Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 123 (Tuesday, June 26, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29665-29667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-13639]



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                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 29665]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0564; Product Identifier 2018-NE-23-AD; Amendment 
39-19315; AD 2018-13-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines Turbofan 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
International Aero Engines (IAE) PW1133G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1130G-JM, 
PW1127G-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, and 
PW1122G-JM turbofan engines. This AD requires a one-time visual 
inspection of the engine fan hub for damage, and removal of parts if 
damage or defects are found that are outside the serviceable limits. 
This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the engine fan hub. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 11, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 11, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by August 10, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, 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, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; 
phone: 800-565-0140; email: [email protected]; internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Engine and Propeller Standards 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 on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0564.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0564; 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, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations (phone: 
800-647-5527) is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin M. Clark, Aerospace Engineer, 
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 
781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We received information concerning damage to the engine fan hub 
found during an engine shop visit of an IAE PW1100G-series turbofan 
engine. The damage is believed to be the result of the installation of 
the inlet cone without using alignment pins, which might lead to bolts 
impacting and damaging the engine fan hub. This condition, if not 
addressed, could result in uncontained failure of the engine fan hub, 
damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane. We are issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Pratt & Whitney (PW) Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G-C-
72-00-0104-00A-930A-D, Issue No. 002, dated May 31, 2018. The SB 
describes procedures for performing a one-time visual inspection of the 
inlet cone mating face and counter weight flange on the engine fan hub 
assembly for surface damage. 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.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires a one-time visual inspection of the engine fan hub 
for damage, and replacement of the engine fan hub if damage or defects 
are found that are outside of serviceable limits.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0104-00A-930A-D, Issue No. 002, dated May 31, 
2018, only applies to PW1100G-JM engine models in service. This AD 
applies to all PW1100G-JM engine models certified under type 
certificate E00087EN. PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0104-00A-930A-D also 
excludes from its applicability certain serial numbered engines. We 
have no way to determine if these engines have been inspected and are 
therefore including these engines in the applicability of this AD.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. An investigation to determine 
the cause of the failure is on-going and we may consider additional 
rulemaking if final action is identified.

[[Page 29666]]

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the compliance time is less than the time required for public 
comment. In addition, all engine fan hubs must be inspected, and if 
needed, replaced before further flight. Therefore, we find good cause 
that notice and compliance for prior public comment are impracticable. 
In addition, for the reasons stated above, we find that good cause 
exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-
0564 and Product Identifier 2018-NE-23-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 14 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visual inspection..................  2 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $170          $2,380
                                      = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    We are 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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

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,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Adoption of 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 (AD):

2018-13-03 International Aero Engines: Amendment 39-19315; Docket 
No. FAA-2018-0564; Product Identifier 2018-NE-23-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 11, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to International Aero Engines (IAE) PW1133G-JM, 
PW1133GA-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G1-JM, 
PW1124G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, and PW1122G-JM turbofan engines with serial 
numbers (S/Ns) up to and including S/N 770735.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7230, Turbine Engine 
Compressor Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the engine fan hub. 
We are issuing this AD to detect defects, damage, and cracks that 
could result in an uncontained failure of the engine fan hub. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained 
failure of the engine fan hub, damage to the engine, and damage to 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 29667]]

(g) Required Actions

    Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD:
    (1) For engines installed on an airplane, perform a visual 
inspection of the engine fan hub, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 1.E.(1) to 1.E.(4), of Pratt 
& Whitney (PW) Service Bulletin (SB) PW1000G-C-72-00-0104-00A-930A-
D, Issue No. 002, dated May 31, 2018.
    (2) For engines not installed on an airplane, perform a visual 
inspection of the engine fan hub, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 2.D.(1) to 2.D.(4), of PW SB 
PW1000G-C-72-00-0104-00A-930A-D, Issue No. 002, dated May 31, 2018.
    (3) If the engine fan hub visual inspection reveals defects or 
damage to the engine fan hub that are found outside the serviceable 
limits specified in Table 3 in the Accomplishment Instructions of PW 
SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0104-00A-930A-D, Issue No. 002, dated May 31, 
2018, remove the engine fan hub from service and replace with a part 
that is eligible for installation, prior to further flight.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the inspection required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD if you performed the inspection before the effective date 
of this AD using PW SB PW1000G-C-72-00-0104-00A-930A-D, Original 
Issue, dated May 21, 2018.

(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) of this AD. 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 Kevin M. Clark, 
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7088; fax: 781-238-7199; 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.
    (i) Pratt & Whitney Service Bulletin PW1000G-C-72-00-0104-00A-
930A-D, Issue No. 002, dated May 31, 2018.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For International Aero Engines service information 
identified in this AD, contact International Aero Engines, 400 Main 
Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 800-565-0140; email: 
[email protected]; internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 781-238-7759.
    (5) 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 19, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-13639 Filed 6-25-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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