Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10047-10049]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03329]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0596; Project Identifier 2019-NE-22-AD; Amendment 
39-21101; AD 2020-04-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521GA, PW1524G, PW1525G, 
PW1521G-3, PW1524G-3, PW1525G-3, PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G, PW1923G, 
and PW1923G-A model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports 
of in-flight shutdowns due to oil leaking from the connection between 
the LP10 oil supply tube and the fuel oil cooler (FOC). This AD 
requires initial and repetitive gap inspections of the LP10 oil supply 
tube and the FOC and, if a gap is found, replacement of these parts. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 27, 2020.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118; 
phone: 800-565-0140; fax: 860-565-5442; email: [email protected]; 
internet: http://fleetcare.pw.utc.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Engine 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-2019-0596.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0596; 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 is 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

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all PW PW1519G, 
PW1521G, PW1521GA, PW1524G, PW1525G, PW1521G-3, PW1524G-3, PW1525G-3, 
PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G, PW1923G, and PW1923G-A model turbofan 
engines. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 10, 
2019 (84 FR 47455). The NPRM was prompted by reports of in-flight 
shutdowns due to oil leaking from the connection between the LP10 oil 
supply tube and the FOC. The NPRM proposed to require initial and 
repetitive gap inspections of the LP10 oil supply tube and the FOC and, 
if a gap is found, replacement of these parts. This AD further requires 
removal of these parts at the next engine shop visit. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Comments

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

Request To Correct Service Bulletin (SB) References

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) commented that the 
PW SBs referenced in the NPRM are missing the letter ``G'' and 
requested that these references be corrected. EASA added that it might 
be useful to specify the PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0011-00A-930A-D is at 
Issue No: 6. EASA also

[[Page 10048]]

requested that the FAA place copies of the referenced SBs in the docket 
to facilitate review of the NPRM.
    The FAA agrees to revise the SB references as requested by EASA. 
The FAA placed the referenced SBs in the docket.

Request To Revise Compliance

    Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. (Swiss Air) requested that the 
FAA add to paragraph (i) of this AD that inspections performed prior to 
the effective date of this AD and done in accordance with PW SB 
PW1000G-A-79-00-0012-00A-930A-D, dated January 25, 2019, are considered 
as initial compliance per paragraph (g) of this AD. Swiss Air explained 
that this change would allow operators to continue with the already 
ongoing inspection campaign. Otherwise, according to Swiss Air, an 
engine inspected the day before the AD becomes effective will require a 
new inspection within 300 engine flight cycles. This places an extra 
burden on operators with no significant benefit to safety.
    The FAA disagrees with revising paragraph (i) of this AD because 
inspections performed in accordance with the referenced PW SB meet the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. In addition, per paragraph 
(f) of this AD, inspections completed in accordance with this AD before 
its effective date meet the requirement of ``already done.''

Support for the NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association International expressed support for 
the NPRM as written.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously 
and minor editorial changes. The FAA determined that these minor 
changes:
    <bullet> [Agr]re 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.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information

    The FAA reviewed PW SB PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0004-00B-930A-D, Issue 
No: 6, dated March 20, 2019, and PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0011-00A-930A-D, 
Issue No: 6, dated March 20, 2019. PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0004-00B-930A-
D describes procedures for modification or replacement of the FOC on 
PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G, PW1923G, and PW1923G-A model turbofan 
engines. PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0011-00A-930A-D describes procedures for 
modification or replacement of the FOCs on PW1519G, PW1521G, PW1521GA, 
PW1521G-3, PW1524G, PW1524G-3, PW1525G, and PW1525G-3 model turbofan 
engines.
    The FAA also reviewed PW SB PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0005-00B-930A-D, 
Issue No: 3, dated January 25, 2019; PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0012-00A-
930A-D, Issue No: 3, dated January 25, 2019; PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-
0007-00B-930A-D, Issue No: 001, dated March 29, 2019, and PW SB 
PW1000G-A-79-00-0013-00A-930A-D, Issue No: 001, dated March 29, 2019. 
These SBs describe procedures for inspections of the FOC for gaps as 
well as replacement of the FOC and the LP10 oil supply tube to prevent 
oil leaks.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 18 engines installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perform gap inspection................  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170          $3,060
                                         hour = $170.
Replace FOC...........................  5 work-hours x $85 per            69,000          69,425       1,249,650
                                         hour = $425.
Replace LP 10 line....................  2.5 work-hours x $85 per           1,125        1,337.50          24,075
                                         hour = $212.50.
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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.
    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

[[Page 10049]]

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):

2020-04-01 Pratt & Whitney: Amendment 39-21101; Docket No. FAA-2019-
0596; Project Identifier 2019-NE-22-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 27, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW1519G, PW1521G, 
PW1521GA, PW1524G, PW1525G, PW1521G-3, PW1524G-3, PW1525G-3, 
PW1919G, PW1921G, PW1922G, PW1923G, and PW1923G-A model turbofan 
engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7261, Turbine Engine 
Oil System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of two in-flight shutdowns due 
to oil leaking from the connection between the LP10 oil supply tube 
and the fuel oil cooler (FOC). The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the LP10 oil supply tube, engine fire and damage to the 
airplane. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
engine fire and damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 300 engine cycles from the effective date of this AD, 
perform an initial gap inspection with a 0.001 inch feeler gauge 
between the LP10 oil supply tube, part number (P/N) 5312624-01, and 
the FOC, P/N 5306769.
    (i) If any gap is found, remove the LP10 oil supply tube and the 
FOC and replace with parts eligible for installation prior to 
further flight.
    (ii) If no gap is found, repeat this inspection every 850 engine 
cycles since the previous inspection.
    (2) At the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD, 
remove the LP10 oil supply tube, P/N 5312624-01, and the FOC, P/N 
5306769, and replace with parts eligible for installation.

(h) Terminating Action

    Removal of the affected LP10 oil supply tube and the FOC per the 
requirements of paragraphs (g)(1)(i) or (g)(2) of this AD 
constitutes terminating action for the inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(i) Definition

    (1) For the purpose of this AD, an ``engine shop visit'' is the 
induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the 
separation of pairs of major mating engine case flanges, except 
separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of 
transportation of the engine without subsequent maintenance does not 
constitute an engine shop visit.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, an LP10 tube eligible for 
installation is any LP10 tube with a P/N other than P/N 5312624-01.
    (3) For the purpose of this AD, an FOC eligible for installation 
is one with a P/N other than P/N 5306769 or an FOC modified per PW 
SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0004-00B-930A-D or PW SB PW1000G-A-79-00-0011-
00A-930A-D, both Issue No: 006, and both dated March 20, 2019.

(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.

(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

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 13, 2020.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-03329 Filed 2-20-20; 8:45 am]
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