 14 (Monday, January 22, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6449-6451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-1234]



[[Page 6449]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-391-AD; Amendment 39-12080; AD 2001-01-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400F, 767-
200, and 767-300 Series Airplanes Equipped With Pratt & Whitney Model 
PW4000 Series Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to all Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400F, 767-200, and 767-
300 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney Model PW4000 series 
engines. This action requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM). This action is necessary to prevent reduced acceleration and 
climb performance relative to performance data in the AFM, which could 
result in runway overruns or impact with obstacles or terrain. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective February 6, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 6, 2001.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 23, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-391-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-391-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis Kammers, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone 
(425) 227-2956; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received reports that Pratt & 
Whitney Model PW4000 series engines with certain early-production fan 
blades (Phase 0/1, FB2B or FB2T) installed on Boeing Model 747-400, 
747-400F, 767-200, and 767-300 series airplanes do not produce the 
amount of thrust indicated in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). This 
thrust shortfall is due to erosion of the fan blade's leading edge. The 
flight crew has no indication of this shortfall in thrust. This 
condition results in reduced acceleration and climb performance 
relative to performance data in the AFM, which, if not corrected, could 
result in an overrun of the runway or impact with an obstacle or 
terrain.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Telex M-7200-00-02672, 
dated November 1, 2000, including two attachments titled, ``Performance 
for Operation of PW4000 Series Engines with FB2B or FB2T Fans 
Installed[,] 747-400,'' and ``Performance for Operation of PW4000 
Series Engines with FB2B or FB2T Fans Installed[,] 767-200/767-300,'' 
both dated November 1, 2000. The telex and its attachments contain 
performance adjustments for the AFM for Model 747-400, 747-400F, 767-
200, and 767-300 series airplanes equipped with one or more Pratt & 
Whitney Model PW4000 series engines with early production fan blades. 
Inclusion of these performance adjustments in the AFM addresses the 
unsafe condition associated with the shortfall in thrust caused by the 
early production fan blades.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent reduced acceleration and climb performance 
relative to performance data in the AFM, which could result in runway 
overruns or impact with obstacles or terrain. This AD requires 
accomplishment of the actions specified in the telex and attachments 
described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between Telex and This AD

    Operators should note that, although the telex states that the 
airplane manufacturer was advised that the FAA would recommend a 
compliance time of 45 days after the effective date of the AD for the 
actions in the telex, paragraph (a) of this AD actually requires 
revising the AFM within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. In 
developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, the FAA 
considered not only the manufacturer's recommendation, but the degree 
of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, the 
average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to 
revise the AFM. In light of all of these factors, the FAA finds a 30-
day compliance time for completing the required actions to be 
warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time 
allowable for affected airplanes to continue to operate without 
compromising safety.
    Operators also should note that this AD applies to all Boeing Model 
747-400, 747-400F, 767-200, and 767-300 series airplanes equipped with 
Pratt & Whitney Model PW4000 series engines. For airplanes that have 
current-production fan blades (Phase 3, FB2C) installed on all engines, 
the performance adjustments in the attachments to the telex referenced 
above are not applicable. However, this AD requires revision of the AFM 
for all airplanes to address the potential for future installation of 
early production fan blades (Phase 0/1, FB2B or FB2T). Note 1 is 
included in this AD to clarify this point.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the

[[Page 6450]]

Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address 
specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on 
or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this 
rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual 
information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is 
extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and 
determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    <bullet> Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    <bullet> For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
    <bullet> Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-391-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-01-10 Boeing: Amendment 39-12080. Docket 2000-NM-391-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747-400, 747-400F, 767-200, and 767-300 
series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney Model PW4000 series 
engines; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: For airplanes that have current-production fan blades 
(Phase 3, FB2C) installed on all engines, the performance 
adjustments in the attachments to Boeing Telex M-7200-00-02672, 
dated November 1, 2000, as referenced in this AD, are not 
applicable. However, this AD requires revising the Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) for all airplanes to address the potential for future 
installation of certain early-production fan blades (Phase 0/1, FB2B 
or FB2T).


    Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent reduced acceleration and climb performance, relative 
to performance data in the AFM, which could result in runway 
overruns or impact with obstacles or terrain, accomplish the 
following:

AFM Revision

    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the FAA-approved AFM by inserting a copy of this AD with Boeing 
Telex M-7200-00-02672, dated November 1, 2000, including the 
performance adjustments in ``Performance for Operation of PW4000 
Series Engines with FB2B or FB2T Fans Installed[,] 747-400,'' (for 
Boeing Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes) or ``Performance 
for Operation of PW4000 Series Engines with FB2B or FB2T Fans 
Installed[,] 767-200/767-300,'' (for Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 
series airplanes), both dated November 1, 2000, as applicable.
    (b) When the information in Boeing Telex M-7200-00-02672 and its 
attachments have been incorporated into FAA-approved general 
revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be incorporated in 
the AFM, and this AD with the telex and its attachments may be 
removed from the AFM.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Telex M-
7200-00-02672, including Attachments ``Performance for Operation of 
PW4000 Series Engines with FB2B or FB2T Fans Installed[,] 747-400'' 
and ``Performance for Operation of PW4000 Series Engines with FB2B 
or FB2T Fans Installed[,] 767-200/767-300,'' dated November 1, 2000, 
as applicable. (Note: The attachment titles are indicated only on 
the first page of each attachment; no other page contains this 
information.) This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial 
Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. 
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

[[Page 6451]]

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 6, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-1234 Filed 1-19-01; 8:45 am]
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