Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 12, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8802-8805]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04388]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0624; Product Identifier 2013-NE-24-AD; Amendment 
39-19583; AD 2019-05-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-11-06, 
for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M, PW2040, PW2040D, 
PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 turbofan engine models. AD 
2017-11-06 required initial and repetitive on-wing eddy current 
inspections (ECIs) of affected engines with certain diffuser and high-
pressure turbine (HPT) cases installed. AD 2017-11-06 also required a 
fluorescent-penetrant inspection (FPI) of the diffuser case rear flange 
and the HPT case front flange. This AD requires an on-wing ECI of all 
diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs. This AD was prompted by a 
rupture of the diffuser-to-HPT case flange. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 16, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 16, 
2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of July 
18, 2017 (82 FR 26979, June 13, 2017).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 
860-565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet: 
http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Engine & 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-2018-0624.

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-
0624; 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 address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Document Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

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 issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2017-11-06, Amendment 39-18905 (82 FR 26979, 
June 13, 2017), (``AD 2017-11-06''). AD 2017-11-06 applied to all Pratt 
& Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, PW2037M, PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, 
PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 turbofan engine models. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on October 10, 2018 (83 FR 50860). 
The NPRM was prompted by a rupture of the diffuser-to-HPT case flange. 
The NPRM proposed to require an on-wing ECI of all diffuser case M-
flange replacement repairs. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Allow FPI for Small Crack Indications

    United Airlines requested that we allow FPI for small indication 
conditions as shown in Table 3 of Pratt & Whitney Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 4, dated January 25, 
2018.
    We partially agree. While we agree that FPI may be an acceptable 
method to detect these smaller indication cracks, we disagree with 
requiring FPI because we have not reviewed the desired FPI method or 
were not informed how well FPI indicates these small cracks versus ECI. 
We will consider requests for Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 
for FPI. We did not change this AD.

Request To Focus on Wrought Diffuser Case M-Flanges

    Delta Air Lines (Delta) requested that we update the Summary and 
the Required Actions paragraphs of this AD to include ``that result in 
a wrought diffuser case M-flange'' language to focus on repairs that 
resulted in a wrought material.
    We disagree. We disagree with focusing only on wrought repairs 
because all known diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs use 
wrought material. We will consider further rulemaking action if future 
diffuser case M-flange replacement repairs use another material. We did 
not change this AD.

Request To Specify Wrought M-Flange Repairs Do Not Change Part Number

    Delta requested that we update the Discussion paragraph to include 
``by part number'' in the statement:

[[Page 8803]]

``repaired wrought flanges cannot be distinguished from other wrought 
flanges or from non-repaired flanges on diffuser cases installed on the 
affected engines.'' While the M-flange replacement repair displays a 
weld line around the circumference of the diffuser case, Delta reasoned 
that wrought M-flange repairs introduced by the diffuser case M-flange 
replacement repair do not change the part number (P/N) and, therefore, 
pose challenges for tracking the repaired diffuser cases.
    We partially agree. We agree that the lack of a P/N for the wrought 
M-flange repair poses challenges for tracking the engines with an M-
flange replacement repair. We disagree with modifying the Discussion 
paragraph because this discussion is not included in this final rule.

Request To Update the Service Information Description

    Delta requested that we update the service information description 
in the Related Service Information Under 1 CFR part 51 paragraph to 
``The [Pratt & Whitney] ASB describes procedures for repetitive ECIs of 
the diffuser case M-flange.'' Delta reasoned that the ASB also provides 
procedures for off-wing ECIs and that the inspection is for the 
diffuser case M-flange, and not the diffuser case assembly.
    We agree. We updated the service information description in the 
Related Service Information under 1 CFR part 51 paragraph in this AD.

Request To Revise Previous Credit Paragraph

    Delta requested that we update the service information in the 
Credit for Previous Actions paragraph of this AD to include ``Pratt & 
Whitney Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW2000 72-763, Revision No. 1, dated 
August 30, 2013, or an earlier version.'' and ``Pratt & Whitney ASB No. 
PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 4, dated January 25, 2018, or an earlier 
version.'' Delta reasoned that the language of the NPRM would void 
inspections completed using the most recent service information.
    We disagree. Inspections already completed using the version of the 
service information specified in this AD are considered ``already 
done'' per paragraph (f) of this AD. We did not change this AD.

Support for the AD

    The Air Line Pilots Association International and FedEx Express 
expressed support for the NPRM as written. The Boeing Company reviewed 
the NPRM and had no comments.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Pratt & Whitney SB No. PW2000 72-763, Revision No. 1, 
dated August 30, 2013. The SB describes procedures for a one-time ECI 
inspection of the engine diffuser case. We also reviewed Pratt & 
Whitney ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 4, dated January 25, 2018. 
The ASB describes procedures for repetitive ECIs of the diffuser case 
M-flange. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 910 engines installed on airplanes 
of U.S. registry. Based on the diffuser case identified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, we estimate that 339 engines will be required to 
perform the on-wing ECI inspection. We estimate that all 910 engines 
will be required to perform the FPI inspection.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-wing/module ECI Inspection....  8 work-hours x $85               $0  $680...............  $230,520 per
                                    per hour = $680.                                          inspection cycle.
FPI Inspection...................  3 work-hours x $85               20  275 per inspection   250,250 per
                                    per hour = $255.                     cycle.               inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    We have determined that 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:

[[Page 8804]]

    (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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-11-06, Amendment 39-18905 (82 FR 26979, June 13, 2017), and adding 
the following new AD:

2019-05-01 Pratt & Whitney Division: Amendment 39-19583; Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0624; Product Identifier 2013-NE-24-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 16, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-11-06, Amendment 39-18905 (82 FR 26979, 
June 13, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037D, 
PW2037M, PW2040, PW2040D, PW2043, PW2143, PW2643, and F117-PW-100 
turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Turbine/
Turboprop Engine.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a rupture of the diffuser-to-high-
pressure turbine (HPT) case flange. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of the diffuser-to-HPT case flange. The unsafe 
condition, if not addressed, could result in uncontained diffuser-
to-HPT case flange release, damage to the engine, and damage to the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For diffuser case, part number (P/N) 1B7461, serial numbers 
(S/Ns) DGGUAK1306 and DGGUAK1308, and HPT case, P/N 1B2440, S/N 
DKLBCS1032:
    (i) Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD, perform an eddy current inspection (ECI) of the diffuser case 
and the HPT case M-flange in accordance with PW Service Bulletin 
(SB) No. PW2000 72-763, Revision No. 1, dated August 30, 2013.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) For all diffuser and HPT cases, at the next piece-part 
opportunity after the effective date of this AD and every piece-part 
opportunity thereafter, perform a high sensitivity fluorescent-
penetrant inspection (FPI) of the entire diffuser case rear flange 
(M-flange) and bolt holes, and the entire HPT case forward flange 
(M-flange) and bolt holes.
    (3) For all diffuser cases installed on any affected engine 
model except for F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, that have not 
incorporated PW SB PW2000-72-364, have incorporated PW SB PW2000-72-
700, or have had an M-flange replacement, perform initial and 
repetitive ECIs of the diffuser case M-flange as follows:
    (i) Perform an initial ECI in accordance with the ``Last Shop 
Visit Activity'' column and before exceeding the maximum cycles 
since the last shop visit activity in the ``Initial Inspection'' 
column of Table 1 of PW Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. PW2000 A72-
765, Revision No. 4, dated January 25, 2018, or within 1,000 cycles 
from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Evaluate the inspection results and perform re-inspections 
as necessary in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions, ``For 
Engines Installed on the Aircraft,'' paragraph 5, or the 
Accomplishment Instructions, ``For Engines Removed from the 
Aircraft,'' paragraph 4, of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 
4, dated January 25, 2018, as applicable. If given a cycle range, 
perform the subsequent inspections before exceeding the maximum 
number of cycles.
    (iii) Inspect the diffuser case M-flange using, as applicable, 
either the Accomplishment Instructions, ``For Engines Installed on 
the Aircraft,'' paragraphs 3.I. through 3.J., or the Accomplishment 
Instructions, ``For Engines Removed from the Aircraft,'' paragraphs 
3.D. through 3.E., of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 4, 
dated January 25, 2018.

(h) Definition

    For the purpose of this AD, a ``piece-part opportunity'' is 
defined as when the part is completely disassembled.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) You may take credit for the diffuser case and HPT case 
inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you 
performed:
    (i) An ECI of the diffuser case and the HPT case M-flange using 
the Accomplishment Instructions of PW SB No. PW2000 72-763, Original 
Issue, dated March 22, 2013, or
    (ii) a high sensitivity FPI of the diffuser case and the HPT 
case at a piece-part opportunity after January 1, 2010.
    (2) You may take credit for only the diffuser case inspections 
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (3) of this AD if you performed an 
ECI of the diffuser case M-flange using the Accomplishment 
Instructions of PW ASB No. PW2000 A72-765, Revision No. 3, dated 
December 19, 2017, or an earlier version.

(j) 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 (k) 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.
    (3) AMOCs approved for AD 2017-11-06 (82 FR 26979, June 13, 
2017) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this 
AD.

(k) 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].

(l) 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 
April 16, 2019.
    (i) Pratt & Whitney (PW) Alert Service Bulletin No. PW2000 A72-
765, Revision No. 4, dated January 25, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
July 18, 2017.
    (i) PW Service Bulletin No. PW2000 72-763, Revision No. 1, dated 
August 30, 2013.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For PW service information identified in this AD, contact 
Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 860-
565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; internet: 
http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington,

[[Page 8805]]

MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 781-238-7759.
    (7) 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 March 6, 2019.
Karen M. Grant,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-04388 Filed 3-11-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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