Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Turboprop Engines

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 178 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54195-54197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-15139]



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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 178 / Thursday, September 14, 2006 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 54195]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-23807; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-51-AD; 
Amendment 39-14763; AD 2006-19-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Turboprop 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) Models PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119C, 
PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, 
PW124B, PW125B, PW127, and PW127E turboprop engines with certain 
propeller shafts installed. This AD requires before further flight, 
replacing certain serial-numbered propeller shafts, and performing 
initial and repetitive visual inspections on others. This AD results 
from two reports of through-cracks in the propeller shaft. We are 
issuing this AD to detect through-cracks in the propeller shaft. 
Through-cracks at the No. 19 bearing area of the propeller shaft could 
result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

DATES: Effective September 29, 2006. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of September 29, 2006.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by November 13, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp., 1000, Marie-Victorin, 
Longueuil, Qu[eacute]bec, Canada J4G 1A1; telephone 450-677-9411, for 
the service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ian Dargin, Aerospace Engineer, Engine 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238-7178; 
fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Transport Canada, which is the airworthiness 
authority for Canada, recently notified us that an unsafe condition may 
exist on certain P&WC turboprop engines. Transport Canada advises that 
they have received two reports of through-cracks in the No. 19 bearing 
area of the propeller shaft. Investigation determined the cracks result 
from hydrogen embrittlement caused by an improper nickel-plating repair 
process at two different overhaul facilities. A persistent external oil 
leak in the propeller shaft area, where the crack extended past the oil 
seal runner, led to finding both events. P&WC has identified the 
population of propeller shafts with improper nickel-plating repair 
process. This condition, if not corrected could result in an 
uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of P&WC 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 
2005. That SB describes procedures for:
    <bullet> Inspecting the propeller shaft seal area for leaks,
    <bullet> Fluorescent-penetrant inspecting the internal areas of the 
propeller shaft, and
    <bullet> Replacing the propeller shaft.
    Transport Canada issued AD CF-2005-29, dated September 12, 2005, to 
ensure the airworthiness of these P&WC engines in Canada.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    These engine models are manufactured in Canada and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the findings of Transport 
Canada, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other P&WC Models PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119C, PW120, 
PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW124B, 
PW125B, PW127, and PW127E turboprop engines of the same type design. We 
are issuing this AD to detect through-cracks in the propeller shaft. 
Through-cracks in the No. 19 bearing area of the propeller shaft could 
result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. 
This AD requires:
    <bullet> Before further flight, replacing any propeller shaft that 
has a serial number (SN) listed in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3 of P&WC 
SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, and
    <bullet> Within two days after the effective date of this AD, 
performing an initial visual inspection of any propeller shaft that has 
a SN listed in Table 4 of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated 
May 20, 2005, and
    <bullet> Thereafter, performing a repetitive visual inspection at 
an interval not to exceed 7 days since last inspection, and
    <bullet> Within 250 hours time-in-service, but not to exceed three 
months after the

[[Page 54196]]

effective date of this AD, performing a fluorescent penetrant 
inspection on the internal surface of any propeller shaft that has a SN 
listed in Table 4 of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 
20, 2005, and
    <bullet> Removing any propeller shaft that has a SN listed in Table 
4 of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, before 
December 31, 2007.
    You must use the service information described previously to 
perform the actions required by this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and 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 us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2006-23807; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-51-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments 
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management 
Facility Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 
647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of 
Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in 
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
the DMS receives them.

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.

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 the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. FAA-2006-23807; Directorate Identifier 2005-E-51-AD'' 
in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Under 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

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:
2006 19-06 Pratt & Whitney Canada: Amendment 39-14763. Docket No. 
FAA-2006-23807; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-51-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective 
September 29, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) Models 
PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, 
PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW124B, PW125B, PW127, and PW127E 
turboprop engines with certain propeller shafts installed. These 
engines are installed on, but not limited to, Aerospatiale ATR 42 
and ATR 72 series, Bombardier DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series, 
Dornier 328-120 series, Embraer EMB 120 series, and Fokker 50 
airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from two reports of through-cracks in the 
propeller shaft. We are issuing this AD to detect through-cracks in 
the propeller shaft. Through-cracks at the No. 19 bearing area of 
the propeller shaft could result in uncontained engine failure and 
damage to the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Remove Propeller Shafts From Service

    (f) Before further flight, remove from service any propeller 
shaft that has a serial number (SN) listed in Table 1, Table 2, or 
Table 3 of P&WC Service Bulletin (SB) No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 
2, dated May 20, 2005.
    (g) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
propeller shaft that has a SN listed in Table 1, Table 2, or Table 3 
of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005.

Visual Inspection

    (h) For all propeller shafts that have a SN listed in Table 4 of 
P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, do the 
following within two days after the effective date of this AD:

[[Page 54197]]

    (1) Perform a visual inspection for leaks. Use 3.A.(1) through 
3.A.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-
21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005.
    (2) If you find a leak that you cannot fix without removing the 
propeller, perform an internal fluorescent penetrant inspection for 
cracks. Use 3.B.(1) through 3.B.(11)(h) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 
20, 2005.
    (3) If you find a crack, replace the propeller shaft before 
further flight.

Repetitive Visual Inspection

    (i) Thereafter, repeat the inspections of paragraphs (h)(1) 
through (h)(2) of this AD at not greater than 7 days between 
inspections.

Internal Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection

    (j) For all propeller shafts that have a SN listed in Table 4 of 
P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, do the 
following within 250 hours time-in-service or 3 months, whichever is 
earlier, after the effective date of this AD:
    (1) Perform an internal fluorescent penetrant inspection for 
cracks on all propeller shafts that have a SN listed in Table 4 of 
P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005. Use 
3.B.(1) through 3.B.(11)(h) of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005.
    (2) If you find a crack, replace the propeller shaft before 
further flight.

Terminating Actions

    (k) Replace any propeller shaft that has a SN listed in Table 4 
of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, by 
December 31, 2007.
    (l) Replacing a propeller shaft with a propeller shaft that 
doesn't have a SN listed in Table 4 of P&WC SB No. PW100-72-21714, 
Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005, terminates the repetitive inspection 
requirements in paragraph (i) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (m) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (n) Transport Canada airworthiness directive No. CF-2005-29, 
dated August 3, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (o) You must use Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Bulletin No. 
PW100-72-21714, Revision 2, dated May 20, 2005 to perform the 
actions required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Pratt & 
Whitney Canada Corp., 1000, Marie-Victorin, Longueuil, 
Qu[eacute]bec, Canada J4G 1A1; telephone 450-677-9411, for a copy of 
this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or 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 September 6, 2006.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-15139 Filed 9-13-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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